Stores and websites are seemingly filled with endless gift options, whether for a baby shower, birthday party, housewarming, or anniversary.
But has it started to feel like these sorts of presents get repetitive, and just don’t have the extra special touch of thoughtfulness, especially if they can show up to your door already wrapped?
It might be time for you to consider making a handmade gift for a friend, coworker, or loved one.
However, before you delve too far into craft stores and hobby websites for ideas and supplies, give a quick read of the pros and cons of giving handmade gifts so you can decide if you’re ready for this creative venture.
Pros of giving handmade gifts
Thoughtful gift-giving: Anything you make yourself takes time and effort and isn’t quite as easy as a trip to the store or a click to order online. In this sense, handmade gifts are a very thoughtful gesture.
Money-saving: Many times (but not always) you can save money by making a gift instead of purchasing it. If you are crafty, you probably already have some materials for creating a wonderful handmade gift.
Fully customizable: If you’ve ever gone to the store and been unable to find the perfect present for someone, you and the recipient might appreciate a handmade gift. You can personalize it for the recipient’s tastes and preferences.
Cons of giving handmade gifts
Time-consuming: Making a gift yourself will take some time. Just ask anyone who has knit a blanket and hat for a baby (or started to and never finished). If your life is busy, buying a gift will be much easier.
More expensive: Usually a handmade gift will be easier on your wallet, but not always. If you buy specialized equipment or expensive materials, you could spend more money than a similar gift you could buy instead of making.
Off the wishlist: Many people use an online gift registry like giftster.com to create wish lists for special occasions. Consider that your handmade gift may veer from what the recipient wants.
Handmade gift ideas
If you’ve decided the pros outweigh the cons, here are a few ideas for handmade gifts that you might consider.
Food: Catherine, Princess of Wales famously made jam for the Queen of England for Christmas. If homemade food is good enough for royalty, it’s worth a try. Pickled foods, jams, baked goods, and cookie mixes in mason jars are all fun options.
Clothing: Crocheting and knitting are satisfying and often relaxing hobbies that will allow you to make scarves, socks, and even cute stuffed animals.
Personalized items: If you’re part of the Cricut craze, you probably have the supplies to make a cute or funny customized mug, shirt, bag, or water bottle.
Home & Decor: Homemade soaps and candles make brilliant gifts. Consider personalizing the home goods further with a custom label or scent.
Art: Let your creative talents shine through with a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, like a canvas painting, rustic-themed welcome sign, or jewelry. If the gift recipient does have a Giftster online wishlist, you might be able to find an item they want that you can make on your own, with a few personalized tweaks, instead of purchasing it.
