Quick and Easy Handmade Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is just around the corner and the window for making gifts is getting smaller.  You may be on your finishing touches and are looking for smaller items to put into stockings.  Making any one of the items on this list won’t take long and many can be made using scraps from other projects (but we won’t tell!). There are plenty of files ready for laser cutting available, like these fun designs found on Creative Fabrica.

1. Hand warmers
2. Coasters
3. Bookmark
4. Notebook or journal cover
5. Passport holder or wallet
6. Personalized keychains
7. Laser cut phone stands

Sewn Hand Warmers

This quick and easy project is great for using up small cotton fabric scraps and uncooked rice.  I’d recommend using cotton flannels, but make sure whatever fabric you use, it’s not felt and does not have any metallic threads running through it.

You’ll need two 4-inch squares (or narrower if you’d prefer a thinner shape).  Sew them with wrong sides together, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning the fabric.

Once you’ve sewn the squares and flipped it right-side out, fill it about ¾ full of uncooked rice, it doesn’t matter what kind.  If you don’t have rice at home, cheap long grain rice sold in small bags at the grocery store will make several handwarmers.  You can even add scented oils or dried flowers to add a pleasant scent to the warmers.

Sew the hole closed and pair it with another handwarmer to complete the set.  If you want them to be washable, make an inner bag for the rice and a removable cover that can be washed.  Otherwise, it will be surface cleaning only so the rice does not get wet.

Tie it off with a nice ribbon and short instructions sheet (warm in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds) and it’s ready for the stocking.

Coasters

If you own a laser cutter, creating coasters is a quick and easy way to create a custom gift for someone.  These can be as simple as engraved cork or slate, or intricate cuts in wood.  Engraving images onto slate coasters that you can buy from the store or online makes a tasteful and meaningful gift to even the pickiest recipients.

If you don’t own a laser, try your hand at wood burning images into cork or painting and sealing your artwork on ceramic tile backed with felt.

Thick leather coasters stamped with a monogram would make a quick and elegant gift to be paired with a nice bottle of spirits for that hard to buy for adult in your life.

Another option for making custom coasters would be to glue a photograph or image onto a tile and seal the image with resin.  Casting resin coasters filled with dried flowers or other interesting objects would also make for interesting table protection. Find a plethora of coaster ideas on Creative Fabrica.

Bookmarks

For the avid reader, multiple bookmarks would be a thoughtful stocking stuffer.  If the recipient has a favorite series or author, try making a bookmark with quotes or images using inspiration from Creative Fabrica.

For those who own laser cutters, engraving and cutting bookmarks are a good way to use up wood or acrylic scraps.  Leather makes a nice option for thinner and more flexible bookmarks; however, the smell may be more than the maker or receiver can handle.

Nice cardstock and ribbons are a good alternative for those who don’t own laser cutters.  Write a message or include an image and laminate it to keep it protected and usable for a long time.

Pairing the bookmarks with a favorite book (not already owned) or journal makes the gift complete and ready for the stocking.

Notebook or Journal Cover

Creating your own covers for store-bought journals or sketchpads is a good way to personalize a gift for the writer or artist in your heart.  This also makes for a great gift for teenage girls.

With a laser cutter, you can engrave and cut personalized covers to take the place of the originals.  Simply remove the old cover from the binding and add your new one.

For those without laser cutters, consider sewing a fabric journal cover that can be placed over existing covers, rather than trying to remove them.  Adding pockets to the inner flaps could be a great way to store pens, notes, and other trinkets.  Fill it with a fresh journal and personalized gift tag or bookmark and it is ready for its new home.

Passport holder or wallet

For the traveler in your life, having a secure way to store and carry a passport is a must.  Cut and sew the leather yourself, adding details to the cover or pockets to carry other items, or buy a passport holder and create a custom stamp to personalize it.

Traditional wallets for men tend to be bulky and keeping them in the back pocket is bad for their hips when they sit.  Try making a front pocket wallet or a slim cardholder wallet out of scraps of leather or fabric as a modern update to the classic wallet.

Personalized Keychains

Keychains are one of those possible gifts that are as varied as the people you’re looking to buy for. You can find several laser cut keychain files on Creative Fabrica.

For premade keychains that can be customized, look for items that have a dual purpose.  For example, for items to engrave, look for wooden bottle openers or USB keychains.  Companies that supply sublimation and engraving blanks, like JPPLUS, sell a variety of keychains, including useful multi-tool keychains that dads will enjoy.

With a bit of scrap leather, you can cut keychains and bag tags to hold smart trackers to key you find your lost items.  Or use up that scrap acrylic by making personalized name keychains for your loved ones.  Add a few charms and a tassel to gift to a tween or teen girl.  Engrave a funny image, inspirational quote, interesting fact, or your favorite dad joke onto a keychain for younger boys.

For those with a passion for astrology, add their zodiac sign and description onto a keychain made of a lucky color to show how much you care.

Laser Cut Phone Stands

With smartphones being a common personal item these days, it’s no surprise that smartphone accessories have also increased.  There are a variety of cellphone stands on the market but making your own will allow you to customize it for the recipient.  Don’t have time to make your phone?

Or add some warmth to your winter season with a fireplace phone stand.

Stocking stuffers may be a last-minute rush to add small gifts, but they can be an opportunity to give some fun, personalized items for the people you care about.  These seven items are quick and easy to use your craft tools and create lasting memories.

What are your favorite stocking stuffers?  Share your ideas in the comments!