With graduations and wedding season just ahead, you might be looking for meaningful, heirloom gift ideas for loved ones.
Or maybe your kids graduated years ago? And your grandkids still have years to go? Even better. You can start thinking, planning, and creating now for a graduation, wedding, or milestone birthday gift that’s on the horizon. And like so many things, I find that the hunt for the right gift – or the creation of the right gift – is where delight lives.
It’s also important to remember that gift-giving is all about the recipient. You want to give a gift that he or she will love. Not what you love.
Practical gifts are often good –a new vacuum, a gas gift card, or a leather purse. I love to give practical gifts to my family and close friends. But sometimes for those special occasions, you may want to consider a gift that would be cherished not just for the moment but for generations. Before you throw up your hands and say that this would be too expensive or too time-consuming, please read on.
Some of these gift ideas definitely are more expensive. But you already know that the cost of the gift isn’t what matters. Gifts that take a little more time or thought are perhaps even more meaningful than the ones that you spend a lot of money on.
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Handmade Meaningful, Heirloom Gift Ideas
#1. A Bible with Hand-written Notes
Hand write inside your Bible and leave it to one of your grandchildren! I know someone who is working on a special Bible for each of her grandchildren. (Maybe not practical if you have dozens!) She loves to do Bible journaling, but you don’t have to be this fancy if it’s not your thing. What a gift to have a Bible with your favorite verses highlighted and a few handwritten notes next to those. I would have treasured this from my grandmother or mother. It’s meaningful because it’s your handwriting.
I’ve written about Scripture Scribing, and this would be another lovely heirloom gift for children and grands. If you scribe Psalms or any book of the Bible, consider doing this in a notebook or putting it into a binder where it can be saved for future generations.
#2. Needlework
Love to knit, crochet, or embroider? This is a traditional hand-made gift of love, an embroidered tea towel, a crocheted blanket, a knit afghan or sweater. Of course, this is definitely a labor of love since it takes a lot of time. Back when I did counted cross-stitch, I created several wedding gifts for friends and framed them. I have several gifts hanging in my home, hand-made by loved ones. So special.
#3. Traditional Quilt
If you love to sew, a traditional quilt is a beautiful classic gift. I always wished I could sew like my grandmothers, but alas, I have different gifts. They handed down to me their handmade quilts and knit baby blankets. I have talented friends who create handmade bunnies, bears, and quilts using old t-shirts from their children or grandchildren. Love this idea!
#4. Recipe Binder or Box
Copy special family recipes and include a pretty binder or recipe box. Make it extra special by including a little story about your memories of the recipe. Perhaps you make a special recipe with one of your children or grandchildren? You can handwrite the recipe on a pretty recipe card and give a special pan or tray to go with it.
#5. Artwork
If you are blessed to be able to sketch or paint, then what a joy! You don’t need to be a Renoir or Picasso! My husband’s mother was a gifted artist who loved to paint still lifes. She gave each of her six children a beautiful piece which we all still have in our homes. It reminds us of her love for simple beauty. Her talent was passed on to our daughter who has drawn and painted many special pieces for us that hang in our home.
Meaningful, Heirloom Gift Ideas That You Can Buy
#6. Books
A good classic book, a recipe book, a children’s book, or a set of handsome or antique books is almost always a great gift, especially if you handwrite a message inside. (Unless it’s a rare book!)
These clothbound classics would be lovely on a bookshelf or a side table.
The Rifle Paper Co. has a pretty collection (Heidi, Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess, and Little Women) that would be a welcome gift for any reader.
You could also go on the hunt at used bookstores for beautiful classics that would delight the readers on your list.
If you want to have fun searching, Abe Books is an excellent resource for used books of all sorts.
One special idea is to gift a book that meant a lot to you at the recipient’s stage of life. Add a handwritten note about its meaning to you.
And on that note, if you’re thinking of a book lover, here are 19 more gift ideas.
#7. An Engraved Cutting Board or Coaster
That recipe idea? Here’s a company that creates cutting boards and coasters and more with your favorite family recipe engraved. This is a really fun idea!
#8. China or Silverware
Gifts like china or silverware used to be the traditional gift for weddings and anniversaries. And maybe it still is for your family?
But in my experience, lots of people don’t entertain like this any longer, so a beautiful handmade ceramic bowl or vase would be a meaningful gift that could be enjoyed for many generations.
One of my favorite wedding gifts from years ago is a small crystal honey/jam jar with the prettiest little spoon. I use it often and remember who gave it to us.
Of course, perhaps you own a set of china or silverware and are ready to pass this down to your children or grandchildren. Just be sure to check with them before gifting it. I’ve heard some sad stories about hurt feelings when the recipient does not want the china – or they don’t have room for the china!
#9. Original Art from a Local Artist
It might take some time to discover a local artist, but what a joy to give original art. And these don’t always have to be expensive. You could go to a local arts fair and shop together.
#10. Hand-crafted Woodwork
Original woodwork item from a local artisan or again, your local arts fair. My sister buys handmade name puzzles for each of her grandchildren from a local vendor each year. You can also find these gifts on Etsy and other online shops.
#11. A Perennial
A plant is a lovely gift especially if it’s a perennial for a home garden. This is great if someone is in their “forever” home or if it’s a perennial that can be propagated and brought to their next home and their children’s homes. Our daughter received a lilac bush as a wedding gift, and she loves when it blooms and reminds her of the giver. You could give a flowering shrub or even a tree, especially if you know where it would be planted.
#12. An Amish or Handmade Quilt
An Amish quilt or another handmade purchased quilt. If you happen to live close to an Amish community, then you are blessed! My father-in-law gifted each of his granddaughters with one of these when they turned 18 years old. He took them “shopping” in the community just north of their farm. This was a special memory for all of them!
#13. Photos
Photos and framed photos are always a great gift idea! You may consider creating and purchasing an archival quality photo album for the memories you want to pass down from generation to generation.
#14. Sturdy Kitchen Wares
Sturdy kitchen wares can be a wonderful and special gift. Not just a potato peeler, but something like a heavy-duty cast iron skillet or a handmade cutting board. This cast-iron skillet (affiliate link) is not expensive and is rated as one of the best! I have owned one of these for years, and it just keeps getting better and better.
Giving gifts is such a joy, especially when we join that gift with prayer and remember the greatest gift-giver of all who gave us His Son.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 ESV
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