Pinterest searches in the U.S. for handmade Christmas gift ideas have increased 400% year over year, with new analysis highlighting growing interest in making holiday presents and finding products to sell from home.
The research by crafting brand Resparked’s analysis found that searches for the term also rose 200% month over month. Searches for “homemade christmas gift ideas” increased 200% annually, while “engraved gifts” rose 100%.
Alongside interest in personal presents, searches with a selling focus are also growing. “Things to make and sell from home” increased 400% year over year, while “things to sell at craft fairs” rose 90%.
For Santiago Roa, founder of Resparked, the findings create an opportunity to help beginners choose projects they can realistically finish, whether they are making gifts for friends and family or considering their first craft sale.
“A good handmade gift starts with knowing the person you’re making it for,” he said. “A favorite phrase, a meaningful date or a design connected to something they love can give an everyday object a personal connection.”
Roa added that people “don’t need to master an entirely new craft before Christmas. Choose one manageable project, practice the technique and give yourself enough time to finish it properly.”
Making gifts people will want to keep
Personalization offers a starting point for people who want to make a gift but feel uncertain about designing something from scratch, according to Santiago. A name, a short message or a simple illustration can be incorporated into a suitable keepsake, ornament or decorative object. He recommended choosing the item around the recipient’s interests before deciding how to customize it.
“Think about where the gift will live and how the person will use it,” he said. “Someone who loves their garden might appreciate a personalized plant marker. Someone who keeps every family memento might prefer an ornament with a date that means something to them.”
Santiago also suggested that people not make the project too complicated.
“Keep the design simple enough to execute well,” he said. “You can make something personal without covering every available surface.”
He also advised beginners to make one complete sample before committing to gifts for several people. That includes testing the design, checking the finish and working out how the item will be packaged.
A homemade gift still needs a budget
Making a gift is not automatically the least expensive option, particularly when a project requires new equipment or materials that will only be used once.
Before starting, Santiago said it’s a good idea to add up the full cost of the project, including tools, practice materials, the item being personalized and packaging.
“Look at what you already own and what you’ll use again,” he said. “A tool you use for several projects is a different purchase from something you buy for one gift and then put away. Finish one piece before buying supplies for 10. That first attempt will tell you much more about the time, materials and skill involved than a picture of the finished project.”
From homemade presents to a first craft sale
While the increase in searches for products to make and sell suggests interest in exploring small craft businesses, it does not establish how many people have started selling or whether their projects are profitable.
For anyone considering holiday orders, Santiago recommended testing a small range of products and recording the time needed to complete each one.
“Personalized work includes more than the time you spend making the item,” he said. “You also need to confirm names and spellings, agree on the design, package the order and answer questions.”
Before setting a price, Santiago suggested sellers count the materials, packaging, selling fees and time spent. “Then ask whether you could make several to the same standard and deliver them when promised,” he added.
He also recommended setting a clear order deadline and limiting customization options while learning how long production takes.
“Start with a product you can make consistently,” Santiago said. “A small number of well-finished orders will teach you what customers want and what you can realistically deliver.”
For those focused on making gifts for loved ones rather than for profit, Santiago said that “the same principle applies: Choose a manageable project and leave yourself time to enjoy making it.”
