When purchasing a gift it is easy to fall into the trap of simply going down the old tried and tested route of mass consumerism and choosing the first item in a catalogue that might vaguely suit Aunt Mary’s taste and style. However, there is an alternative option, you can always buy handmade instead. Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should give handmade gifts:
- Handmade items represent an ethically sound production process where you can guarantee there has been no exploitation of minors or other workers.
- Such products are usually of the highest quality, with the crafter being able to dedicate time and love to each part of the design and making process.
- Handmade items are completely unique – even if someone purchases the same crocheted hat you can be sure that it will not be exactly the same as the item is not mass produced. Artisans are human and minor imperfections in the product can add character that no one else’s item will have.
- It is easier to create a bespoke item which is individual to your requirements if it is handmade. Could you ask a large company to just change one part of an item for you? An artisan could do it without any problem.
- People often say it’s the thought that counts, and this is especially true of handmade items. It takes more thought to source an artisan to make your handmade gift, and the recipient will know that you have taken extra time and energy to find a gift as individual as they are
Handmade Gifts – Attention to detail - Handmade gifts are invariably better for the environment as artisans will do all they can to use environmentally friendly or recyclable items to help them in production, often sourcing materials from local charity shops, nature or even scrap yards and tips. Up-selling and the emergence of “shabby chic” have added to this movement.
- When you buy handmade you are also building a relationship with the seller. An artisan making jewellery or art pieces from their spare room is going to be more appreciative of your financial support than a faceless high street store.
- Not only are you being financially supportive, but you are giving the crafter a big “thumbs up” by buying their product. You are effectively saying “I love what you do, keep doing it”, which in turns encourages them to keep going, potentially trying out new ideas and creating fashion forward pieces. You never know, you might have discovered the next big thing.
- The economy also benefits from purchasing handmade gifts as it supports local crafters and, in most cases, stay-at-home Mums who are trying to earn a wage whilst caring for young children.
- Finally, buying handmade shows youngsters the value of craft and teaches them that not everything has to be mass produced and identical. You might even inspire a young mind to take up drawing, painting, decoupage, knitting, sewing … the list is endless. You are giving a gift that keeps on giving.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and will consider giving homemade gifts in the future. If you would like to recommend a website selling homemade gifts, please tell us all about it in the comments section below.
Written by Rob Truslove
Rob is the SEO Copywriters for Premier Lampshades UK, the home of uniquely British, bespoke lamp shades and lamp shade repair. With roots in 1930s Manchester, Premier Lampshades use traditional methods and innovative methods to provide handmade shades that light-up homes worldwide.
