It’s that time of year when so many run around looking for the perfect gift to purchase for everyone on their list. Some enjoy making gifts for those they really care about but worry it won’t be thought enough.

As the title implies, handmade or homemade is without a doubt heart-made. It takes forethought, planning, and time to make gifts for people, not to mention the materials required to do so. When it comes to kids making gifts for family members or teachers, they are especially cherished. One might forget to consider the time of the adult who supervised or helped that child in creating the gift, but from a parent who has spent hours not only making the gifts with her kids, but who has also spent time cleaning up afterward - it is a time investment.

The glitz, sparkle, and shine of store bought can never match the heart that goes into homemade/handmade.

Does that mean everyone should be making presents, and if you don’t, you will be judged? Heavens, no! Time and talent don’t always come together like we would want.

As always, it is the thought that counts - a gift in any form is a treasure given - do people still write actual thank you notes? That’s a story for another time…