As I'm progressing through this year and trying to come up with more homemade ideas for gifts, I'm facing the question of whether giving people homemade things is OK. Some things that I make, I'm quite happy to give people, especially when it comes to cards...I guess I expect them to end up in the bin after they've sat on shelves and mantlepieces anyway, and they'll be up there with lots of other cards and even hidden behind others, if people don't like them that much (or is it just me that orders cards in such a way ;-)
Here's one I made earlier...my brother-in-laws' first anniversary is today, and I was more than happy to give them this one, and even think it's quite good ;-)
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| Recycle old maps by cutting out shapes from relevant areas |
But when it comes to the actual gift element, I'm finding it more of a challenge. For some reason, giving a child something homemade and creative, rather than an expensive bit of wood carving, or, more likely, a piece of molded mass-created plastic, makes me feel more nervous. Will the parents look at it and shudder, will it automatically end up in the bin?
And gifts for adults are quite a challenge too...I've reverted to making edible things, but even the Piccalilli I made the other day has left me wondering whether it's OK to give as a gift. Having never eaten any before, or made it, it looks colourful, but what if it's disgusting!
I wonder if it's because we're now so used to shop bought stuff, and that ironically there is now a whole (pretty expensive) market for 'homemade' items, that have been made in someone elses home, but have an impressive quality about them. And it's unrealistic to believe that my random attempts will match the quality of the cottage industry's supply of 'homemade' creations.
I think the card is fab, and I always love homemade gifts - it shows someone really cares to take the time & energy to make something for you. Edibles are great too - in this time of excess, we all have too much "stuff" and so things that don't require a new shelf space or extra storage box are often gratefully received in our house. I've taken to plants as great presents, longer lasting than flowers, and you can even plant a few seeds in a pot, tie a ribbon or some raffia around it & give it & handwritten "love me by..." note with the promise of beauty & splendour as the months pass. I'm definitely with you - it's the thought that counts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the link to your blog clare! You've got some great ideas on here and its actually quite motivational!
ReplyDeleteAshton and I had a go and a mostly home made Christmas a year back and were amazed, not only by the creativity we found in ourselves but also the response of family and friends to our little gifts. We focused mainly on home made calenders for the year and some decorated picture frames. Ok, these were very personalized for close family with stories and memories so perhaps easier to do, but looking back I would have done things like this for all the presents we gave if we could have (given a lot more time and a few more prit sticks:).
Home made gifts for me say something about the person giving....and whenever I receive something that has been made specifically for me or us or really thought about, it is always received in the spirit in which I think gifts were meant to be exchanged. - it shouldn't be about the value or the flare but about the reasons behind the giving! Looking back I can remember the gifts that people have made for me or those around me.......i'm afraid to say I can't always say that for all of the others!