As the air cools and the leaves transform into stunning hues of red, gold, and brown, the spirit of fall settles in. It's the season of family gatherings, warm drinks, hot soups, and heartfelt gestures. What better way to celebrate the season than by giving personalized gifts that capture the essence of autumn? Here are some ideas to inspire you. 

Candles 

Few things evoke the feeling of fall quite like a scented candle. Within minutes you can fill your home with the aroma of baked apples, pumpkin pie, or cinnamon floating through the air. If you’re considering making your own candles, use mason jars for a rustic look and natural waxes like soy or beeswax for a cleaner burn. 

Autumn Wreaths 

Nothing signals fall to your neighbors like a beautiful autumn wreath hanging on your front door. If you have leaves scattered around your yard, put them to use. Gather a few scoops to create a fall wreath. Dried leaves, pinecones, and branches can be combined to make a decoration that adds a festive fall flair to your home. Enhance the look with acorns and small pumpkins for a full autumn effect.   

Recipe Books 

The kickoff to autumn means hearty soups and stews, pot roasts simmering for hours in the crock pot, and healthy portions of chili. Why not gather your favorite fall recipes or cherished family traditions into personalized recipe books? Whether typed out or handwritten, add photos to the books for a personal touch. Consider using fall-themed paper and pairing the recipe book with homemade treats. Decorative fall pottery bowls are also perfect for serving comforting soups and stews, adding warmth to your kitchen and creating that fall feeling. 

Handcrafted Soaps 

Create scented soaps with fall fragrances like cinnamon, pumpkin, vanilla, or cedarwood. Handmade soaps not only make a great smelling gift, but also provide a personal touch that’s missing from store bought soap. At this time of year, you can find soaps packaged in autumn-themed paper making them an ideal locally handcrafted gift. 

Handcrafted Mugs  

Now that the air has a little nip in it, many people will crave hot drinks — and handmade ceramic mugs are perfect for sipping hot tea and coffee on chilly mornings. Crafted from locally sourced clay, these functional yet decorative pieces are perfect for the season. You might also consider hand-painting mugs with autumn motifs for a unique gift.  

Handcrafted Quilts and Blankets 

With cooler weather, it’s time to transition your bedding for the season, and a handmade blanket or quilt is perfect to have on hand. These cozy handmade creations not only provide warmth on chilly nights but also serve as beautiful decorative accents throughout fall and winter. 

Art Inspired by Mother Nature 

Bring the beauty of fall indoors with nature-inspired artwork. You can even make your own; collect leaves, acorns, and other natural materials and use them to create unique art pieces. This doesn’t have to be an arduous task. You can simply frame pressed leaves, or create a collage of fall-themed items. If photography is your hobby, capture stunning fall scenes during walks in the woods or mountains, and frame your images in natural wood frames for a rustic touch. 

Decorative Potted Plants 

If you miss the greenery as the leaves turn, consider adding some indoor plants this fall. Decorative potted plants make thoughtful gifts, especially for those with a green thumb. 

Whether you're crafting for yourself, gifting to loved ones, or purchasing from local artisans, these handcrafted fall gifts will let you celebrate the season, warm your home, and bring the magic of autumn indoors. 


Written by: By Tammy Pitts; Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.