The Gift of Giving

I always feel a little funny giving handmade gifts to friends and family. I never know if it's going to be received with gratitude for the time, thought and effort that goes in to making something yourself, or if it's just going to be seen as a cheap present to give.
I have a friend that really does think that making something myself is the quick and easy way out, which of course couldn't be further from the truth. And I have people in my life that appear to be singularly underwhelmed by what I do for a living, in fact I have people in my life that don't seem to realise that I do this for a living. I'm pretty sure they think it's a nice little hobby.
So when it comes to Christmas I get a little nervous about handing out the gifts and this year was no exception. Actually this year was worse because I made more gifts that I usually do.
I'm pleased to say though that the majority of the presents were well received and seemed to hit the spot. Phew.

One of the gifts this year was this topsy turvy doll for my Nana.

I'm not sure if that seems like a strange gift for my Nana, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. And it was so much fun making a more sophisticated doll than normal. My Nana's main colours are mint green and lilac, so it was a bit of a challenge to fit in with that scheme (I don't own a single piece of lilac fabric!), but I think I kind of made it work (I used artistic licence and substituted lilac for pink).

And I'm relieved to say that this was one of the gifts that was appreciated. Oh and the other gift we gave her  is our old laptop, so she's about to start surfing online, which I think is very cool indeed for a woman in her 80's.
Another gift that I made was for my mother. Some of you may remember that a while back she bitched about mentioned the fact that she never got a pin cushion of her own and if I recall correctly, you lot agreed that it was shocking that my own mother couldn't get hold of one. So I finally decided to rectify this crime oversight and make her one that she could call her very own.

Is it just me? Am I the only one that gets a bit antsy about giving handmade gifts?

Comments

[Kristin]

The whole time I was making gifts for my in-laws and siblings-in-law, I kept wondering "I hope they appreciate this as much as I have been enjoying the crafting. Especially because of the time and effort I have been putting into it." So no, you're not the only one. I was lucky and everyone loved the gifts they received. :)

[Briana]

I am in full agreement with you. Last year I made gifts for all of my immediate family members and somehow the reactions upon receiving their gifts was not satisfying enough for me to do it again this year. On the other hand, I made a handbag for my brother's girlfriend last year, and she didn't say much about it at the time, but weeks later I read her blog and she had raved about it, so that made me feel better.
I did make one little dress for our friend's 15 month old daughter, but I haven't given that one yet. I have my fingers crossed and hope they like it. :)

[qalballah]

No - I feel like the loopy Aunt Agatha that knits the sweater no one wants - or a really intricate tea cozy that has everyone sniggering. People who don't craft just don't *get* the amount of time we put into things.

[qalballah]

Oh and glad to see your poor mother has at last got a pin cushion.

Now what about the REST of us?? Come on. You've still got time before sprogging.

No pressure...

[Kristi W]

I can REALLY relate with this one! I have been making diaper bags for all friends and acquaintances who's baby showers I am invited to. So far the first two moms seemed really please. For the 3rd I have use Amy Butler fabric (stylish and modern) and haven't yet given the gift. I was planning to mail it since I cannot attend the shower, but I am afraid to. I just feel I want to see the look on her face so as to tell if it was well received or if I should get something else. I guess the good news with her is that I have made some pretty significant window treatments for them which they seem quite please with. I mailed a cute girly bib, so again, don't know how that was received.

Last year I knitted a hat and scarf for hubby's mom and she NEVER wears them. I offered to make her a tote this year and she seemed less than excited. So I didn't.

At least my 4 yr old daughter is constantly ooing and ahhing over my creations. She is so proud of me. Which is why I made her a fabulous dress this fall, as well as a ballet shoe tote for her dance class. :-)

[dottydesigns]

I feel the same about giving hand made gifts, I made a friend a handmade coffee cosie and thought it was great but wasn't sure if she liked it as much, then she rang me and said she did love it.I would love a handmade gift because it's made with love and so much more thought and effort has gone into it. keep up the good gifts1

[raspberry]

I have tried this year to make gifts for all our immediate family, and I think on the whole they have been well received, even though my sister thought her bag was a placement when she initially opened it! Someone mentioned to me that it may seem a touch arrogant to give people handmade items that you also sell, but poo to that, if that is the case I'm quadruply arrogant and proud!!!

[celine]

I am with you on that one. I have made some of my gifts this year and I was dead nervous about giving them. Oh and did I mention that my daughter received a handmade gift by you?! the bag and apron set! The person who gave it to her has no idea that I read your blog and admire everything you make. When she opened the present I thought I was halucinating! I too make aprons to sell but never got around to make her one (sounds familiar?). She loves it and so do I. I have yet to find out where it was purchased.

[sharon]

I agree. Unfortunately, sometimes it is easier on the ego to just buy a gift than to deal with a less than enthusiastic response. After giving the first batch of my friends to get married customized quilts and barely getting a thank you ... I have learned to be more discriminating as to who I would devote that kind of time to ... I actually would think it might be easier to give handmade gifts when it is known that you sell them ... perceived "value" and all of that. Fact is you can always miss the mark with a present that is just not the receiver's taste but there is additional risk when your own self esteem is tied up in their appreciation ... that's why whether or not we craft for a living ... it is always gratifying when someone actual likes what we've made well enough to actually pay for it.

[Wendy]

Over the years I've learned who will appreciate the gesture and who will not. Only those who truly understand how much more work it is get handmade anymore. I've also found that some non-sewing friends love to choose the project that I make for them. Kind of like a commissioned gift, which I'm just fine with. That way I know for sure that they'll love it. The best part is that my kids love ANYTHING that I make for them. And aren't they the ones that make Christmas so much fun anyway?

[Meredith]

All I see is the pincushion...were you writing about anything else?! Because I covet that lovely pincushion body and soul!!

(Oh yes, and I feel the same way too. I am finishing a hand-knit scarf for a person who I am not sure will even care about it. Makes me antsy.)

[Jennifer]

My favorite gifts to receive are the handmade ones. To know that the gift was made with me in mind, and made by the hands of someone I love, makes the gift all that much more special.

That said, I get incredibly nervous giving gifts that I have made. Maybe when I get better at sewing and knitting...

[Jennifer]

lovely doll and pin cushion, by the way

[coffeechris]

what a great post Christmas piece, I have felt the same way, since I have been making/creating/designing since I was a young girl. My family doesn't always get it, but I don't care, now. Sometimes it take a while for them to appreciate it. They always made fun of my gifts, then would begin requesting them, so I believe in some cases it goes full circle. Cheap, present, goodness the time, design and material is always more than if purchased! My 16 year son really does, he himself has graced me with some of treasures of homemade gifts. Homemade/Handmade gifts are HERE TO STAY at this home. Love your work and blog, keep making and moving.

[kat]

you are definitely not alone in this. every year i go through the same agony. this year i decided to just make all the prezzies, & let the complainers complain. so far not a peep has been heard. it confuses me... how can something we work hard to create mean less than something they bought in a store? perhaps one day they'll all understand. have a happy new year!

[Jenna]

I agree it's hard to know how well other people will appreciate handmade gifts. I once made a baby blanket out of trifted wool sweaters and ended up not giving it because I was unsure how she would like it. Would she be creeped out by me using old clothes for a gift for her new baby? You just don't know with some people.

[meg]

Girl, I just posted something to the same effect. It's definitely nerve-wracking, especially the items that you're really excited about. Still, I love making gifts, so they're stuck either way!

[Kate]

I used to be this way, but I have given handmade gifts for so long that I know who will appreciate them and who will not. I also have people in my life who get upset if I but something and do not make their gift. I love if when someone likes to get things that I make. I love the doll, I have made a couple this year for my girls and they love them.

[Louise]

I have given lots of handmade gifts and my non sewing girlfriends love it. Our family did a handmade Kris Kringle this year and it worked perfectly. Everyone was so impressed with what was made - bags, a chopping board, knitted scarf and hat, a skirt, a hamper with homemade beer, mustards and chutneys, a groovy wooden serving platter, plate of sweet treats, and gorgeous framed photos. This included my Dad, husband and brothers too and all gifts were really appreciated -there was even applause! Definitely more interesting than handing each other a gift voucher!

[jerusalem]

Obviously you are not alone! I love the creation process, when you are creating something new and specific for someone, that feels like Christmas so much more to me than shopping does, BUT I am always a little nervous as the Gift UN-Wrapping begins... You just never know. Most of my handmade gifts were truly loved, and none was mocked, so I would call that a success! BTW- LOVE the doll and pin cushion. Too adorable.

[LeeAnn]

I agree with this touchy subject!! Some people will always love my handmade aprons for christmas gifts and some just aren't sure, until they find the finest chocolate santas in the apron's pocket!!! Little do they know how easy it is to buy a gift, but a gift from the heart is priceless!!

[tammyCA]

Oh, definitely I feel that way, too. But, heck after all these people we know have every dang thing under the sun already or they want things we can't afford, or it costs too much to ship, etc. I made some of the gifts this year...mostly embroidered things. I did get a very enthusiastic response for embroidering a chef's apron for my sil's fiance (he is a chef). I also know my sister loved that I made her new baby his Christmas stocking. I came up with a brilliant idea ...make a bunch of stuff & then they can come pick something from the lot.
Anyway, some people do appreciate handmade much more than others & all the time & thought that went into it...it really does take a lot of time.

[mijk]

After the friend that soothingly said "it doesn't matter."when I gave her something handmade you bet I am scared..

[Victoria]

I LOVE that you sewed a doll for your Nana. I would never think of giving anything to my Nana that I'd made myself, and yet she would probably adore it if I did. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Jim]

As wonderful and beautiful as your creations are...and of course I would have been perfectly happy to receive something made with love and time and effort by your talented hands...THE BIG ASS T.V. you surprised me with on Christmas day was certainly on my "2nd string" present list, just behind pincushion!

ps. the blackwork you did around the screen is excellent and that embroidered logo...genius!!!

pps. btw, how did you know? Not sure I mentioned I wanted one.
*snigger*