With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for gifts! If traditional celebrations have to be put on pause again this year, that’s all the more reason to put extra time and effort into gifts that truly express love and friendship.
Research shows that a majority of Americans would rather receive a personalized gift than an expensive, store-bought item. A study examined by the New York Post found that, from a pool of 2,000 respondents, 62 percent preferred crafts and other “gifts that come from the heart” over a generic purchase worth $100 or more. Also, one clinical neuropsychologist reports that crafting helps you “be completely immersed in the moment,” which is perfect for alleviating the anxiety of quarantine.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best DIY gift ideas that’ll help you de-stress about the holidays and bring joy to your loved ones.
Handmade clothes and accessories
Who doesn’t love a nice cap or scarf stitched by hand? People who like to cook will appreciate hand-woven oven mitts, dish towels, coasters, placemats, and tablecloths. You can also warm up someone’s life with a nice big afghan blanket or cozy slippers.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, or want to advance your stitching skills by learning from experienced crafters, there are plenty of Meetup groups where you can get help with your handmade clothes and accessories. Crochet groups, macramé groups, knitting groups, and others offer a fun and friendly space to work on your gifts.
Jewelry
Create stunning, fashionable pieces of jewelry that perfectly match your loved one’s style and taste.
On Meetup, you’ll find groups for making bead jewelry, where you can learn basic techniques and get started crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from a stock of thousands of different beads. You could also opt for smithing groups that go out hunting the landscape for rocks and minerals, then cut and shape them into jewelry.
Photography
This kind of gift can last a lifetime. Capture a moment, a memory, a person, or a place. A high-quality framed photograph can become a treasured part of your loved one’s home decor.
Joining one of over 4,000 Meetup photography groups is an excellent way to learn every aspect of the art form. Get together with both hobbyists and professionals to gain experience and create striking images that’ll make your loved one’s home more elegant and beautiful.
Music
A piece of music written and performed or recorded for a loved one may be the ultimate personalized gift.
You’ll find songwriting groups on Meetup for both advanced songwriters and people with no musical background. In a Meetup songwriting group, you can discover your inspiration in a low-pressure environment and get feedback on your musical holiday surprise.
If songwriting isn’t your thing, you can still give the gift of music. Get virtual or outdoor concert tickets, or bring your loved one to a classical music listening and wine appreciation Meetup event. Experiential gifts have been shown to bring people closer than traditional object gifts.
Help others this holiday season by sharing your expertise
Many people are making craft gifts for the first time this year. If you want to guide people who are curious about the things you love, you can share your expertise by starting a group on Meetup.
There is a world-wide community eagerly waiting to learn from knowledgeable people like you in all kinds of fields, such as:
- Writing
- Painting
- Sewing
- Pottery
- Photography
- Music
- Baking
- Woodworking
- Sculpture
- Drawing
If you want to reach new people to build a following, while sharing your skills and forming international friendships, start a Meetup group today.
Last modified on November 27, 2023
