This holiday season is presenting some real opportunities, despite the less optimistic appearance of the gift giving season in some regards. The opportunities for getting back to basics, giving simple toys as gifts, is one of those opportunities. Handmade gifts that may well become heirloom pieces is another.
Create beautiful elements to go with existing toys. A patchwork quilt or handmade doll furniture are items that can be passed from generation to generation. Baby doll clothes or hand stitched outfits for Barbie may well inspire you to explore your inner fashion designer, while at the same time giving your little girl quality, attractive, doll items that she can pass down to her own daughters.
You can also make lovely handmade elements for the home. I still have an afghan that my grandmother crocheted for me many years ago. I will eventually pass it along to one of my children.
Do you have anything that someone you loved made especially for you? These are often the most touching, most sentimental gifts, especially years later when they survive the person giving them. A few photos and my special afghan are the only tangible things I have left of my grandmother.
I in turn crocheted a blanket for my grandfather to cover up with while watching TV after my grandmother passed away. It was a sentimental gift, made using a craft she taught me, since she couldn’t make one for him. It meant a lot to him.
While many people tend to think the days of handmade gifts are long gone, heirloom quality, sentimental gifts are always in season.
If you can’t make something, consider giving an item that was passed onto you. I don’t suggest giving your great grandmother’s locket to a young child, but an adult child is another story. It may be time to pass that gift along allowing it to touch another life.
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