In today’s world of instant gratification and one-click purchases, handmade gifts stand out like a cozy candlelit room on a snowy evening. They’re warm, intentional, and deeply personal. As someone who spends countless hours crafting hand-painted ornaments, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these pieces can transform from simple objects into cherished memories.
This season, I want to share why handmade gifts—whether they’re ornaments, art, or other handcrafted treasures—mean so much. They aren’t just things; they’re stories waiting to be told.
Handmade Gifts Are Storytellers
Let me take you back to one of my first dance competitions. My sister Cait and I were poking around the gift shop with the other girls on our dance team, each of us excited to pick out a little keepsake. Naturally, everyone grabbed cute beanie baby-style toys. Cait and I had our hearts set on them too.
But Mom had other plans.
Instead of letting us buy toys, she handed us matching ballerina ornaments. I can still feel the sting of disappointment as we left the shop, watching our teammates giggle and play with their new plushies.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and that ornament—yes, the one I begrudgingly accepted—is now one of my favorites. Every year, as I carefully unwrap it, I’m reminded of that first dance competition, the friends we made, and my mom’s wisdom in choosing something timeless over something trendy.
That’s the magic of handmade gifts. They carry stories. And those stories only get richer as time goes on.
Why Handmade Feels Different
Let’s be honest: there’s something special about holding something made by hand. It’s more than just the object itself—it’s the care, thought, and heart poured into it.
When I create my ornaments, it’s never just about the painting. I think about where they’ll go, whose trees they’ll hang on, and what stories they’ll witness. I imagine someone unwrapping one years from now, telling their kids or grandkids why it’s special.
Mass-produced items can’t replicate that. Handmade goods hold a kind of magic, one that says, “This was made just for you.”
They Support Creativity and Community
When you shop handmade, you’re not just buying an item—you’re supporting a dream. You’re helping an artist like me continue to create. You’re giving your dollars to someone who does a happy dance with every order confirmation (true story).
Small businesses and independent artists rely on people who value creativity and connection. When you choose handmade, you’re saying yes to more than just a product. You’re saying yes to community, to stories, and to the people behind the work.
Handmade Gifts Are Future Heirlooms
Every year, my family gathers to decorate the tree, and the best part is rediscovering the ornaments. There’s the Washington, D.C., ornament from when Cait lived there, the Oklahoma Centennial ornament from our Pom squad days, and the handmade oat-rice “wreath” we made in preschool (bless its lopsided heart).
This year, unboxing the ornaments for our late pups, Edward and Bear, was bittersweet. They’ve been gone for a while now, but those tiny tributes keep their memories alive.
That’s the thing about handmade gifts—they grow in meaning. They start as thoughtful gestures and become pieces of family history.
Slowing Down for the Holidays
Let’s face it: the holidays can feel like a whirlwind. Shopping handmade is one way to slow things down. It’s not about racing through the aisles or clicking “add to cart” on a whim. It’s about choosing something meaningful, something with a story.
For me, creating handmade ornaments is a way to anchor myself in that slower, more intentional space. It’s a chance to pour my heart into something that someone else will treasure.
How to Embrace Handmade This Year
If you’re ready to make handmade gifts a part of your holiday season, here’s where to start:
- Shop Early: Artists and makers have limited quantities and tight deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute! My shipping cutoff is coming soon, so this is your gentle nudge to order now.
- Choose Personal: Think about the person you’re shopping for. What matters to them? Handmade gifts are all about connection, so look for something that tells a story or captures a memory.
- Pass It On: When you give a handmade gift, share the story behind it. Why did you choose it? What does it represent?
Preserve Your 2024 Memories
This year has been full of highs, lows, and everything in between. No matter what it’s looked like for you, it’s worth commemorating.
A handmade ornament can be a tangible way to mark this season—something you’ll pull out year after year, remembering not just the holidays but the stories that made them special.
Click here to shop my handmade ornaments before the shipping deadline!
Here’s to giving gifts that matter and making memories that last.
With love,
Courtney
