If you’ve been wanting to get crafty and agree that gift-giving is about the thought and not about how much you spend, why not start making gifts for people? So many people choose to spend a ton of money on gifts for everyone and it’s simply not always the most compelling gift. It’s easier than you think to make a gift yourself and you might be surprised by how much more fun and meaningful it can be. Here are all of the important things to know about creating your own unique gifts:
Learn to Make the Craft You Always Dreamed Of
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew, make pottery or paint. Well now’s your chance to learn and develop your art form. Once you decide what kind of thing you want to make find a way to be trained, practice and polish your skills. You can learn just about anything by watching videos on the internet! You may want to take some lessons or classes to get you started. For example, if you’ve always wanted to blow glass well that requires a lot of equipment and can be quite hazardous! So start out by taking a class and give your creation as a gift. If you decide to stick with it you can work out whether to invest in your own materials.
Think About What’s Most Important to Your Loved Ones Right Now
Families go through phases. Right now our kids are into music so I’m devoting my spare time to practicing the piano so that I can accompany them. Even though I enjoy it it’s a gift for them that I give to nurture their love of music. Don’t just make something for the sake of it, though. Think about what your friends or family are interested in to make sure that the gift you create is relevant. When you surprise them with a handmade gift, something they’re really interested in right now, it’s the best kind of gift. And it’s not just because it was made by you. It’s because you were thinking of their interests.
Packaging. Packaging. Packaging.
Stocking wrapping paper and bows will make it easy to pretty up your packages. And never underestimate how exciting it is to receive a beautifully wrapped box! Get the labels, tags and wrapping to create the overall gift package. These first impressions matter almost as much as what’s underneath the wrapping, so don’t neglect this aspect of the gift experience. We stock plain white or kraft brown wrapping paper and I let the kids paint, color and decorate the outside of the box. Then they add ribbons, stickers and more to make it one-of-a-kind. Or you can buy stationery online, as well as unique wrapping paper and tags.
Make it Personal
For Father’s Day we always give Dad a bucket of car washing supplies. And yes we buy everything but personalizing it makes it a wow gift! Paint his name on the outside of the bucket, embroider the nickname of his car on a microfiber cloth, take the time to personalize any of the tools he uses each weekend. Washing the car will make him smile each time he uses your thoughtful gift. There is nothing better than giving a gift that is personal and unique. And it’s powerful way to transform a regular item into something special. Making it unique and specific to them is the best way to do that.
