The Power of Homemade

What is it about a homemade gift that makes it so special? Over the years, I have received some homemade items such as cards that were hand-drawn, knitted baby blankets and quilts. Friends and families have also shared some of their talents with me. For example, my brother sang at our wedding, my friend played the piano at our wedding, and my cousin hand-painted many gifts for me and a lot of the accessories for our wedding. I have treasured all of those things knowing how much love, time and effort had gone into those items. Perhaps I appreciate those types of gifts because I myself have recently given some homemade items as gifts. My daughter went to a birthday party in January for another 4 year old girl. The mother is also my daycare lady and always raved about the sweater that I had crocheted for my daughter a long time ago. So it hit me... That's what we will give her little girl for her birthday. Not only did I save money but I also avoided the risk of getting her the same gift as someone else. And not to mention... another excuse to crochet something. When the little girl opened her gift, I got the reaction I was hoping for from her mom. It felt great knowing that I gave them something they appreciated. Well I actually got more of a crowd reaction than I thought. A few other moms started commenting and complimenting me on the sweater and even joking that they were going to submit their orders before I left. I don't like being the center of attention, I just wanted to give her something that was useful. A month later... another birthday party... What the heck!! Let's try the same gift only in a different colour. I guess I am addicted to that feeling I get when someone really likes something that I actually made. I don't have a lot of talents but the few I have I try to use them when I can. My family is very talented and I didn't inherit any except for the crocheting from my grandmother. The ironic part is when she got older, she didn't remember that she had taught me. Oh the reaction at party #2, you ask... the mom almost leaped into the bag as she was saying to her daughter... "Oh this is more for mommy." I felt great seeing that reaction knowing that my many hours of work were well appreciated. Try sharing your talents with others instead of expensive gifts and see how you are appreciated.