Handmade/homemade Christmas gifts. Do people really like them?

[cheesenpickles]

My side of the family is rather large and cash this year is a bit tight. I was toying with the idea of making something like florentines, marshmallows and chocolate bark but am getting a bit of fear about people's real feelings for them.

I'm not the most crafty of people but there's some super simple looking recipes. Is this a Pinterest failure waiting to happen or do people genuinely like handmade stuff rather than store bought things?

Depends on the recipient, some do, some don't. There's a lot of love for them on here, not sure I see so much in real life. Secret Santa where you all just buy one gift could be an alternative. Also check that the cost really is lower.

Just stop doing gifts.

I like homemade (consumables only). Homemade chocolate truffles could also be an option as they can be very simple to make.

We've made chutney and pickled beetroot from our allotment which will hope looked forward to by family members.

I don't like them. They would go to charity or bin depending on what they are

For me depends on whether the person giving the gift actually has any skills. If you burn every dish you try or your knitting is rubbish then no (excluding presents made by children.)

Oh yeah. Definitely foodie ones. I usually buy like a hamper or bottles of quirky booze for most members of my family. I really don't want to stop giving gifts full stop. We don't do birthdays and all bar one of my family members are over 18, so it's more a token thing. My sis always makes us chutneys and pickled eggs etc, which I love but she's a lot better at making them look "nice" which is what I'm concerned about.

@Difficultcustomer oh if they turn out poor they'll be "made by the kids

I don't. Don't like homemade foodstuffs - truffles eughhh - balls of chocolatey fat rolled by hands of questionable cleanliness - especially when told "the kids helped to make these especially for you"

I would of course accept graciously and you would be none-the-wiser.

If it's already done in the family I can't see a problem although as one poster has said you would be as well to do coatings. It can add up very quickly and be no cheaper than looking for deals.

Would it save you money though ?

I like them, but cost the ingredients to see how much you’ll really save. Things can be more expensive than you think and you’ll also need packaging.

My friend did this one year, but she’s not a great baker so we didn’t really enjoy them- most went into the bin. Another friend knitted me a hat last Christmas though, and I absolutely love it!

That's another concern @NWQM I'm thinking that if I keep it super simple it might be ok.

Food ones can be lovely: hand made biscuits, jams and chutneys. Also jewellery and knitted/crocheted items if the maker is good at it! But please nothing twee.

Bottle of wine and a little hand tied muslin of mulling spices always goes down well. Also: sloe gin/damson gin/raspberry gin. Really easy.

Depends on skills you have. Badly done ones no, but id its something you're actually talented at then yes.

Oh, and I did some Christmas Pudding vodka last year: ‘twas a hit with people who like that sort of thing.

It depends if you have all the baking tins etc you need etc. If you dont then might be worth checking out ebay or Facebook market place.

Gingerbread Rudolph's decorated by the kids are fun to make.

Aside from a couple of friends who are known for their amazing baking skills (and I know them well enough to know they’re clean and hygienic people!) I really prefer not to receive home made edible gifts.

In my experience the worst HM stuff is from people who want to save some cash and get inspired looking online or at one of Kirsty’s bloody shows . They start to think Ooh I could do that but actually the people who can do it well enough to call it a gift have usually got experience and skill. Sorry Op but I think if you haven’t developed a talent for baking or knitting or whatever other crafty thing then “having a go” for Christmas isn’t really the best idea.

Don't like homemade foodstuffs - truffles eughhh - balls of chocolatey fat rolled by hands of questionable cleanliness - especially when told "the kids helped to make these especially for you"

100% this! Though anything more cooked and less touched is a bit more appealing. Cookies or biscuits are good and wrap easily in a paper treat bag thing. Having said that making a huge batch as presents is laborious and there's always the fear they turn out wrong. I say look for a simple fail safe recipe first!

I'd love homemade treats! Also knitted socks for any of us and cardigans for the children would be amazing! Basically as long as it's something that'd get eaten or used! Artwork would be very dependant on the talent of person and my tastes

I don’t like them and I don’t think it will save you any money by the time you’ve bought everything you need. Either look in bargain shops for something simple or don’t bother.