How to Make Gifts they Actually Want

It’s that time of year… right? Is it not still March though? Who knows? In any case, if you’re like me you’ve completely lost track of time and haven’t even started making gifts yet. This is especially bad if, like me, all your gifts need to be shipped internationally.

It seems so straightforward: you make the thing, they like the thing. Given the chatter in all the DIY Facebook groups I’m in I’ve definitely learned it’s not so simple.

What to Make

The entire process is made 100% easier if you know what you want to make the person. Some people are easy- have they complimented a hat you’ve made and worn? Make it in a colour they wear. Do they always complain about their feet being cold? Slipper socks are great.

Throughout the year keep track of what the people in your life like, compliment you on, and wear.

I think one of the biggest reasons handmade gifts go unappreciated is because we, as crafters, assume that everyone appreciates the work and love we put into things. It doesn’t help that some overly polite people tell us they like things when they just don’t. We’ve been given the gift of social media: use it. Thinking of making your friend a lariat necklace? Have a big long creep to make sure they wear something besides chokers. Chances are if they have and wear one, they’ll wear something similar.

Holiday-themed decorations or campy, kitschy things are always a bit of a safe bet- we all have an ugly sweater party… eventually… like, next year… to go to, or even just a silly picture to upload. If you’re going the holiday-themed route make sure to get your gift to the person early. I’d love a good Christmas sweater, but chances are I’m wearing on December 25th. By getting people holiday-themed gifts a couple of weeks before the holidays it means that the recipient can start using it right away and enjoy it for longer.

Fit

If you’re going for wearables this is a huge consideration. The only thing more embarrassing than gifting something too small is making someone wonder just how big you think they are. If you’re not fussed with the surprise aspect, then being able to measure someone is always good. If you have a piece of clothing or a necklace they love that you can measure it’s easier, but that’s not always possible. This is where knitting shines. Since it’s stretchy it’s much simpler to ballpark sizing.

It’s also strangely easy to ask goad-y questions, though it depends on your relationship with the person. I’ve had more than a few conversations about head sizes without even bringing them up. One of my friends talked about how her head was small so hats never fit, so she got a toque with an extra tight, extra small ribbed edge. Asking about a piece of clothing as if you intend to buy it and asking their size for reference can also work- just go to the brand’s site and grab a size chart.

Materials

This one is honestly just a lot about wool. Wool has had a really bad rap for a long time, and to be fair, it’s partly earned. Wool can be itchy. If you’re not used to them warmth it can be a bit much. It’s also possible your recipient can be allergic, or have some sort of moral issue with wool (I want it to be noted I have a whole other rant for that, but that’s for another day).

Another thing to think about is washability. Consider whether you’re gifting to the type of person who will actually hand wash and lay flat to dry. No matter what you’ve made your gift out of, including care instructions is always a great idea.

You.

Do you have the budget to make this gift? The time? One of the best bits of homemade gifts is knowing that a lot of love went into it.

Consider the Sweater Curse:

It’s said that when you knit a boyfriend a sweater you’re guaranteed to break up. Hats, gloves, socks, mitts- all good. But a sweater? That’s a recipe for a breakup.

While I’m not sure about some sort of supernatural sweater force causing breakups, I think there’s something to be thought about making a huge financial and time investment for someone. Each stitch makes you think about the relationship you have with the person you’re making something for. Not everyone needs a handmade gift. If you don’t feel that you have the best relationship with someone consider a smaller, less time consuming, less expensive gift.

Ditch the Element of Surprise

I hate surprises. 99% of the time the puzzle I get trying to figure out the surprise is better than the surprise itself. Also, in keeping things a surprise it can be easy to inadvertently make someone feel left out.

If you want to get someone the perfect gift, let them in on it, or a part of it. I know Adam’s skin can be a bit sensitive so when I made him a scarf, I let him pick the yarn, but kept the pattern a secret. A coupon for a hat, dress, bracelet, whatever can be a great gift if you want something physical for the day.

Homemade gifts can be amazing and treasured, so make sure you set yourself up to put the most love and fun into them! I’m always looking at stepping up my gift-giving game, so let me know all your tips and ideas!