There is a good book called “ The Five Love Languages” which I recommend. My husband and I read it together long ago. It turns out that our love languages are very different and this understanding helped us. One of my primary love languages is gift giving. As such, it is hard for me to understand people who say they cannot figure out what to give. My problem is editing my gift giving plans.
This post is approximately 25 days until Christmas. That, in my mind, is enough time to come up with several clever, inexpensive gifts… Homemade gifts… before Christmas. I am taking a stand here and recommending that you consider home made gifts this year. You could save money, and really touch the heart of the recipient all at the same time.
You may assert, and I have heard people say, that they have no artistic talent. This just hurts me to hear, as I believe it to be uniformly false, and one of the worst forms of self talk. I think with the resources that we have these days, Pinterest, magazines, and the internet at large, there are instructions for everything. Pro tip: Search " best DIY gifts". The key is to keep it simple and heartfelt. The other key is to stretch just a little each time, and you will learn more and more. Pretty soon you will be making stained glass windows.
Here are some other keys to making and giving:
- Be kinds to yourself and keep your sense of humor.
- Prepare your time, your workspace, and your supplies before beginning.
- Establish a budget and stick to it.
- Read through all the instructions first !
- Be prepared to goof up and fix things.
- Enjoy the process.
- Consider the pros and cons of doing it yourself, versus together with a supportive friend.
Here are a few ideas for categories of home made or home assembled gifts. You know your own skill set and will be prepared to build on it. You also know your recipient. Trust yourself and move forward.
Made Things:
Wearable Gifts:
- e.g. infinity scarf of some special fabric
- colorful rice filled heat packs with essential oil
- felted wool hats and mittens from shrunken thrift store sweaters
Edible Gifts:
- e.g. flavored salts and sugars
- holiday foods in nice containers, including baked goods in festive ceramics, or treats in exotic jars
- jerky, jam, dried herbs
Assembled Things:
Themed gift baskets and “kits"
- movie night basket with gift cards and popcorn
- bath basket - with oil or fizzy bombs
- garden baskets- with new gloves and seeds
- art basket - with supplies
- cooking themes; Try going by country, i.e. Italian, French, Mexican, Cajun, Japanese, etc.
- knitting or crochet kit
- crafting kit
- fishing kit
- hunting kit
- sports related kits
- workout kit
Don’t worry if your gift is not perfect. Just take care that it reflects the connection between you and the recipient.
Making and giving is a soul growing exercise. Give it a go this year.