Would you appreciate a handmade present?

[Litsea]

Or prefer a generic boots/body shop type gift set?

Handmade bathroom, aromatherapy oil type stuff.

"SlightlyStaleCocoPops Because they’re not thinking about a present the receiver would like, they’re just making what (they think) they’re good at.

It’s lazy. It’s “oh I dabble in making scented candles/cakes/biscuits” so that’s what I’m going to give. No regard or thought for what the receiver actually wants as a present. It’s just convenient for the giver."

How is that any different from buying these things from a shop?

How is that any different from buying these things from a shop?

SlightlyStaleCocoPops Because there are many shops to choose from, and they all sell different things. So you can have a browse to find and choose a present the receiver might actually want.

As opposed to the receiver getting stuck with whatever tat the giver is making because that’s one of the only things they know how to make.

Always appreciate handmade. You can regift or donate if you don't like it, just pretend that you do as they've made the effort. Not keen on smellies as I only ever use the shower gel.

I wouldn’t be able to use it because of sensitive skin but homemade presents are wonderful. I’m making two of my closest friends homemade presents this year. I’m hoping they will love the gesture (both presents are a bit mad so they may or may not love them) but they will see how much time has been spent on them and that’s a mark of the importance of our friendship.

OMG I’ve just seen the messages below this. I hope my recipients don’t feel like some of these posters. The things I am doing have taken hours and are specific to the likes of each friend. Definitely not a thoughtless gift also not something I do in any sort of selling capacity!

Depends on why it's been made. If it's because it's a cheap option for the maker to make a large quantity and give it to everyone they know, then no it's not appropriated. (This would be the same level not appropriated as getting a gift set from Boots from the stock they built up in the Boots sale.)

If the gift had been made specifically for the receiver then it's different.

I like homemade, much more personal than someone buying something generic from a shop.

My brothers GF bought us lots of handmade gifts last Christmas, she'd put hours of effort in and we all appreciated it (even if all the items weren't exactly to my taste)

My friend one year was out of work and saving her pennies, she went to the effort of making delicious homemade chutney as a Christmas gift and thank you for our support.

I can't understand the mentality of some of the PP who say it's lazy, for me it's the opposite.

She brought us handmade gifts...not much point in her buying them for us!

Well you get the full gamut of responses here! When I have made gifts they've been well-received and used. My rule of thumb is that if I wouldn't be happy to use/wear/eat/drink something I'd made then I wouldn't give it as a gift.

No don’t like homemade , especially food stuff I always wonder if they had clean hands or if the cat was sitting on the work surface.

No to the smelly sets . Hate them with a passion . Depends on the homemade item tbh .

As someone who does make presents it's really critical to know your audience with homemade gifts.

I can sew and knit to a high standard and have had requests for Christmas presents from a number of family members which is lovely, and for many I know what I could make them that they'd really appreciate. However there are other family members I'd never make for because they don't get it and prefer shop bought. That's fine for me because I'm giving to make them happy not to make me happy.

Wouldn’t like either but would use the store bought ones as travel toiletries. I wouldn’t eat or drink anything home made either.

Most homemade gifts are more about the maker than the person receiving. Unless really talented and the item is actually requested as a gift then I imagine a lot go to waste. Not good for the environment.

I like homemade. I usually have requests for gloves/scarves/blankets and always have requests for biscuits.

My gran used to make amazing jumpers, my aunt knitted baby wear and I have beautiful toiletry bags sewed by SIL, all these people were talented crafters.

PP suggests re-gifting home made toiletries Think that would be v bad manners.

Neither tbh. I don't want to receive gifts. Going out for a meal or coffee would be lovely instead.