Giving Handmade- The BVG Aftermath

For the past month or so, we all have been talking about giving handmade for the holidays, and sharing our wish lists with you. We even have been getting photos of handmade items our readers have given and/or made this holiday season! So the question we ask of you all, why stop now? Let's keep this ball rolling! There is not one occasion that I can think of that does not deserve a bit of handmade amazingness when given as a gift. I am going to share with you all the handmade goodies that were under MY tree this year, and even give a few more suggestions!

First up was a play pirate map from Enchanted Dandelions. This was a perfect little stocking stuffed for my littlest guy! He has had lots of fun using it to scout out where the buried treasure is in the back yard, and for his dolls to use as well. These would make really cute party favors for a pirate themed birthday party, or as a gift when paired with the handpainted gold coins she offers, as well!

Also from Enchanted Dandelions, were a set of 8 beanbags for the little guy. He has had lots of fun stacking them, tossing them into a bucket, and counting them. They are WONDERFUL for working on his math skills, and they are very well made, and sturdy!

 We all know how hard it is to find gifts that are handmade for the guys in our lives. Uncle Bryan received a really cool Burn Buster from The Biting Gnome. In cool pinstriped with lime lining, this is a perfect small gift. These would be AMAZING for end-of-the-year teacher gifts, for small birthday gifts, or as thank you gifts!

My mom and my older son both found some really cool hats under the tree from Julian Bean. The toddler in the house already has 2, so big brother wanted one, as well! Her hats are EXTREMELY well made, are machine washable, and are SO warm. Character and animal hats are hot this winter, but this way, you can grab one that is custom, and supports a WAHM! She also makes newborn side hats, which would make an amazing baby shower gift.

And last but not least, my little guy got an amazing pony from Manely Recycled. I am astonished at how well made these ponies are, Amy really outdoes herself. He took right to rising his pony around the living room, and has played with it every day since! Amy will do custom orders, and usually has some ponies in stock as well. She does a lot of upcycling in her ponies, so a ton of the fabric you see on ponies comes from other DIY seamstresses! (Look closely, there is a lot of BVG fabrics in there!)

Sorry I don't have an awesome picture of his pony, he really couldn't stand still. But here is one that Amy has ready to ship! These would make awesome birthday gifts for kiddos!!!!!

So as you can see, giving handmade does NOT need to be reserved for the holiday months, you can give the gift of handmade ALL year. Not only for birthdays, but as thank you gifts, as "Just because" gifts. In the summer, we have graduations, and kids going off to school for the first time, why not toss some beer soap their way? A handmade blanket for their bed? Etsy and Artfire are also FULL of really awesome handmade toys to give kids, as well as birthday party supplies, and candy and goodies to fill gift bags! You can also keep checking back here on the Modern Rosies blog, we always have new tutorials on how to handmake really cool items yourself! The possibilities are endless! Let's make 2012 the year for handmade! Who's with me?

Brooke is the owner and seamstress at Brooke Van Gory Designs. She lives in The Chicago suburbs with her two kiddos, and her rock star husband! You can shop BVG here, and follow her on Google+ here.