This is an oldie but a goodie from last year. I'm rather proud of this little article-maybe I should get that masters of local craft economics after all...hmm...My brother brought home his girlfriend (now wife) for Christmas in 2003. My brother, parents, and I all gave her pretty much the exact same gift-a basket full of lotion, body spray, and soap. As she opened each one, I thought to myself, "Great..... What is she going to think about all these generic gifts?" After opening my Grandma's gift (just lotion), she asked us, "What, do I smell that badly?"
It was a humorous way to learn an important lesson.
If you're going to give a gift, why not make it as special as you can?
Giving a handmade gift is like giving two gifts in one. Yes, the recipient benefits, but the artist who created the work gets the validation and pride that comes with selling something they created. Even if they're not there when the package is unwrapped, the artist is still present in that moment.
It means a lot that the maker's efforts are going to someone who is going to appreciate their work. It means the giver has gone to special effort of their own to find a one-of-a-kind item for a one-of-a-kind person. It means the recipient is getting something unique in the world. And obviously, it also means the artist is able to pay bills, buy more supplies, and keep bringing new creations to the marketplace.
Buying handmade, directly from the artist or from small, independant retailers, means that fewer resources are spent in transportation, storage, and packaging. It also keeps down the possibility of sweatshop labor being a part of the production of the gift, as the artist can usually tell you where the materials have come from. Try asking a big-box retailer the same question, and you probably won't get an answer.
It takes a little more effort to make things yourself, or buy handmade, but it's part of the fun. Great options abound-local indie retailers, arts and crafts shows, websites like etsy.com-plus you don't have to fight the insane crowds on 'black friday'! If you're ready to take the pledge to buy handmade this holiday season, visit buyhandmade.org.
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