Since I was little, I’ve always made gifts for my family. As someone whose love language is acts of service, it was really important to me that I show just how much I love them with different projects every year. I pride myself on some of my best work, with each present being personalized to the recipient in order to make them feel special. If this is something you want to do this year, look no further. I have included a list of ideas/past gifts that you can use this holiday season.
1. Air dry clay
I did this about two years ago, and let me tell you, it was really fun. Along with making gifts for all of my friends (and I mean all of them), I made personalized pieces for my sisters, parents, and grandparents. This is a really easy gift idea, as the clay is cheap and easy to find, and it doesn’t take that much time. In order to make your creation, you have to wet the clay and sculpt it into your desired shape. I’ve made everything from a ring dish to a little cat figurine. Next, leave them to dry for about 24 hours (it will turn white once it is done), and then paint it to add a little flair. Keep in mind that this is not the type of clay you can make dishes to eat off of–they will not survive the dishwasher.
2. Birth Flower/name Bouquet Paintings
This is an easy one if you can remember your family members birthdays, much unlike my sisters. (No shade guys, I love you). All you need is a piece of paper and some paint, whether it be watercolor or acrylic. Look up a chart of the birth month flowers, or flowers that represent each letter of the alphabet, and go crazy. It doesn’t need to look like a Monet, what matters is the thought and effort. To personalize it even more, add their name at the bottom of the painting and include a frame with the gift, so they can display it all the time.
3. Words of Affirmation/”why I love you”
While I have never done this, I was gifted this by my best friend and it made me cry. One of my other love languages is words of affirmation, so reading all of the things the people I love think of me always brings me to tears (of joy, of course). Whether this be in a letter or painted on a small canvas, write out some unique things that you love about the person you’re gifting it to. Some ideas could be their sense of humor, their confidence, or their laugh. It is sure to touch their heart to know that they are appreciated. I have the one my friend made for me proudly displayed on my dorm wall, so I can guarantee it will work.
4. Use some Yarn or fabric
I used to crochet for a while, and my littlest sister still does. My mom cross-stitches and my other sister carves wood, so we all try to make something material that the other person can wear or use. Making someone a pillow with that sewing machine in your basement or learning how to knit a scarf for your mom might be the perfect gift that they can actually use in their day-to-day life. Plus, whenever they use it, they will always think of you and how wonderful it felt to receive that gift.
5. Draw them Something
Not everyone is skilled in drawing people, and I personally have to use a reference at all times if I’m doing a portrait of someone. While people love to see their own face immortalized in drawing, you can also draw something that reminds you of them, or a place you went together. With a measuring tape, some drawing tutorials, and a few extra hours, this is an easy gift that is the epitome of personal, and really shows the love and effort you put in. If you’re worried about fancy pencils or extra supplies, don’t. This can all be achieved with a mechanical pencil and random eraser–I have done it like that before.
No matter what kind of gift you get someone, they are sure to love it if it has the right intention. Remember, it is all about the effort you put in. No one expects you to be the next artist, they just appreciate the fact that you care and spent enough time to make them something heartfelt.