Here are a few handmade gifts that he wouldn’t expect, but will love.
A Personalized Apron
If he’s a cook and he would prefer not to get oils, sauces, and marinades on his shirt, an apron may be just the thing. I do most of the cooking at our house and without fail, I miss some sort of covering protecting my clothes while I’m at the stove.
Not that I’m particularly messy. Let’s call it…artistic.
If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can use a template you find online or through those classic McCall’s sewing patterns.
Old Tie Zip Pouch
I confess. I saw this on Pinterest and it’s an awesome idea. And yes, I’m a manly, bearded guy who looks at Pinterest.
- Find a classic Repp tie or some funkier patterns at the thrift store.
- Take out the threads.
- Cut the tie into rectangles the size you would like the mini shave kit, billfold, rolling tobacco bag to be.
- I’m not much of a sewer, but I believe you would fold it in half with the inside out.
- Then, lay a stitch on each side, sealing it.
- Drink some wine or tea while you contemplate how to put in a zipper.
- Put in the zipper.
- Rip out the zipper.
- Drink some more.
- Put in the zipper the right way.
A Picture Frame
This is more about personalizing one already made because, as a woodworker, I hate making mitered joints. And picture frames look best with mitered joints.
So, here are some unique ways to customize a frame without pulling your hair out:
- Paste Shakespearean quotations on it and using lacquer to seal it.
- Char it. Be careful not to set it completely on fire.
- Cover it in chrome.
- Chalkboard paint. The real creativity comes in when you leave him notes on it.
A Jar of Memories
This is firmly on the sentimental side, but it will be awesome. Here are some simple steps:
- Take 15 minutes with a pen and paper and sift through your memories together.
- Write ten of them down and walk away.
- The idea will keep coming back to you throughout the day and new memories will continue to pop up. When they do, write them down, too.
- In a day or two, you should have a decent list of some wonderful memories with your guy.
- Type them up in a readable font and print them out.
- Cut them out into strips, one memory per strip.
- Place all the memory strips into a mason jar, piled to the top.
- Close it and put a bow around the rim.
- Present the present! He’ll dig it, I promise.