Gift Giving This Holiday Season Can Be More Meaningful AND Less Expensive:
Our ailing economy has many people worried about spending too much money this year on store bought presents. But little things pop up. Gifts for the teacher, unexpected guests, co-workers and friends. You would love to show them that you care, but you also feel you should be scaling back… what to do?
Why don’t you save money by making some of your Christmas gifts! This is a significant trend according to a couple of news articles I read just this morning:
1) Tough Times Have Some Making Presents:
Karen Lovett, Merrimack News, December 11, 2008
The article is about scaling back and putting the focus more on family than on shopping by having a homemade Christmas. “I’m sticking to what my family wants and needs,” Kehoe said. “I’m not going to be waiting so long in lines, spending too much and worrying about how to pay for it. This, to me, is so much more relaxing, and it’s fun. The fun is back in Christmas.”
2) More People Are Making Do By Making Their Holiday Gifts:
Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, December 13, 2008
This article discusses how the spiraling economy has caused many to make their gifts instead of purchasing them this year. And as a result, craft supply sales have seen a surge in sales rather than a decline. “I think people are making more gifts. It’s cheaper to make gifts than to purchase them,” said Dennis Seguin, manager of a Michaels crafts store. “I think a lot of people are going to give handmade gifts this year.”
I have been making Christmas gifts for a long time now, and understand the savings you can get when making gifts rather than purchasing them. I also understand that handmade gifts can bring a deeper meaning and value to the recipient than something purchased just for the sake of finishing the list. Here is a link to one of my recent articles on the subject: Why Make Polymer Clay Beads and Jewelry?
Being the 13th of December, I know it’s getting down to the wire for making presents, but there are still plenty of last minute gift ideas to consider. In tomorrow’s post I will be listing some simple, cheap and easy-to-make items, that are perfect for last minute projects.
So if you still need some gifts for the teacher, the mailman, your neighbor or your girlfriend, then be sure to read tomorrow’s post (December 14th, 2008).
And by the way, if you have any last minute gift ideas that you like to make, please leave a comment below and share with us your Christmas crafty secrets!
Hi Cindy.
My plan is to make gifts for many occasions this next year. The economy is a factor but not the major one. I think handmade gifts are actually more personal because they represent more thought and loving care than purchased ones can convey.
Is the picture an item you made?
MJ
Cindy I’ve been making home made gifts since my son was 9 months old. He is 39 now! I have always been into crafts, I started out sewing then I started painting pictures (oils, then acrylics). Fell in love with crewel work. My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet. Started a small company when the kids were older making country wooden items in the 70s. Then along came companies that made the same except cheaper and cheaply made. Anyway my family always loved handmade gifts. I hope that the economy will bring back that special meaning of someone giving something that they put their personal touch to. I start making gifts in the summer so there will be time for me to enjoy the holidays with my family and not be so stressed out running around looking for that last minute gift. This year for the first time, everyone finally agreed not to bring gifts to the family party for everyone and to just enjoy being with each other, remembering what the true meaning of Christmas is about and play catch up on what has been going on in everyones lives. There is 32 of us so you can imagine all these years all the stress of having something for everyone! I never had to worry , but everyone else did. I’m so happy they’re happy! Well I didn’t mean to rattle I just thought I’d share. Happy Holidays to everyone! And thank you again Cindy for sharing what you know. That is a special gift to me.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for all the info on your site – sure is useful especially when the muse stays away! Got an idea this morning to make wire bookmarks as gifts. I’ve got a bunch of PC beads which I plan to use as dangles. I usually hammer the copper wire bookmark after its made.cheers,saroj
@MJ: I completely agree with you… and no the picture is not of something I made. But I’ll see if can post 1 or 2 pics this week, of Christmas gifts I made this year.
@Mary Ellen: Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! Next year I will make my gifts in the Summer too! It’s nuts trying to finish everything at the end!
@saroj: Thank you!! Those kind of wire bookmarks are beautiful! They will look great with your handmade beads and the people who receive them will love them!
thank you! a great post for the coming holidays
You’re welcome Naama! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!