I’ve got a confession to make. I’m a terrible gifter. I come from a family that really did not do much gifting. In fact, my mother hates it! However, over the years I’ve been working on it. It takes a little time and effort but the joy on someone’s face when you get it right is worth the effort!

So if you are not a natural gifter what makes it easier?

Listening and asking. Keep it in the back of your mind throughout the year. What makes them excited? Do they like good food/wine? Is there a hobby they have that occupies much of their free time? Is there any particular shop that they keep going back to?

If you’re still in doubt don’t be afraid to ask! What would they like? Do they have a wishlist anywhere that you can pick from? Would they like a knitted gift?

As a knitter, I really love gifting knits. But as you know it takes so long that it’s really important to have the recipient involved. If it’s a garment make sure you measure them and even give them some pattern ideas to pick from. What you want to match up is a knit they really want to wear with a knitting experience that you enjoy. So point them in the right direction and let them have a say in what it’s going to look like.

The advice I’ve heard again and again is to start early.

As you all know that’s easier said than done! I’ve accidentally done this before. When giving a knitted Christmas gift someone else really loved it. This allowed me to ask them ‘exactly’ what they would like. And then as the following Christmas was a whole year away it was still a complete surprise when I gave it to them!

Do you have to?

It’s important not to feel like you ‘have’ to gift, especially if it’s a handknit. In fact, I’d strongly suggest that you ONLY knit for people that will truly appreciate it. It takes a long time so you need to be certain that they are worthy of your hand knits.

It’s so easy to underestimate the time we spend on our knitting, to dismiss it with a shrug, but we shouldn’t. Our time is so valuable! Use it wisely and never feel pressured into knitting for someone who won’t understand the time and effort that went into the creation.

So on that note, I’d like to wish you all a happy holiday.

Knit what makes you happy and do it for people who will love it as much as you do!

See you all in the new year.