Christmas in Pictures: The Best Handmade Gift You Can Give

In the past, handmade gifts might have been viewed as being cheap from the point of view of the receiver: similar to opening a beautifully wrapped box only to find a sweater. This mindset has changed drastically over the past few years, with handmade gifts such as scrapbooking projects being preferred over seemingly impersonal gifts like department store gift cards. This year, being thrifty is not only economical; it’s also the ‘in’ thing to do. As the saying goes, ‘it’s the thought that counts’.

That statement has never been more accurate than now. We constantly need to be reminded of the more important things in life, namely our friends and family. Christmas is one of the only times our extended families make the effort to take time out of their busy lives and gather together to celebrate.

Why People Love DIY Gifts

Is is okay to give handmade gifts? The short answer is yes, within reason. You have to put some real thought into the message you’ll be sending somebody by giving a handmade gift, which tend to be very personal and imply that you know the person well.

Remember that you’re not making the best handmade gift for yourself, though you are one of the primary beneficiaries – a completed DIY project will undoubtedly give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Sticking to What You Know

Most of us are guilty of trying to learn a new skill in order to make something truly special, though it often comes back to haunt us in the form of forced pleasantries. Whatever your forte is – photography, macaroni art, digital painting or handicraft – stick to it!

If you’re making something that is more for aesthetic purposes, such as a work of art rather than a practical item the recipient can use regularly, it’s even more important to stick to your strengths and don’t attempt a new skill that you’re still trying to master. The last thing either of you will want is to be stuck looking at that attempted gift for the next twelve months.

Make Something That Only YOU Could Make

It’s often those small personal touches that, when added to something, turns it into the best handmade gift. Most of us would agree that there are probably one or two walls within our homes that could be improved with a customized canvas print or even a hand painted landscape using popular wall art materials.

The beauty of art is that anyone can create it. Adding a splash of color to an area inside a home can really make it pop. Who doesn’t enjoy watching a friend or distant relative try to deconstruct the meaning of our wall art through their own educated best guesses?

If you’re stuck for creative ideas, here’s a great article discussing the many DIY Christmas gifts you’d actually want to receive to help you out.

A simpler solution to a beautiful and personal handmade gift is to create beautiful wall art on glass or canvas from photos or drawings you’ve scanned into your computer. Just choose your photos or scan your drawings, then click here and we’ll take care of the rest. DIY Christmas gifts? Check!