The No. 1 overused piece of advice on how to save money on gifts is to "make it yourself."
I say, to the majority of these newly-minted holiday crafters, keep your crafts to yourself.
I know, it sounds harsh. But I, and my mother the 4th grade teacher, have been subjected to many a well-meaning and poorly-executed money-saving craft gift over the year. If you are thinking about crafting your way through the holidays, please read this first.
Rule 1: You are only qualified to give homemade items as gifts if you have a true talent. If you have a true talent then please, craft away. If it's a craft or skill you use all year long, and you have a lot of experience, go for it. If you are attempting something you have never tried before and aren't sure how it will turn out, just walk away. For instance, if you have an art degree and your friend loves your art, make them some.If you make jewelry and regularly sell it or get compliments when you where your original designs, them make some for your friends. If not, see rule 2.
Rule 2: Food gifts are always best. My mother-in-law make awesome apple butter and blueberry jam. Jars of those are always welcome in my house. In fact, I'd prefer them to another pair of old-man-style insulated slippers. Cookies in a jar? Those are good too, and they are easy to make even if you don't have a lot of skill. If you make pretty good cupcakes or pies, give those as gifts. Everybody loves a treat, especially around Christmas when it's easy to rationalize overeating.And it's easy to dress these items up in fun packaging to make them seem fancier.
Rule 3: No one needs another knick knack. If you are going to make something, please make it useful. No one needs another whatzit to gather dust on their mantle or shelf. No one needs another knick knack. Think of your loved one. Even if they hate what you make, they will feel guilted into displaying it whenever you come over. Don't do it. If your talent is turning old socks into adorable snowmen, great, but be really really sure your recipient loves old-sock snowmen.
Rule 4: Don't fool yourself into thinking crafts are always cheaper. You have to buy supplies and use up valuable time. If you aren't an expert, it may be cheaper and less-stressful to just search out a low cost, but meaningful something for that special someone.
Rule 5: Even if you have a lot of skill, if your gift doesn't match the lifestyle and taste of the recipient, it's not a great gift. Your No. 1 goal should be to make sure whatever you give is really good and useful to those who receive it. Don't have a Christmas Story moment, where poor Ralphie looks like a deranged Easter bunny in his pink bunny jammies. If your nephew loves Mid-century modern, that Victorian frilly lace throw pillow, no matter how well-made, isn't going to cut it.
Rule 6: If you want something one of a kind and don't have the skill, you can always buy a quality homemade item-- made by someone else. Craft fairs are not just for old ladies. There are hipster craft fairs all over the country. And there is alwasy Etsy. You may get something completely original for much less than something mass produced from the Walmart.*
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