Since I already had a collection of fabric, I thought it would be cute to make each of them their very own personalized apron. I made the apron pattern from an existing apron I made way back in the 7th grade for home economics class (yikes, that was a long time ago!). I embellished each apron with cute iron-on shapes and hand-embroidered their names on it. For one of the aprons, I just used ribbon for the neck and waist ties. Within a day, I had completed two unique and girly-cute aprons!

Along with their very own custom apron, I purchased each of them a kid cookbook and fun measuring spoons to finish off their gift. So, not only did they receive a birthday gift made from the heart, they received a something that could last them for years and also spark some creativity of their own (I’m guessing their mothers would call that a mess!). And to top it all off, I didn’t have to spend a fortune. After receiving “thank you” calls and promises for some real food the next time I visit them, spending the time to make their gifts was totally worth it.

NOTE: You can totally do this for boys as well (my nephew also loves to play “cook”!). Just use “boy” colors for the apron and adhere sports or animal appliques!