8-yr-old boy asked for sewing machine — and then created something beautiful for his sister

Christmas gifts are special, and while others his age would prefer more "boyish" presents, this young boy named Ethan demanded a sewing machine from his parents. His mother, Ali Hynek (@ali_hynek), posted a heartwarming video of her 8-year-old son sewing the most unexpected gift for his beloved sister on Instagram. His thoughtful gesture melted everyone's hearts on the internet. 

Hynek, a mother of four kids, revealed in the caption that her son Ethan had been asking for a sewing machine. She explained, "We had watched several videos on how to sew a few months ago and he was so thrilled at [the] thought that he could make ANYTHING. I realized he wasn't going to let it go so we got him a sewing machine. His reaction was so sweet. Today he made a bed set for his sister Penelope, a pillow, and a sack with a drawstring. He's so proud of himself and I'm beaming." 

The video shows the 8-year-old opening his present and looking delighted to see the sewing machine. It then cuts to the boy meticulously making his first creation with guidance from his mother. He presents his gift to his sister, who says, "I love it" and "thanks," to her brother, who coyly replies, "You're welcome."

The beautiful exchange warmed the hearts of Hynek's followers. For instance, @mrs.christina.t gushed over the boy's giving nature, "I love that the first thing he makes is for someone else… how selfless and sweet." @wanderingchickpea lauded the parents for letting him try his hand at sewing, "This is just so precious! I love how you gave him a chance to explore this." @boxxoutvero simply hailed the young boy, "Go Ethan!" 

Meanwhile, others felt motivated to share their own stories. @ford_wardrobe related to Ethan, "As someone that got their first sewing machine for Christmas when I was 9, this is extremely moving." @genebunger added, "My dad taught me to sew when I was a little boy, and it helped me get my first job in product design! I now have 7 machines. Good work buddy!" 

Speaking of boys taking on sewing tasks, 7-year-old Max Alexander has found his calling in dressmaking and even claims that he is somehow connected to the founder of Gucci in his past life. The little fashion designer and his mother, Sherri Madison, told PEOPLE that the boy takes commissions from celebrities. "He just started making dresses; it’s the craziest thing," she said.

Though Max had never learned or been exposed to sewing, it later dawned on Sherri that the skills run in his genes. "It turns out his grandparents were in the fashion business in Montreal. My grandparents and my mom were all sewists, but Max didn't know any of that. It came out of nowhere," she said.

At age 4, he asked his mother for a mannequin. Since then, the young lad has created over 100 couture gowns, hosted runway shows, and dressed famous names like Sharon Stone and Debra Messing. Unsurprisingly, his talented self has earned Max a place in the Guinness World Record as the youngest runway fashion designer. After his New York Fashion Week showcase in September 2024, he told the outlet, "I thought I would be like 10 by the time that would happen, or maybe more." 

You can follow Ali Hynek (@ali_hynek) for more lifestyle content.