Every year, birthdays are filled with anticipation and excitement. For some people, the excitement lies in unwrapping store-bought presents. For others, it comes from the thoughtfulness and effort behind a handmade gift. Each type of gift has its own special charm, offering different experiences and significance for the reciever.
In recent years, do-it-yourself (DIY) culture has increased in popularity across social media platforms. Websites such as Etsy have created a space for people to indulge in creating handmade goods, while platforms such as Pinterest and TikTok showcase tutorials on various DIY projects. These tutorials have created an easy platform for others to create their own gifts for their friends and families, according to The Guardian. For many, making a gift for someone they love fosters a deeper connection between the giver and the receiver.
“When you’re looking for a handmade gift, you look at something that they will really enjoy, and since it’s handmade, you’re able to customize it,” FHS sophomore Gracie Padilla said. “So when you do that, you learn a lot about the person’s favorite color, what they really enjoy or what they want.”
While many like Padilla enjoy taking time out of their day to create something enjoyable for their friends, others prefer the connection over the sentiment. While preferences differ, store bought gifts can reflect thoughtfulness and intention when buying something tailored to the individual.
“If I am going out of my way to spend a good chunk of my own money on another person I think that’s super personal, it means a lot to me,” FHS junior Joshua Charnota said.
People can show their love to a person when giving them a thoughtful gift. However, when gift givers go out of their way to find a niche gift rather than giving the individual what they initially requested, it can create disappointing gifting exchanges, according to ‘A Behavioral Scientist’s Guide to Gift Giving’ in Yale School of Management. Especially for those who prefer store bought gifts, when someone goes above and beyond, it is appreciated, but may not invoke a true sense of happiness because it was not something they asked for, or even wanted.
While many appreciate store bought gifts, handmade gifts are often known to invoke emotion. A handmade gift represents intentionality that is valued amongst many people. They improve empathy, promote relationships and emotional connections, according to Olney Enterprise in the article “The Psychology of Homemade Gifts.”
Ultimately, the meaning behind a gift usually depends on the relationship between the giver and the receiver. A handmade gift from a close friend may carry more of an emotional connection because of the time invested. On the other hand a carefully selected, personal store bought gift can show attentiveness and understanding of someone’s specific wants.
As one of the five love languages, gift giving is cherished regardless of its form. Depending on the person, the intention behind the gift can be perceived differently. Some may find simple handmade gifts as lacking the effort to truly know what the receiver wants, while others deeply value the time and sentiment put into handmade gifts.
“I think if someone spends money on me…that means a lot to me,” Charnota said. “But if someone is making a really personal gift for me, that also means a lot.”
