By J1 Columnist Sarah Egan

I’ve spent hours wandering stores looking for the perfect gift only to leave with something forgettable. These instances remind me that the best gift I have ever received wasn’t a random store bought item, but it was something shaped by two hands, made with time and creativity by someone I care about.

Something handmade reminds your loved one of a shared memory, carries large emotional value, and expresses care and effort—all at the same time. The joy I feel when I see the scrapbook filled with pictures and memorable relics of my sister and I in her room outweighs my emotions when I use the gift card my friend got me. And as time goes on, simply the sight or memory of handmade gifts make my heart skip a beat.

Though, I admit, store bought gifts can exude appreciation—for example, maybe it’s something the person really wanted or it’s a difficult item to get your hands on. It’s true that the thought and time put into choosing a gift can make a person feel special, but something personalized wins in meaning. 

In a day and age where any gift can be just one click away, something made by hand with time and care says “you matter to me” more than anything else.

Agree with me? Leave a comment.