Holiday Gifts on the Cheap: Crafts

Exploring the concept of Hundred Dollar Holiday, you might be wondering what types of gifts you can give that don’t cost a lot but will be valued by the recipient. Over the next couple of posts, we will come up with some suggestions that you can either use this year or think about for next year.

Handmade gifts are often one of the first suggestions for those on a budget. While many people (like myself) think handmade gifts are fantastic, there are those who groan at the concept. Not everyone likes them and not everyone has the time or talent to make great handmade gifts.

If you are not crafty, there is good news, there are hundreds of crafty people out there selling really cool stuff for not a lot of money. You don’t need to frequent craft shows to find them either. If you have not heard of the website Etsy, you should definitely pay it a visit. Etsy is dedicated to the sale of handmade and vintage items but also lists a variety of cool and offbeat stuff. Etsy sells everything from jewelry to craft items to handmade cards, fashion and unique screenprinted shirts. Some examples:

• Bacon magnets from the Design Dude for $4.99
• A living terrarium ornament for $12.99
• A supernova custom screenprinted men’s T-shirt for $14
• A vintage 1960’s black cocktail dress for $38

If you don’t have time to browse through the site yourself to find the coolest stuff, Etsy also provides “finders” to find gifts along certain themes. You can check out their finds at their website or sign up for their email updates. If you are looking for a unique, personal gift, Etsy is your spot.

If you are crafty, so much the better! The only caution here, though is to think carefully about what types of gifts will be appreciated by your recipient. Something might be fun to make but totally impractical. Also, you have to have a bit of a thick skin with your handwork. If people don’t like your creations, don’t be disheartened if the recipient tosses them out or gives them away. Don’t expect everyone to want to wear/use your creations or store them forever just because you made them. If you can’t take the rejection, you might go the Etsy route or find some other gift option.

When giving a gift of handwork, it is usually best to stick to something small and simple (ornaments, potholders, socks, magnets, etc.) unless the recipient has specifically requested a large project like a sweater, quilt or wooden chest. See, for example, this article on “The Sweater Curse,” describing the perils of knitting for boyfriends. Also, over time, you will learn who appreciates handwork and who does not.

So, what handmade gifts do I/would I appreciate receiving?

I have an ornament exchange to attend at the end of the month and am considering making a Japanese-inspired amigurumi ornament like one of the following:

• Lion Brand “Santa Mouse” (requires free login/registration to view)
• Roxycraft “Santa Baby”
• Roxycraft “The Gabu” – not technically a Christmas ornament but add a hanging loop and it would be a fun addition to the tree

I have a collection of handmade hotpads that I love (although I am at the limit on hotpads currently).

Scarves/ponchos – I like to make and receive these but there is a limit as to what ends up being worn. Last year, on a dollar-store challenge, I found some great novelty metallic yarn for a buck and knitted it on large needles into a lacy poncho-type drape for my sister. She wore it as part of her Halloween costume this year.

Mittens – I love the “Critter Collection” designs at Morehouse Farms, especially for children.

Leather belt – If this Martha Stewart project comes out as beautiful as the photos, this would be a fun addition to a stylish wardrobe.

My mother-in-law gave me some very cool custom embroidered jeans for my birthday.  I sent her a pair of jeans I liked and that fit well and she zazzed them up with an embroidery design on her embroidery machine.

Combining photos and family memories is a popular and thoughtful gift, too.  Some creative ideas in this area:

• Memory books – upload photos or scanned artwork to create a custom book for grandparents, friends, coworkers, etc.
• Photo cubes – Martha Stewart craft project transforming photos into unique bookend blocks.
• Family tree – Martha Stewart to the rescue again with an artistic template to create a one-of-a-kind original family tree.

One year, I made custom screenprinted long-sleeved T-shirts at customink.com using a piece of my daughter’s abstract artwork. They were a big hit and have been well worn by the recipients.

Another year, my sister-in-law used glass etching to mark the bottom of glass casserole pans with each recipient’s name–for a beautiful and functional gift.

Our nanny made a lovely handmade book with custom story and illustrations for our daughter’s birthday one year, which is a treasure.

There are so many more examples.  My house is full of a lot of handmade objects. Once you get a reputation for someone who appreciates handmade objects, you are more likely to receive a lot of them.

Of course, there is a whole other genre of homemade gifts from the kitchen….another post to come on that in a few days.

What do you think of homemade gifts? Love them? Hate them? Have a favorite non-cooking homemade gift to share? Please post in the comments.