When September hits, that’s when you see a mix of Halloween decor, Autumn decor, and, yes, winter decor showing up in the supermarket. Usually, this is right around the time when ads are slowly being pushed, and social media algorithms are slowly nudging towards you as well.
Yes, when Autumn is just barely getting started, that seems to be the time that the holiday season is softly getting nudged. It’s obvious why it’s about pushing the shopping season to start early; it’s about taking the time to search for cool products and gift ideas. But deals seem to be less frequent, and everything is just getting more expensive.
So basically, more people are getting into making handmade items as gifts, something that’s not entirely a new concept as this was a thing back during the Victorian era. Needless to say, there’s something truly special about giving a handmade gift, but handmade gifts take way too much time to make. But with that said, the holiday season is just busy.
That basically means shopping lists, family gatherings, and the inevitable rush to find the perfect gifts for everyone on the list. But as charming as it sounds to handcraft all your gifts, it often feels like an impossible dream when life is already at full throttle, right?
So, how can this be made to happen without turning into a stressed-out holiday Grinch? The answer lies in a little bit of planning, such as several months in advance planning.
You’ll Have to Start Incredibly Early
One of the biggest mistakes often made is waiting until the last minute to start crafting handmade gifts. It’s easy to understand—everyone’s busy. Plus, usually it’s December when blogs and video content gets published for handmade gift ideas. But basically, starting early is the secret sauce that keeps stress levels down come December.
So, just think of it like planting a garden. Seeds wouldn’t be planted just before the first frost, right? The same goes for handmade holiday gifts. Start brainstorming and planning in September or October so the work can be spread out over a few months. This not only makes the whole process more enjoyable but also provides the flexibility to tackle other holiday obligations without feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, it depends on the gifts you plan to give out. If you’re giving out homemade cookies, then yes, that will be more last-minute, but if you’re giving out cookie mixes, then you can plan and create that month in advance.
Map Out Your Handmade Gift Plan
After committing to starting early, the next step is to get organized. So, just go ahead and think about what you want to create and for whom. Ideally, you’ll need to go ahead and list out gift ideas—maybe it’s knitting scarves, making a batch of famous cookies, or creating custom candles for loved ones. Whatever it is, write it down.
Once the list is complete, take a look at the calendar. Block out chunks of time each week dedicated solely to crafting. It could be an hour every Tuesday evening or perhaps a couple of hours on Saturday mornings. The key is to treat these time blocks like any other important appointment. You’ll have to be strict and treat this like an appointment if you really want this to work out.
There Might Need to be Some Multitasking
So, no matter when you’re able to start on handmade gifts (especially if this is last minute) there’s a chance that you might have to multitask. So, just go ahead and consider activities in daily life that don’t require full attention. Do you watch TV with the family as quality time? Well, during that time, you could try to multitask. While sure, you might be wondering is knitting or crocheting easier, but once you learn either of these, they’re usually done while multitasking (mostly TV) fairly easily.
Set Up a Crafting Space That Works
While sure, a dedicated crafting space isn’t necessary, it will at least help to have a designated area where supplies can be organized and ready to go will make a world of difference. It could be something like a corner of the living room or a spot at the kitchen table, make it a functional and inviting space. But you’ll need to keep materials within easy reach and organized in a way that suits your workflow.
But overall, a tidy space reduces the friction of getting started—there’s nothing worse than having to dig through piles of yarn or search for that missing pair of scissors when time is already tight. So, this can be the dining room table, but try to keep your supplies organized like in a box or closet for when it’s time to get back to it.
Imperfection is Fine
Perfectionism is the enemy of handmade gifts. It would be nice if every stitch were flawless or every cookie came out of the oven looking like it belonged on a magazine cover. But that’s not always going to happen, and that’s okay. Seriously, that’s okay!
The beauty of handmade gifts lies in their uniqueness. Each one carries a little piece of the creator, quirks and all. So, if a scarf has a few uneven stitches or the jam is a little runnier than planned, there’s no need to stress. The love and care put into creating these gifts is what matters most.
Think of it this way: What you buy at a store as a gift is going to have plenty of imperfections. Nowadays, clothes break apart after one wash, so at least you’re putting some effort into it.
Take Care of Yourself
Generic? Sure, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is true! So, the holidays should be a time of joy, not burnout. Yes, making handmade gifts is a labor of love, but it’s also labor. It’s important to take care of yourself during this busy season.
Seriosuly, you’ll need to schedule downtime, get plenty of sleep, and don’t hesitate to say no to additional commitments if feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfectly fine if everything on the list can’t be accomplished. The world won’t end if a gift or two has to be bought. Balance is key.