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Steve Chiotakis: Maybe this morning, you’re opening up a present that doesn’t have a price tag or can’t be returned to a store. Home made gifts seem to be all the rage this year. And that’s giving a boost, at least in some retail quarters. Andrea Gardner has more.

Andrea Gardner: Arts and crafts retailer Michaels surveyed more than 1,000 people this holiday season. Nearly 60 percent said they were more likely to make their own gifts this year. And the same number said they would spend fewer holiday dollars on ready-made items like electronics.

On average, more than 40 million US households make crafts during November and December. That’s according to the Craft and Hobby Association. That number likely grew this year.

Sandy Gezzi is the group’s vice president:

Sandy Gezzi: The economy change has really caused crafters to take a closer look at what in the past was a hobby for them. And now it’s almost becoming a bit of a necessity, as they are looking for more affordable ways to create items for their home, or for gift items.

Painting and Fashion Clothes Making were among the fastest growing craft segments this year.

In Los Angeles, I’m Andrea Gardner for Marketplace.