Weekend Edition: Homemade for the Holidays

Sparking connection with homemade gifts and a kiwi jam recipe

Our kiwi vines are absolutely packed with kiwis! We’ve already picked loads and there are still so many more still waiting on the vines.

If you’re anything like me, as the holiday season approaches the search for meaningful and affordable gifts begins. Which, depending on the person, isn’t always all that easy. This year, I’ve tried to do my best to make most of my gifts for my friends and loved ones.

To me, homemade gifts carry a special kind of magic, weaving creativity, connection, and mindfulness into the act of giving.

The Heart of Homemade

In a world filled with store-bought presents, a homemade gift stands out. To me, it tells a story: of the time and care spent, the thought behind the gesture, and the hands that crafted it. Even if you think what you made “isn’t perfect” or it’s a bit “lumpy” (putting my hand up for these thoughts), when you gift something you’ve made, it becomes a symbol of connection—showing your friends and family that you’ve taken time out of a busy season to make something just for them.

Plus, it’s fun to do something a little different.

A Win for the Wallet

Homemade gifts are often easier on the budget (although, I realize that’s not always the case!). Instead of spending large sums on items that might not resonate, we can repurpose materials we already have or use affordable ingredients to create something personal and unique.

For me, this has meant heading to our garden and our many fruit trees, to turn the fruity bounty into jams, preserves and other delights. It’s a way to share a piece of home with loved ones while keeping holiday spending in check.

The Joy of Creativity

I find there’s something wonderfully fulfilling about making gifts by hand. It taps into my creative energy that can often be left lying dormant and forgotten during busy weeks. It gives me the opportunity to experiment and learn new skills, which I find exhilarating.

If you can, invite friends or family to join you! Gathering around the kitchen counter with laughter and shared stories as you create together is a great way to reduce the holiday stress and a good excuse to spend time with loved ones.

5 Easy-to-do Homemade Gift Ideas

There are so many things you could do, honestly the list is pretty much endless and a lot of it depends on our interests and what we have available to us. Here are just a few ideas for you to explore and hopefully will inspire your own take on them or something else entirely!