6 reasons why a handmade and handwoven gift can make the best Christmas present

Emma Baker
Aug 4
3 min read

As Christmas approaches, the shops will have all manner of mass produced products lining the shelves. Despite this there is growing demand for the giving and receiving of something a little bit different. Many of us will begin to search for gifts that feel meaningful, thoughtful and unique and this is where handmade gifts come into their own. There is something very special about giving a handmade present and in this blog post we will share 6 reasons why a handwoven accessory is often more cherished than other mass-produced options.

Plaid fabric with a tag next to a red gift box with snowflake pattern. Holly and soft lights in background suggest a festive mood.

Whether it is a luxuriously soft scarf, a stylish snood or an elegant shawl a handwoven piece offers something beyond the ordinary. Behind every beautiful handwoven item lies the story of the thinking, design and creation by a skilled maker.

A Handwoven scarf, snood or accessory makes a totally unique Christmas gift

Finding a truly unique gift can be tough. Handmade items possess a natural charm that stems from their individuality. Each of the handwoven items that I weave are unique one of a kinds. No two pieces are ever exactly the same, even when woven with the same colours of yarn or the same pattern. The slight variation, possibly even dare I say it 'imperfection' is a reminder that someone not something has made it.

When weaving a collection of merino lambswool accessories I tend to weave a warp of around 10m in length. The resulting woven fabric is sufficient to create 3 scarves and around 4 snoods. By varying the weft along the length of this warp I am able to create items which are all different. The two images below show two scarves which were woven on the same warp but look very different.

Mannequin draped in a green and blue patterned shawl against a dark gray background. The shawl has a textured, woven design.

Mannequin draped in a green and white patterned fabric with blue accents. The background is a plain, dark gray.

Who doesn't need a warm handmade scarf or snood in the Winter?

Scarves and snood are naturally warm gifts and let's be honest, in the colder climates everyone needs a scarf! When a scarf or snood is made from natural fibres like merino wool they offer a level of comfort and warmth which is unrivalled by synthetic fibres. Soft, gentle and certainly cosy, a merino wool scarf or snood is perfect for frosty walks on crisp Winter mornings to chilly evenings in by the fire.

Mannequin displaying a pink, grey, and white plaid scarf against a dark background. Cosy and elegant.

A personal and thoughtful Christmas gift

Giving a handwoven handcrafted gift is a deeply personal gesture. By selecting a unique gift, you show your loved ones that you appreciate their individuality and tastes. Whether you choose a soft winter neutral or a bold statement piece a carefully selected handwoven gift shows that you have put real thought into the choice you have made for them.

Textile box labeled "Emma Baker Handwoven Textiles," blue patterned fabric, wooden tools, and a spool of blue thread on a patterned surface.

A handwoven scarf or snood is a Christmas present made to be treasured

Unlike novelty gifts or fast fashion, a handwoven scarf or snood is made to last. The hope is that it will become a favourite layer, a go-to for winter, or even an heirloom passed down. These are timeless gifts that don't just look good on the day but are accessories worn, enjoyed and admired adding a beautiful style to an outfit for years to come.

A mannequin displays a vibrant orange and blue patterned scarf with circular and grid designs against a gray background.

Sustainable and ethical gifting

My weaving creates handwoven gifts which reflect a slower more sustainable way of making. My weaving uses natural fibres such as organic cotton and merino lambswool, materials which are kind to the environment allowing people to shop consciously.

Smiling woman with a colorful check scarf holds a horse's reins on a paved path with grassy background under a partly cloudy sky.

The gifting of a handmade Christmas present supports an individual artisan or small business

Buying handmade means more than just acquiring a product; it also shows support for artisans, makers or a small business. When you choose to gift something they created, you help sustain their passion and livelihood. When you support these makers, you contribute to a culture that values originality and artistic expression.

When one of my handwoven scarves is gifted my hope is that the choice will inspire and sustain creativity in my own work but will in turn encourage the love and appreciation of the traditional skill of handweaving in the recipient.

Woman weaving on a loom with colorful yarn spools. She smiles, wearing a patterned scarf. Plaid textiles hang on the wall in a bright room.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, as you curate your gift list, consider giving a handwoven gift. A handwoven piece isn't just a beautiful object, it is a moment of connection between the weaver and recipient and a quiet celebration of craftsmanship in a fast-moving world. The best gifts are ones that last and the ones that tell a story.

If you feel inspired to consider a handwoven gift then why not visit the gifting page of my website.

My handwoven scarves, snoods and accessories are available for purchase in my website shop for UK delivery.

If you are interested in knowing what is on the loom, off the loom and workshop dates then do sign up to receive my weaving news emails by clicking here.