Category: Thoughtful Gifting

Gift them something they will use!

  • Unique Housewarming Gifts – Handcrafted Wood Art for New Homes

    Unique Housewarming Gifts – Handcrafted Wood Art for New Homes

    Your friends just bought their first house, and you want to give them something meaningful. Something that says “welcome home” rather than “here’s a thing.” We get it — and we’ve got you covered.

    The truth is, most housewarming gifts end up in closets or get quietly re-gifted a year later. But what if you could give something that becomes part of their daily life, something they reach for and smile about every time they use it?

    Consider a handcrafted vase set from reclaimed fruit woods. Not only does it give them a beautiful way to display fresh flowers or dried arrangements, but each piece carries the story of the wood’s previous life. Maybe it was part of an old apple orchard, or came from a peach tree that shaded someone’s backyard for decades. Now it’s ready to be part of their new story.

    Or think about a Live Edge Bocote Lamp for their reading corner. Bocote is one of those woods that makes people stop and stare — rich brown with dramatic black streaks that look almost painted. Dawn often pairs it with subtle resin accents that catch the light, creating something that’s both functional and absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of piece that makes guests ask, “Where did you get that?” And they’ll love telling the story.

    We’ve learned that the best housewarming gifts are things people didn’t know they needed until they had them. A beautiful cutting board that makes them want to cook more. A decorative bottle stopper that turns every wine bottle into a conversation piece.

    What makes these gifts special isn’t just their uniqueness — though you definitely won’t find anything like them at Target. It’s that they’re made to last. These aren’t things that’ll break or go out of style. They’re heirlooms in the making, pieces that will still be beautiful and functional decades from now.

    Every time they use that cutting board or turn on that lamp, they’ll think of you and the thoughtfulness behind the gift. And isn’t that exactly what you want a housewarming gift to do?

  • What Makes a “Wow” Unboxing?

    (It’s more than just tissue paper — though we love that too.)

    There’s something magic about gift giving. And it’s not just the squeal someone makes when they open your present — though that’s pretty great too. For us, it’s the whole experience. From choosing the perfect piece (you know the one that practically has their name on it) to the way it’s presented, gift giving is one big love letter wrapped in shredded craft paper.

    Hi, I’m Dawn — and while I’m no Martha Stewart when it comes to gift wrapping (honestly, Rex would agree), I do personally pack and ship every single item that leaves our shop. Every. Single. One. Rex, for all his woodworking wizardry, is a little less enthused about boxing things up. 😂 So, if you’ve ever gotten one of our lovingly packed packages, that’s me in every fold and flourish.

    What Makes an Unboxing Feel Magical?

    When you’re gifting something handmade — especially a one-of-a-kind piece like we make — the wrapping should reflect that same care. Whether it’s a handcrafted pen, a cutting board, or something whimsically carved that defies categorization, here’s how we make it special (and how you can too).

    1. The Box: Form Meets Function

    Our handcrafted pen boxes are an absolute favorite for gifting — sturdy, beautiful, and customizable to match the pen inside. Beyond that, we use good ol’ corrugated cardboard boxes for most items because they hold up like champs under trees and on gift tables. Don’t have one handy? Cake and muffin boxes work great too — just make sure what you’re wrapping won’t wiggle too much.

    2. The Filling: Keep It Green, Keep It Gorgeous

    We’re all about sustainable gift wrapping, so we use recycled kraft paper or even shredded scraps from our own projects to cushion the goods. Fill the box only halfway — you want your gift to nestle in cozily, not disappear in a paper avalanche. If you want to throw in some tissue paper for color or flair, go for it. (Bonus points for a sticker or stamp to seal it up.)

    3. Add the Love Note

    This is your moment. A little card tucked inside, filled with words that only the recipient gets to read? Chef’s kiss. Make it sappy. Make it silly. Make it yours. This small gesture is what elevates a thoughtful gift from nice to unforgettable.

    4. Decorate with Intention

    Are you wrapping this or decorating it? Because with kraft paper boxes, it’s your call. Add ribbon, a stamp, a pressed flower — go full Pinterest if that’s your vibe. Or keep it simple with twine and a handwritten tag. Either way, it’s going to be beautiful, because it’s personal.

    At the end of the day, gifting handmade pieces is about more than the “thing” — it’s the feeling that comes with it. So give beautifully. Give thoughtfully. And if that includes something made by us here at Sarkanys Rising, just know a whole lot of heart went into it.

    As always, we’re here if you have questions, want to chat about gift wrapping ideas, or need a pen box to match your masterpiece.

    Until next time, keep making moments that matter — and wrapping them like you mean it.

    Warmly,
    Dawn (and Rex, who still refuses to wrap anything)