I gave up on handmade gifts a number of years ago.
One year I took some pretty cool oak that had been repurposed. I made 5 cabinets much like bathroom cabinets.
But instead of a mirror, they were hand painted by my wife. The paintings were beautiful, and took us about a year to complete all five.
We were very proud of our work.
The reception of said cabinets was far below stellar.
One time when visiting my folks, I saw the cabinet we had made them just sitting outside with a bunch of other stuff.
I was crushed.
NEVER AGAIN.
One year I took some pretty cool oak that had been repurposed. I made 5 cabinets much like bathroom cabinets.
But instead of a mirror, they were hand painted by my wife. The paintings were beautiful, and took us about a year to complete all five.
We were very proud of our work.
The reception of said cabinets was far below stellar.
One time when visiting my folks, I saw the cabinet we had made them just sitting outside with a bunch of other stuff.
I was crushed.
NEVER AGAIN.