What if you could only gift people “homemade” items this holiday season? What would those gifts be?
(Ha ha, I know, another holiday post SO soon! Hey, better this than what I’ve been thinking about – how this time of year makes me feel bad about how well I don’t know certain family members, and vice versa.)
As I am bundled up at work today, wearing some finger-less gloves that a friend made me, I’m thinking about what a nice, thoughtful, useful gift that was… and how I’ve used them for years!
And my mind also wandered to “what could I make for someone?” Um… I bake. I can make those fleece cut & tie blankets. Err… I can offer personal training sessions? Ha ha – no one wants that.
Man, I need some skillz! Knitting/crocheting (whatever the difference is) is actually something I’d like to learn! And I could probably stand to try a few other things.
Or, I could just buy items from my talented friends and family! I have a second cousin who makes pens, bowls, jewelry and other items out of wood. My friend Kelly makes beautiful wreaths. And Steven is super duper handy! Hee hee.
I saw it too late but I saw knitted golf club booties (?) and thought that I should have made them for my father-in-law. I bake, can and make bread for gifts. In the past, I’ve knitted (use needles), crocheted (hooks) and sewn gifts. I should offer PT sessions but you are right. No one really wants that!
I think PT sessions is an awesome gift!
Ha ha ha, people are commenting saying they WOULD want those sessions, but I really don’t see anyone I know wanting them from ME. A gym close to them, sure 😉
I’m sad that you say no one wants PT sessions! I would love PT sessions as a gift. I actually put on my wish list this year that I want money for swim lessons and money to take indoor bike trainer classes this winter.
As for homemade gifts, I think it was the first year after I graduated college I had like no money so I did a lot of cross-stitch gifts. It’s actually really easy to follow a cross-stitch pattern and then frame it. So, I can do that. I can bake (by following a recipe, of course) but I can’t sew on my own. I need my mom’s help for that!
I meant no one wants them from me. I am sure lots of people would like money for local lessons, like you are saying! 🙂
I used to do cross stitch when I was a kid! Ha, my grandma still has one of the horrible towels I made! 🙂
I am not really crafty, but one year I got inspired by seeing something on a Christmas card and made a wreath out of cat toys for our front door. It is hilarious. It’s just a regular green wreath from Michael’s, and I tied on some red and green fabric mice and added a bow.
Oh my gosh. That does sound hilarious!
Baking is probably about it for me too or maybe I’d give them a photography session. Those are about my only skills. I don’t have the patience for sowing or knitting, I’ve tried to learn many times but when I’ve already ripped out stitches 3 or 4 times I give up!!
I love making gifts for family and friends! When that extra love and attention goes into making a gift for someone you enjoy, love and care for the outcome is truly unique
I am not crafty, but I do have friend who makes beautiful scarves so I bought a couple and gave them as gifts last year. I always have loved home made gifts…both to give and to receive.
and I would LOVE a personal training session as a gift, especially with you as the trainer, hehe!!!
I like making gifts but only if I think they’ll be something the receiver will enjoy.
I can make those fleece tie blankets too and I have also been making little things for babies with my sewing machine. I’m less skilled with a crochet hook/knitting needles but it’s something I’d love to get better at. Basically, if it isn’t square or rectangle, I can’t make it.
I’m not crafty AT ALL, but a couple of years ago I got on a kick during the holidays and bought almost everything on etsy.
That’s fun! Then the gifts are truly unique! Just gotta make sure you order them in time, right? 🙂
I would love PT sessions! I have zero creativity so I do appreciate handmade / heartfelt gifts…
I would take a work out session!! That is the best gift ever! I can only bake…or make some other food..
I’ve framed photos of mine and given them to friends, but photos that were meaningful to us. I also “made” a family photo calendar (via Shutterfly) for my fam.
I would totally want PT sessions with Kim.
I would NOT be on board with an all homemade holiday season because I am not crafty and it would be unfair to my friends and family.
I do love, however, that my brother and sister-in-law make chutneys and jams and give them to us.
Homemade is the way to go! I love DIY and have definitely gifted my friends and family things I made at home. A few years ago I sewed those glittery no-slip headbands for all my friends and once made homemade nutella for my bestie.
I started transitioning to homemade gifts and “experiences” last year. It’s much more personal and, selfishly, fun for me to do. I try to space out making (knitting, mostly) gifts over the year, so it’s both entertainment for me and preparation for the holidays way in advance.
I’ve also found it’s good for people who have everything already. Like, a few years ago, I gave everyone knitted dishcloths (which I think a lot of people can use) and a bar of nice soap I picked up from a local producer. It was really easy, but I think it seemed thoughtful and creative. Win all around!
Nah, I don’t think that is selfish that you enjoy making people gifts! That is awesome! Especially if you can get them done in advance!!!
And good point about people who have everything they need. I feel like I have been in that spot with most friends and adult family members for a few years. It’s tough! (Well, not as much with friends, lol)