Why People like Homemade Gifts
In the eighties and nineties, and even the early noughties, it seemed as though homemade gifts took at back seat - it was no longer necessary to spend time making something when it was cheaper to buy. Since the recession has hit, however, crafting has become popular once again, as self-sufficiency becomes the buzzword of the period. There are a number of reasons why homemade crafts make great gifts.
- Can save money
Depending on the cost of the items you need to make your craft, you may well be able to save a lot of money. For example, if you knit a jumper with expensive, designer wool, it may well be more expensive than something you can buy in a shop. However, if cheaper wools are substituted, the savings can be substantial, while the quality is still maintained.
- Quality control
When buying a product, most people will check for quality, but it is still easy to miss things. When you make something yourself, however, you know exactly what to do to ensure that it is of a good quality and will last. Even better, in the case of anything going wrong, you will be able to advise the recipient exactly how to put it right, or fix it for them yourself.
- Different
Even if you are following a set pattern, making something yourself ensure that it will be different from anything anyone else makes, or that can be bought in a shop. If you have someone who is difficult to buy for, perhaps because they already have everything they want, or they are very particular, they will really appreciate something that is homemade and cannot be compared to anything else.
- Can be individualized
When making something yourself, you can alter things to suit the person for whom you are making it. For example, if you are sewing a pajama case for your daughter, you can add heart-shaped sequins or beads if that is what she likes. You can choose colours that will suit someone's home decor or preferences. You can embroider their initials on the item. All these things will make great gifts.
- Comes from the heart
Crafts take time and effort to put together - it isn't something you can do the day before a birthday or Christmas. It therefore means that you have put your energy into creating the gift and the recipient will almost certainly appreciate this. A store-bought gift could be appreciated for a few months and then put away. Something homemade, unless edible, will almost certainly be treasured for much longer.
- Continues a legacy
Whereas at one point in time, crafts were the mainstay of many families' finances, now, it is easy to forgo crafts in preference of buying ready-made goods. As a result, many crafts are disappearing. Continuing to make crafts ensures that at least you, your family, and anyone who receives your gifts are still aware of their legacy and can hopefully spread the word.
Whether you're short of money or just want to give a gift that will be treasured, homemade crafts can be excellent gifts for more or less anyone.
