With building anticipation for the holidays in the coming months, gift prices have begun to rise. Many students here at OH can find it difficult to buy meaningful gifts for their friends and family without breaking the bank. An easy solution to this issue is for them to make their own gifts.
“Handmade gifts, at least to me, feel a lot more meaningful,” said junior Harley Engdahl. “Then you know that that idea came straight from their head.”
Whether it’s crocheting, knitting, or drawing, handmade gifts are often much cheaper and personal to the receiver. They show someone that thought and care were put into their gift, not just a trip to the store.
“It saves money,” said Yarn Club adviser Melissa Grove. “It is more personal because it’s heartfelt, and it is a gift of your talent and time as opposed to just money.”
Any creative activity starts with inspiration, whether from online or other people. Students here at OH can find this in a variety of places, from online pattern databases to other people here in the community. The internet now holds unique, beginner patterns on a variety of free websites.
“I find a lot of [patterns] through Pinterest, YouTube, and Ravelry,” said Engdahl. “Usually if I’m drawing or painting something for someone, I’ll try to recreate a photo that I know means a lot to someone.”
In addition to the large number of patterns that are available with the click of a button, these patterns can be easily adjusted to be personal to whoever the gift is going to. By making it more personal to the receiver, the gift feels more heartfelt and meaningful.
“You can tailor it to a person’s preference based on what color is their favorite or what sports teams they support,” said Grove.
Gifts for friends and family don’t have to be complex and elaborate. Something simple that came from the heart can be equally as meaningful as a store-bought gift. Numerous websites contain free tutorials for anything from clothes to decorations.
“Scarves are great, potholders, dishcloths, even headbands,” said Grove. “Even something simple like a bookmark or an ornament.”
Students who want some extra help on their projects or a community of fellow crafters to work with can join many clubs in the building. One of these is the OH Yarn Club, which means after school every other Thursday to collaborate on knit, crochet, and other yarn crafts.
“Join Yarn Club, we will take you at any point!” said Grove. “If you have never picked up a crochet hook in your life that’s okay!”
Additionally, groups like Yarn Club can inspire crafts for multiple different skill levels. When people work together as a group these projects will often be easier, and the creation process will become a fun activity rather than a chore. Yarn Club provides a platform for students and staff to work as a community, sharing ideas and inspiration.
”If [the members] find a pattern, they can put it in the Google Classroom and everyone can share it and use it that way,” said Grove.
“[Crochet] is becoming more accessible with the Woobles crochet kits,” said Engdahl. “They are made specifically for beginners with lots of in-depth tutorials attached with the instructions.”
No matter how students make gifts this holiday season, handmade projects are much more meaningful than anything bought in a store. They show someone’s thoughtfulness and dedication to others through their giving of time and patience to create the gift.
“It is something you can cherish for many years,” said Grove. “It’s special, it’s unique, and it’s a craft.”
My name is Sasha Pankuch and I am a junior here at OHS. This is my first year with 42Fifty too. I am very involved here at OHS; I am on the board of Student Council, I play the saxophone in the Panther Marching Band, and am a member of multiple honors societies!
Great ideas, Sasha! I love giving and receiving DIY gifts. I especially enjoy baking for others! While I craft or bake I have time to think about the gift recipients and how I am grateful for them.