Gifts from the Heart: Why Handmade Wins the Holidays (Plus a gift guide with links!)

The holiday season is here. Along with the twinkling lights and cozy-spiced everything comes the annual question: "What do I get everyone?"

The shopping carts, both digital and physical, fill up. We click, we wrap, we give. But in the rush, are we giving what truly matters?

For me, the magic of the holidays has always been wrapped up in things made by hand. I have such cherished memories of my mom and me working on ornaments, simmering homemade hot chocolate mixes on the stove, and putting up the sweetest canned goods with tiny, hand-sewn jar covers.

A handmade gift is a story in physical form. It’s a piece of your time, your care, and your creativity. It’s a tradition of love. Handmade has always been a special tradition in our home, and I am committed to carrying it forward.

This year, let's skip the shipping delays and the generic gift sets. (Unless you are supporting small businesses) Let's give something that tells a story. Let's give something handmade.



Easy & Heartfelt Handmade Gift Ideas



You don't need to be a master artisan to create a beautiful gift. The key is to match the gift to the person. Here are a few simple ideas that anyone can try.

  • For the Foodie (or Anyone Who Eats!):

    • Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar: Layer cocoa powder, sugar, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in a glass jar. Add a tag with instructions (e.g., "Add 3 tbsp to 1 cup hot milk").

    • Stovetop Potpourri: Combine dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a sprig of rosemary in a small bag. It's a gift that makes their whole house smell like the holidays. I am using mix match jars found at the thrift store.

    • Homemade Vanilla Extract: This one takes time, but it's incredibly simple. Just put a few split vanilla beans in a jar of vodka and let it sit for a few months. (You can still gift it this year with a "ready on..." date!)

  • For the One Who Needs to Relax:

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub: Mix 1 cup of sugar (white or brown) with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or peppermint). Spoon it into a small jar.

    • DIY Bath Bombs: With a few simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts, you can make a batch of fizzy bath bombs that rival any store-bought version.

  • For the Sentimental Soul:


A Gift to Harness Your Own Creativity

Looking for handmade goodness to share this holiday season? You are invited!!

Join The Ugly Art Club for their "Sharing Season 4 Play Date" on November 16th 2025.

This is a 4-hour live virtual workshop (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST) hosted by founders Tiffany, Kristin, and DeeDee. It's designed for everyone—subscribers and non-subscribers alike—to come together for a "Season of SPLENDOR & SHARING."

The best part? Your access is for life. The event includes the 4-hour live session plus pre-recorded lessons from previous guest artists. It's a fantastic way to harness your creative skills, get inspired, and maybe even get a jumpstart on making your own handmade gifts.

You can sign up for the live session for a discounted price of $24. Click here to check out The Sharing Season 2025 workshop!

⭐ The Free Bonus: A Gift for the Creative Person on Your List

Grab Tiff's Favorites List here

Head on over to see what Kristin and DeeDee cooked up in their holiday gift guides.
Checked Kristin’s out HERE
DeeDee’s can be found HERE

Tiffany Goff -SmithComment