With the holiday season upon us, it is time we start thinking about what we want to gift our loved ones as we travel near and far to spend quality time with them. With the plethora of options of things to get for them, it is very easy to look for quantity over quality. There are tons of mass-produced products on the market that can make for an inexpensive gift. Instead of ransacking the stores on Black Friday trying to get the lowest price items or trying to catch every Cyber Monday sale, I propose that you instead think about what makes a great gift.
Four Reasons to Give Homemade
- A gift should be unique. When you are choosing a gift for a family member or friend it should be representative of that person. Although getting a neat gadget or knick-knack might seem like a great idea those gifts are less likely to make them feel like you recognize what makes them unique to you. Handmade gifts are one-of-a-kind. Every crochet stitch, brush stroke, and marking is a one-of-a-kind. It will contain imperfections but, like us, those imperfections are what make it special. The receiver will know, without a doubt, that this was made with them in mind.
- A gift should tell a story. One of the things I like to tell my clients who commission work from me is that the wood I use has a story behind it. Whether it is the tree itself that it was cut from, where it came from, a mishap or mistake that turned into your favorite part of the piece, or some new technique that you needed to learn to complete the piece. These stories become a part of the piece. They are the stories you tell when someone comes to your house and you are admiring it. They become a part of what makes the piece special.
- A gift should last a lifetime. I never like to throw away a gift. This is something that was given to you because the gifter thinks you are special and deserving to be remembered. Giving something that is only meant to be used a few times only to be discarded or re-gifted means that the receiver will not cherish it. Something that is made with care, love, and quality materials is going to withstand years of use. These are gifts that will move with someone from home to home. These are the things that will be passed down between generations.
- You don’t need to be an artist to make something homemade. There are plenty of ways to make simple, homemade gifts that don’t require you to be a master craftsman. Beginner crochet kits and Paint by Numbers are great ways to be creative while maintaining guardrails to help you along. Pinterest has tons of ideas for things that you can create that are beautiful and personal. Or, if you simply don’t have the confidence or the time, you can commission a handmade gift for a loved one. Artists such as myself love creating unique and personal gifts. These make wonderful gifts because, even though you didn’t create them yourself, it show that you took the time to find an artist whose art represents what you want your loved one to think of when they think of you.
Happy Holiday Shopping
The holidays are so hectic and being creative may be the last thing on your mind for this time of year. Maybe, this year, set aside some time from your busy schedule, make a list of those loved ones who you know would appreciate the care and consideration that only comes from something handmade, and come up with a plan for how to make their holiday extra special. Have you ever received a homemade gift that you cherish? Share your story and tag us @bz_furfur and, as always, stay unique.
