There's nothing quite like unwrapping a gift that a loved one has worked hard to ensure has a personal touch. That unique factor has platforms that offer handmade or personalized goods including Etsy and Framebridge popular choices among holiday shoppers.
In fact, that combination is taking even more interest this year than in years past.
There has been an 80% jump in searches on the creator-driven platform in the past three months compared to the same period last year, Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson told USA TODAY. In 2020, CNBC reported that Etsy saw a 156% increase in search traffic during a three-month period compared to the year prior for custom gifts.
Susan Tynan, CEO and founder of custom framing platform Framebridge, told USA TODAY that the company has "consistently seen a year over year increase in holidays sales."
But taking gifts to a new level with personalization or handmade-elements sometimes requires one thing that the average gift ordered online does not: Time.
That old photo of your grandparents that you are hoping to have custom framed for your dad may look perfect in his study – but it won't get there for Christmas unless you plan ahead to accommodate crafting and shipping.
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How far in advance should you plan to order?
It's important to make sure to place your order sooner rather than later if you're looking to have something handmade or personalized delivered before Santa shimmies down the chimney.
Tynan said that all Framebdrige frames are custom-made.
"It's not a one-size-fits-all checkout experience," she said, noting that there isn't an "across-the-board" answer to how far in advance one should plan to order. It is dependent on the customer's order.
But some of the orders Framebridge takes on can take a long time to fill. For example, when someone places an order to have an object framed – say a matchbook, coaster or movie ticket – the company needs at least three weeks' notice to plan.
"These pieces have the longest lead time as we need to account for the time it takes to mail the piece into our factory for the framing to begin," Tynan said, later noting that she noticed an increase in customers' shopping earlier beginning in mid-November.
Etsy, which empowers independent creators to sell their goods online, also encourages early ordering.
"We always encourage people to start their holiday shopping as early as possible in order to beat the rush and allow plenty of time for their gifts to arrive," Johnson said. "And this year, nearly every item offered by a U.S. Etsy seller will show an estimated delivery date, so shoppers know exactly when to expect their items."
Even on Amazon's platform for creators to sell their goods, Amazon Handmade, can require more time for orders.
"It’s best to shop early and check the product page for delivery estimates," Catie Kroon, the senior public relations manager of consumables for Amazon, told USA TODAY in an email, noting that artisan products vary in shipping speed.
"Makers determine what shipping options best fit their products/business. For example, customized options take a bit more lead time," Kroon continued.
What to do if you find yourself running out of time
Although the platform advocates for ordering in advance, Etsy is prepared with options for shoppers who are looking to fill their cart closer to the desired arrival date.
"(The) ‘Ready to Ship’ search filter helps shoppers discover items that are available to ship within 1-3 business days," Johnson said.
Shoppers also have the option to localize their search for vendors, likely lessening shipping time. And if they're really in a pinch, Johnson recommended virtual gifts that can be downloaded directly by a customer.
And Framebridge has choices for last minute shoppers, too.
"For the customer looking for a speedy yet thoughtful gift, I recommend framing a photo in one of our Quick Ship Shop frames," Tynan said. "These curated frames are still handcrafted but require little planning. They ship out the very next day in beautiful gift boxes."
Amazon Handmade also provides a quicker turnaround in some cases, as well. If a product is eligible for Prime shipping, they can order closer to their gifting deadline.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Personalized or handmade gifts are popular: Make sure to plan ahead
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