What comes to mind when you think about the ultimate Christmas gift? Is it something expensive? Something you’ve had on your radar for a while, but never thought to get yourself? Maybe it’s the winning lotto ticket (gosh, we wish). Don’t get us wrong, those are all awesome choices, but this year, let’s not forget the importance of the underdog: handmade items!
In today’s world especially, we’ve lost the plot a little. Influencers jam the latest finds in our faces, and social media downright shames us for not having multiple Stanley Cups in the house. It’s hard to appreciate the thought and care of a handmade gift when Apple won’t stop releasing new phones. Not anymore—let’s explore why hand-crafted stuff is the best stuff.
Legitimate Thought in a Thoughtless World
Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash
Gifts aren’t anything to write home about nowadays. Of course, it’s always nice to receive something, but how many scented candles do we need? How many Amazon gift cards can we honestly blow through in a year? Also, let’s be honest: with prices what they are, we’d be lucky to afford anything this holiday season.
That’s part of the problem. Homemade gifts were often seen as the “cheap” option to a “real” alternative. "Oh, you don’t have any money, so you baked us cookies? Thanks, friend." That sentiment carried across sitcoms and movies alike, and for decades, lucky recipients turned up their noses at beautiful quills, mixtapes, and even adorable greeting cards.
Thankfully, we’re past that now. In today’s world, we can recognize handmade items for what they are: an appreciative gift from someone who took the time to honor your relationship. What’s better than feeling seen, truly seen, for Christmas? We’ll take a handmade sweater over a Starbucks gift card any day of the week—and you should, too!
One-of-a-Kind Treasures
One of the worst things about mass-produced gifts is knowing just how many other people have the same thing. Being part of the “in-crowd” might matter when you’re a teenager, but as an adult, it’s far nicer to have a one-of-a-kind gift that was specially made for you.
Some handmade gifts also pay homage to inside jokes or specific events. Take quilts, for example! Plenty of handcrafted quilts use fabrics from childhood clothing, specific t-shirts, or patterns that match the recipient’s personality. You’ll never find something like that in stores; the only way to get something so personal is from someone who truly understands you.
Handmade items are often way better quality than whatever you’ll find in Hobby Lobby. When it isn’t mass-produced, gifters can focus on good quality stuff to give you the best of the best. That means better yarn, money for art classes, or spending a pretty penny to craft the most beautiful wreath.
It’s a Beautiful Display of Friendship
It’s easy to walk into a store and buy someone a mug—it’s another story entirely to take a pottery class and mold one yourself! For the longest time, people were so hung up on the price of handmade gifts that they never considered the effort, time, and love poured into them. Be honest, what would mean more to you: a box of chocolates or delicious home-baked cookies?
The closer you are to someone, the more experiences you have to draw on. There’s no shortage of amazing presents you can gift someone, and each one symbolizes your friendship differently. It’s also the greatest reminder of just how much you mean to them; the fact that someone took hours from their busy schedule to make you something means more than braving the mall at Christmas.
We struggle already with re-gifting items we won’t use, or tossing them away after an appropriate amount of time. But the handmade stuff lasts a lifetime. No matter what you gift someone, you can rest easy knowing that they appreciate its true value! Don’t be surprised to see it sitting on their mantle a decade from now.
Gift Ideas to Try
If you’re looking to save a little green this Christmas, there’s literally no shame in making your own present! You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars knitting a high-quality beanie, either; the simplest gestures go a long way. Decision jars, painted canvases, handmade ornaments, and DIY Christmas poppers will all bring a smile to someone’s face.
Don’t be afraid to whip up something yummy in the kitchen. Chocolate bark, cookies, and banana bread are easy-peasy recipes anyone can make at home, regardless of their skills in the kitchen. Oh, and don’t forget about cupcakes with homemade buttercream!
Nothing shows how much you care quite like a handmade gift. Don’t let the nay-sayers scare you away from saving a little green and showing off your creative side. Real friends will appreciate the gesture, so think outside the box this year!
