The idea of a handmade holiday gifting season is what cozy Pinterest dreams are made of. A table full of curling ribbon, glitter, glue, crafting and creating the perfect heartfelt gift for loved ones to appreciate during the most wonderful time of the year! In reality, handmade gifts take time, money, effort, and creativity – all resources that are in short supply during the busiest time of the year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some elements of handmade into your gift giving. Here are five ways I incorporate attainable homemade magic into our gift giving traditions during the holiday season!
Big Batch Gifts
I find that big batch gifts are an easy way to ease into holiday handmade gifts. This can be co-worker gifts, teacher gifts, any gift that is for a big group of people and similar in price, size, and intention. For the past 15 years I have been dipping pretzels in chocolate and sprinkling them with colorful sprinkles as a part of our big batch gifting to neighbors and friends. It’s a delicious treat, easy to make, and even easier to package. I slip our pretzels into mason jars and treat bags, tie with some cute ribbon, top with a tiny ornament and give the gift of something holly, jolly, and delicious. I have also been on the receiving end of big batch hot chocolate mix, cookie mixes, or boxes of baked treats. I love the idea of these ornaments to gift to family near and far, this hot cocoa in a jar recipe looks absolutely delicious, or a bottle of beautiful and simple herb infused olive oil for the foodie in your life.
Homemade Gift Tags
Adding elements of homemade touches to gifts is a great way to involve kiddos in the gifting process. I am typically the one in charge of shopping and accumulating the presents for the various people in our lives so having my kids involved to help offload the work of wrapping is something I love to do and they love it too! I have never met a grandparent or friend who didn’t love a handwritten gift tag from one of my kids. It’s also a sneaky way to practice those handwriting skills and keep little hands busy during a bustling time. These round gift tags are a great base for little hands to write sweet messages on and these watercolor gift tags are a stunning addition to any gift!
Photos, Calendars, Prints
While these items aren’t technically “handmade” they do offer the element of preparation and thought that goes into a handmade gift. One of my favorite gifts to give to grandparents are printed photos, canvases, and a calendar for the next year with our family photos on the monthly spreads. It’s a great way to use family photos if you do that with your family or a great way to reflect back on memories from your camera roll! We have also gifted electronic photo frames for far away family members that are easily updated remotely and add a little magic into everyday life. My favorite websites for beautiful, quality photo gifts are mpix and pinhole press.
Hand Address Christmas Cards
If sending out Christmas Cards is your thing and you want to incorporate a personal touch, I would suggest hand addressing them! I know that sometimes it just isn’t in the time budget to sit down and write down everyone’s address but if it is for you this year it’s a lovely, simple way to connect with your gifting in a tangible way. You could even have your kiddos get some practice addressing cards, putting on the stamps, or decorating the envelopes with stickers and holiday doodles. It’s been my own personal tradition for years to pour a glass of my favorite wine and watch The Family Stone while I address our cards and it makes it a nice little holiday moment for myself too!
Handwritten Notes
I love the Cup of Jo holiday gift guides and I especially love that most of her gift guides end with the sentiment of giving someone a note about how much they mean to the gift giver. Because what could be more wonderful than opening up a handwritten note from a loved one and reminiscing over old memories and future well wishes together. The most meaningful gift is one given from the heart and taking a moment to write a little something to a family member or friend is the best way to get to the truest meaning of the holidays. I love to have my kids sit down at this time of year and write a holiday card to their teachers, thanking them for a great semester and wishing them well. If you are looking to upgrade your holiday stationary Paper Source and Joy Creative Shop have some lovely options.
Adding elements of a handmade holiday is attainable when you think creatively into your gifting. Not everything can, should, and has to be personally made with a needle and thread to make it memorable or meaningful but if you are wanting to get a little more in touch with your crafty side this holiday season I hope these tips and tricks help you add just a touch of homemade to your holiday gifting! Happy Holidays!
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