Handmade gifts are a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and show your loved ones how much you care. Today let’s brainstorm, plan, and organize your knitting projects tailored to each person.

Step 1: Gift ideas 

Create a list of recipients for whom you plan to knit gifts. Include family members, friends, colleagues, and anyone else on your gift-giving list this holiday season. The gift ideas worksheet in our planner will help you think through this process. 

Next to each recipient's name, jot down ideas for personalized gifts. Consider their preferences, hobbies, and the type of handmade item that would  bring them joy. Don’t forget to include any needs/wants, allergies (allergic to wool?), lives in a typically warm - or frigid climate, and their favorite colors.  Maybe they’d like socks made to match their favorite team or a hat in the colors of their alma mater. 

Describe each gift idea in detail, including colors, patterns, and any special features you plan to incorporate.

Jenna’s tip: use a color coded system to differentiate between relatives, friends, and coworkers. 

Step 2: Pattern Brainstorm

This is the part where you can get creative on how to brainstorm.  Personally, I like either mind mapping or using sticky notes. If you keep an ongoing list, like our pattern brainstorming worksheet, you’ll have ready made list to match up to your recipients come knitting time. Be sure to Include a variety of gift ideas, from thick cozy scarves and warm hats topped with a pompom to decorative items like tree ornaments or blankets. This ensures you have options for different tastes and needs.

Need a list of free patterns to spark your creativity? Check out this link. 

Jenna’s Tip: use different colors on your brainstorming worksheet to differentiate between project types like scarves, hats, and socks. 

Step 3 Progress Tracking 

Plan your knitting projects with realistic timelines in mind. Start early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure you have enough time to complete each gift with care. 

The progress tracker in our planner is a great way to track the progress of each gift. Note when you start and finish each project to stay organized and meet your deadlines. This is a great way to compare your planned versus actual starts and finishes which will help with planning for next year. 

Don’t forget, there are individual project pages in our planner to track more detailed info on each of your holiday knitting projects. 

Jenna’s tip: Don’t forget Murphy’s Law and make sure to add in some buffer time  - especially important leading into the holidays.  

Handmade gifts are meaningful because they can be tailored to the recipient's tastes and preferences. Consider customizing each gift to reflect their personality, needs, and wants  

I hope you’ve been enjoying this series.  See you next Tuesday! 
Happy planning!

Jenna