Last year was the first time that I had heard of May Day gifts. I learned that in some states, it’s a big deal! When I hear “May Day,” I think of a radio signal for help. However, that is not the case! May Day is celebrated on the first day of May by giving small gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this was popular back in the 19th and 20th centuries. First, people would fill paper baskets or cones with treats and flowers. Then, they’d knock on the recipient’s door and yell “May basket!” and run away. If they got caught, the gifter owed the giftee a kiss. The popularity of this tradition has faded over the years. I’m not exactly sure why because it’s sounds so fun!
Do you celebrate May Day? Or have you ever received a May Day gift? It doesn’t have to be big or expensive and homemade gifts are perfect for this! If you already take part in the May Day tradition or if you just want to start, I have picked out some super creative and fun little projects to add to your baskets. There are also a TON of May Day projects on Pinterest. Just search for “May Day Baskets” and you will get loads of ideas. You have approximately two weeks from the time of this post date until May Day to get them made. Let’s get started!
Hand Towels or Key Fobs
Decorative ribbon is so fun to play around with. You can sew it down onto a variety of fun and fast projects. The perfect May Day gift could be a few plain hand towels that you simply added some adorable ribbon to! I always see the cutest ribbon when I am shopping and never know exactly where I could use it or what project it would be right for. Here’s your chance to buy and use some super cute ribbon and make a great gift with it! (I’ve been eyeing some cute football ribbon and I bet I know a football fan that would love a towel with football ribbon on it!) Read more about adding ribbon to hand towels on Missouri Star blog or by clicking here.
These ribbon sets by Tula Pink are absolutely gorgeous! The fun prints and bright colors would be perfect for a May Day gift! Shop the collection of Tula Pink ribbon on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
Another great item to make with ribbon are key fobs. Everyone can use these handy little items! They are fast and easy and oh so gosh darn cute! Read more about this project and other similar ones on Missouri Star blog or by clicking here!
Read more about them here.
Embroidery
Embroidery projects are all the rage right now. Embroidery is back and better than ever! The possibilities are endless when it comes to embroidery gifts. A few ideas would be embroidered gift towels, a small hooped wall hanging, or even adding some cute embroidery to a denim jacket or hat! Not sure how to embroider? Missouri Star Quilt Co. has loads of embroidery tutorials and even free pattern downloads! Watch tutorials here!
Here are three adorable embroidery hand towel sets that would make adorable May Day gifts! These are so fun to make! Shop the entire collection of embroidery hand towel sets on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
These small embroidery hoop kits are so stinkin’ cute! I love them all! (Check out the collection here because there are a TON to choose from!) I find embroidery so relaxing and I love that I can transport small projects like these wherever I go and work on them when I can. Check out these adorable projects!
Need some floral fabric for that perfect May Day project? I picked a few of my favorites below but you can check out the huge selection of florals (including the three below) by clicking here!
How about a monogrammed tote bag? Who wouldn’t love one of these on May Day? I know I sure would! There is a free tutorial that goes along with this Scrappy Monogram Tote project. You can watch the tutorial here!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to make May Day gifts for those special friends and neighbors in your life? I hope you enjoy making these fun gift ideas and happy sewing to you all!
‘Til next time,
Beth
P.S. Want to read more Beth Said Sew? Click here!
Be sure to check out our Nancy’s Notions Homepage, where you can find links to over 60 different categories of sewing and quilting topics! That’s over 400 articles! Click here!
Looking for free patterns or more sewing project ideas? Click here!
Beth, these are some great ideas. I like to make a little something for co-workers and family now and then- just because…