Fast Crochet Projects, Ornaments & Plushies You Can Finish This Weekend
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s early fall, and the next there’s Christmas music playing in the background, Thanksgiving on the calendar, and twinkle lights everywhere. It’s cozy and nostalgic and full of possibility all at once.
As crocheters, this season feels especially meaningful. Handmade gifts carry love in every single stitch. When someone opens something you made with your own hands, they feel that care instantly.
Listen to the podcast episode about 12 gift ideas on your favorite platform. 🎧
Today I’m sharing 12 quick and easy crochet gift ideas that are perfect for the busy holiday season. These are fast crochet projects that make thoughtful gifts for family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and coworkers without adding stress to your life.
Let’s dive in.
1. Reusable Crochet Facial Pads (Perfect Self-Care Gift)
Reusable crochet facial pads are one of the best easy crochet gifts you can make. They’re practical, eco-friendly, and feel extra thoughtful when bundled together.
They’re great for washing your face or removing makeup. After use, just toss them into the laundry with towels and reuse again and again.
One skein of cotton blend yarn can make 20–25 pads depending on tension. Bundle 4–5 together with twine and add a bar of handmade soap for an instant spa-style gift.
● Reusable and eco friendly
● Works up in under 10 minutes each
● Perfect for self-care gift sets
Pattern by Dayna of ThisPixieCreates.
2. Mini Granny Square Crochet Ornaments
Mini granny square ornaments are one of the cutest Christmas gifts you can make.
Use lightweight yarn and a small 4mm hook.
Every year when your recipient decorates their tree, they’ll think of you and the handmade gift you created just for them.
You can make them in classic holiday colors or more neutrals for a farmhouse style tree.
Pattern by Sunflower Cottage Crochet.
3. Crochet Mug Cozies (Crowd Favorite Gift)
Mug cozies are one of my go-to crochet gift ideas because almost everyone enjoys coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
These work up in under an hour and pair perfectly with:
● A cute coffee mug
● A packet of hot cocoa
● Tea sampler gifts
They’re also perfect for scrap yarn and color-coordinated gift sets.
4. Crochet Ear Warmers (Fast Wearable Gift)
If you want a cozy wearable that works up quickly, ear warmers are a great choice.
● Small amount of yarn
● Works up fast
● Stylish for all ages
They make wonderful gifts for teens, coworkers, and anyone who loves staying warm without a bulky hat.
5. Crochet Dishcloth and Trivet Sets
Practical gifts are always appreciated, and this set is a favorite.
You can bundle together:
● One cotton dishcloth
● One matching hand towel
● One thick crochet trivet
Always use 100 percent cotton yarn for durability and heat resistance. For the trivet, hold two strands together for extra thickness.
Tie with ribbon or twine and you’ve got a beautiful everyday kitchen gift.
6. Bubble Plushies (Fast Amigurumi Gift)
Bubble plushies are tiny, adorable, and surprisingly fast to make.
By changing only the ears or facial features, you can turn one base shape into:
● A cat
● A bear
● A bunny
These are perfect if you want to gift amigurumi without committing to a large multi-piece project. They’re also huge hits at holiday markets. Pattern by Elise Rose Crochet.
7. Crochet Bookmarks for Book Lovers
Crochet bookmarks are one of the fastest projects you can make and one of the most loved.
They’re:
● Lightweight
● Perfect for scrap yarn
● Easy to personalize
Pair one with a book and you’ve created a thoughtful gift for any reader.
8. Crochet Teacher Gifts
If you’re looking for easy crochet teacher gift ideas, this one is perfect.
Crochet apples and pencils work up quickly and make adorable classroom decor. Add a tag that says:
● “Thanks for helping me grow”
● “Best teacher ever”
You can also turn mini versions into keychains.
9. Small Crochet Storage Baskets
Mini crochet baskets with handles make beautiful, useful gifts. They’re perfect for holding:
● Keys
● Jewelry
● Office supplies
● Crochet tools
Chunky yarn works best, which also makes the project fast. Fill with candy or small gifts for an instant gift bundle.
10. Crochet Earbud Cases and Cord Holders
These are small, practical, and incredibly useful.
● Prevent tangled cords
● Easy to carry in purses and backpacks
● Great for teens and coworkers
They’re one of those gifts people don’t realize they need until they have one. Here's a curated list of patterns to try.
11. Crochet Coffee Cup Sleeves for To-Go Cups
These fit around disposable coffee and iced drink cups, replacing cardboard sleeves.
They’re:
● Fast to make
● Washable and reusable
● Perfect for teachers and coworkers
Simple stitches work great, or you can add ribbing or a decorative button.
12. Crochet Car Mirror Dangles
Tiny crochet car mirror dangles are hugely popular right now, especially with teens and new drivers.
You can make:
● Mini hearts
● Flowers
● Animals
● Succulents
● Ducks on swings
Use lightweight yarn and a smaller hook for best results. These are quick, playful, and incredibly giftable.
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
