As funding constraints and supply chain issues mean that things don't always arrive, more and more people are starting to make their own gifts. ALIX NORMAN has some ideas

I always make my Christmas presents. Even before the crisis (haircut or corona, whatever you choose!) I will use my free time to lie in front of my sewing machine before the start of the season, do crafts on the kitchen table, or knit for Netflix. I often recruit like-minded family members: in November, my dear old mother sent a pack of very courteous handmade socks, scarves and gloves from the UK. I gave back with brightly colored glasses cases, reusable handbags, and Masks for the past two years.

So far, we have no complaints. On the contrary, you will be happy when you receive these homemade gifts—not only are they useful, they are also a sign of our time, love, and effort: we have already thought of you personally. We have considered what you might want, and chose the exact color (pink for niece, blue for brother-in-law), fabric (feline for cat lovers, plant for green thumb) or object (for outdoor rest time Headbands, bookmarks for readers) resonate. Every stitch is full of love-this feels especially important when meeting face-to-face is no longer so easy.

Making your own gifts is a popular trend. Due to the shortage of funds and the interruption of supply lines, thousands of people around the world will take out scissors and thread, glue guns and newspapers to make their own unique gifts this year. Instead of buying from anonymous online retailers, they spend their time and energy on unique products. Whether it’s a sweater made by your grandma or a box of sticky biscuits made by your children, you can guarantee that your gift will be more popular than any store-bought trinkets (which are undoubtedly made by unpaid workers). More attention and attention enough attention).

“Making my own gift is a way of connecting thousands of miles,” said 35-year-old Antigone, whose needle felt works are loved by foreign friends and family. "It may take a few days to make a little mouse or fox. But throughout the process of my work, I have been thinking about its target audience-it keeps the person you love in your mind, even if you can’t Stay with them.

"At the same time," she added, "making your own gift is good for your soul." During the day as a financial manager, Antigone dealt with "numbers and logic" for hours. Therefore, going home and investing in my own creativity is the perfect antidote to the fast-paced world of finance. "

The 24-year-old Chris grows cacti. When Christmas is approaching, his friends often find his cute little succulents in their stockings. "I have loved gardening since I was a kid," the trainee accountant revealed, "but I never took it as a job. Therefore, it has become a hobby and a great way to give unique gifts."

Chris’s native gifts may be “just a small thing. But they are the result of months of attention, and if you treat them correctly, they will always exist,” he added. "I know you can buy a succulent plant in the garden center for a few euros, but I think it would be better for my friends to wake up every morning to see something more personalized-it connects you to the recipient . Maybe they will drink coffee in the morning or come in after a hard day at work, they will see their cactus and think of you. And it will never be hurt," he said with a smile, "there is more green around the house! "

Speaking of green gifts, George, a 21-year-old art student, is passionate about recycling—and the savings that come with it. "I like to turn old magazines into Christmas trees and stars for my friends to show at home," he explained. "It's easy and cheap, but it creates a wonderful effect. I use old newspapers to make paper bowls and trinket stands-you can color them, they look very beautiful, of course you can also personalize they."

George is also a fan of recycled packaging: "Why spend money on expensive gift packaging?" he asked. "It may be imported, which will only increase your carbon footprint." Instead, the artist collected "all the kraft paper I could find throughout the year: I ironed it, and then printed it with natural dyes and simple potato stamps." Put on Christmas patterns, such as trees or holly. It's more economical and more environmentally friendly!"

Robyn, 72, is as keen on upgrades as George. “I use recycled paper and embossing to make my own Christmas cards, and I woven plastic bags into baskets and cushions — plastic bags are cut into strips,” she revealed. "It actually looks better than it sounds," she pointed out, "it's a great way to turn potential garbage into something useful."

Emma, ​​who loves food, prefers to give food gifts. "Jam, cupcakes, biscuits-I have always liked cooking and baking. These are things I can do at home," said the 34-year-old. "I know this is not the most exciting thing about Christmas," she said with a smile, "but I promise that every bite is full of love! I am a full-time mother with two children under 5, so going to the store is not one It's easy, especially in December-you can't wander around a crowded mall to pick the perfect gift and drag two grumpy kids!"

Emma spends time customizing her hospitality. "I know who is allergic to gluten and who is allergic to nuts, so I am providing personalized ingredients and products to my recipients."

Finally, 44-year-old Kasia recently moved to Cyprus. She combines her love of hand-made everything with the opportunity to learn new skills and keep traditional crafts alive. "I went to a lavender workshop in Plattes," she explained, "I learned how old ladies in the village make lavender bags to fight off moths. There are a lot of lavender in my garden, so I Using these traditional knowledge to make my own lavender bag, it smells very good.

"This is not something I did for profit," she added. "Hand-made gifts are just a good way to show that you care enough about this Christmas and are willing to spend time working hard for your loved ones. I think this is the main message for giving homemade gifts: I love you."

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