Gifts unthinkable just thirty years ago!
Gift giving is a central part of the festive season. It’s also a way to show that you care about someone and want them to have something special. Ever wondered how we have changed the way we gift, or what we gift?
Gifts change according to the times we live in, thankfully! Vincent Van Gogh (in)famously gifted his severed ear to a prostitute who admired his ears! In the 16th century, slaves were gifted among nobility. We’ve come a long way since then, and now, gadgets have taken their place at the top of people’s gifting options, a far cry from handmade edibles and crafts of yesteryear.
Self portrait with bandaged ear by Vincent Van Gogh
We’ve come a long way since then, and now, gadgets have taken their place at the top of people’s gifting options, a far cry from handmade edibles and crafts of yesteryear.
Here are some gifts that combine the practicality of modern living with traditional craft, for that perfect sustainable gift idea.
- Kindle/iPad/Laptop sleeves: As books and address books have given way to devices, it’s important to keep them safe as well. Kindle, iPad and laptop sleeves are a great way to protect your precious device from scratches and bumps. They can be made from a variety of materials — even recycled plastic bottles! A touch of the traditional makes for a fantastic pairing of traditional and modern.
- Cell phone holder: Anyone remember the crocheted telephone doilies for their rotary phones? The cell phone has come a long way with its multicolour covers, but one of the most useful modern products is the cell phone holder, which helps us keep it in one place, or simply just so we are not running around looking for it all the time, asking someone, “Can you please call my phone?”
- Cord organizers: This will take care of cord clutter that is the hallmark of nearly every modern home office! This can be a fun DIY project that you can create for your home office. Here is a tutorial. You can create fun organizers using scrap cotton.
Cord organizer from www.craftyforhome.com
4. Reusable Water Bottle: The reusable water bottle is the perfect gift for people who love the environment, exercise and fresh water. There are many types of water bottles on the market today. You can find reusable ones, biodegradable bottles, and even ones with built-in filters. Copper water bottles are all the rage and you can support artisans by purchasing a bottle made by the Tambat Ali copper artisans of Pune from the Pune INTACH chapter’s Warsaa brand.
Copper bottle, ©Tamilmama, via Wikimedia Commons
Can you think of any gifts our fathers and mothers would never have considered? Let us know in the Comments section!
Banner image by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash