Rachel
I have previously written about my failure as a crafter. One of the things that I dream of when starting a new hobby is giving my friends and family thoughtful, beautiful homemade gifts that will make them oooh and aaah at my talent and artistry. I don't think I have reached that stage with any of my 100s of craft attempts, but I totally definitely will next time. I have tried to make homemade gifts before, but I have to fight with the little voice in the back of my head whispering, "This looks like your 4-year-old made it!" I would say my 6-year-old, but she makes nicer stuff than I do.
Easy When You Know How
Handmade presents can be a mixed bag. On one hand, they can be incredible. We all have that friend who somehow knits modern pieces that don't look like they came from your granny's wardrobe, or the relative who bakes biscuits so delicious they make store-bought treats seem like dog biscuits. When someone has really taken the time to learn and practice their craft, a homemade gift can be truly special. It's like receiving a piece of their heart, ripped out of their body and painstakingly wrapped in a velvet ribbon just for you.
The homemade route is a no-brainer if you know your strengths already (and more importantly, your weaknesses). If you're great at baking, whip up a batch of cookies, or you could even make up all of the dry ingredients in a nice jar with instructions. If you're a painter, create a beautiful piece of art. If you are a poet, write a poem. If you are a taxidermist dig up their beloved pet and set it in an amusing pose. Of course, if you know your talents already then chances are that you are not reading this blog. You know people love your homemade gifts. Show off.
Being a child is another good way to ensure that your gifts are appreciated. My 4-year-old regularly takes me handmade gifts that he has made for me at nursery. These have included an empty chocolate box with a bit of ribbon glued to it, a tub filled with sequins and metal bottle caps, and a bit of wood with googly eyes glued on. I have loved and appreciated every one of them, and I have no idea how so many of them found their way into the bin.
On the flip side, if we are to be brutally honest, not everyone is a crafting genius. We've all seen (or maybe even received, or even worse gifted) completely cringe-worthy attempts at homemade gifts. You know, the lopsided pottery that looks like a school art project in no danger of working as a functional bowl, or the knitted toy that so terrifying that you are convinced that it is definitely going to kill you in your sleep. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right? Right?
Why Homemade Gifts Rock (Even When They Don't)
Despite the potential for disaster, homemade gifts do deserve love and appreciation. Here's why:
- Time and Effort: Unlike grabbing something out of another shopper's hands in a last-minute panic, homemade gifts require time, effort, and thought. The gifter has to plan, gather materials, and dedicate hours (or even days) to create something unique. This level of dedication is a clear sign that they care deeply about you.
- Personal Touch: Store-bought gifts can be great, but they lack that personal touch. A homemade gift is created specifically for the person receiving it. Whether it's a custom-made photo album, a hand-painted picture frame, or a batch of their favourite cookies, the gifter has hopefully considered the recipient's taste.
- Creativity and Uniqueness: Homemade gifts are one-of-a-kind. There's something special about receiving a gift that no one else in the world has. It's a nice change from the mass-produced items we're so used to.
The Art of Appreciation
If you're lucky enough to receive a homemade gift, take a moment to appreciate the time and effort that went into it. Even if the end result isn't perfect, remember that the gifter chose to spend their time creating something just for you. Giving a homemade gift can also feel very vulnerable. You want the recipient to love it proportionate to the level of stress that you experienced when making it. Unlike a shop-bought gift, not liking a home-made gift is a rejection of love, and a criticism of the maker's talents (or lack thereof).
Homemade gifts should never be seen as a sign of the gifter being cheap. In fact, they often require more investment in terms of time and materials than a store-bought gift.
Homemade Gifts Are a Labour of Love
So, is it okay to give a homemade gift? Absolutely! Whether it's a beautifully crafted piece or a charmingly disaster, homemade gifts are a labour of love. They show that the gifter took the time to think about the recipient and create something special just for them.
Next time you're considering what to give to a loved one, don't shy away from going the homemade route (as long as you have plenty of time, homemade gifts are rarely a last-minute event!) Embrace your inner crafter, baker, writer, or artist, and put your heart into it. And if you're on the receiving end of a homemade gift, remember to cherish the love and effort that went into it.
In the end, it's not about perfection - it's about the thought, care, and love behind the gift. So go ahead, get creative, and spread some handmade joy!
Where to Find Inspiration
If you're feeling inspired but unsure where to start, Pinterest is your best friend for DIY gift ideas. From decorating jars to cross-stitching your favourite in-joke (it might take a while, so maybe start now for next year), the internet is full of projects that don't require expert-level skills - just a bit of time and a whole lot of heart (and by heart I mean tears, stress, frustration, self-loathing and anger).
The main thing to remember is to start early, or could will end up like my mum. She lovingly made a different homemade gift for her auntie every Christmas - dolls, teddies, appliqued pictures, but the most memorable one for me was a handmade jewellery box that played "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree". The box was decorated with fur fabric grass, a handmade wire tree (with many yellow ribbons tied round it) and a happy little clothes-peg doll waiting for her true love. The only problem with these masterpieces is that they were usually received in June. I'm sure they were appreciated all the same.
So, is it okay to give a homemade gift? Absolutely! Whether it's an embarrassing mess or a perfectly crafted work of art, the love and effort behind it always shine through. And remember, a homemade gift is never about being cheap - it's about showing someone they're worth your time and creativity.
