10 Quick & Easy Crochet Gifts (with Free Patterns!)

Introduction

Did you forget a birthday gift or need a last-minute holiday gift idea? No need to worry, you have your hook and yarn!

Crochet items can be wonderful gifts for family and friends. There are a couple of things you should consider before you pick up your hook:

• Your current skill set: This is a big one. You need to be really honest with where your skills are currently at. If you plan on making a teddy bear and it comes out looking like something out of 5 Nights At Freddy’s when it’s supposed to look like a Care Bear, then you may want to try a simpler project. 
• Making your own gifts is budget-friendly! Making things yourself allows you to control the materials you use and where you source them.
• Time-saving: You can save time by starting a gift as early as you want! If you know you want to give someone an intricate or detailed item, you can set your own time/schedule to make it!
• Personal touch: Adds a personal touch to the occasion. Usually when you make a homemade gift, most people understand that time, effort and a great deal of thought went into choosing and making the gift. 

To make it even easier, I’ve added links to free patterns for these suggestions that would make great gift ideas, so keep reading!

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What Makes a Good “Quick Gift” Crochet Pattern?

Takes under 2–4 hours to complete

In my opinion, a good “quick” gift should only take, maybe, 2 hours.  I can crochet at a medium pace when I’m not looking at a pattern, but I am significantly slower when I’m working off of a pattern I have never done before. Be sure to keep that in mind for the project you are looking at creating.

Uses minimal yarn

Projects that only use a little bit of yarn or that tap into the stash you already have at home are a huge a win! Just imagine….I want to make a scarf for *insert name of the recipient here*, and I already have a great color to use that’s the right yarn weight! Now THAT is a GREAT feeling!

Beginner-friendly or “mindless” for experienced crafters

Give me a mindless project ANY DAY!!! When I say mindless I mean it in a good way, not a bad way! Simple blankets are perfect for something like this. I love making Perfect Phasing Blankets because I can literally just tune out from what I am crocheting! I can attempt to watch a show (I still can’t seem to watch something and crochet at the same time! LOL!) or pop on an audiobook and get lost in the story!

Functional or universally appealing

This is another big one for me. Giving someone a gift that they can ACTUALLY use is so much better than an impractical gift. For example, know someone who LOVES stuffies? Make them a net that they can store all of their stuffies in that can hang in the corner of their room. Know a book reader? Make some bookmarks or a book carrying cover for them. Did someone you know just move into a new house or apartment? Make some kitchen towels for them!

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Top 10 Quick Crochet Gift Ideas

Chunky Crochet Ear Warmer

(Beginner/Easy skill level) The weather is getting cooler and everyone needs a hat of something to cover those ears! This is a great functional gift that doesn’t take long to make.Check out this Chunky Twisted Earwarmer from Yarn & Chai.

Cozy Mug Cozy

(Beginner/Easy skill level) add a little flair to your beverage! Great for anyone who would get a kick out of dressing up their mug! Check out this adorable Mug Cozy from A Crocheted Simplicity.

Plant Hanger

(Easy skill level) functionality meets cute. Creating a tasteful plant hanger can go with almost any decor! Check out this Free Crochet Plant Hanger Pattern from Sarah Maker.

Crochet Soap Saver

This is a great idea because soap dishes in the shower are annoying to clean. Additionally, you can make the soap as easy to use as a loofa! Check out the 20 Minute Crochet Soap Saver Free Pattern by Desert Blossom Crafts.

One-Hour Dishcloth

Obviously, I don’t really need to explain why this is a great idea right? Everyone who eats off of a reusable dish needs a dishcloth, even if they have a dishwasher! Try making some with cute designs and/or colors depending on what the recipient likes! Check out Mama’s Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern by Crochet 365 Knit Too.

Simple Slouchy Beanie

(Intermediate skill level) Great for chilly Fall and Spring Weather! Check out this 3 mL Slouchy Beanie by The Cookie Snob.

Crochet Keychain or Bag Charm

(Easy skill level) fun additions to backpack, purses, or other bags used for local travel. Check out this cute Crochet Sunflower Keychain from A Little Love Everyday.

Crochet Bookmark

(Easy Skill Level) For the book lover you know! Equally important, be sure to use thinner yarns for this so the bookmark doesn’t damage book bindings over time! Check out this Easy Crochet Bookmark Pattern from Jo To The World Creations.

Reusable Face Scrubbies

(Easy Skill Level) perfect for the recipient that loves a clean face after a hard day! Whether they are just cleaning their face or removing makeup, face scrubbies are fantastic for the job! Check out these Calm Clusters Face Scrubbies from The Crafty Therapist.

Crochet Gift Card Holder

(Beginner Skill Level) Unique option for gifting a gift card instead of a card box or throwing the gift card in an envelope! Check out this Free Beginner Red Heart Santa Gift Card Holder from Yarnspirations.

Tips for Gifting Handmade Crochet Items

• Wrap or present them nicely: Obviously, am I right? You put the time into making the gift so my not really blow their mind with a great presentation!
  
• Adding a personal tag or care instructions – Helpful for the recipient to know how to properly care for their homemade gift! Also see my tips on handmade item care in the Crochet Care Guide.
  
• Pairing items with small store-bought treats  – gifting a mug cozy? Add a new mug, a variety of tea options, or ingredients to make the best hot chocolate!

Best Occasions for Quick Crochet Gifts

• Birthdays
• Teacher appreciation
• Host/hostess gifts
• Stocking stuffers
• “Just because” gifts
• Holidays

Summary

Just one hour can give you the opportunity to give someone a nice homemade gift. Always remember to keep in mind what they like (bold colors, modern vs vintage, muted colors, etc) and incorporate that into their gift. It’s important to realize that the gift is for someone else, not for you or because you just like to make a particular pattern! Hopefully these ideas will get you started on your next special gift soon!

What other items do you like to make and give out as gifts! Share in the chat below!