Why You Should Make Handmade Gifts This Holiday Season

Take your love of handcraft and combine it with your gift list this holiday season. There are many logical reasons to make gifts handmade instead of buying everything this year. I love making things for my friends and family. There are many reasons why I make handmade items, but these are my favorite reasons why you should join me.

First, it can be cheaper to make something yourself. Many scarves that come out of department stores can shoot up as high as fifty dollars. Knitting the article yourself allows you to spend a fraction of the money on the materials you need to make a scarf. If knitting isn't your thing, look at other items such as baking items. Homemade pumpkin cranberry bread tastes much more delicious than anything store brought, and is sure to warm up a table five times more. If cooking is a little intense for you, make some homemade chocolates instead. Use baker's chocolate and a touch of your favorite holiday taste, such as cinnamon extract: the recipe could not get more simple. I would like to stress that cheaper does not mean poorer quality. For example, the two scarves I have held on to over the years were both knitted: one by my mother, one by my friend. Five years is proof of durability.

Handmade is much more personalized than store bought. Big chain stores do not know your recipients as well as you do. Metal allergies? Make jewelry with sterling silver clasps and charms. You can also save a lot of money and headache this way, because sterling silver or gold plated seems to drive the price of jewelry up. If you plan on knitting, think critically about what color is your recipient's favorite. Yarn comes in so many different shades of colors, you are bound to find one that they will like. Meanwhile, buying one from the local clothing store may force you to choose between only three or four color options. It is also better to make any baked goods when dealing with serious allergies for things such as nuts or gluten, because you control the cooking area and controlling any possible contaminants.

Lastly, handmade is a lot more fun! Department stores are sure to cause headaches, especially during the holiday shopping season. Long lines and price haggling is not my idea of fun, especially when the end result may be only saving a few dollars. Since the item is a lot more unique, your recipients will have more enjoyment wearing something that no one else will own. It also gives you the feeling of completion, and you know exactly the quality and workmanship that went into the piece. So instead of wasting another weekend stuck trying to find a parking spot at the local mall or trying to traverse a crowded department store, consider instead bundling up by the fire and pulling out your yarn.

Really, is there any reason to buy something that you can make? Get more meaning out of gift giving by adding a personal touch. Handmade gifts can be nicer, more unique and specialized, and can cause less of a headache. The choice is yours, but I plan on making some of my gifts this year by hand!