As Christmas quickly approaches, people rush to stores to gather gifts for their family, friends and loved ones. Getting gifts can be a stressful process, and it is easy to forget that a thoughtful gift can mean more to someone than something worth an excessive amount of money.
LEGO is a brand renowned for its building blocks, which feature a diverse range of themes and worlds. Though LEGO is typically enjoyed by kids, it has a surplus of collections for adults as well, including botanical sets, luxury building and cars, pop culture, space, etc. Getting someone a LEGO set of their favorite flower or the world of their favorite fantasy movie is not only unique, but perfect for enjoyment in the moment and for display afterwards.
Along with LEGO sets, book nooks are kits that are growing in popularity and can be found in places like Barnes & Noble and ordered on Amazon. They are a buildable 3D world that can be displayed and admired on any bookshelf. There are multiple different options of worlds within a book nook, including bookstores, restaurants, and even magical worlds from books such as Harry Potter. These buildable sets are fun for those who enjoy displaying their passions, and both LEGO and book nooks are beneficial ways to practice focus and reduce stress.
According to research done by Anglia Ruskin University, “Arts and crafts provide a sense of purpose and [are] an outlet for creativity which is not always found in employment. Crafting can create a sense of mastery of ‘flow’ where you experience control, achievement and self-expression.”
Do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts are also a way to provide thoughtful presents for loved ones. These crafts can include a variety of items such as ornaments, jars, handmade cards, collages, paintings and so much more. Apps like Pinterest contain an abundance of ideas that may spark interest, and most include a link directly to the step-by-step “how to make” process. DIY gifts can not only showcase one’s talents and hobbies but also provide a reason for doing something one enjoys.
Riley Sturm (11) is an avid crocheter and finds making DIY such a thoughtful way to express love and gratitude to close friends.
“I pretty much make every gift I give to people. I like crocheting people gifts. I made my friend a pickle stuffed animal, and I crocheted my dad a scarf last Christmas. I also made my mom a blanket for her birthday. These gifts are all one of a kind for a specific person in mind when I make them,” Sturm said. “DIY gifts are made with lots of love; time and effort are clearly shown in handmade gifts. There is nothing greater than to know that a loved one spent the time to handmake a gift special for you. That’s worth more than even the most expensive gift in the world, because it was made with love, and a special person in mind when doing so.”
Thoughtful gifts are more important and can mean a lot to a person. Even if the gift is a simple handmade card or something that the person enjoys.
Josiah Greene (11) enjoys receiving and creating homemade gifts because they are personal and heartfelt.
“The most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received was the photo album of pictures of my grandmother and me. It was so sentimental because she passed away when I was 6, so it may be a simple gift, but it has great sentimental value to me,” Greene said.
