Is there anything sweeter than a personalized baby beanie (other than the baby whose head it goes on, of course)? If there is, I couldn't possibly stand the cuteness. I've had occasion to make a few of these lately and love each and every one in its own way.

This is my go-to project any time a friend has a baby, because I think they're darling but only take ~2 hours total to make and can be made in any size and color. I use a very basic baby beanie crochet pattern, make it 2 rows longer than designed to cuff the rim, and alternate between a pompon and a top knot (requires very minor alteration to the pattern) depending on my mood. To finish, I embroider the name in an accenting color on cross-stitch fabric and then stitch it on to the front. Each time I receive a birth announcement featuring a baby wearing one of my hats, I take it as such an honor.

I like to send these with another item or two to make it a more substantial gift. While I have heart eyes for adorable onesies and tiny baby sunglasses and flip flops and anything smocked (I do mean anything), I try to make myself gift the practical items that I loved receiving when my kids were born. I usually go with diapers and burp cloths. These Aden + Anais burp cloths are my all-time favorite, as they have served us dutifully for almost 4 years and are soft, cute, and versatile:

I take the 2-3 items I purchased in ~14 seconds on Amazon, top it off with the hand-made hat, tie a ribbon around it all, and suddenly it seems like the most personal gift in the world. Magic!

Toodles! TLO