The amount of love, thought, and time that goes into making a handknit gift turns even a simple item into something immeasurably precious.
Even more so these days, when we’re all so busy, and the internet offers us infinite choices whenever we need a present.
That’s why Knitvent means so much. Each year, we set aside a few weeks to delight in making gifts for our favourite people (and ourselves. That’s important too.)
Knitvent 2021 is just around the corner, but it’s never too early to get started on your stash of soft, squishy parcels.
This is a brilliant time to find a few handmade gift ideas, gather inspiration and stock up on patterns.
I’ve put together this gift guide with a sprinkling of design suggestions for your most knitworthy people, just to get you started.
And to really kick off the gift-knitting season, I’m running a BOGO sale on ALL my patterns and collections from today, Friday October 1st, 2021, to Monday October 4th, 2021
SHOP THE CURIOUS HANDMADE BOGO SALE
GIFTS FOR DAD
I know socks are the classic Dad gift, to the point where it’s almost a joke. But when it’s a pair of toasty, sturdy, hand-knit socks, it’s very different. I love knitting socks for my dad, and he loves wearing them. So I’ve picked out two designs that I think would be very dashing for fathers of all ages. And if socks aren’t your thing, the Kindling Mitts are ruggedly handsome (and quick to knit in lovely DK weight yarn.) and the Ice River Hat is such a cosy choice.
Images, clockwise from top left: Sailing School Socks, Kindling mitts, Fragment socks, Ice River Hat
GIFTS FOR MUM
It’s so beautiful to see how many knitters spoil their mothers with knitted presents. Again, I think handmade socks are such a wonderful gift, and these two patterns are full of pretty feminine detail, which makes them as fun to knit as they are to wear. I’ve also included two shawl patterns: the smart Edinburgh Lanes Shawl is a wonderful all-occasion piece. And the Hundred Acre Woods Shawl evokes darling childhood memories…perfect if you or your mum are the sentimental type.
Images, clockwise from top left:
Edinburgh Lanes Shawl, Hundred Acre Wood Shawl, Cornish Cream Tea Socks, Magnolia Socks
GIFTS FOR YOUR BFF
The most knitworthy people in our lives are often our best friends. If they are also knitters, they know exactly how much effort you’ve put into each gift. And if they are not, they probably think that you’re magical for being able to create such lovely things. I think the dreamy Impressionists Shawl, which is so romantic and soft, makes a lovely shawl to gift: it’s a good size, but a simple, relaxing knit. If you want to go really grand, the Birthday Party Shawl is a bit of a showstopper. And you know I had to include socks again. The pretty Winter Rose Socks if you have a little time, or the quick and gorgeous Homebody Socks if you’re in a hurry.
Images, clockwise from top left: Impressionists Shawl, Surprise Party Shawl, Winter Rose Socks, Homebody socks
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS
Hand knitting gifts for teachers is time-consuming, but if you can steal moments to knit in the car outside the orthodontist’s or by the soccer sidelines, sometimes it can be done. And any of these designs would make an unforgettable way to say “thank you.” The Warm Wishes Hottie Cover is such a quick, easy knit, and so cosy. Similarly, the Adorn Gift Bags are a fast make, and turn a simple gift of sweets or coffee gift cards into something amazing. A pair of fingerless mitts, or a warm DK-weight hat (or both!) will be very appreciated out on the schoolyard.
Images, clockwise from top left: Warm Wishes Hottie, Adorn Gift Bags, Homebody Mitts, Homebody Hat
GIFTS FOR A TEENAGER
Knitting for teens isn’t always the easiest. But when you get it right, it’s really gratifying! These patterns have been big-kid approved in our house. The Cheering Hat and Cowl are simple, cosy, and go with everything. The Red Robin Socks are super cute and look brilliant with boots. And for a carefree boho scarf alternative, the Rewilding Shawl is hard to beat.
Images, clockwise from top left: Cheering Hat, Cheering Cowl, Rewilding Shawl, Red Robin Socks
GIFTS FOR LITTLE ONES
It’s so satisfying and fun to make presents for kids. The accessories are so small that they knit up fast, and then they look so adorable in them. And if you have a little more time, a hand knit blanket is a beautiful gift for a new baby or toddler: something to snuggle and treasure as they grow. The Easy Bobble Hat is a free pattern! In fact I’ve recently recorded a YouTube video about it, with some fun yarn ideas. For knitting in the round, and with a bit more detail, the Tchaikovsky Hat includes baby and child sizes.
Images, clockwise from top left: Easy Bobble Hat, Tchaikovsky Hat , Twinkle Twinkle Blanket , Georgie Baby Blanket
GIFTS FOR YOU
Time spent knitting for yourself is so valuable. We used to call it “selfish knitting” but there’s really no such thing. Knitting is self care. And knitting beautiful things to wear and enjoy is even better. The Wildflower Hill shawl makes brilliant self-care knitting, with lots of garter stitch for relaxation and stripes to keep your interest. The twinkly Candlelit Shawl is such a wonderful piece for holiday parties (remember those?) and even on ordinary days, a shawl with a bit of sparkle is so wonderful. The Land of Sweets Cowl is so fun to make and wear, and it’s designed to work with an advent calendar or scraps. So is the Habitation Throw: a fabulous tv-knitting project.
Images, clockwise from top left: Candlelit Shawl, Wildflower Hill Shawl, Habitation Throw, Land of Sweets Cowl
So, how is your list looking now? I hope you’re feeling as excited as I am for the delightful conspiracy of gift knitting to begin.
Make sure you take advantage of the BOGO sale: every pattern and collection is included, so just put two patterns into your Ravelry cart at the same time, and the least expensive one will become magically free at checkout! The flash sale ends Monday, October 4th, 2021, so this weekend, get out your gift list, make a cup of tea, and indulge in a little pattern-browsing break.
For more holiday knitting inspiration and help, you can download my free helpful holiday knitting planner PDF here, and find out how to make your own yarn advent calendar with my free mini e-book here!
Happy knitting!
