Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One minute we’re putting away Halloween decorations, and the next thing we know, we’re making lists, watching our budgets, and wondering how we’re going to find something special for everyone on our Christmas list.
I’ve always thought a gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune to mean something. Sometimes, the little things we make or personalize for someone we love can become the gifts they treasure the longest. And apparently, plenty of other people are thinking along those same lines!
According to new research from Resparked, Pinterest searches for “handmade christmas gift ideas” in the United States increased 400% year over year. Searches for “homemade christmas gift ideas” rose 200%. That tells us something interesting about what people are looking for as the holidays approach: ideas that help make Christmas personal.
Handmade Christmas Gifts Are Getting Attention– Resparked analyzed selected United States Pinterest search trends and found growing interest in several holiday crafting topics.
The research, collected October 20, 2026, reported these changes:
- “Handmade christmas gift ideas” increased 400% year over year.
- “Homemade christmas gift ideas” increased 200%.
- “Engraved gifts” increased 100%.
- “Things to make and sell from home” increased 400%.
- “Things to sell at craft fairs” increased 90%.
- “Easy christmas crafts to sell” increased 60%.
These percentages reflect changes in Pinterest’s normalized search-interest data, not the number of individual searches, sales, or people starting businesses. Still, the findings offer plenty of inspiration for families looking for thoughtful Christmas presents and creative ways to prepare for the holidays.
Personal Gifts Don’t Have to Be Complicated– One of the best places to start is with the person receiving the gift.
Think about what they love, what they collect, and what makes them smile. A personalized Christmas ornament, an engraved keepsake, a garden marker, or a homemade decoration can become something meaningful when it connects to a favorite memory or interest.
You don’t have to learn an entirely new craft to make someone feel special, either. Start with a manageable project, practice before making the finished gift, and give yourself enough time to complete it. Resparked founder Santiago Roa recommends keeping the design simple enough to execute well and making a complete sample before committing to several gifts. I think that’s good advice. The last thing anyone needs in December is a pile of unfinished crafts, a shortage of supplies, and a Christmas deadline staring them in the face!
Keep Your Christmas Crafting Budget in Mind– Handmade doesn’t always mean inexpensive.
Before buying supplies, consider what you already have at home, what tools you might use again, and how much the finished project will cost. Remember to include packaging and practice materials, too. If you’re making several gifts, finish one sample before purchasing supplies for everyone on your list. You’ll have a much better idea of the time and money involved. And if your goal is to save money this Christmas, there’s no shame in choosing a simple project that fits your budget.
Could Christmas Crafts Become a Small Business?– The research also found increased Pinterest interest in things to make and sell from home, along with crafts intended for craft fairs.
For readers who enjoy making things, that might be a reason to explore a small holiday project. But it’s important to remember that interest in a search topic doesn’t guarantee customers or profits. Anyone considering personalized holiday orders should calculate material costs, packaging, selling fees, and the time needed to make each item. Set realistic deadlines and avoid promising more orders than you can comfortably complete. Sometimes, starting small is the smartest business decision you can make.
Whether you’re making something for your children, your parents, your best friend, a teacher, or someone who seems impossible to shop for, Christmas is an opportunity to show people that you’ve been thinking about them. A handmade gift doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be expensive. And it certainly doesn’t have to look like something from a professional crafting studio. It simply needs a little thought, a realistic plan, and a person in mind. If you’re already working on handmade Christmas gifts, I’d love to hear what you’re making!
Research credit: The Pinterest search-trend analysis and crafting commentary in this article were provided by Resparked, a crafting brand founded by Santiago Roa. Learn more at Resparked.com.
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Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
