DIY Holiday Gift Series: Why I DIY.
WARNING: the next few weeks will be possible SPOILERS for family and friends.
(Venetian Biscotti: see recipe link at end of post)
This is going to be one of those posts. I decided a few years ago that I was literally done with the stress of holiday shopping. DONE. There were some things in my personal life going on at the time that lead me to re-evaluate the whole idea of gift-giving and the true meaning of the holidays- who I spend time with, or effort on and why. Do I spread myself thin and my wallet on people I am obligated to or do I give, truly give something meaningful to those who matter most?
Maybe that sounds trite because I am sure in the frenzy of the holiday season people often evaluate why they are throwing themselves in the fray, literally putting themselves in harm’s way (have you seen the youtube videos of Black Friday stampedes???) and for what, to get some piece of plastic, electronic or otherwise, usually made in another country (taking away jobs from the USA, or your own country, wherever you may live) to give to someone many times under feelings of obligation and with a lot of stress – financial or otherwise because we feel like we have to in order to make someone happy? This was not the road to holiday happiness for me.
(Pfeffernusse Shortbread: see recipe link at end of post)
OK, now I am starting to get all ba-hum-buggy, which is so far from my intent. I am full of the holiday spirit! But really this kind of gift-giving, which inevitably includes hours wandering around shops and shopping malls searching for inspiration, for a gift to give someone I love to show them how important they are to me, was always a fruitless act. These kinds of gifts have no soul. I don’t know where they were made, or by whom, or under what conditions. I don’t know if they are full of materials that might end up harming the person, even on a small level. Is this how I show my love?
This is not to say I don’t have electronics in my house or I don’t enjoy modern conveniences because I do, but the question is, is this the right kind of gift to give someone in this instance? The season of giving is about that – to give of yourself, to show appreciation, love and compassion for your fellow human, not to get caught up in the materialism that really ends up in a pile forgotten with all the other “toys” of previous years. Is all that stress worth it? Roberto and I even stopped giving gifts to each other, and decided instead to spend the time and money just being together, taking a small trip to Quebec (we are lucky enough to be able to drive there!) to enjoy the beautiful scenery, snowshoe and eat really good food together. It is also my birthday in December, so we do 2 for 1! What more could we ask for than a few quiet days together to connect before the hubbub of the holidays?
(Rosemary Herbal Honey and my official taste tester! : see recipe link at end of post)
In that same vein I decided a few years ago, that I was going to either buy gifts locally or handmade from artisans that I could meet, or at least get to know online, talk to them about their products, etc. and I was also going the route of handmade gifts. Treats which are good for my recipients that will hopefully bring them some cheer, a little bit of comfort and joy during the holiday season. Something to nourish the soul, the spirit, something I could make with my own hands, putting my intention into it, intentions of love, gratitude and peace, because really this is the gift I want for my loved ones, near and far.
I decided to opt out of the craziness and share the fruits of my labor and my joy of creating food for people and enjoying every minute of it!
I also had to be realistic about who would be the recipients as well. It couldn’t be a ton of people, or everyone that I know and care about, so as not to overwhelm myself or my wallet because again, this is not what holidays are for. This is the hard part. I have to remind myself constantly of this, that I am only human, that there is only so much time in the day, etc. because I often catch myself wanting to fall back into old patterns of “getting a little something” for someone to show my appreciation. But that is not realistic.
So, I am also a huge fan of the holiday card exchange! Honestly getting a card in the mail from a friend far away is like getting a big hug and is better than any $5 or less trinket they could buy me and I believe my friends don’t deserve another little piece of non-descript holiday trinket they then feel bad about throwing away. In fact some of my favorite gifts of times past have been from relatives or friends that are items of theirs that I have always loved and they gift it to me (what an honor, what love!). Or just time spent with loved ones- good food, laughter and fun times together. That to me is THE BEST gift in the world.
So for this reason, I want to share with you some really wonderful and economical DIY Gift ideas over the next few weeks. Gifts, treats that are truly from you, something you put fore-thought, time, effort and love into. I would be surprised if your loved ones don’t love and appreciate these gifts all the more, even if they are unconventional, and I would bet they will look forward to them each year, something truly special and from the heart.
(Fruit and Nut Drops: : see recipe link at end of post)
To get you started are some ideas from last year! A whole series of cookies!
*Note: not all of my DIY food gifts are gluten-free, since my recipients are not gluten-free. Another thing about gift giving is give what you think your recipients will enjoy, not necessarily what your dietary restrictions are. That said, all recipes are using whole food ingredients.
Pfeffernusse Shortbread (Gluten, Sugar and Egg Free)
Venetian Polenta & Sesame Biscotti (Gluten Free)
No Bake Fruit and Nut Drop Cookies ( Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free)
Lavender Limoncello La Befana Stars
* Be sure to click on the DIY Holiday Gift Series tag to see all the posts in this series!
Rosa - November 29, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Great ideas and gifts! I also love to offer the fruit of my labor as then the gifts are more personal and have more meaning.
Cheers,
Rosa
ValleyWriter - November 29, 2011 at 4:27 pm
I love DIY gifts. I totally agree with you that they show real effort & love – and they’re usually my favorite gifts to receive! I’m doing lots of jams this year, given the fruit trees – but may also try some of your biscotti. They look yummy!
vanillasugarblog - November 29, 2011 at 6:52 pm
you have a very good taste tester there. 😉
Meister @ The Nervous Cook - November 29, 2011 at 10:25 pm
This is great, and I can’t wait to see and try all of your tips!
I too have mostly opted out of big-box and big-money Christmases: 95% of my gifts this year are either handmade or from small/local businesses. Original art! Small-publisher books! Hand-knit cowls! Etsy.com gems! Delicious cookies! It feels so good to give more personal gifts, and to support the craftspeople and artisans (and myself!) who make them.
Nuria - November 30, 2011 at 7:01 am
Thanks for all the recipes gifts dear!
I love Christmas and love seeing the people, lights, streets, shops (why not?), but I understand what you say.
My mom’s gifts are always handcrafted: earrings and scarfs mainly.
Peter - November 30, 2011 at 7:46 am
Jenn, you’ll probably spend the same amount of time making these treats than going out to shop for gifts. Your idea is better, tastier and more heartfelt.
5 Star Foodie - November 30, 2011 at 10:39 am
Terrific ideas! The Pfeffernusse Shortbread caught my attention because Jr. has been talking about Pfeffernusse a lot lately, that’ll be a great project for her.
kari - November 30, 2011 at 6:32 pm
These are great! My daughter and I spend quite a bit of time each year making treats for holiday gifts. My biggest problem is in presentation. I have a hard time sourcing packaging that doesn’t look cheap and creating cards that look handmade and are on par with the quality of the food I’m gifting. You hate to go through all the work (and expense when you buy quality ingredients) and then they assume it’s bad because of the yucky plastic santa package the local stores carry! 🙂 Any tips???
The Leftover Queen - November 30, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Yes, I will be showing you final packaging, etc. with the recipes…this is definitely a challenge, so we’ll see how they turn out!
Miz Helen - December 1, 2011 at 7:55 am
I love all you gifts and agree with your concept of giving. My friends and family always look forward to getting something from my kitchen or sewing room, and sometimes both. It really brings me more joy than anything I give. Thanks for sharing and hope you are having a great week!
Miz Helen
Jacqueline - December 1, 2011 at 12:24 pm
You have been busy Jenn. I have only made chutney so far, but plan to make jams, peppermint creams and truffles. It nice to get some new ideas though. I like the look of the shortbread.
Elle - December 1, 2011 at 12:26 pm
We love giving handmade gifts! My husband and I used to stay up all night a day or so before Christmas and bake cookies and homemade breads. We’d give baskets of stuff away to everyone. We’ve kind of strayed from that the last few years, but it would be nice to get back into it.
I also love buying from local artisans whenever possible–supporting them is very soul satisfying.
Love your ideas!
Michelle | Bleeding Espresso - December 1, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for sharing all of these, Jenn! I also enjoy donating to worthy causes in people’s names, but it’s especially nice when the people you’re giving the gifts too actually appreciate the thought/effort instead of wondering why you didn’t buy them a new purse or hardcover book. Unfortunately that hasn’t always been my experience, but I hope you’ve had better luck :/
kari - December 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm
I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I was hunting around on line and found this deal today. american greetings has a feature to customize holiday cards and has a deal on free shipping and stamps today. it’s 50% off. http://Landing.AmericanGreetings.com/cp
I’m leaning towards something non-holiday for wrapping at this point and adding a crafty look because the holiday stuff is so cheap looking. I’m so excited to see what you come up with!
Kari