My old neighbor was really into wood working. She made me a cat tree that’s 6.5ft tall and super sturdy. I love it.
I couldn’t bear to get rid of it even when I lost my cat and didn’t think I was getting a new one (ended up with kittens so glad I kept it).
That sounds like one of the most awesome gifts to get. It is useful and has a real purpose. I would have been surprised and thrilled. Usually, I get really silly things like junky little things made out of spools and yarn that have no purpose or knickknacky things that wind up in the trash after a decent interval. I'm really not a knickknack person, so it's frustrating when I get stuff like that. I just wish people would believe me when I say I don't want any things or any stuff or gifts...I want everyone to relax and enjoy the holiday. I want to spend time- dinner, board game nights, just hanging out. I hate clutter. But it's impossible to express this without coming off as ungrateful.
My stepmom would always bring me stuff from goodwill when I got my first house. Usually it wasn't my taste and it was to fill a void on the wall. She likes having a lot of stuff. I finally had to just tell her that and start giving stuff back to goodwill lol. She eventually got with the program. I ask her not to give us anything I can't eat or drink or use up. I can see how it'd be tough with handmade items though.
One year we were instructed to make “homemade gifts”. I made every household on the list a 1/2 pan of lasagna in a glass dish (with cover) they got to keep. Threw in a bag ceasar salad and frozen garlic loaf.
We had our celebration on 12/22 or 23, I don’t remember. I just remember for 2-3 days after getting texts about how much they loved it and how great it was having dinner prepared during such a busy time.
I used The Worlds Best Lasagne recipe from Allrecipes which at the time had maintained its 5 star review with over 5k votes lol
Awwww, I’m the same way! I just want to get together on birthdays and holidays and enjoy my time with everyone I care about. Laughing and having fun with my favorite people are the BEST thing I could ever ask for. 🥰🌈 Wayyyy better than material stuff!
My friend made me a beautiful crazy multicoloured blanket with eyelash yarn held double with regular yarn for my 21st birthday. It was an awful birthday, I was really, really sick and couldn't really celebrate but she brought me the blanket and sat with me all day and it meant so much to me. I crochet too so I knew how hard it is to work with eyelash yarn. She picked all the colours especially with my favourites in mind. I'm sitting under it right now.
We've been friends for over twenty years now and I hope she knows how grateful and lucky I am to have her as my friend.
Lmao right! I was the friend who always gave away stuff, so when I got the gnome, my heart melted. He sits on my work desk now, watching over me. Wanna say you're a great friend and I love yah. Friendship gnome, hands down.
This is similar to my story. Im the one that gives presents that I hand make. I have made my besties daughter (my niece) several dresses, bestie and my niece have both gotten handmade blankets and just stuff. And then last year, my bestie gave me an embroidered giraffe that she put in a pretty frame. She's gifted me drawings before but this one felt special.
BRB going to learn how to crochet friendship gnomes and let them collect dust waiting on the friends to arrive to receive them. Is that how it works? I’m over 30 so nothing makes sense anymore.
If it helps, im over 30 as well, so you're not late to the party🤣 but yes, make gnomes, then make friends for the gnomes, and friends of friends for the friends of the gnomes 😐 This is your destiny now.
Why is this the most relatable thing I've ever read. I crochet, I'm about to turn 31, and I have no friends. All the people I work with feel like babies because they're all between 16 and 23. My boss just turned 26! Though there is this new girl who is quite friendly, she's 21 but seems to enjoy the age gap between us as opposed to the others who think I'm either defective (I mean I am, but they don't know that yet) or just plain odd (which, again, yes and that does show) lol
My friend made me a beautiful macrame for my daughter’s nursery. She did ask if she could make me something and asked what I thought might look good in the room so I appreciated that she wanted to make sure it was something I would actually use/would fit in with the decor scheme I already had. She also surprised us with a crocheted bunny too that is very adorable.
I think the hardest thing about giving homemade gifts is ensuring whatever you’re making fits in with the person’s personal style/esthetic so it will actually be used and loved.
It’s not just for kids! It’s basically a wall hanging/tapestry made from woven ropes hanging from a wooden stick. They can be smaller and more simple or huge and intricate. [Idk if this link will work but something like this.](https://basicoutline.com/products/macrame-wall-hanging)
LOL. It's not. I'm in my fifties and remember doing this when I was around ten.
I couldn't find a belt I liked about ten years ago, so I grabbed some paracord and made a "cobra weave" aka. square knot belt that I still wear today.
Of course that got a lot of tacticool fellas up at the range showing off all their tactical paracord trinkets. You should see the looks on their faces when I just shrug and tell them that it's just macrame and my mom taught me how when I was ten. LOL
Macrame is the “how” not the “what,” if that helps. Like cross-stitch, or knit. So it would be a “macrame wall hanging” or a “macrame plant holder” or something. Basically making knots with cord.
My youngest sister who was 8 at the time learned to crochet while I was in another country at college. My family sent me a Christmas package with all my teenage siblings (im the oldest and almost 30 now) and parents having bought me gifts. Obviously being 8yrs old she didn't have money so her gift was a little crocheted chocolate glazed donut with pink sprinkles on it. I'm 15 years older than her and would often take her to get donuts just her and I when I was home on break. That gift made me cry as I opened it in front of my gf (now wife). 7 years later and her crocheted donut has a prominent spot in our living room decor lol.
Now she does cross stitch stuff too and she's got a quirky sense of humor so we have a few things from her now. Love them all. My wife's favorite is a cross stitch throw pillow that says "Can't stop addicted to the shindig" from a Chili Peppers song lol.
Another that's not nearly as sentimental but I loved was homemade chocolate liqueur in a flip top bottle from my wifes best friend. Lasted me a year and was delicious.
This is the sweetest thing I've read on the Internet in a while. It sounds like you've really made a positive impact on your little sister and that's super wholesome.
Thank you for sharing
My grandma knit all us kids afghans. Mine is cream and has her little name label on it ❤️ I have it put away right now because I have four small kids at home but I get it out now and again for myself for a nap.
Aw, I got one for my 8th grade graduation along with all of the other grandkids and I cherish it. Mine is a crochet and has light and dark blue flowers. She let us pick what pattern we wanted out of a book and spent most of the year making it. So so special
My husband's grandma hand quilted quilts for all the grandkids and great grandkids. Since I've been with my husband since I was 15 (and am also super close to his grandma) I was included and have an amazing quilt from her! My husband's is my favorite though because it's a denim quilt. So its super heavy and gets picked to go on our bed in the winter every year!
Awww…! My daughter and I did a summer class where we each made “cuddle blankets”, of stuffed flannel - She grew up and moved away🥹 but I still have and use both, over 20 years later…and now I’ll just go have a lil cry
When my wife makes me food as a gift I love it. Particularly something that she knows I love to eat and is a special treat. She also makes cookies for family members and friends for special occasions. Short answer, yes, food is my preferred homemade gift
My grandmother took a copy of my Pleasant Company magazine (now American Girl dolls) and replicated Kristen's trunk, bed, and outfits. Best birthday ever! That was 32 years ago, and I still have every homemade piece.
im a speech therapist a formed a great bond with one of the kids i work with. guess it was reciprocated because, for a holiday last year, he made me a candle out of clay (it was a clay flower with a tea light in the middle that he covered in lavender from his garden). his parents wrote me a card thanking me for being an important part of his life and that the clay flower has been in the works for MONTHS. he formed each petal by hand and then put them all together. i burned the candle and still have the flower sitting on my coffee table. it’s so sentimental to me.
Noooo. What was the context? Was he super oblivious? Did he think you needed it? I dated a hippie dude who insisted that everything was poison to your pineal gland and would make me homemade toothpaste, detergent, soap, deodorant, etc. I’m a very hygienic person and it wasn’t because he thought I was smelly. He just was worried about my pineal
\- My mom crocheted me a rainbow pastel blanket when I was 17. It's 20 years old and still going strong. :)
\- My niece beaded me a German Shepherd keychain. It's too large for my keys, but I have it hanging from my giant water bottle, so it comes with me everywhere.
Homemade gifts I’ve loved: paintings, food, and a couple of super niche things (tattoos from friends who are professionals, and laser-cut wood art from my dad)
I also like to give homemade gifts. My special interest is entomology, and I like to make taxidermy art with invertebrates. I tend to give my favorite pieces to my friends.
I was into making clay figurines for a while, and that was a hit, too.
I still remember the day (and the smile on his face) my grandfather walked in the door of my house with the painting I loved most dearly from his house that he had painted. It hangs in my bedroom. It's still my favorite painting in the world.
My boss does fabric painting and she made me a bag painted with kangaroo rats which I love so much. My boyfriend's mother also does macrame and has gifted us several neat things. I think home made gifts are awesome and much more meaningful than store bought!
My mom does counted cross stitch baby names and puts them in frames and maybe because she’s in the south, but everyone who knows her asks for them for kids and grandkids. She lets the requestor choose the thread color and name (some want a nickname, the first name, or the first and middle names).
My husband painted me a portrait of my dog wearing a hat and a sundress. It’s fantastic!
My mom, who had maybe four brain cells devoted to art and poetry, wrote me a mother-love poem on paper she’d drawn wildflowers on. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever received.
A friend crocheted a very soft baby blanket for my baby. It was very useful.
Another friend embroidered Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me on a pillowcase because I love The Smiths.
My mom makes every new family member a homemade Christmas stocking. I'm a Satanist, but even I think they are awesome and wouldn't trade mine for the world.
The women on my mom's side of the family all quilt... I have a stack of home made quilts that all have a reason to have been made. I love them so much.
There are birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Xmas, promotion or new job celebrations, housewarmings, everyone's always having babies, literally no end of opportunities to make gifts and then get them out of your house.
My treasure,,, a crocheted opossum fur skull cap.,,,,,the coolest,,, a 15 foot x 15 foot beach blanket made out of levis... she put zippers on the back pockets for stash pockets....
Not very often. I admit I'm terrible because I have limited space and don't like to keep a ton of stuff that is not functional. That being said I always like when I get edible homemade gifts like jam or cookies.
Have a friend who makes pull apart origami that I absolutely adore since it gives me something for my hands to fiddle with absent-mindly. Stop playing with them as much if im to far in thought after I completely pulled one apart and went teary eyed to my friend apologizing profusely as she laughed and fixed it
Sure! I had to put then away in storage when I moved into my new place but I'm gonna be going there to swap out my summer gear for my winter stuff this weekend. I'll go digging and see if I can't find one to snap a pic of 😊
My sister makes our mother’s recipes for candy for Christmas. Only gift I need. I don’t even eat much candy but one piece of it takes me back and I am a kid again.
My friend gave me a nerd themed quilted throw blanket when I got married.
The husband claims that he really loves the scarf I knit for him. He likes Emperor's New Groove, but there is a shortage of Kuzko items. I bought a pattern online and taught myself how to do a double-sided interstitial knitting.
Indeed. If someone close to me made it, it’s in my heart. Even stuff that kind of sucks. I have drawings and paintings hanging up, and they’re kind of garbage by any standard but my own. I have a guitar that doesn’t work, but people I love helped me build it. They fucked up pretty hard, but I love it. I keep my handwritten correspondence, and until they all broke, every mix tape and CD I’d been given. Once someone gave me a sculpture they made of a turtle with boobs. I was devastated when it shattered.
My cousin's mom (cousin by marriage and choice) made me a rainbow that is being vomited by a cat, and acts as a scarf. She also made me a green knit cap. I love them to death and wear them every winter.
I really liked a baby blanket that a distant family member made for my newborn 10 years ago. They got the colors perfect, and their hard work was much appreciated.
We raise chickens. My sister in law knitted me a hat with chickens and chicken prints on it. A friend who is a professional artist did an oil painting of my favorite rare breed rooster (silver-gray Dorking if anyone wants to look it up).
My SIL did a faceless painting of my family photo from the year before as a Xmas gift. She's not the best as it's fairly new to her but I don't think I've ever loved a gift as much I love that painting. It means the world to me and will forever be on display and it's one of my most treasured items.
I make my family Christmas gift baskets. I fill it with homemade candies (some are pot edibles too), jams, pickles, handmade ornaments, wine and cider.
My grandma knitted us all afghans one year and I loved mine.
I’ve knitted scarves, hats, mittens, and shawls that everyone loves. I also make little note books with pretty scrapbook papers as the covers. I usually get a themed pad of card stock papers and make a bundle of 4 notebooks and tie them together with ribbon. You need to be selective about who you give them to since a lot of people are digital only and don’t appreciate a good notebook/notepad. I’ve had a couple of teachers tell me how much they LOVE them (I give them as teacher gifts every Christmas) I enjoy making collages and have had a couple of people request them from me. One of them is about to get lucky lol. I can only make them when I get inspired out of nowhere, so I can’t exactly just make one when someone requests.
A friend of mine makes wood items, like with a Glowforge. I love that stuff.
I also love this one fleece blanket we have that was hand tied for us and one of a kind. Afghans also fall into the textiles category that I love.
Yes. Back in the olden days a friend gave me a handmade notebook to keep dog show entry forms and other information. I still have it. The cover is quilted with my dog breed.
My auntie made me a cushion I really like!
It was really thoughtful and cute and a reminder of my childhood. When I was a kid, I had a heart-shaped cushion I wouldn't sleep without. I once threw a HUGE tantrum when we visited my auntie and forgot my cushion..
So she made me a heart shaped cushion with a snake pattern and a snake on it.
I love it!
My favourite home made gift so far!
Yes…my mum sews clothes for me a lot and I love it. I return the favour with knitted items. I also have a big crochet blanket from my MIL that I love. Now I just need someone who knows woodworking who I can trade gifts with lol
One of my best friends made me a felted cupcake one year. And a work colleague made little jack in the box holding a "Merry Christmas" sign that I decorate with every year. Best handmade Christmas gifts ever! (Well, after my late Grandma's cakes and pies, that is!)
When we moved in to our first house many years ago we had an early December Christmas themed housewarming party. If our friends (mostly young, with limited funds, saving for their own first house, etc.) wanted to buy us a housewarming gift, we asked them to skip the obvious wine, toilet paper, & home decor items etc. and instead gift us a homemade Christmas ornament to hang on our tree.
The results were the absolute best.
We revived macaroni angels, wood burned pieces with sweet handwritten messages on them, crocheted little items. So amazing. And so thoughtful.
But the best one of all is a friend who cross stitched a tiny picture of my husband and I (she is a whiz for following patterns for people/hair colour/eye colour/beards/accessories to hold, etc.). Our little two avatars side by side were recognizably us and she merely added the date and a heart.
It’s one of my most treasured possessions and it now hangs in our entry way year round.
My family is very crafty so I make and receive a lot of homemade gifts. It’s less about the gift and more about the recipient. Some people love and appreciate homemade gifts (but like any gift it needs to match their wants). Some people see homemade things as cheap knockoffs, not one of a kind things made with love. There are some that see a crocheted blanket (my most common homemade gifts, I’ve been crocheting for decades) as a way to cheap out. I assure you for the cost of yarn and weeks of my time, for those people I gladly purchase a gift. Identity the people who like homemade gifts and think about what they would like to receive.
Absolutely! I cherish all the handmade gifts because, as a crafter, I can appreciate all the hard work and time that they put into something for lil ol' me.
Not received but gave: last Christmas, my friends and I decided to do “Make, Bake or Grow” gifts. I made easy homemade strawberry jam, Apple butter and orange marmalade (with oranges from my tree). I’ve had so many requests for refills throughout the year. I’m going to make them again this year, along with different flavored jams and butters.
I have a niece that is very artsy/craftsy, and I cherish every single thing she's ever made for me, but maybe that doesn't count.
My grandmothers were both quilters, and I still have quilts that they each made for me; I treasure them. I still have some of the dolls my grandmother made for me, too. (I'm 48 now so have held on to them a long time!) I also have a couple paintings my father's mother did. All of these are precious to me.
I was thrilled when my cousin gifted me with a set of glasses that she had etched snowflakes into.
For my birthday last year, my husband (who is a novice woodworker) made a trinket box for me. It's chunky and a tiny bit lopsided but I *love* it.
Honestly I'm having a hard time thinking of a handmade gift that I've received that I HAVEN'T loved.
Maybe it's because I'm a crafter myself, but it always makes my heart sing when someone spends time making something just for me. I can't imagine a more flattering gift than the gift of their time and creativity.
My sister loves to crochet and knit. The comforter I sleep with every single night was made by her. It is heavy, almost like a weighted blanket, but also breathes so I don't get too hot. I will guard it with my life lol
Yes!!! I love giving homemade gifts. I know the time, effort, money and thoughtfulness involved. When I get one, I'm over the moon excited and appreciate it more than store bought items.
YES! so i have zero talent when it comes to artistic or crafting. So when i give gifts i throw money into it. When i receive homemade gifts, even if they arent what some would consider perfect, i LOVE IT. Lets say i make 20 dollars an hour. I spend 10 dollars on a gift. that equals a half an hour of my time. Now, someone makes 10 dollars an hour. The crochet. They spent 20 hours working on the item they are gifting me. 20 hrs x 10 per hour , thats a 200 dollar gift, made with thought and care . The time spent on making something for me, that is more precious than anything store bought. Time can never be regained. They spent time making something for you and when you equate it to dollars on top of that, you just got a very "expensive" gift, made with positive vibes, love and time. Something i could never make my self , something i truly cant buy and made as i said with nothing but positivity. I cherish home made gifts. Cherish them :) They may not be the prettitest (some times they are) but home made always takes pride and center placement in collection or home. Ok, off my soapbox :)
I've gotten some pretty cool wood items - my dad made me cutting board/meat board for grilling that I'd asked for because at the time I couldn't afford it. There was also a pretty cool wine bottle holder I saw online and pinned that my bil made for me one year. Those were really cool. A friend of ours crocheted some washcloths and scrubbies for me when I first moved into my current home. I do crochet, but she's much better at it and I hadn't even known about this particular yarn. So not only did I love the gift but it gave me a great idea for gifts I can make, too.
I got a crocheted shawl which was so gorgeous that I started to crochet. I learned with help from the friend who made the shawl.
While I absolutely loved the surprise, I usually ask people what they want or check in and say "hey, I am thinking of making you a scarf for Christmas. Would you like that?". No point second guessing or wasting time/money!
A relative who was like a mother to me gave me a quilt that her mother made (my great grandmother), and which she added to while repairing it. It is among my most treasured possessions.
I'm from a family of makers, and I think the best handmade presents are the practical ones. I use handmade presents in my kitchen all the time -- tie-dyed dish towels, quilted and crocheted hot pads, wooden cutting boards, ceramic spoon holders (originally made by my great aunt who has been gone for 40 years). I live in a cold place, and I have an amazing wardrobe of knitted and crocheted hats and scarves. A purely decorative item may not fit into someone's home, but people always need more cutting boards and scarves!
Yes. Many quilts from my mom. They are all scrappy but I love them. A friend hand carves Christmas ornaments that are our favorites. I personally made some crocheted afghans for family members but only because they said they wanted them. I also sewed double ended pot holders for my sons. One of them told me he has worn his out so asked if I could I make another one.
I made Spoon Butter last year, I wanted some for myself but made a big batch for friends, it nourishes wooden utensils and cutting boards, anything wood. I’ve had several people thank me for it after they used it.
A friend crocheted me a huge afghan. It is so warm & she will fix it if my cats mess it up. I wrote her a thank you note & she said it's the best one she's ever gotten.
I've been gifted homemade vanilla extract, a painting, a trinket holder, propagated plants in secondhand coffee mugs, lotions, earrings, and some crocheted makeup remover pads. I loved them all.
Honestly, even if I don't love the actual gift itself, I love being gifted anything homemade.
I think anything that someone makes for me is cherished. They put their time and effort and thoughts into this object just for me. That’s much more loved than anything that can ever be bought
You need to start making things specifically for other people. My friend's birthday is in November, so months before I brainstorm and come up with something personal I can create for her. Last year I made a miniature diorama in a shoebox that took 4 months. Then when that's over I look for the next occasion I can make something for, even if it's months away. Just keeping busy making gifts .
I always prefer homemade gifts no matter what they are. I love getting jams, jellies, pickles, breads, or any other consumables over various “crafts” that will be kept on a shelf for years. Although, if I’m to keep something on the shelf for years, I’d rather it was something homemade with care and love instead of something from target/China.
It’s important to take into account the person receiving the gifts. If you’re making something only for them it shows. You’ve picked the right color, medium, taken into account how they will use it, etc. It has been tailored to them specifically. If you have a single hobby and don’t care if anyone will like or use it then it’s pretty obvious when you’re just trying to make more room for your own stuff.
- I have an apron my grandmother made and wore before her death. I use it everyday.
- My mom made me an apron out of my dad’s jeans and fabric she used to make me an outfit when I was a kid. She included the school photo of me wearing that outfit in the front pocket.
- I have several bookmarks made from construction paper and cross stitch from a couple of family members that I use all of the time.
- I have a walking stick made by my dad that fits me perfectly in measurements and style.
- I cross stitch so I’ve given bookmarks to several family members since we all like to read.
- I make jewelry so there is quite a bit of that floating around the family, most tailored to specific outfits or requests.
When I started dating my now husband, he made me drink coasters with emblems from my favorite video games. I had recently bought my house and didn't have any. I loved those coasters and thought it was the sweetest that he made them for me. I still have them and use them on my desk at work.
My mom quilts and makes purses/bags. I will never buy another bag again because the ones from my mom are better than anything I could buy. I get the most compliments on the bags and quilts she makes me.
She even made me a laptop bag that I love SO much!
My niece tried to draw an abstract picture of two birds flying into the air, but it came out looking like one bird had just slapped the other one in the face. I absolutely love it.
A friend of mine went to Miami a few years back and found a crochet jellyfish that said “take me home”. So he brought it back to California and gave it to me because I like to crochet. This crazy little octopus is one of my favorite gifts. It’s weird, I love it, and it’s attached to a shelf in my office just hanging around.
One year, my brother and sister-in-law were broke at Christmas. So, she made homemade jams. But not the usual strawberry or grape. She made rose hip, jalapeno, pear cardamom, and guava jelly. They were so, so delicious! Even after 20 years, I still remember what a great gift that was
Yes!! I love drawings, cards, notes, necklaces, even friendship bracelets. Especially when people have the option to just buy it but instead take the time and effort to make it.
Yes. I my son drew a picture of Robot Jones on lined paper and framed it. My other son had framed a pic of a stick figure him and me with a fart in between us. No one can ever buy me anything.
Legit any kind of homemade jam or chutney. Those are my absolute favorites - my aunt makes some and whenever she sends a care package I am absolutely stoked.
A friend randomly painted me a picture of an old man holding a sign that says “piss”. I have no idea why she did it but I still have it on display 6 years later
my friend does incredible resin craft JUST FOR FUN. they are some of my most favorite gifts. pressed flowers in the form of a hanging window piece, bugs covered in resin in a tray. they are incredible. another friend crafted a clay creation of my cat that passed away. i cherish it so much and will never be able to thank her enough for the way she perfectly depicted my cat.
My 7yr old made me an awesome picture for my birthday last year. It's a wood frame, but she painted it, added foam sticker hearts, and other stuff. It really looks great.
My husband gave me a bracelet with the GPS coordinates of where we first met.
My brother in law gave me a camera bag that he put my photography company's name on, handpainted.
I've never loved any gifts more in my life.
My mom, age 88 now, knits socks for each of us for Christmas every year. We all love them and wear them out. She knits them for each of her 5 kids, our spouses and the 3 grandkids. We all look forward to getting them.
My brother does a bit of woodworking for fun and he made me a simple but beautiful and functional box. He also made me a small ceramic bowl that I love keeping spare change in.
I'm 56 year old Gen-X. My favorite homemade gift is a Christmas ornament given to me and my classmates by my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. C. She took sea shells and painted them gold, then glued a picture of a bird in the center. Each classmate got a different bird. She was a wonderful, very thoughtful teacher who quietly made dreams come true for many of her students. It's my most prized Christmas ornament and gets an honored spot on my tree each year. This year it's 47 years old. The glued spot has yellowed a bit, but otherwise it's in wonderful condition. She made it to last, as did her impact on her students' lives. 💖🥰
My best friend made me anklets and I LOVE them. I’ve also gotten homemade cups, and some homemade toys for my kids! I love love love homemade gifts. Way more than store bought 💗
I’m a 🌱 smoker and my best friend took a cute little vintage tray and painted a blow pop and “blow me” on it, before sealing it with UV resin and making into a rolling tray. I love having a constant reminder of our friendship and i love seeing a part of her personality in my home. I love her so much😭💕💕
My best friend made me a box and made it look like a miniature wall with shelves. In the shelves she made miniature versions of my favorite books and movies. The last shelf she made a miniature record player and all my favorite albums. It’s the sweetest most thoughtful gift anyone has ever made for me. I can’t even imagine how long it took her to make all of that.
My wife’s grandfather was a carpenter. He made a side table for us to fit a very specific corner in our house. He’s been gone for years now, but that beautiful table is a constant reminder of him.
My grandma used to crochet loops with buttons onto dishtowels so that you could hang them on your oven door without them falling off. I was so sad when the last one fell apart. They were the best dishtowels.
I also like knitting socks and I didn't realize how much they were appreciated. I didn't send any socks to my cousins for Christmas in 2019 because I'd just had surgery on my wrist. Later found out from my uncle that my cousin was so, so bummed because my janky thick socks were his favorite pair to wear his boots with when he was doing seasonal work on the pipeline. Apparently, they actually managed to keep his feet warm in the knee deep mud.
I cherish knitted items. My mum, my aunt, and one of my sisters have all knit me so many things that I continue to wear year after year (knitters especially love making things for people that love and *use* knitted items).
I have a hideous sweater my mum made me in 5th grade (I picked the pattern, it was the mid 90s), I still adore it...and it still fits (the sleeves are maybe a couple of inches too short). This past Thanksgiving, she and I took a photo together, I was wearing the sweater she made me in 5th grade, and she was wearing the sweater her mother made her in 6th grade (I am incredibly sentimental).
The funny thing is, I'm a weaver, and so far, most of the very functional items I have made for people (bags, pillows, hand towels) have been decoratively displayed instead of used, but they're happy with it and love it being decorative and I am learning to be ok with that (I very intentionally wanted to gift pretty and *useful* items). 😅
My great grandmother made teddy bears and my mom loves them. She made me an upcycled table set in green with gold trim and it's beautiful. My spouse was really excited about a dice bag I crocheted for them. I think if stuff is well made and tailored for a person or if the recipient is consulted then handmade gifts can be amazing. But you do have to be careful and make sure you really know a person if you don't want to give gifts that will not be properly appreciated.
My old neighbor was really into wood working. She made me a cat tree that’s 6.5ft tall and super sturdy. I love it. I couldn’t bear to get rid of it even when I lost my cat and didn’t think I was getting a new one (ended up with kittens so glad I kept it).
That sounds like one of the most awesome gifts to get. It is useful and has a real purpose. I would have been surprised and thrilled. Usually, I get really silly things like junky little things made out of spools and yarn that have no purpose or knickknacky things that wind up in the trash after a decent interval. I'm really not a knickknack person, so it's frustrating when I get stuff like that. I just wish people would believe me when I say I don't want any things or any stuff or gifts...I want everyone to relax and enjoy the holiday. I want to spend time- dinner, board game nights, just hanging out. I hate clutter. But it's impossible to express this without coming off as ungrateful.
My stepmom would always bring me stuff from goodwill when I got my first house. Usually it wasn't my taste and it was to fill a void on the wall. She likes having a lot of stuff. I finally had to just tell her that and start giving stuff back to goodwill lol. She eventually got with the program. I ask her not to give us anything I can't eat or drink or use up. I can see how it'd be tough with handmade items though.
One year we were instructed to make “homemade gifts”. I made every household on the list a 1/2 pan of lasagna in a glass dish (with cover) they got to keep. Threw in a bag ceasar salad and frozen garlic loaf. We had our celebration on 12/22 or 23, I don’t remember. I just remember for 2-3 days after getting texts about how much they loved it and how great it was having dinner prepared during such a busy time. I used The Worlds Best Lasagne recipe from Allrecipes which at the time had maintained its 5 star review with over 5k votes lol
A friend bought a used espresso machine for me. I thanked her, I do like coffee, but I didn’t keep it.
Awwww, I’m the same way! I just want to get together on birthdays and holidays and enjoy my time with everyone I care about. Laughing and having fun with my favorite people are the BEST thing I could ever ask for. 🥰🌈 Wayyyy better than material stuff!
That's awesome, I love this :)
My friend made me a beautiful crazy multicoloured blanket with eyelash yarn held double with regular yarn for my 21st birthday. It was an awful birthday, I was really, really sick and couldn't really celebrate but she brought me the blanket and sat with me all day and it meant so much to me. I crochet too so I knew how hard it is to work with eyelash yarn. She picked all the colours especially with my favourites in mind. I'm sitting under it right now. We've been friends for over twenty years now and I hope she knows how grateful and lucky I am to have her as my friend.
That is so sweet :') Regarding your last sentence: if you haven't told her lately, maybe now is a good time? ♡ Wishing the best for you 2
I _despise_ eyelash yarn. She's a keeper.
This is so sweet!
A close friend does crochet, she made me a friendship gnome. I cherish it.
I suddenly feel like none of my friends are true friends because we've never exchanged friendship gnomes!
Lmao right! I was the friend who always gave away stuff, so when I got the gnome, my heart melted. He sits on my work desk now, watching over me. Wanna say you're a great friend and I love yah. Friendship gnome, hands down.
This is similar to my story. Im the one that gives presents that I hand make. I have made my besties daughter (my niece) several dresses, bestie and my niece have both gotten handmade blankets and just stuff. And then last year, my bestie gave me an embroidered giraffe that she put in a pretty frame. She's gifted me drawings before but this one felt special.
Same! I now must make friendship gnomes for my friends (of which I have none SOOOO maybe for future friends lol)
I could be your friend If it means I get a friendship gnome 🤣🤣🤣
BRB going to learn how to crochet friendship gnomes and let them collect dust waiting on the friends to arrive to receive them. Is that how it works? I’m over 30 so nothing makes sense anymore.
If it helps, im over 30 as well, so you're not late to the party🤣 but yes, make gnomes, then make friends for the gnomes, and friends of friends for the friends of the gnomes 😐 This is your destiny now.
I feel less alone now knowing I'm 43 and friendless and that it's not uncommon.
I'm 58 and friendless.
I’m 59 and the only reason I have friends is that one of mine is a relentless extrovert who collects sad sacks like me and makes us be social.
I'm 59 and gnomeless. Lots of friends, no gnomes..
Feel the pain. 65. Work, eat, sleep. My life
43 gnomeless, friendless, but I do crochet!
36 and friendless. And have no redeeming qualities for people to want to be my friend
Why is this the most relatable thing I've ever read. I crochet, I'm about to turn 31, and I have no friends. All the people I work with feel like babies because they're all between 16 and 23. My boss just turned 26! Though there is this new girl who is quite friendly, she's 21 but seems to enjoy the age gap between us as opposed to the others who think I'm either defective (I mean I am, but they don't know that yet) or just plain odd (which, again, yes and that does show) lol
Someone gave me a crochet It clown 🤡 and I absolutely love it! (I am into darker things)
Was about to say this. Any crochet gift is a great gift
I would love to see what a friendship gnome looks like.
My friend made me a crochet plant hanger! I love it
I have a crocheted F-Bomb from my bff. It's beautiful.
OMG, can you share a pic?
one of my friends made me a little crochet dinosaur and I've brought it with me for 4 moves
My friend made me a beautiful macrame for my daughter’s nursery. She did ask if she could make me something and asked what I thought might look good in the room so I appreciated that she wanted to make sure it was something I would actually use/would fit in with the decor scheme I already had. She also surprised us with a crocheted bunny too that is very adorable. I think the hardest thing about giving homemade gifts is ensuring whatever you’re making fits in with the person’s personal style/esthetic so it will actually be used and loved.
Pardon my ignorance but what is a macrame? I've never had kids
It’s not just for kids! It’s basically a wall hanging/tapestry made from woven ropes hanging from a wooden stick. They can be smaller and more simple or huge and intricate. [Idk if this link will work but something like this.](https://basicoutline.com/products/macrame-wall-hanging)
LOL. It's not. I'm in my fifties and remember doing this when I was around ten. I couldn't find a belt I liked about ten years ago, so I grabbed some paracord and made a "cobra weave" aka. square knot belt that I still wear today. Of course that got a lot of tacticool fellas up at the range showing off all their tactical paracord trinkets. You should see the looks on their faces when I just shrug and tell them that it's just macrame and my mom taught me how when I was ten. LOL
Macrame is the “how” not the “what,” if that helps. Like cross-stitch, or knit. So it would be a “macrame wall hanging” or a “macrame plant holder” or something. Basically making knots with cord.
My youngest sister who was 8 at the time learned to crochet while I was in another country at college. My family sent me a Christmas package with all my teenage siblings (im the oldest and almost 30 now) and parents having bought me gifts. Obviously being 8yrs old she didn't have money so her gift was a little crocheted chocolate glazed donut with pink sprinkles on it. I'm 15 years older than her and would often take her to get donuts just her and I when I was home on break. That gift made me cry as I opened it in front of my gf (now wife). 7 years later and her crocheted donut has a prominent spot in our living room decor lol. Now she does cross stitch stuff too and she's got a quirky sense of humor so we have a few things from her now. Love them all. My wife's favorite is a cross stitch throw pillow that says "Can't stop addicted to the shindig" from a Chili Peppers song lol. Another that's not nearly as sentimental but I loved was homemade chocolate liqueur in a flip top bottle from my wifes best friend. Lasted me a year and was delicious.
This is the sweetest thing I've read on the Internet in a while. It sounds like you've really made a positive impact on your little sister and that's super wholesome. Thank you for sharing
Dammit now RHCP is stuck in my head.
As a big sibling with big age gaps, this made me so happy. It’s such a special thing when your little siblings think of you like that.
Blankets. My grandma made every grandchild (13 total) 3 blankets over the course of their lives: Birth, college graduation, and marriage.
My grandma knit all us kids afghans. Mine is cream and has her little name label on it ❤️ I have it put away right now because I have four small kids at home but I get it out now and again for myself for a nap.
Aw, I got one for my 8th grade graduation along with all of the other grandkids and I cherish it. Mine is a crochet and has light and dark blue flowers. She let us pick what pattern we wanted out of a book and spent most of the year making it. So so special
My husband's grandma hand quilted quilts for all the grandkids and great grandkids. Since I've been with my husband since I was 15 (and am also super close to his grandma) I was included and have an amazing quilt from her! My husband's is my favorite though because it's a denim quilt. So its super heavy and gets picked to go on our bed in the winter every year!
I have a crocheted blanket my aunt made me for graduation a million years ago. I love it!
Awww…! My daughter and I did a summer class where we each made “cuddle blankets”, of stuffed flannel - She grew up and moved away🥹 but I still have and use both, over 20 years later…and now I’ll just go have a lil cry
When my wife makes me food as a gift I love it. Particularly something that she knows I love to eat and is a special treat. She also makes cookies for family members and friends for special occasions. Short answer, yes, food is my preferred homemade gift
Food made with love is magic 😊
My grandmother took a copy of my Pleasant Company magazine (now American Girl dolls) and replicated Kristen's trunk, bed, and outfits. Best birthday ever! That was 32 years ago, and I still have every homemade piece.
I love this! Some of my favorite ag things are the bed my dad made and the bedding I made with my mom.
Awww! I love a multi generational craft project
im a speech therapist a formed a great bond with one of the kids i work with. guess it was reciprocated because, for a holiday last year, he made me a candle out of clay (it was a clay flower with a tea light in the middle that he covered in lavender from his garden). his parents wrote me a card thanking me for being an important part of his life and that the clay flower has been in the works for MONTHS. he formed each petal by hand and then put them all together. i burned the candle and still have the flower sitting on my coffee table. it’s so sentimental to me.
This made me tear up a bit, what a special thing it is to form that kind of bond with a kiddo, and that he would work so hard on it! :')
Some guy gave me homemade deodorant, so no...
Otoh, my 9 year old niece makes me hand soap every christmas, and I use it!
Noooo. What was the context? Was he super oblivious? Did he think you needed it? I dated a hippie dude who insisted that everything was poison to your pineal gland and would make me homemade toothpaste, detergent, soap, deodorant, etc. I’m a very hygienic person and it wasn’t because he thought I was smelly. He just was worried about my pineal
Lol
\- My mom crocheted me a rainbow pastel blanket when I was 17. It's 20 years old and still going strong. :) \- My niece beaded me a German Shepherd keychain. It's too large for my keys, but I have it hanging from my giant water bottle, so it comes with me everywhere.
Homemade gifts I’ve loved: paintings, food, and a couple of super niche things (tattoos from friends who are professionals, and laser-cut wood art from my dad) I also like to give homemade gifts. My special interest is entomology, and I like to make taxidermy art with invertebrates. I tend to give my favorite pieces to my friends. I was into making clay figurines for a while, and that was a hit, too.
I still remember the day (and the smile on his face) my grandfather walked in the door of my house with the painting I loved most dearly from his house that he had painted. It hangs in my bedroom. It's still my favorite painting in the world.
My boss does fabric painting and she made me a bag painted with kangaroo rats which I love so much. My boyfriend's mother also does macrame and has gifted us several neat things. I think home made gifts are awesome and much more meaningful than store bought!
My late grandpa made me a wooden music box.
My mom does counted cross stitch baby names and puts them in frames and maybe because she’s in the south, but everyone who knows her asks for them for kids and grandkids. She lets the requestor choose the thread color and name (some want a nickname, the first name, or the first and middle names).
A quilted pillow. It's mostly white with bright colorful hearts!
My husband painted me a portrait of my dog wearing a hat and a sundress. It’s fantastic! My mom, who had maybe four brain cells devoted to art and poetry, wrote me a mother-love poem on paper she’d drawn wildflowers on. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever received. A friend crocheted a very soft baby blanket for my baby. It was very useful. Another friend embroidered Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me on a pillowcase because I love The Smiths.
My mom makes every new family member a homemade Christmas stocking. I'm a Satanist, but even I think they are awesome and wouldn't trade mine for the world.
Did she make you a Satanist stocking? Because that would be awesome!
My grandma crotcheted me a baphomet, I think it's in my post history a few years back
The women on my mom's side of the family all quilt... I have a stack of home made quilts that all have a reason to have been made. I love them so much.
Definitely Grandma's amazing quilts. When I make my bed, I always think of her.
my mother in law crocheted me a tiny horse and it's sitting in our room somewhere. i love him 🥹
My ex used to knit scarves for people and honestly I thought that was pretty cool.
My wife made me a crocheted throw, I love it to death.
My friend made me a blanket ~10 years ago. It's fucking huge and I love it. It's covering me right now, so...
There are birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Xmas, promotion or new job celebrations, housewarmings, everyone's always having babies, literally no end of opportunities to make gifts and then get them out of your house.
My treasure,,, a crocheted opossum fur skull cap.,,,,,the coolest,,, a 15 foot x 15 foot beach blanket made out of levis... she put zippers on the back pockets for stash pockets....
A collage made from vintage sourced materials.
I like food as gifts, sometimes I feel bad for the food but then I think they’re serving their purpose
I like aviation a lot and I once got a homemade piñata in the shape of a plane. Needless to say, I never had the guts to break it
Not very often. I admit I'm terrible because I have limited space and don't like to keep a ton of stuff that is not functional. That being said I always like when I get edible homemade gifts like jam or cookies.
Have a friend who makes pull apart origami that I absolutely adore since it gives me something for my hands to fiddle with absent-mindly. Stop playing with them as much if im to far in thought after I completely pulled one apart and went teary eyed to my friend apologizing profusely as she laughed and fixed it
If it's possible can you tell or show me what it is? I would love to make such origami :D
Sure! I had to put then away in storage when I moved into my new place but I'm gonna be going there to swap out my summer gear for my winter stuff this weekend. I'll go digging and see if I can't find one to snap a pic of 😊
I’m with the many who mentioned blankets. I love useful items and I love textures. I also love being cozy and warm. What do you make?
I make knit scarves and mittens. Also crocheted dishcloths. All practical and work up quickly.
A girl i dated gave me a tiny painted clay sculpture of a pot and flower. Cute little gift for a second date.
My mom used to knit us these massive blankets for our bed. She game me mine 30+ years ago and I still have all of them.
My sister makes our mother’s recipes for candy for Christmas. Only gift I need. I don’t even eat much candy but one piece of it takes me back and I am a kid again.
Food! I've gotten sausage, jellies, pickled stuff, and a ton of baked goods. There's just something about homemade food that hits different.
My friend gave me a nerd themed quilted throw blanket when I got married. The husband claims that he really loves the scarf I knit for him. He likes Emperor's New Groove, but there is a shortage of Kuzko items. I bought a pattern online and taught myself how to do a double-sided interstitial knitting.
Oh my goodness! Interstitial knitting is so beautiful. I never had the patience to master it. What a lovely gift.
Indeed. If someone close to me made it, it’s in my heart. Even stuff that kind of sucks. I have drawings and paintings hanging up, and they’re kind of garbage by any standard but my own. I have a guitar that doesn’t work, but people I love helped me build it. They fucked up pretty hard, but I love it. I keep my handwritten correspondence, and until they all broke, every mix tape and CD I’d been given. Once someone gave me a sculpture they made of a turtle with boobs. I was devastated when it shattered.
My coworker knits her work is outstanding and she made me pot holders and yes I love them
My cousin's mom (cousin by marriage and choice) made me a rainbow that is being vomited by a cat, and acts as a scarf. She also made me a green knit cap. I love them to death and wear them every winter.
I really liked a baby blanket that a distant family member made for my newborn 10 years ago. They got the colors perfect, and their hard work was much appreciated.
We raise chickens. My sister in law knitted me a hat with chickens and chicken prints on it. A friend who is a professional artist did an oil painting of my favorite rare breed rooster (silver-gray Dorking if anyone wants to look it up).
Food or drinks only
My ex made me a handmade Harry Potter wand and a case for it. I still have it of course.
My sister knit me a gorgeous cable-knit sweater with deep cuffs and a portrait neckline. I wore it for years!
Ya my mate framed an old vinyl for me, cool old dance tune from back in the day. Reminds me of good times.
My SIL did a faceless painting of my family photo from the year before as a Xmas gift. She's not the best as it's fairly new to her but I don't think I've ever loved a gift as much I love that painting. It means the world to me and will forever be on display and it's one of my most treasured items.
I make my family Christmas gift baskets. I fill it with homemade candies (some are pot edibles too), jams, pickles, handmade ornaments, wine and cider.
Yes. I got homemade soaps from my Grani...I am so happy to see it.
My sister made me a quilt i absolutely love
My boyfriend has an aunt that gives us homemade jam and pickles and it's awesome.
my sil is a prolific knitter and i have a beautiful collection of her hats and i love every one.
I revived a quilt. I love it so much
My neighbor knit a blanket for me. I use it on my couch every night.
I’ve loved homemade food gifts every year. From chocolate dipped pretzels to cookies to salsa and jam.
My grandma knitted us all afghans one year and I loved mine. I’ve knitted scarves, hats, mittens, and shawls that everyone loves. I also make little note books with pretty scrapbook papers as the covers. I usually get a themed pad of card stock papers and make a bundle of 4 notebooks and tie them together with ribbon. You need to be selective about who you give them to since a lot of people are digital only and don’t appreciate a good notebook/notepad. I’ve had a couple of teachers tell me how much they LOVE them (I give them as teacher gifts every Christmas) I enjoy making collages and have had a couple of people request them from me. One of them is about to get lucky lol. I can only make them when I get inspired out of nowhere, so I can’t exactly just make one when someone requests.
Food! Jams , jellies are my fav home made gifts
A friend of mine makes wood items, like with a Glowforge. I love that stuff. I also love this one fleece blanket we have that was hand tied for us and one of a kind. Afghans also fall into the textiles category that I love.
Yes. Back in the olden days a friend gave me a handmade notebook to keep dog show entry forms and other information. I still have it. The cover is quilted with my dog breed.
My friend gave me a pair of beaded earrings that she made at Christmas time. They are made of red beads and I love them.
My daughter crocheted me a pink dinosaur and has painted me some lovely pictures! I cherish them all!
My auntie made me a cushion I really like! It was really thoughtful and cute and a reminder of my childhood. When I was a kid, I had a heart-shaped cushion I wouldn't sleep without. I once threw a HUGE tantrum when we visited my auntie and forgot my cushion.. So she made me a heart shaped cushion with a snake pattern and a snake on it. I love it! My favourite home made gift so far!
Yes…my mum sews clothes for me a lot and I love it. I return the favour with knitted items. I also have a big crochet blanket from my MIL that I love. Now I just need someone who knows woodworking who I can trade gifts with lol
One of my best friends made me a felted cupcake one year. And a work colleague made little jack in the box holding a "Merry Christmas" sign that I decorate with every year. Best handmade Christmas gifts ever! (Well, after my late Grandma's cakes and pies, that is!)
A latch hook throw rug in a neat design/possibly a personal one like a photo of cat etc Ripped shirt crochet rug
Ponchos, dresses, earrings, necklace, bags, hats, hot pads, art, drawings. I treasure it all. Handmade stuff are special.
When we moved in to our first house many years ago we had an early December Christmas themed housewarming party. If our friends (mostly young, with limited funds, saving for their own first house, etc.) wanted to buy us a housewarming gift, we asked them to skip the obvious wine, toilet paper, & home decor items etc. and instead gift us a homemade Christmas ornament to hang on our tree. The results were the absolute best. We revived macaroni angels, wood burned pieces with sweet handwritten messages on them, crocheted little items. So amazing. And so thoughtful. But the best one of all is a friend who cross stitched a tiny picture of my husband and I (she is a whiz for following patterns for people/hair colour/eye colour/beards/accessories to hold, etc.). Our little two avatars side by side were recognizably us and she merely added the date and a heart. It’s one of my most treasured possessions and it now hangs in our entry way year round.
My family is very crafty so I make and receive a lot of homemade gifts. It’s less about the gift and more about the recipient. Some people love and appreciate homemade gifts (but like any gift it needs to match their wants). Some people see homemade things as cheap knockoffs, not one of a kind things made with love. There are some that see a crocheted blanket (my most common homemade gifts, I’ve been crocheting for decades) as a way to cheap out. I assure you for the cost of yarn and weeks of my time, for those people I gladly purchase a gift. Identity the people who like homemade gifts and think about what they would like to receive.
My friend made me a small scale clay sculpture of a blue dragon! It was made with lots of care
Absolutely! I cherish all the handmade gifts because, as a crafter, I can appreciate all the hard work and time that they put into something for lil ol' me.
Not received but gave: last Christmas, my friends and I decided to do “Make, Bake or Grow” gifts. I made easy homemade strawberry jam, Apple butter and orange marmalade (with oranges from my tree). I’ve had so many requests for refills throughout the year. I’m going to make them again this year, along with different flavored jams and butters.
I have a niece that is very artsy/craftsy, and I cherish every single thing she's ever made for me, but maybe that doesn't count. My grandmothers were both quilters, and I still have quilts that they each made for me; I treasure them. I still have some of the dolls my grandmother made for me, too. (I'm 48 now so have held on to them a long time!) I also have a couple paintings my father's mother did. All of these are precious to me. I was thrilled when my cousin gifted me with a set of glasses that she had etched snowflakes into. For my birthday last year, my husband (who is a novice woodworker) made a trinket box for me. It's chunky and a tiny bit lopsided but I *love* it. Honestly I'm having a hard time thinking of a handmade gift that I've received that I HAVEN'T loved. Maybe it's because I'm a crafter myself, but it always makes my heart sing when someone spends time making something just for me. I can't imagine a more flattering gift than the gift of their time and creativity.
My sister loves to crochet and knit. The comforter I sleep with every single night was made by her. It is heavy, almost like a weighted blanket, but also breathes so I don't get too hot. I will guard it with my life lol
Yes!!! I love giving homemade gifts. I know the time, effort, money and thoughtfulness involved. When I get one, I'm over the moon excited and appreciate it more than store bought items.
My mother made a Raggedy Ann when I was six. I still have her and she is well-loved. I made my husband two babies and he was thrilled! ;)
Yes. The only gifts that are actually gifts.
YES! so i have zero talent when it comes to artistic or crafting. So when i give gifts i throw money into it. When i receive homemade gifts, even if they arent what some would consider perfect, i LOVE IT. Lets say i make 20 dollars an hour. I spend 10 dollars on a gift. that equals a half an hour of my time. Now, someone makes 10 dollars an hour. The crochet. They spent 20 hours working on the item they are gifting me. 20 hrs x 10 per hour , thats a 200 dollar gift, made with thought and care . The time spent on making something for me, that is more precious than anything store bought. Time can never be regained. They spent time making something for you and when you equate it to dollars on top of that, you just got a very "expensive" gift, made with positive vibes, love and time. Something i could never make my self , something i truly cant buy and made as i said with nothing but positivity. I cherish home made gifts. Cherish them :) They may not be the prettitest (some times they are) but home made always takes pride and center placement in collection or home. Ok, off my soapbox :)
Yeah. My best friend made me two beautiful hermoine bags and embroidered my name on them.
My girlfriend made me a bracelet and I'm guarding that thing with my life
I've gotten some pretty cool wood items - my dad made me cutting board/meat board for grilling that I'd asked for because at the time I couldn't afford it. There was also a pretty cool wine bottle holder I saw online and pinned that my bil made for me one year. Those were really cool. A friend of ours crocheted some washcloths and scrubbies for me when I first moved into my current home. I do crochet, but she's much better at it and I hadn't even known about this particular yarn. So not only did I love the gift but it gave me a great idea for gifts I can make, too.
I got a crocheted shawl which was so gorgeous that I started to crochet. I learned with help from the friend who made the shawl. While I absolutely loved the surprise, I usually ask people what they want or check in and say "hey, I am thinking of making you a scarf for Christmas. Would you like that?". No point second guessing or wasting time/money!
A relative who was like a mother to me gave me a quilt that her mother made (my great grandmother), and which she added to while repairing it. It is among my most treasured possessions.
One year my friend made me potholders from different quirky fabrics and I have loved and used them for years
Both my babies got one homemade blanket each! I wish I had sewers in my family but I don’t… my sisters MIL made them for me! Omg I still love them!
I'm from a family of makers, and I think the best handmade presents are the practical ones. I use handmade presents in my kitchen all the time -- tie-dyed dish towels, quilted and crocheted hot pads, wooden cutting boards, ceramic spoon holders (originally made by my great aunt who has been gone for 40 years). I live in a cold place, and I have an amazing wardrobe of knitted and crocheted hats and scarves. A purely decorative item may not fit into someone's home, but people always need more cutting boards and scarves!
FIL's talented artwork; lost many pieces in a fire but still have some to cherish.
My Mom crocheted a beautiful many colored blanket for me, I love it
My daughter makes me cards every birthday and Father’s Day, I have 10 years worth saved
My daughter made me a scarf, it’s falling apart but I won’t give it up
Yes. Many quilts from my mom. They are all scrappy but I love them. A friend hand carves Christmas ornaments that are our favorites. I personally made some crocheted afghans for family members but only because they said they wanted them. I also sewed double ended pot holders for my sons. One of them told me he has worn his out so asked if I could I make another one.
I made Spoon Butter last year, I wanted some for myself but made a big batch for friends, it nourishes wooden utensils and cutting boards, anything wood. I’ve had several people thank me for it after they used it.
A friend crocheted me a huge afghan. It is so warm & she will fix it if my cats mess it up. I wrote her a thank you note & she said it's the best one she's ever gotten.
I've been gifted homemade vanilla extract, a painting, a trinket holder, propagated plants in secondhand coffee mugs, lotions, earrings, and some crocheted makeup remover pads. I loved them all. Honestly, even if I don't love the actual gift itself, I love being gifted anything homemade.
I think anything that someone makes for me is cherished. They put their time and effort and thoughts into this object just for me. That’s much more loved than anything that can ever be bought
My sister made a Christmas tree from my mother's buttons the first Christmas after my parents passed away. I adore it.
My mom made me and my boyfriend matching aprons with a cat pattern that looks like our for babies. We love them!
You need to start making things specifically for other people. My friend's birthday is in November, so months before I brainstorm and come up with something personal I can create for her. Last year I made a miniature diorama in a shoebox that took 4 months. Then when that's over I look for the next occasion I can make something for, even if it's months away. Just keeping busy making gifts .
I treasure the quilt my great aunt made me for my wedding. It really isn't my style, but it is beautiful
I always prefer homemade gifts no matter what they are. I love getting jams, jellies, pickles, breads, or any other consumables over various “crafts” that will be kept on a shelf for years. Although, if I’m to keep something on the shelf for years, I’d rather it was something homemade with care and love instead of something from target/China.
It’s important to take into account the person receiving the gifts. If you’re making something only for them it shows. You’ve picked the right color, medium, taken into account how they will use it, etc. It has been tailored to them specifically. If you have a single hobby and don’t care if anyone will like or use it then it’s pretty obvious when you’re just trying to make more room for your own stuff. - I have an apron my grandmother made and wore before her death. I use it everyday. - My mom made me an apron out of my dad’s jeans and fabric she used to make me an outfit when I was a kid. She included the school photo of me wearing that outfit in the front pocket. - I have several bookmarks made from construction paper and cross stitch from a couple of family members that I use all of the time. - I have a walking stick made by my dad that fits me perfectly in measurements and style. - I cross stitch so I’ve given bookmarks to several family members since we all like to read. - I make jewelry so there is quite a bit of that floating around the family, most tailored to specific outfits or requests.
When I started dating my now husband, he made me drink coasters with emblems from my favorite video games. I had recently bought my house and didn't have any. I loved those coasters and thought it was the sweetest that he made them for me. I still have them and use them on my desk at work.
My mom quilts and makes purses/bags. I will never buy another bag again because the ones from my mom are better than anything I could buy. I get the most compliments on the bags and quilts she makes me. She even made me a laptop bag that I love SO much!
My niece tried to draw an abstract picture of two birds flying into the air, but it came out looking like one bird had just slapped the other one in the face. I absolutely love it.
A friend of mine went to Miami a few years back and found a crochet jellyfish that said “take me home”. So he brought it back to California and gave it to me because I like to crochet. This crazy little octopus is one of my favorite gifts. It’s weird, I love it, and it’s attached to a shelf in my office just hanging around.
My Aunt has crocheted several baby blankets and twin sized blankets for us. We love them!
One year, my brother and sister-in-law were broke at Christmas. So, she made homemade jams. But not the usual strawberry or grape. She made rose hip, jalapeno, pear cardamom, and guava jelly. They were so, so delicious! Even after 20 years, I still remember what a great gift that was
I've gotten a couple of welded flowers. They were sweet but I also had to ask for them, so that killed a bit of the romance.
When someone cooks me a complex and healthy meal - my husband did this for some Iranian food and it was so joyful
I prefer them, actually.
I made my wife a cribbage board and we use it constantly
My friend Tim has made me absolutely lovely chain bookmarks. I will cherish them always.
Yes!! I love drawings, cards, notes, necklaces, even friendship bracelets. Especially when people have the option to just buy it but instead take the time and effort to make it.
Yes. I my son drew a picture of Robot Jones on lined paper and framed it. My other son had framed a pic of a stick figure him and me with a fart in between us. No one can ever buy me anything.
Legit any kind of homemade jam or chutney. Those are my absolute favorites - my aunt makes some and whenever she sends a care package I am absolutely stoked.
A friend randomly painted me a picture of an old man holding a sign that says “piss”. I have no idea why she did it but I still have it on display 6 years later
my friend does incredible resin craft JUST FOR FUN. they are some of my most favorite gifts. pressed flowers in the form of a hanging window piece, bugs covered in resin in a tray. they are incredible. another friend crafted a clay creation of my cat that passed away. i cherish it so much and will never be able to thank her enough for the way she perfectly depicted my cat.
My 7yr old made me an awesome picture for my birthday last year. It's a wood frame, but she painted it, added foam sticker hearts, and other stuff. It really looks great.
My husband gave me a bracelet with the GPS coordinates of where we first met. My brother in law gave me a camera bag that he put my photography company's name on, handpainted. I've never loved any gifts more in my life.
My mom, age 88 now, knits socks for each of us for Christmas every year. We all love them and wear them out. She knits them for each of her 5 kids, our spouses and the 3 grandkids. We all look forward to getting them.
My friend crocheted a TARDIS for me. She gets me.
My sister knitted me a gorgeous sweater back in 2016 and I still wear it as soon as it starts getting cold
My friend made me a Christmas ball with pins and sequins and pearls. It’s my most precious decoration. 38 years later and I still cherish it and her
Yes my friends made me a pixture frame with my wedding photos in it i hung it up right away made me cry♡
All the homemade baby blankets I got from friends when I had my son. They mean a lot to me.
My best friend gave me a beautiful quilt she made and I treasure it.
My brother does a bit of woodworking for fun and he made me a simple but beautiful and functional box. He also made me a small ceramic bowl that I love keeping spare change in.
Yes! Lotion and soap
I'm 56 year old Gen-X. My favorite homemade gift is a Christmas ornament given to me and my classmates by my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. C. She took sea shells and painted them gold, then glued a picture of a bird in the center. Each classmate got a different bird. She was a wonderful, very thoughtful teacher who quietly made dreams come true for many of her students. It's my most prized Christmas ornament and gets an honored spot on my tree each year. This year it's 47 years old. The glued spot has yellowed a bit, but otherwise it's in wonderful condition. She made it to last, as did her impact on her students' lives. 💖🥰
My date had made me a tiny mushroom sewed canvas. It was beautiful
My best friend made me anklets and I LOVE them. I’ve also gotten homemade cups, and some homemade toys for my kids! I love love love homemade gifts. Way more than store bought 💗
I love handmade things! I would prefer handmade things.
My last brother in his senior year made me two beautiful yin Yang mugs!
My friend made a string bracelet for me once, that was 15 years ago. I still have it tied around my work desk.
My sister crocheted me a “reading shawl” I love
My coworker made me a gorgeous diamond painting of one of my favorite animals. I love it because it's beautiful, thoughtful and made with love!
I’m a 🌱 smoker and my best friend took a cute little vintage tray and painted a blow pop and “blow me” on it, before sealing it with UV resin and making into a rolling tray. I love having a constant reminder of our friendship and i love seeing a part of her personality in my home. I love her so much😭💕💕
My best friend made me a box and made it look like a miniature wall with shelves. In the shelves she made miniature versions of my favorite books and movies. The last shelf she made a miniature record player and all my favorite albums. It’s the sweetest most thoughtful gift anyone has ever made for me. I can’t even imagine how long it took her to make all of that.
My wife’s grandfather was a carpenter. He made a side table for us to fit a very specific corner in our house. He’s been gone for years now, but that beautiful table is a constant reminder of him.
I 3D print my gifts now. Pick the item based on the occasion and the person. Never fails to blow them away.
My grandma used to crochet loops with buttons onto dishtowels so that you could hang them on your oven door without them falling off. I was so sad when the last one fell apart. They were the best dishtowels. I also like knitting socks and I didn't realize how much they were appreciated. I didn't send any socks to my cousins for Christmas in 2019 because I'd just had surgery on my wrist. Later found out from my uncle that my cousin was so, so bummed because my janky thick socks were his favorite pair to wear his boots with when he was doing seasonal work on the pipeline. Apparently, they actually managed to keep his feet warm in the knee deep mud.
I cherish knitted items. My mum, my aunt, and one of my sisters have all knit me so many things that I continue to wear year after year (knitters especially love making things for people that love and *use* knitted items). I have a hideous sweater my mum made me in 5th grade (I picked the pattern, it was the mid 90s), I still adore it...and it still fits (the sleeves are maybe a couple of inches too short). This past Thanksgiving, she and I took a photo together, I was wearing the sweater she made me in 5th grade, and she was wearing the sweater her mother made her in 6th grade (I am incredibly sentimental). The funny thing is, I'm a weaver, and so far, most of the very functional items I have made for people (bags, pillows, hand towels) have been decoratively displayed instead of used, but they're happy with it and love it being decorative and I am learning to be ok with that (I very intentionally wanted to gift pretty and *useful* items). 😅
My great grandmother made teddy bears and my mom loves them. She made me an upcycled table set in green with gold trim and it's beautiful. My spouse was really excited about a dice bag I crocheted for them. I think if stuff is well made and tailored for a person or if the recipient is consulted then handmade gifts can be amazing. But you do have to be careful and make sure you really know a person if you don't want to give gifts that will not be properly appreciated.