People are increasingly looking for ways to make their holiday gifting help others and benefit their local and the global community while also giving something truly meaningful to their loved ones.
“The number one trend we’re seeing is something we’re hoping isn’t a trend at all but is here to stay is gifts that give back,” said Christen Gundlach at WORKSHOP (1929 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, 847-433-5577).
People are increasingly interested in giving experiences instead of gifts, said Gundlach. Parents in particular are wary about adding more toys and clutter to their house. Things like crafting kits are a great alternative to your normal gifts – they build lifelong skills while also offering hours of fun for your kids. And at the end, they have something that’s really special, because they made it with their own two hands.
At WORKSHOP, look for their DIY Embroidery Kits. Kids can learn to embroider while making these really beautiful, heirloom-quality toys that are sure to be treasured. The handcrafted embroidery kits pair classic stitches with contemporary illustration. They come in all the cutest animals too – sloths, monkeys, panda bears, fiesta kittens and raccoons, just to name a few.
Plus, the staff at WORKSHOP are obsessed with their collection of handmade stuffed animals. They’re hand-knit by women artisans in Peru from alpaca and organic cotton, providing employment for women from all walks of life while preserving the traditional art of hand knitting. They’re cuddly and adorable, perfect for kids of all ages (including the young at heart).
