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A Gift that’s handmade,
Is a gift not replaced,
Entrapping sweet memories,
That can’t be erased.

Amanda Evanson

There’s just something amazing about the delightful process of unwrapping a gift, wondering what’s inside. Underneath the wrapping paper could be anything, a CD from a favorite band, a new headset from Best Buy, any one of a million things from a million stores.

But what’s really special is when a person opens up that paper and what’s found inside is a tangible representation of the love and adoration that the gift giver felt for the receiver. Nothing says that like a hand-made gift, and on Make a Gift Day, everyone can have the fun of sharing that love with the people they care about.

It’s time for Make a Gift Day!

History of Make A Gift Day

There was time, not all that long ago, when a hand-made gift was the only sort of gift most people would give. There were no major manufacturing facilities churning out the latest tchotchke that every person (and every one of their friends) has,

Instead when a gift was given, the receiver knew that it was going to be something precious, and likely hand-made. Even more common was that a gift would be hand-made by the person presenting it, with time and care spent crafting it with you specifically in mind. And, it probably took them a great bit of planning and work as well.

It’s fun to imagine how important that would make every article received! Whether it was a simple ash-tray, a new shirt, or a crib for the baby that was on the way, each of them were hand made with attention and love.

So now it’s time to go back in time to the way things were before factories and electronics came into play. It’s time to carefully consider how to enjoy the process of giving by gifting items that are handmade. And Make a Gift Day is the ideal time!

How to Celebrate Make A Gift Day

Make A Gift Day encourages every person to try their hand at creating something that can be given as a gift, no matter what it is. Everyone probably has some sort of skill they can turn to producing something made with personal care and attention.

Whether creating an elaborate card with those little emblems and symbols that the recipient adores, or creating an entire outfit for that next big event, Make A Gift Day encourages people to really express themselves and their view of the recipient through arts and crafts.

Consider these ways to celebrate Make a Gift Day:

Make a Handmade Gift

The first idea is certainly the most obvious: make a gift for someone! The kinds of gifts a person can make are practically limitless. It doesn’t even need to be something fancy, just so it’s made from the heart. Try out these ideas for making things to give as gifts for Make a Gift Day:

  • Draw Something
    Those artistic types might find that a simple handmade card or frameable drawing is the perfect little present to give on this day.
  • Create Photo Coasters
    Not so into drawing? That’s okay! Make up some quick and easy photo coasters that only take about an hour. Print some favorite photos on temporary tattoo paper, buy some cheap tiles at the hardware store, use Modge Podge to attach the photos and then glue a felt piece to the back of the tile. A perfect personalized gift!
  • Sew or Knit a Gift
    For those who are into textile arts, sewing a mini-quilt coaster, knitting a scarf, or cross-stitching a picture of the family are fabulous ways to celebrate the day.
  • Bake a Gift
    For something simple Start by making cupcakes for your family and friends, get some colored frosting and get a little creative. Who knows what ideas can be created?

Learn a New Gift-Making Skill

For those who don’t necessarily possess a particular skill that lends itself to create a gift, it is certainly possible to use this as the ideal opportunity to learn. Choose to take a class, learn a skill, or pick up a new craft. Many communities offer classes and resources for those who want to learn how. A quick online search can provide tips to finding courses in the local community.

In fact, several different chains of stores, with locations all over the United States, also offer classes for their customers to take a stab at learning something new. Plus, stores often give their students discounts on craft supplies! Try out these places to get started:

  • JoAnn Fabrics
    Each store has different offerings, and some classes may be found online, but options may include sewing, jewelry making, quilting, knitting, cake decorating and much more!
  • Michael’s
    Another crafty shop that offers classes for customers in store and online, try a hand at crocheting, jewelry making, collages, painting, flower arranging, as well as many others.
  • Hobby Lobby
    Go to the place that’s named after hobbies! Learn drawing, scrapbooking, home decor, sewing, floral design, knitting, and many more.

No matter what the gift is that is handmade, the recipient will know how much they are loved and how much the relationship is valued, all wrapped up in one hand made bundle. So get out there and make a gift!

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