The Roanoker November/December 2023 - 63

holidays
Yet here it was! My husband knew that I was
drawn to Katherine Devine's art and have a
fascination with mermaids.
It is that attention that we give to knowing
someone that helps us personalize a gift.
It is noticing what they notice, what brings
them joy and finding a gift that will convey
that.
Sometimes, we feel we aren't good at making
things or that people would prefer a storebought
gift. There are some things our loved
ones want that we cannot make - like video
games or make up kits or Lego sets. Collectible
items and board games can only be purchased,
not made. Even so, we can include a
little something that we have made just for
them. Perhaps a handmade shelf to display
their cherished items or a photo collage of
your times together.
Remember when mixtapes were a thing?
It might seem funny now to recall the endless
hours picking and choosing just the right
songs and recording them on a cassette or CD.
Wasn't it great to receive one though? It was
just for you. It was special. Now it is easier with
streaming playlists and still thoughtful.
Perhaps you could pen a poem, or a letter
filled with memories and appreciation. Don't
fancy yourself a writer? Find a book with
prompts to fill out. My children did that one
year, and I love reading the things they love
about me and their memories of me.
One year, I gave pottery I painted at Glazed
Bisque-It. For my parents and in-laws, I gave a
platter with our children's footprints made into
butterflies and handprints into flowers. My sister
received a mug with flowers I modeled after
a bowl she loved. While I painted, I thought
of the things I admired and loved about each
person. I infused those gifts with love.
In a world where we can order almost anything
with a quick search and a few clicks,
homemade gifts are a testament to the love,
care and creativity of the giver. They hold a
special place in the hearts of the giver and the
recipient.
The thought, effort and personal touch that
go into making homemade gifts are priceless
and make them stand out in a sea of massproduced
items. The next time you are pondering
the perfect gift, consider harnessing your
creative spirit and crafting something unique
and meaningful. Homemade gifts not only
warm the heart but also demonstrate the true
spirit of giving.
TheRoanoker.com
Here are a few homemade gift ideas:
* FOOD IDEAS: Homemade jams, herb-infused
olive oils or vinegars, baked goods
(try peppermint cake or spiced donuts
for a twist on the traditional cookies).
* PAMPERING PRODUCTS: Lip scrubs,
bath scrubs and bath salts are easy to
make and require only a few ingredients.
Add essential oils of their favorite scents.
* GETTING COZY: Crocheted or knitted
blankets, scarves and hats and gloves.
* ART INSPIRATION: Drawings,
paintings, sculptures or pottery. Make a
mug or a bowl, or buy one and paint it.
* PHOTO GIFTS: Take some artsy
ones and frame them, make a collage
or scrapbook, add photos to a canvas
bag or a blanket, mug or mousepad.
* RECIPE BOOK: Gather your favorite recipes
and those of the recipient and put them
together with pictures in a recipe book.
* WRITE IT: Write a story, a poem or an
essay just for the recipient. Fill a jar with
pieces of paper on which you have written
motivational quotes, things you love and
appreciate about the recipient or fun things
to do depending on what you think they
would enjoy most. I
BELOW: A labor of love... a shadowbox
Steve Wade made and filled with toys which
belonged to his father-in-law.
A lovingly painted beach scene painted by
Sarah Wade for her mom and embedded with
shells gathered on a walk with her mother.
The mixed media mermaid made by
Roanoke artist Katherine Devine and
thoughtfully gifted to the writer.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 63
COURTESY OF LAURA WADE
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The Roanoker November/December 2023

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