GEORGE TOWN: Custom-made gifts can add joy to the festive occasion and with Covid-19 still in the air, some have turned to sending homemade presents to family and friends.

       Allyson Ooi’s customised and handmade Christmas gift boxes have become a hit given the current situation.

       “I put together gift boxes containing cushion covers, wooden ornaments and ginseng tea packets. They were so popular that all 50 boxes I am making now were booked by the first week of December,” she said.

       The gift boxes consist of two customised Christmas-themed cushion covers, two wooden ornaments with the words “love, peace and hope” inscribed and two ginseng tea packets.

       “They have been immensely popular with families, especially those who are not together and want to send gifts with personalised or handmade elements. Some orders came from even Singapore and Thailand,” she said.

       Ooi, who designs and customises cushion covers, said this was the main attraction among customers.

       “People want something different and unique for their families.

       “So I decided to design and customise the cushion covers, and pack them with some ginseng tea as a way to combine eastern and western elements,” she said.

       She said the pandemic had caused many to adapt to the new norm and reduce physical contact.

       “As such, people are looking to sending customised gifts which are not common in the market. They want something with a personal touch,” she added.