Are you short on time and money this holiday season? We feel you so big right now. Don’t despair! We’ve got 11 great budget gift ideas that are easy on your wallet. They’re all projects that you can squeeze in between the million other things you have to do this holiday season.
Quick One or Two Skein Knit and Crochet Patterns
All of these ideas suit Lily Sugar’n’Cream, a 100% cotton that is soft, hardy, exceptionally good value for money, and comes in a great range of colours!
Traditional Dishcloth
If you are a beginning knitter, this simple knitting pattern by Staci Perry will allow you to practice the basics. You’ll also create a budget gift that will make your giftee a little bit happier about doing dishes every day.
Wine Bottle Gift Bag
This can be made with one or two skeins of yarn. Designer Pine Tree Crochet originally made this wine bag pattern using a self-striping yarn, but has added a red and green version of the pattern. You don’t have to limit yourself to red and green – do what you like the most!
Puffy Bath Pouf
You know those bath poufs that you see everywhere? Wouldn’t they be so much nicer if they weren’t made out of plastic? The Stitchin’ Mommy has designed the perfect cotton crochet bath pouf! This uses 155 yards of yarn, so a bit over one ball of Sugar ‘n Cream.
Coffee/Beer Cozie
This drink cozie knitting pattern by Nook will keep your hot drinks hot – and more importantly for summer, keep beer in pint glasses or cans cold! It knits up very quickly and does not need much yarn to finish, making it a perfect budget gift.
Mitred Squares
It’s another amazing Staci Perry pattern! This drink coaster pattern is elegant, easy and a great budget gift, because it can be made with scraps of yarn. She has a video tutorial here. And, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can join them together and make just about anything!
Stitched Up Face Scrubbies
These are so much cuter than the ones from the chemist’s. Because they’re washable these face scrubbies designed by Kylie Moleta are also better for the environment. They’re super-easy and you can crochet them in a flash. They’re perfect for a secret Santa gift, stocking stuffer or any other situation where you want a small gift that says “I care.”
Grandma’s Favorite Neat-Edged Dishcloth (or Blanket)
This pattern by Gina Lynette knits up with classic style and is infinitely scalable. You can knit a makeup wipe, a dishcloth, a baby blanket, or even a gigantic room-sized blanket (although that may be a bit out of budget). Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to knit and is something you can do while chatting or watching TV.
Quick Budget Amigurumi Gift Patterns
We recommend DMC Happy Cotton for all of these patterns!
Dumpling Kitty
These little cats by Critterbeans crochet up very quickly and are entirely adorable. In just a couple of hours you can have an adorable cat to give to your cat-loving friend. They have flat bases so they will sit nicely on a bookcase, a desk or wherever you put them.
Crochet Owl
The ruru may not have won this year’s Bird of the Year competition, but it has still won first place in our hearts. If your bird-watching friend still hasn’t managed to spot one, this free owl pattern designed by Mélanie would be a perfect consolation prize. It’s cute as a button, easy for beginners, has loads of customization options and comes together quickly.
Tiny Whale
PlanetJune designed this sweet little whale pattern especially for beginners, with an easy to follow pattern that’s so quick you can make it while you have your morning coffee. Many crocheters say they’ve made this one in under thirty minutes, and even novice crocheters have been able to make it up quickly.
Other Budget Gift Ideas
Pompom Keychains or Handbag Charms
Pompoms are great decoration! You can make them with yarn remnants that aren’t large enough to make substantial items. Our pompom how-to will walk you through how to make pompoms with a tool or things you have around the house. Just attach the pompom to a split ring, a carabiner or a trigger snap hook and you’ve made a fabulous little present!
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