Remember when that special loved one in your life always seemed to prefer the gifts you made over those you bought at a store? It seems that some things don’t change: in a recent nationwide survey of 500 people, Rockler found that over half of the respondents preferred handmade over store-bought. Fifty-four percent of adults in the polling group would rather receive a crafted gift, and of them, 61 percent were women. The study also indicated that adults 35 years of age and up preferred “made” gifts more than purchased gifts.
That’s why for “National Make a Gift Day,” which is this Saturday, Dec. 1, Rockler’s 37 retail stores are hosting Handmade Gift Classes. Participants will use a lathe and other tools to create a unique handle for their choice of a bottle opener, ice cream scoop or a pizza cutter, resulting in a one-of-a-kind handmade gift.
The classes will be offered at four times, with start times of 9:30 and 11:30 am and then 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Because handle turning is relatively simple, it’s ideal for anyone who wishes to participate, including those with little or no prior woodworking experience. Store staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer assistance. Each participant will leave with a completed utensil.
Class size will be limited to six participants per session, in order to accommodate one-on-one assistance. Attendees under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. The class will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Total cost of the class ranges from $35 to $45, depending on which utensil you choose to make.
To sign up for a Handmade Gift Class at a store near you, click here. For additional handmade gift ideas, free project plans and video tutorials, visit rockler.com/gift-making-guide.
