Looking for a thoughtful, personalized gift for your grandson that he’ll treasure for years to come? Handmade gifts are a great option that show how much you care. Plus, they allow you to get creative and make something unique just for him. Here are some top easy-to-make handmade gift ideas that your grandson will absolutely love.
Personalized photo frames
A custom photo frame filled with pictures of your grandson and family is sure to warm his heart.
Materials needed
- Photo frame
- Photos
- Decorative paper or scrapbooking supplies (stickers, ribbons, etc.)
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps to make
- Select a photo frame. Pick a fun shape, color, or material that fits your grandson’s interests and personality.
- Print out photos of your grandson, family, friends, pets – any special memories you want to include.
- Cut decorative paper to size and glue inside frame. Add any other decorative elements around photos.
- Arrange photos creatively inside the frame.
- Add a heartfelt note or caption on the back for an extra special touch.
Customized t-shirts
Design a one-of-a-kind t-shirt just for your grandson with an inside joke, nickname, or his interests.
Materials needed
- Plain t-shirt
- Fabric markers, fabric paint, iron-on vinyl
- T-shirt transfer paper (if using iron-on vinyl)
Steps to make
- Think of a fun design, quote, or image your grandson will love. Draw out or print your design.
- For fabric markers/paint – draw directly on the shirt. For iron-on vinyl – print design reversed onto transfer paper and iron onto shirt.
- Follow instructions for setting fabric markers or paint by heat setting or air drying.
- Gift your grandson his new custom tee!
Handprint artwork
Make timeless art using your grandson’s actual handprint!
Materials needed
- Poster board or canvas
- Washable paint
- Paintbrushes
- Markers (optional)
Steps to make
- Have your grandson paint his hands with washable paint and press onto poster board/canvas to make handprints.
- Once dry, use markers to add details – draw facial features on handprint to make it look like a character. Or write a heartfelt message.
- Get creative with additional handprints and designs – add handprints of siblings or grandparents. Connect prints to make a tree, turkey, etc.
- Display proudly!
Memory quilt
Sew meaningful pieces of fabric into a quilt that preserves memories over the years.
Materials needed
- Fabric pieces – from grandson’s baby clothes, T-shirts, etc.
- Blanket or quilt batting
- Sewing machine/needle and thread
- Scissors
- Pins
Steps to make
- Cut fabric into square pieces. Use pieces with sentimental value to your grandson.
- Arrange fabric pieces creatively onto a backing blanket/batting. Pin in place.
- Sew fabric pieces securely to backing using a straight stitch, leaving some quilt batting exposed for texture.
- Add additional designs if desired – fabric paint, applique, embroidery.
- Create a heartwarming heirloom!
Decorative boxes
Decorate a box to hold your grandson’s treasures.
Materials needed
- Small wooden box/tin
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Markers, stickers, decorations
Steps to make
- Paint the outside of the box with your grandson’s favorite colors, patterns, or designs. Allow to dry.
- Use markers, stickers, magazine cut outs, etc. to decorate the box. Add pictures, his name, inside jokes – anything that personalizes it.
- Seal with finishing spray or decoupage medium to protect it.
- Your grandson can store his keepsakes inside this handmade memory box.
Conclusion
Handmade gifts allow you to share your time, creativity, and love with your grandson in a heartfelt way. The ideas here are all easy to make yet will show how much you care. Personalize your gift by incorporating your grandson’s interests and personality. He will appreciate the meaning behind a gift that comes straight from your hands and heart.
FAQs
What are some good handmade gifts for younger grandsons?
For younger grandsons, handprint art, photo frames, and decorated boxes are great easy gift ideas. Tailor them to his age and interests with fun colors, characters, textures, etc.
Where can I find supplies to make handmade gifts?
Craft stores like Michaels, JOANN and Hobby Lobby have a wide variety of supplies. Thrift stores are great for finding unique materials at low cost. You can also find many options online.
What makes a handmade gift special?
Handmade gifts are special because of the time, thought, and personalization put into creating it. The fact that it comes straight from you, made with love, is what makes it meaningful.
How can I include my grandson in making the gift?
Let your grandson help brainstorm ideas and create it with you. Doing an activity together adds meaning. Have him decorate a box or make handprint art. With supervision, he can help sew a quilt or paint a frame.
What if my handmade gift doesn’t come out perfectly?
The love and intention behind your gift is what matters most, not perfection. Any gift made by your hands from the heart will be treasured. Focus on the time together and memories made while creating it.
