The Taxonomy of Handmade Gifts- Skilled Edition

(...or, I like to organize things in my head...)

Sparkly clearance beads!

Who wants a handmade gift?

As I’ve been making more things lately (mostly sewing, watercolor painting, and crochet), I’ve also been following a lot of makers online. I get inspired by watching other makers, even when their projects are nothing like mine.

As end-of-year holidays approach, I’ve been more aware of the nuances of handmade gifts. Specifically, I’m thinking about handmade gifts given by the maker (not handmade items purchased for gifting).

Are handmade gifts always welcomed? Do they create obligations on the part of the recipients? I posted these questions to my Facebook the other day; the consensus was that any thoughtful gift is welcomed. “Thoughtful” means paying attention to the tastes and needs of the giftee. Don’t give someone an item that they won’t want or use.

Responses to that post also reminded me of types of handmade gifts that I had forgotten— homemade food gifts like jam or sweets are often welcome.

As I started brainstorming a list of types of handmade gifts, I sorted them into categories. The result is this: The Taxonomy of Handmade Gifts- Skilled Edition. (By skilled, I mean items requiring some level of study, practice, and time to create.)

Stack of winter-themed fabrics

Types of Handmade Gifts

1. Fabric (sewing)

   1. Quilts

   2. Pillow shams

   3. Garments

   4. Aprons, potholders, coasters

   5. Bags (purses, small pouches)

   6. Toys (dolls, animals)

   7. Bins, baskets, bowls (stiffened fabric)

   8. Rag rugs

   9. Other decorative items

2. Yarn (crochet and knit)

   1. Garments (sweaters)

   2. Accessories (scarves, cowls, mittens, socks, hats)

   3. Toys (dolls, animals)

   4. Other decorative items

3. Needle crafts (embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch)

   1. Wall hangings

   2. Pillow shams

   3. Other decorative items

4. Food

   1. Jam

   2. Sauce

   3. Cookies

   4. Candies

5. Body care

   1. Soap

   2. Scrubs

   3. Lotions

   4. Balms

6. Candles

7. Paper

   1. Handmade paper

   2. Wall hangings

   3. Journals

   4. Paintings/Drawings

   5. Photographs

   6. Other decorative items

8. Ceramics

   1. Dishware

   2. Mugs

   3. Vases

   4. Other decorative items

9. Jewelry

10. Macrame (decor)

11. Woodworking

    1. Frames

    2. Tables

    3. Chairs

    4. Stools

    5. Toys

    6. Other decorative items

12. Metalsmithing (not jewelry)

Mug rugs and potholders

As I worked on this list, I found myself often considering what the gift did once it was in the recipient’s home. Did it serve a function for the recipient?

Purpose of Handmade Gifts

1. Functional

2. Decorative

3. Amusement/entertainment

Functional gifts are used by the recipient for a clear reason. A scarf or hat keeps you warm. Food items can sate your appetite. You can sit on a handcrafted stool.

What about quilts and afghans? They can be functional, but they can also be decorative. However, if someone doesn’t need another blanket and doesn’t have space to display the item, then the gift ends up serving no purpose.

Many handmade gifts (perhaps most?) are decorative. If it hangs on the wall or rests on a shelf, then it’s providing some kind of character to the space.

The third category I came up with is Amusing/Entertaining. Toys, dolls, and and stuffed animals fall into this category. Arguably this could be included in the Functional category, but the play/joy aspect has me wanting to separate it.

What’s the point of the taxonomy?

In developing The Taxonomy of Handmade Gifts, I’m struck by how wide the world of handmade gifts is. There are so many opportunities to spend time developing a skill and using it to create thoughtful gifts for the people in your life. The recipients will treasure those gifts for years to come.

I’m also wondering what I’m missing. Do you make a handmade gift that I haven’t included? What handmade gifts do you love to receive?

Please tell me!