When it comes to gift-giving during the holidays, it’s customary to tack on a card to really express those feelings of holiday cheer. But have you ever made your own by hand? Have you ever thought about it while waiting in line at the store, variety pack of cards in hand and checking out the grin on that snowman above "Let It Snow" in fancy font? Maybe these next few paragraphs can convince you on why homemade holiday cards are the better choice.

To really emphasize the love, gratitude, and kinship for your recipients, you should take out the markers, the pens, and the paper, and start practicing those snowflakes. Nothing beats the warmth that comes from the thought you put into that card on a chilly winter night, after all. This way, along with that heartfelt message inside, you’ve got even more love with every mark on the paper in comparison to the variety pack from the dollar store.

Plus, have you ever had trouble finding the absolutely perfect design when you shop? Like, maybe they had Santa flying up in the sky in his sleigh, but you wanted him to be enjoying a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. Or, maybe a card showcased a few red and green baubles upon a simple background, but it was too minimalist for you. This is your chance to let your creativity reign free! Put in the extra effort and you won’t be disappointed by another card’s design again.

Another benefit to homemade holiday cards is the ability to experiment with different mediums. Have you never used watercolor paints or pencils? What about micron pens or pen and ink? You have a number of options to choose from in order to add that extra touch to your already thoughtful addition to holiday gift-giving. Try our different types of paper as well and see what works best for you!

Lastly, the pride and satisfaction you’ll feel when the recipient of your gift inspects the design of your homemade holiday card will let you know that the hard work was worth it. Instead of the smiling snowman, Santa in his sleigh, or the minimalist baubles, you’ve made something specifically for them, and they’ll appreciate it. I have no doubt that you’ll never go back to waiting in line at the store again!

However, if I haven’t convinced you to go for the homemade route and you’d prefer store-bought cards, let me encourage you to at least try. Allow your creative side to run free while expressing what the holidays and the recipients of your gifts truly mean to you. When they tear open the envelope and pull out the colorful, unique design of your own, they’ll definitely feel that love, gratitude, and kinship you wanted to pass along.