How to Knit Gifts They'll Love
Learn how to knit gifts for any age group -- from a newborn baby to Great Uncle Ted
When you first learned how to knit, you probably didn't think about all the fun you'd have making your creations for others. You probably didn't anticipate how much work you'd put into them, either, or how irritating it would be when someone didn't appreciate it. I have a rule: never put hours and hours of sweat and blood into a knitting gift unless you're 100% positive the recipient will love the result.
Fortunately, I've spent many years learning how to knit the perfect gifts for every age group. My husband and kids are sick of getting the same old thing year after year, so I've had to branch out. But for my friends and extended family, I always stick to the same pattern: quick, easy gifts that make a statement. Curious yet? Great.
How to choose the right knit gifts
For newborns: I always, always knit baby blankets for newborns. This is the one exception to my "don't put a lot of work into it" rule. Almost any Mom appreciates a handmade baby blanket. Better still, it doesn't take much know how to knit such a tiny blankie, and you get to work with the softest of baby yarns.
For toddlers: My friends with toddlers always get handmade bears. You can easily find patterns for handmade toys online, most of them free. They take a while to master, but they're fun to learn, and once you've finished a few, you can whip them up while you watch a late night movie -- in the dark.
For kids: Strangely enough, I've found that the most appropriate gift for school-aged children is a lesson. I give them a set of knitting needles, a variety of soft yarn, and a coupon promising several knitting lessons. Learning how to knit seems to thrill boys and girls alike.
For teens: Funky hats for girls and cell phone cozies for boys. They're always a hit. Girls seem to love hand-knit hats with ears or funky yarn, and the boys will make use of those cell phone cozies (unless you call them that).
For women: Sometimes I teach my girlfriends how to knit, but the rest of the time I like to make hand-knit scarves. Women love to accessorize, and you can never have too many scarves. Depending on the season, I knit a chunky woolen scarf or a gauzy dressy scarf. They're always a hit.
For men: Sigh. Socks. Men like hand-knit socks. I don't know why. I've knit sweaters, afghans, and scarves, but I always seem to get the best reception when I whip up a pair of socks.
And there you have it -- your very own guide on how to knit the perfect gift for anyone, anytime, anywhere!