A handmade gift is a big investment of your time, love and resources. This type of gift should not be bestowed on just anyone. Choose carefully who will receive your handiwork.
Significant Others
This is a tricky one. When you’re in love you often want to show your affection with a heartfelt, handmade gift. And the other person might love it, and think you’re brilliant for creating it, thereby proving that you were right about how awesome he or she is.
On the other hand, if the gift is unappreciated, you might resent the person and it could lead to your feelings being hurt. If you do decide to create something for a romantic partner, start small to gauge the reaction, that way if it isn’t received the way you had hoped, you won’t have wasted too much time on it.
Creating Gifts for Children
Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid making complicated projects for babies and young children, except for heirloom type baby blankets which are usually more for show than for actually being spit up on. Kids tend to be fickle, and they also grow very quickly, so making projects for them may lead to frustration if they won’t wear or lose something you make for them.
Hats, mittens, quick stuffed toys or samplers to hang on their bedroom wall are good ideas of projects to make for kids. Unless specifically requested, stay away from projects for kids that take more than a few hours to complete.
Handmade Gifts for Family and Friends
A good rule of thumb for creating handmade items for loved ones is to only make items that they have admired on other people, or that they ask for. If you spend weeks knitting a sweater for your sister only to be told upon bestowing it that it’s an unflattering color or the pattern is too girly, you will be devastated.
If you want to make something for someone, have them choose the yarn and pattern if possible. If it’s not possible or is a surprise, then make a small, uncomplicated item that will not break your heart if it’s not appreciated. Never make anything for a person who thinks your hobby is silly or a waste of time.
Handmade gifts are wonderful for the right people. Make sure the intended recipient appreciates the work you do, and if you’re not sure, always make something small and uncomplicated first to judge the reaction before investing in bigger projects.
