Homemade, Handmade or Machinemade?

There’s a whole world of difference between homemade, handmade and machine-made. Each has its place in our lives, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts — and a little list, as I do love writing those.

Homemade
If you’re creative, homemade gifts are wonderful. Pinterest is full of ideas, and with a rummage in the craft cupboard you can often make something at little cost but full of love. These gifts aren’t made by experts, but that’s the point — they carry the adventure of making. A wonky stitch, a smudge of glue, a line that doesn’t quite sit straight… those marks are the story. They aren’t perfect, but they’re heartfelt and unique, and they represent something very precious: your time.

Handmade
Handmade is a step further. These gifts are made by people who’ve spent time learning their craft, experimenting with techniques, and building the confidence that comes with practice. They may cost more than machine-made pieces, and they may carry tiny marks that only the maker would ever notice, but they’re special because they’re created in small batches, often by small businesses. They’re made to be used, worn and loved.

Machine-made
These are the gifts we find on the high street — produced in large numbers, often overseas, and designed to be uniform. They’re practical, they can be returned with a gift receipt, and they’re sometimes exactly what’s needed. But what they gain in perfection, they often lose in soul.

The thing is, these categories often get muddled. Sometimes customers expect handmade to be as flawless as machine-made, forgetting that human hands will always leave tiny traces of making. But those are what give a handmade piece its character. For me, that’s where the joy lies: hearing the stories behind commissions, engraving names and dates that matter, or watching someone choose a bracelet that will become part of their story.

And yes, sometimes mistakes happen. Small business owners juggle so much — making, serving in the shop, running workshops, keeping up with admin — and while we strive for customer satisfaction, we’re still only human. A kind message is always appreciated more than harsh words.

So next time you’re choosing a gift, pause for a moment and consider: do you want homemade, handmade, or machine-made? Each has its place. But only handmade carries the quiet marks of a story

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So next time you have a gifting opportunity, have a think - do you want homemade, handmade or machine made?