Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy – Tips for Handmade Gifts!

We all can tend to feel the rush and pressure of the holiday season, especially when it comes to gift giving. Whether there are budget concerns or just wanting to ease some of the stress, these tips will help you create thoughtful handmade gifts with ease.

While Christmas and the whole holiday season can be a wonderful time of the year, they can also be the cause of a lot of stress and overwhelm for people. Gift giving tends to be a big reason for that.

Even though many of us enjoy shopping for that perfect gift, sometimes it just is not possible to do so for everyone. Between budgets being stretched, time restraints, and difficulty finding something just right, it’s no wonder we feel the pressure mounting. So what do we do about it?

Handmade Gift Giving

Personally, I really enjoy creating many of the gifts that I give to family and friends. Now, this does not mean I only give handmade gifts, or that I can’t or don’t buy presents as well. Instead, it gives me a chance to think about each person, and then try to create something special that is just for them.

Whether you think of yourself as creative or not, you can make fun and thoughtful homemade gifts that people will enjoy. I am going to give you some basic tips that I have used for years to help me create handmade gifts and have fun doing it! Plus, if you are really lost on where to start, I will even give you a “Gift Giving Guide” at the bottom of this post to get you started on some handmade gift ideas.

Don’t forget to pin this post!

Why handmade gifts are the best:

There are so many reasons that people often prefer handmade gifts:

One reason is the time and thought that you can put into the gift itself. It is a great opportunity to really think about who will be receiving the gift and personalize the present for them!

Another reason would be that most handmade gifts are unique. Whether you crochet, paint, craft, or cook, it is impossible to find that exact gift in a store. Presenting someone with a homemade item is special and cannot be replaced.

Finally, handmade gifts can also be really fun to create! Personally, I really enjoy getting to make something special for my friends and family. It is also a great opportunity to use a skill or hobby to show others you care!

Steps for making handmade gifts easy:

The following steps are the ones that I use pretty much every year. I created them out of a desire to not let the anxiety or overwhelm get to me, and I hope they help you with your gift giving!

1. First, decide what you are going to make and how much or many.

Start with your “To Make” list. Include how many and for whom! Personally, I like handwritten lists since it helps me think through everything, but you could totally do this on a notes app on your phone or computer if you want.

However, make a realistic list and stick to it. This helps you keep your focus and be successful. I know it can be distracting to see all of the amazing gift ideas on Pinterest or other sites, so just stick to what you have on your list.

Don’t forget that this process should be a fun way to prepare for the holidays, so try not to overwhelm yourself. Choose projects you enjoy as well as what others will love!

2. Gather & read through patterns, recipes, or tutorials.

In order to make sure you have the time and resources to create your handmade gifts, please make sure to actually read through any directions you might be following to create it!

For example, if it is a recipe, look through the ingredients and supplies lists and the directions. Is it a new crochet, knitting, or sewing pattern? Then read through the notes and supplies sections carefully and make sure you have ALL the supplies and the knowledge you need to be successful. Crafting directions should be looked through very carefully before shopping as well so you know what you are getting into when you get started!

Finally, keep all of the patterns, recipes, or tutorials together. You could use a Pinterest board, a file, or a notes app with links. However you do so, it will help save time and energy when you know exactly where to find them again.

3. Grab supplies in bulk or all at once (when possible).

Next, start looking at what resources you have available. Think about these things: time, budget, materials, tools, shipping time & costs.

Use the above considerations to evaluate what supplies you need to grab on a shopping trip. Also, check what you might already have around your home for materials to use before heading to the store or ordering online. You never know what hidden gem you might have in your home already!

4. Batch make what you can.

Batching your gifts can be an easy way to make the creative process more efficient. It can save you tons of time, and you are able to make more gifts at once! I often use this method when I am whipping up edible presents especially because it is easy to make a double or triple batch of something. However, you can apply this same idea to a crochet project or really any handmade item simply by completing one step at a time but for several items at once.

5. Be realistic with your time.

While this may not sound fun at all, it will actually really make the process more enjoyable for you! Too often, we get overwhelmed because we try to cram too much to do into too little time. Plan to create handmade gifts that you are confident you can actually finish within your timeline.

Instead, try to give yourself a little extra time where you can, just in case something does go wrong. While this may mean you need to give up on trying to make every single thing perfect, that’s okay! Focus instead on creating something meaningful.

6. Have fun!

Giving handmade gifts is supposed to be an opportunity for you to have fun! These steps should help you plan out your gifts and give you a chance to be creative for your family and friends. You could even grab a friend and create your gifts together!

Gift Giving Guide:

Here are some fun handmade gift ideas for you! Use what you would like and enjoy!

Recipes:

–Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

–Brownies in a Jar

–Quick Simple Syrup – especially if you made a peppermint version!

Crafts:

–Ball Ornament of the Year,

–Melt & Pour Soap

Crochet:

–Star of Christmas,

–Mini Homestead Stocking,

–Face Scrubbies,

–Point the Way Beanie

Enjoy!