The Art of Giving: Why Handmade Gifts Matter This Christmas
Get hands on with your gift giving this year
You can purchase all our course as a gift here.
Yes, we know it feels a bit early to be talking about Christmas—but trust us, getting a head start will make all the difference this year. Before the festive chaos creeps in, we want to help you get ahead and make your gifts extra special. You’ve probably noticed how, as the holiday season approaches, we’re bombarded with adverts for products that promise to be the "perfect gift." But more often than not, the joy of giving gets overshadowed by the pressure to buy, buy, buy.
At Common Knowledge, we think the best presents aren’t bought—they’re made. The most meaningful gifts come from the heart, with a little extra care and thought (and your own two hands). That’s why now’s the perfect time to start planning your present list and getting creative before the Christmas rush hits.
Our weekend courses are designed to help you pick up new skills and craft thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family. Not only will your presents be personal and meaningful, but they’ll also be sustainable, helping you avoid the waste of mass-produced items. So, rather than heading to the shops, why not give gifts that truly celebrate your relationships and are made to last?
Here are some gift ideas you can make yourself, picked from our Autumn/Winter schedule, plus a suggestion for the ultimate present: the gift of learning or the joy gifting a skill to someone.
Weave an unique and practical present to keep someone you love, warm this winter
1. Weave Your Own Scarf
Weekend Course: Saturday 9 November - Sunday 10 November
Make a one off Hand-Woven Scarf
If you’re looking for a gift that’s both personal and practical, why not weave your own scarf this Christmas? Our Weave Your Own Scarf course takes you through the relaxing and rewarding process of creating a one-of-a-kind scarf made from natural fibres. The beauty of this gift lies in its one-offness—each scarf is as individual as whoever you have in mind to give it to, something no shop can offer. And beyond the final product, the act of weaving itself is a calming, meditative experience in the making that will make the end result even more meaningful.
On this course, you’ll learn everything from setting up the warp to weaving the weft, experimenting with colours and textures to create something truly special. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the art of weaving or looking to make a handmade gift that carries a deeper connection. By the end, you won’t just have a beautiful scarf—you’ll take away a sense of pride, new skills, and a memorable experience shared with fellow craft enthusiasts.
Learn how to carve your very own sign that means something just to the two of you
2. Introduction to Letter Carving
Weekend Course: Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December
Make a your very own Hand-Carved Wooden Sign
If you come along to our Introduction to Letter Carving course, you’ll learn to design and hand-carve your very own solid oak sign using traditional tools and techniques from Eoin Reardon, a traditional woodworker and regular on social media. It won’t matter if you're completely new to woodworking or looking to build on what you already know, Eoin will guide you through the steps to make a handmade, unique present this year for someone you love.
A hand-carved sign makes a brilliant gift. Think of surprising someone with a personalised wooden sign—whether it’s a family name or maybe it’s a meaningful word that means something special to the two of you. It’s definitely not the sort of thing you can pick up in a shop, and that’s what will make it extra special. Not only that, you’ll head home not only with your finished sign but also with a fresh appreciation for woodworking and the charm of hand-cut imperfections. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about wood itself and the joy of making something from scratch. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s truly a one off and full of meaning, this is a great way to make it happen.
Pick a gift too make from a whole range of crafted items
3. Wood Turning for Beginners
Weekend Course: Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December
Make turned Wooden Homeware: bowls, rolling pins or decorations
Woodturning is one of those hands-on crafts that brings us right back to the simple joy of making things ourselves. Our Wood Turning for Beginners course is a great way to dive into this timeless skill, and you’ll walk away with beautifully crafted items like bowls, rolling pins, or even small decorative pieces—you know, things that are perfect as unique Christmas gifts. But these aren’t just pretty objects; they’re functional, too, and will be treasured for years to come. Imagine giving someone a handmade wooden bowl, made by you, instead of a mass-produced plastic or metal one. It’s not just a thoughtful, sustainable gift—it shows the care and effort you’ve put into it.
During the course, you’ll get hands-on with both spindle and faceplate turning, learn essential lathe safety, and even sharpen your chisels. Whether you’re completely new to woodturning or looking to hone your skills, this course offers a supportive environment to create something truly special for the people you care about this Christmas. You’ll head home with your finished piece and a new sense of confidence, along with a connection to a community of fellow woodturners.
Dip and dye in natural inks and stains to create a masterpiece
4. Natural Dyeing
Weekend Course:Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December
Make a hand dyed bandana and a tea towel, get a jar of ink and your own wood stain
If you’re someone who loves the idea of foraging for your materials, then our Natural Dyeing course is the one for you. On it you will learn how to create beautiful, organic colours from plants. Over two ink-filled days, Malú Colorín, a Wicklow-based designer and natural dyer from Mexico will guide you into the wonderful world of natural dyes, stains, and inks, where you’ll learn how to source beautiful colours from the natural world and transform them into something truly special for your own home or to as a present to put under the tree in December.
By the end of the weekend, you’ll not only take home a hand-dyed bandana or tea towel, a jar of ink, and your own wood stain, but also the confidence and knowledge to continue your dyeing adventures at home. Plus, you’ll have a handy recipe booklet to keep the creativity flowing. So, if you’re ready to swap the high street for homemade this Christmas, come join us—it’s a relaxing, inspiring way to craft gifts that really stand out.
So whether you're interested in giving textiles a colourful upgrade or simply curious about the ancient craft of natural dyeing, this course will teach you everything from extracting plant-based pigments to creating your own dyes, stains, and inks. It’s a hands-on, fun way to learn a new skill, while also making something unique and personal for your loved ones.
Wow your guests with a Vegetarian Christmas feast this year prepared by your own fair hands
5. The Gift of Learning: Cook with Confidence - Christmas
If you're looking for something a bit different this Christmas, why not think about giving the gift of learning? Our Cook with Confidence - Christmas course is perfect for anyone keen to master the art of vegetarian festive feasts. Led by our talented chef, Ashley Gribben, the course covers everything from knife skills to nailing the perfect seasoning, giving you the confidence to whip up delicious dishes not just for Christmas, but all year round.
It’s a relaxed, hands-on weekend where you can pick up all sorts of useful kitchen techniques. Whether you’re planning to wow your family and friends, or just want to boost your own cooking skills, this course is a fun way to learn tips and tricks for creating tasty, plant-based meals. And the best bit? You’ll be using these skills long after the Christmas lights come down.
But this isn’t just a cooking course—it’s an experience. Imagine giving someone the chance to spend a weekend learning from an Ottolenghi-trained chef, discovering new recipes, and sharing the love of food with others. It’s a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving, whether it’s helping someone feel more confident in the kitchen or sparking some new ideas for using whatever they have in the fridge
Why Handmade and Skill-Sharing Matter
These gifts are a step away from the usual Christmas shopping routine. They take time, effort, and thought—adding real meaning to the festive season. At Common Knowledge, we're all about teaching people skills that are often forgotten these days—like making, mending, and building. Not only are these skills personally satisfying, but they’re also essential for living in a more sustainable way. When you give a handmade gift, it's a choice rooted in thoughtfulness, rather than just grabbing the first thing you see in a shop.
And if you’re thinking about giving the gift of learning—whether it’s a workshop gift voucher or a spot on one of our courses—it’s not just a present, it’s the start of something new for the person receiving it. They’ll gain a skill that will last a lifetime, and that’s a gift with real, lasting value.
So, this Christmas, why not take things a bit slower? Put some time and energy into gifts that truly matter. Whether it’s through carving, weaving, or sewing, the act of making something by hand brings a sense of purpose and connection that no shop-bought gift can offer. It’s a more thoughtful, meaningful way to celebrate the season and show the people in your life how much they mean to you.
Give the gift of Gift vouchers
Of course, if you feel like any of our courses could be something you want to give as the gift itself.
