Why Handmade Gifts Are Better

by Kahlia Meeuwsen, Lifestyle Columnist

Published in Lifestyle on 20^th November, 2018

With the holiday season coming up quickly, it can be a struggle to pick out just the right gifts for your loved ones. Some seem to have it all, while others claim to want nothing, making it hard to get them something thoughtful.

However, making a gift can be so much more meaningful. It can allow you to get creative and make something that your love really goes into, rather than just picking something up at a store. While it can take more effort, the end result can often be much more satisfying.

It's So Easy To Buy

These days, there's a lot of commercialism and immense amounts of objects you can simply purchase and hand over. While these things do have their place, it's worth thinking about doing something that takes a little more personal effort.

During times when the easy-to-buy options don't seem like enough, you want to do something special or the person you're shopping for already has just about everything they need, think about the talents you already have, and what you might be able to create for that person with them. You never know how much more meaningful it might be.

But There's Nothing Quite Like Making A Gift

If you engage in any productive hobby, like crocheting, knitting, sewing, painting, drawing or anything else that allows you to create something, you know the kind of effort that can be put into it. While these activities can take time and effort, you often find that the results are created with much more love and care than something you can buy at a store.

These days, there are few things that we actually make as people used to. Clothing, bedding, entertainment and even food can be purchased rather than made. While that does make a lot of things much more convenient, it can also make them less personal.

However, when you take the time to make something special, it's typically something one-of-a-kind. There's a lot of care, thought and love put into it, and the receiver will know that you really put the effort into making something just for them.

Reasons Why Handmade Gifts Are Better

These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider making something for those you need to purchase gifts for rather than purchasing them. Take them into account when you're reaching for something quick and easy to give to someone else.

Time And Effort

No matter what you're creating, it typically takes time and effort to make it. This is especially true when you're paying special attention to the quality of what you're making. Typically, we want to provide the very best to those we're making and giving gifts to.

When you're finished with the gift, you'll feel a greater sense of accomplishment. On top of that, the person receiving the gift will know that you spent real time on it. When compared to spending just a few minutes purchasing a knick-knack or gift card, there's a lot more value in what you make.

A Greater Level Of Thought

If you're going to spend the time on making something, then odds are you're going to want to make sure it's something the recipient will really like. Otherwise, there's a whole lot of wasted effort and time you won't be able to get back.

Consequently, you really have to put a lot of thought into the gift that you're making. It can't simply be returned or exchanged for something better, so naturally you want it to be just right. Overall, this shows a lot more care for the person as well as the gift you're choosing to give them.

They're Unique

On top of being well thought-out, gifts that you make are also one of a kind. Once you've made the gift, there will be nothing in the world quite like it. This is so much more valuable than any expensive item made by the thousands or even millions in exact copies.

There's something so special about receiving a gift that was made just for you, that no one else can match. It really shows that the person who made it cares deeply about what you like, and what kinds of items might get the more use or enjoyment. It's a very personal experience.

Perfect For Those Who Have Everything

Sometimes, you just don't know what to get for that person who has everything they need already. Maybe it's someone who has plenty of money to buy the things they need or want, or an older family member who has had plenty of time to accumulate those things.

No matter what else they already have, it's unlikely they have a handmade blanket in their favorite colors, or a painting of their pet, loved ones, or themselves. When you make your gift, you can rest assured that you're giving them something they don't already have, and will forever adore. Not to mention they'll always think of you when they see or use it!

You Decide The Quality

When you buy something at a store, you can't really guarantee the quality of it. Even if it's an expensive, valuable item you just never know when a seam might open, or a knot might come undone. However, when you make it yourself then you can take extra care to make sure it's perfectly made.

Even if something unexpected should occur, odds are you'll be able to fix the gift so that the recipient can keep enjoying it. That's certainly not something that can be done as easily with something you buy at a store! It's really a great way to know that you're providing a high-quality gift that will last for the long term.

Can Be Less Expensive

In many cases, the item you make can be a lot less expensive than something you can buy. Because you're creating it, you can look for pieces that are on sale or find other ways to bring down the cost without sacrificing too much on the final quality of the gift.

If it's something like a drawing or painting, then odds are you can even splurge on some high-quality paper or a frame without bringing the cost up too much. Though it may not have come at a high cost to you, the recipient will be able to trust that you put serious time and care into the gift, which is even more valuable.

They're Personal

You can also add a personal touch to the gift you're giving. If you're creating a painting or drawing, you can include the recipient in the art. Otherwise, you can add their name or other touches that signify that the gift is made just for them. It's just one more way to ensure that the gift you're giving is truly something special.

So when you're planning a gift, make sure to add a touch that shows you know them. Use what you know about them to craft something that can be recognized as a display of who they are. In doing so, you'll create something with far more value than anything in a store.

You Get The Chance To Create

Giving a gift that you've made doesn't only help them, it helps you as well! Many of us rarely get the chance to bring out our creative side. You may love crocheting, drawing or some other personal creative hobby, but it's not often you have a valid excuse to use it!

Providing a gift you're making gives you the chance to enjoy the time spent creating it. Using your creative side is really a good thing, and it can give us a great mental boost. On top of that, you're honing a skill that can prove to be very useful the more you practice!