Creating Handmade Holiday Gifts

When I was in grade school, the entire class used to make gifts for our parents and loved ones for the holidays. My grand parents held on to bottle top trees and drawings for years afterwards. As I got older, I made fewer gifts. When money was tight, I made tea breads and home made cookies for a few years. My loved ones still ask when I will make more. I’m an artist, not a baker, but these gifts resonated with everyone.

I often felt bad that I could not buy a gift or that someone would think my drawings were cheap. On the contrary, I believe everyone recognized the thought and effort that went into making gifts rather than buying something in the store. Making gifts, especially drawing something, was also something that I really enjoyed.

Thoughtfulness

Making a gift for someone is both fun and thoughtful. You don’t have to be an artist to make something for someone for the holidays. You could draw a picture, make a song, record a video, write a story, bake some cookies, assemble a hot chocolate kit, or many other creative ideas.

Handmade gifts should reflect thought and consideration. What does the recipient like? What can you make that might…