I have had it.   I had to go to 15 different stores, line up at 4 AM on “Black Friday” or go online and bid far more than my budget would allow for the hot toy of the year.  I pictured my son’s face while he opening it up.  It would be the picture-perfect moment when at last he would tear open the toy he had begged for all year.  A year has now passed. Now what was that toy? I honestly can’t remember and I’m sure he can’t either.

Now rewind to that same Christmas. I also made him a pillow with his name on it.  I remember carefully selecting the fabrics.  I remember feeling so excited when I found just the right color choices that would coordinate with his bedroom.  Everything that made his room his, I found! I remember the night I put him to bed and ran to my sewing room so excited to get started on my project. I would hope he’d love it as much as I loved making it for him. Watching him elation as he opened that gift was 10 times more gratifying than seeing him set aside the “had-to-have” toy a few short hours later. He was captivated by the pillow, and happy to ask, “Mommy! Mommy! Did you make this for ME?”

The “D-I-Y” phenomenon is here and more and more people are choosing to give handmade gifts to those on their gift-giving lists! So why give handmade this holiday season?

1.Because It’s Cost-Effective
More often than not, you can make something for much less. Of course there are exceptions, but this works well when you have a holiday budget to stick to. I recently made some baby bibs for my nieces and nephews. Can you believe I was able to make 9 of them out of 1 yard of fabric? Talk about a bargain! Another friend of mine made scarfs for all of her girlfriends for their gift exchange. I also like to write down my gift-giving ideas early, and then think of how I can make several of the same gifts for a group of people- such as favorite teachers. In assembly-line fashion, I can purchase all I need at once, lay out my materials, and thrust into the project at hand. Before you know it, I’m finished with something that was not only enjoyable for me to do, but cost very little in relation to purchasing something at a store.   My kids had as much fun helping me and I did making them.

2.Because It Can Be Personalized
When I make a gift for someone, I always keep in mind what is important to them or about them. Whether it’s a name on the gift, remembering their favorite colors, or making something of a sentimental nature, a handmade gift is one way of showing you care. Handmade gifts can be very unique and different. Countless times I’ve been so impressed with those who can create the same project, yet individualize each one to make them special to the one they are giving it to. Whether it’s something that has been knit, sewn, painted, or glued, you can make the right gift for just the right person.

3.Because It Can Become a Treasure
Each time one of my friends has a new baby, all my girlfriends get together and make her a quilt for the baby shower.   One of my most cherished gift was when I received my quilt.  Seeing this reminds me of all the love and dedication to our family.   I can imagine the excitement they must have felt while making it.  Looking back, my heart is filled with thanksgiving as I recognize the time and effort they have put into something so extraordinary.

Do I still purchase gifts for family and friends from the stores? Of course I do. But while acknowledging that making handmade gifts does take more time, for me giving a gift that is handmade is very fulfilling to both the giver and receiver.