I bought a crock pot a few years ago because I’m lazy and read that it’ll cook dinner for you while you’re at work. And you know what? It does. It may take a whole day, but what you get when you come home is good.

Which mix tapes from high school do I still listen to (yes, I still own a Walkman)? The ones I agonized over and reworked until they were perfect. My favorite gifts? A scarf my friend my knitted. A painting my 11-year-old cousin made.

I think it must be the time, the effort that makes my crock-pot dinners taste better than my microwaved ones. And I love knowing that someone I adore took time out of their very full days to create something that only I have. And in return I've found that if I can't make a gift myself (I'm crap at crochet, I draw like a newborn and I knit slower than ye old molasses in January), I find that I love giving gifts that I know someone else handmade. A few gorgeous favorites are below.

Alabama Chanin -- T-shirts, jewelry, crafts for your home and the best looking chairs you've ever seen in your life. It's a bit on the pricey side, but so worth your time and money.

Ten Thousand Villages -- Pottery, art, scarves, jewelry, you name it. Unique and gorgeous items made my artisans around the world. You can spend a little or a lot, but you won't regret a single penny.

Luv4country -- You can never go wrong with bath goodness as a gift. The most gorgeous soaps and potions you've ever seen.

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