My resolution to craft gifts this year is not an entirely altruistic one. I’m eager to find any way to force myself to spend more time off my phone, for all the reasons we know we should. Last year, I crocheted a very adorable penguin, and I spent the days between Christmas and New Year’s building this perfectly festive Lego poinsettia. Both projects worked muscles in my brain I don’t use nearly enough, and both felt like (relatively) easy wins and gave me a rich sense of accomplishment totally divorced from work or any other role I’m grinding to fill in my daily life.
But these projects were few and far between, and I’m hoping that crafting with a recipient in mind might provide the structure and motivation I need to do it more regularly. I’ll also, I imagine, feel warmed in the same way I did by my knit Kindle case—a deepened connection with my recipient through the intention and presence of making something handmade.
The best fiber craft kits for adults→
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| What to give: A group of co-workers? |  |
Hi! I need help shopping for gifts for a bunch of co-workers. I generally get them all the same thing. What’s a good, affordable option for about 8-10 people that won’t break the bank? — N.V.
From gifting expert Samantha Schoech:
Smart move on getting them all the same thing; there’s absolutely no foul in doing this for groups like co-workers, teachers, or even extended family. The key is finding something everyone can use regardless of style and avoiding anything that will end up in the landfill. We do have a great gift guide for co-workers with lots of ideas, including this cute, delicious, and affordable olive oil and the super popular dry-erase glass easel.
A few more ideas: a pair of dapper striped socks or a Baggu shopping bag (in a different color or pattern for each person) from our guide to gifts under $25. Finally, if you’re looking for something with a sense of humor, check out our white elephant gift guide for cheeky, random, and weirdly useful picks like this vampire-shaped garlic mincer. Good luck. You’ve got this!