One great way to extend your holiday budget and to give personalized and unique holiday gifts is to make them yourself. However, if you haven’t done it before, you can get in way over your head. Your good intentions can turn into a really stressful time. Here are five tips to help you make your holiday gifts successfully.
#1 Plan ahead and get started early. Make a list of all the people you’re making gifts for and what you’re making them. Do you have the time to get the gifts created before the holidays? If so, get started and budget your time. Devote a specific amount of time each day or week to getting the gifts made. There’s nothing worse than not having a gift ready by the holidays and having to give a well-intentioned IOU. In case you are pressed for time, send the sweet basket.
#2 Make sure you’re doing something you enjoy. For example, if you decided you’re going to knit everyone a wool hat but you really don’t like knitting that much, you’re not going to have any fun making or giving the gifts. You’ll also have a tough time getting the gifts made before the holidays.
However, if you’re doing something you love, you’ll put extra energy into making the gift special and unique. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy giving such a gift of love.
#3 Budget the expenses. While it may seem like making your gifts is less expensive than buying them, some crafting supplies can get really pricey. Before you start on this journey, plan it out. Make a list of everything you need to buy and what it costs. Analyze the information to determine a price per gift dollar amount. Are you in the realm of reasonable? Are you saving any money by making your gifts?
Making gifts doesn’t have to be about saving money, but it’s nice to know how much you’re in for before you devote yourself to the task.
#4 Don’t bite off more than you can chew. This is a lesson often learned the hard way. Why do we always think we’re capable of more than time allows? Take an honest and realistic look at how much time you have to make your gifts and how long it takes to make them. Will you reasonably be able to manage the goal, or are you getting in over your head?
#5 Consider the recipient. Often, we get so excited about making a gift that we forget to consider our recipient. For example, if you’ve decided you’re going to make bath products for all your girl friends and associates, you may want to make sure they’re not allergic to certain fragrances or chemicals. And you may also want to make sure they have a bathtub before you make bubble bath for them.
Make sure your good intentions are going to be well received.
Making gifts for your friends and family can be a joyous event. Your handmade gift shows you care enough to spend time and energy on the process. Take a few minutes to prepare in advance to make this season successful.
