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Rethinking Gift Giving
This past year, Americans returned over $890 billion worth of gifts. The average person spends over $1,000 on holiday gifts in November alone. (Statista & National Retail Federation)
But what if there was a cheaper, more meaningful way to show we care?
That’s what I’m going to share with you today. Instead of buying gifts, I challenge you to make them. For example, I recently made a picture frame for Christmas, and it cost me just $5, used recycled materials, and let me work on a hobby I love—woodworking.
If you enjoy painting, cooking, or crafting, you can do the same. The goal is simple: make something instead of buying it and perpetuating mass consumption.
What We’ll Cover in This Blog
The hidden costs of mass consumerism and why buying gifts isn't as thoughtful as we think.
Why making gifts is more rewarding for both the giver and the receiver.
How handmade gifts strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impact.
The Hidden Costs of Mass Consumerism
Mass consumption dominates our lives. We’re conditioned to buy cheap, replace, and keep consuming—especially during the holidays.
People stress out over gift shopping, scrambling to buy things no one really needs.
A huge percentage of gifts are returned or forgotten within weeks. (16.9% of total retail sales)
Research suggests that materialism doesn’t lead to a happy and fulfilled life. Buying more stuff brings a temporary boost of happiness, but that boost doesn’t last over the long run.
So, why do we keep doing it? Advertising has convinced us that buying = caring.
But what if we stopped spending for the sake of spending and focused on gifts with meaning instead?
Why Making Gifts is More Rewarding
Handmade gifts offer an escape from mass consumption while making the holidays more joyful and personal.
Here’s why:
Creating gifts is an experience, not just a transaction.
When you make something, you slow down, focus, and enjoy the process.
I spent a few hours making my picture frame—it was relaxing, fun, and gave me a break from everything else in life.
Your time is more valuable than money.
Let’s say you make minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and want to buy a $100 gift. That’s 13+ hours of work just to afford it.
But if you spend that time making something instead, you don’t just give a gift—you build your skills and create a story.
Handmade gifts have more meaning.
A store-bought gift your story could be as simple as "I clicked the buy-in-one-click button on Amazon."
A handmade gift = "I made this for you and had to overcome xyz hurdle to have it done in time."
It’s more personal, more memorable, and tells a story.
Studies even show that experience-based and effort-based gifts create stronger emotional connections than expensive, store-bought ones.
Handmade Gifts Strengthen Relationships
Handmade gifts do more than save money—they bring people closer.
Thoughtfulness matters more than price.
The time and effort you put into a gift shows how much you care.
Even small, imperfect creations are more meaningful than mass-produced items.
They create lasting memories.
Handmade gifts become keepsakes—something to treasure, not throw away.
They tell a story about your relationship and the effort you put in.
Ideas to Get You Started
Not sure what to make? Here are some simple, meaningful handmade gift ideas:
A handwritten letter or poem
A homemade candle, painting, or piece of art
A personalized playlist with a custom cover
A meal kit with homemade sauces
A short video or digital scrapbook
It’s not about perfection—it’s about thoughtfulness.
Conclusion: A Challenge for You
This year, instead of buying one of your gifts, make one—and see how it feels.
Ask yourself:
"What can I make that this person will love? And what skill do I want to build in the process?"
I promise, you’ll find it more rewarding, and the person receiving it will appreciate it more than anything you could buy.
Thanks for reading and go make something awesome!
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