Giving a homemade DIY gift can be a great way to save some money during special occasions and holidays but how do we know the gift will be appreciated or even liked?
Personally, I love receiving homemade gifts however unfortunately some people don't feel the same and secretly dread receiving homemade gifts. I love to create gifts for loved ones but sometimes I'm not sure if it was appreciated. Will my homemade chocolates just sit on the table, spoil and be forgotten about? Will that scented jar candle just clutter up someone’s dresser or be tossed into a drawer?
Whether it's Christmas, a birthday or another celebration asking yourself these 7 questions will help in planning homemade gifts.
1. What does the person like? I mean… really like?
It's always been said that “it's the thought that counts” and it couldn't be truer. Take some time to consider what the person would really like. Jams, jellies and homemade baked goods are awesome but is there a variety or even something completely different that the person would especially enjoy?
2. Does the person really need this or will they actually use it?
How many sweaters, mittens, candles or coffee mugs might they already have? It's best to try and come up with something that has less chance of just sitting in a drawer or dusty cupboard. If it's something they might already have consider personalizing the item to their interests in some way to make it extra special – do they have an obsession with Star Wars or some other show? Think about the things they like and try to apply it to the creation. Also consider if they will actually use the item. Ex. If the person receives strawberry jam and doesn't like strawberries it's unfortunately a wasted gift.
3. Do I know how to make this and can I realistically do it?
It's best not to experiment with crafting techniques you're not familiar when you're making homemade gifts. Stick with what you know how to make and can do well. You can still try to be ambitious if you haven't made something similar before – just don't try to create a hand blown glass ornament if you've never done it before.
4. Do I have the time to make this?
It always feels awesome when planning something that you know the person will be thrilled about receiving. It doesn't feel so great when you realize that you're running out of time and end up doing a rush job. The project doesn't end up as well as envisioned and it feels awful. I've been in this situation and have had to purchase a gift for someone at the last minute because I ran out of time. Purchasing a gift at the last minute runs the risk of giving a gift that really isn't as well thought out.
5. How much will this homemade gift really cost?
If you're trying to keep things cost effective keep in mind how much all the materials will cost in the end. Will it end up costing more to make than something similar that you can purchase and does it fit your budget? Also keep in mind how much creating the gift will “cost” in time. If you run out of time like in #4 you may end up spending more for a store bought gift on top of the craft supplies.
6. Am I making this for the right reasons?
If your one and only reason for making the gift is because it's the cheapest option, you might want to reconsider. This one really goes back to #1. Is it something they'll really like? Chocolate covered coffee spoons or homemade bath salts might be an inexpensive gift to create but will they actually use it and like it? Would old Great Uncle Ralph enjoy lavender scented bath salts? If you think so, by all means go for it! 🙂 If it's inexpensive AND you put thought into it then everything should be fine.
7. Am I planning on making multiple similar gifts for a group of people? (family, co-workers, etc.)
There's nothing wrong with giving similar handmade gifts to individuals in a group but it's best to try and personalize each one in some way so that it's unique to each person. For example, if you're thinking of making handmade jewelry for all of your aunts, it would be best to make each a unique color or different in some way. Some people don't mind receiving gifts that are the same but there are also others who might feel like it was less thought out. The personalization doesn't have to be extravagant but there should be some thought put into it.
To summarize everything above – your gift should be loved and well received so long as you put the thought into it! 🙂
I hope that this post will help you in planning your homemade gift giving!
In the past, have you ever given a homemade gift and it wasn't as well received as you had hoped?
