Almost every month of every year I have some kind of event going on: whether it's a birthday, a holiday or a wedding. Either way, these events call for some easy homemade gift ideas. For every one of these events I always ponder what the best gift would be. Of course there are your easy homemade gift ideas for friends as well as easy homemade birthday gifts, but there are so many free crochet patterns to choose from. Do you ever walk into a store not knowing what you're looking for? I do this all the time, so I think if I come up with some easy homemade gift ideas it'll just be a simpler way of choosing a gift. Once I can figure out what gift to make then my hardest decision is what color yarn to choose. Handmade crochet projects are so much better because you can personalize them and get exactly what you want.

This past year truly was one of the greatest years with so many events that will leave great memories. Because 2011 was such a great year for me, I figured I share with you some of our greatest projects. Each of these projects can be easy homemade gift ideas for anyone in your life. I say they're gift ideas, but you can also make any one of them for yourself.

Best of 2011: Easy Homemade Gift Ideas to Crochet

Fabulous Crocheted Scarves, Hats and Jackets
Crocheted Afghans and Throws
Bags and Fun Homemade Birthday Gift Ideas

Fabulous Crocheted Scarves, Hats and Jackets

I love all these winter crochet patterns because you don't have to use dark, dull colors for them. Use bright and bold colors to lighten up your winter months. Each of these is the perfect easy homemade gift idea. I say this because scarves are fairly easy to make, even if you're just learning to crochet. Crochet gifts like these can even be made for yourself instead of a gift. Either way, you don't necessarily need an event or occasion to crochet these great items.

1. Zen Jacket (shown)
2. Sushi Roll Scarf
3. Bumpy Popcorn Crochet Scarf
4. 24 Beginner Crochet Hat Patterns
5. Baby Cocoon and Hat
6. Holiday Snowflake Scarf
7. Sensational Scarf (shown)

Crocheted Afghans and Throws

2011 brought some pretty neat free crochet afghan patterns to our site. The four you see listed below are the most popular of the year! Handmade crochet afghans give you a great sense of accomplishment. I worked up my first afghan in 2011 and I can't wait to start another one. Afghans are easy homemade gift ideas for boyfriend, especially the Brain Dead Afghan; he'll just love the name of it.

1. Spiral Crochet Afghan
2. Stashaholic's Brain Dead Afghan
3. Blue Boyfriend Blanket
4. 5 1/2 Hour Throw (shown)

Bags and Fun Homemade Birthday Gift Ideas

Easy homemade birthday gifts are what you can find in this list. Crochet some wearables or home decor for that special someone. These were loved by many of our readers this past year. Again, if not for a birthday gift, keep it for yourself!

1. Soccasins (shown)
2. Grocery Tote Bag
3. Crocheted Snow Swirls
4. Little Starburst Dishcloth
5. Tea Light Flower (shown)
6. One Skein Wrap
7. Colorful Crocheted Bracelets