Is a Handmade Gift OK?
S
ome people think that handmade gifts are tacky, but there are also many that consider them to be charming and very personal. The time spent and creativity behind such a gift is often more appreciated than any product you can buy in a store. That being said, knowing the person you are giving this gift to and how they may receive it will be important. People who are close to you (i.e. family) will probably be the happiest recipients of such items.
If you do decide to make something, there are many how-to craft books and websites out there on every topic imaginable. Visit your local library and have a look through their hobby and craft titles. Pick something to make that you have an interest in and will actually enjoy creating. Think twice if you hate doing artistic projects and are creatively challenged — especially if this is your first time (there may be a lot of trial and error).
Holidays are fantastic times for making special foods as treats and these are perhaps the most popular handmade gifts. Cookies, candies, breads, bottled condiments or jams, and many other culinary treasures can be given to appreciative friends, relatives, business associates, teachers, etc. If you have a specialty recipe that everyone raves about, you can even put together a gift basket with those ingredients and include a printed recipe card (a bottle of wine to go along with it is an added touch). Just remember that some people may have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients, so proceed with caution. midwestliving, and abbeyskitchen.com
Remember when you made cards in Grade school for your family and friends? These projects are very easy to create and you can make them as complicated and fancy as you like, especially with the help of computers. One idea might be to create a card using family photos and cut-out items from magazines, along with a funny saying...think Hallmark and scrapbooking. There are also various stamps and die-cut machines that can help make your project look very professional. greetingsisland.com
When I was in my twenties, I remember making paper using a screen, some recycled paper and flower petals. There was a bit more to the process, but it did turn out some very interesting stationery. You can make your own creations with a little instruction. Play around and experiment by adding various items (grass, herbs, seeds, thread, glitter, etc.). You'll be surprised at the results. Box everything up, tie with a ribbon, add a nice pen and voila! eekwi.org, paperslurry.com
If you are into essential oils, making homemade bath salts, oils and soap can be ideal gifts. There are many websites and books that can help you create these. Transfer the final product to a fancy bottle or container, add a beautiful label and ribbon and you're all set. countrysidenetwork.com, and thesprucecrafts.com
For those with artistic ability, a portrait of the person or their pet in oils or watercolor would make a great gift. If your talent is limited in that area, you can scan a picture and turn it into a high-contrast creation (think Andy Warhol), print it out in color and put it in a nice picture frame.
artgraphica.net, and
How to draw portrait a Youtube video.
If you are a musician, consider writing a song about the person. If you have an ability to put words together, write a poem. Use your God-given talent to create something unique.
mycoach.com, lyrics generator
mylyricscoach.com.
- blanket
- memory quilt
- slippers
- socks
- pillow
- framed wall hanging
- soft toy
- bag
- scarf
Have a look at these websites diyncrafts.com, and confessionsofaserialdiyer
Whatever you decide to make, be creative in your packaging of it. Look for unusual containers, original wrapping paper or fabric, and embellish your package with items such as ribbon, raffia, dried flowers, mini ornaments, etc.
The main thing to remember is that your one-of-a-kind gift came from the heart and because of this is priceless, and should be given to people who are most important to you.
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements