Making stuff is also an unusually wholesome signalling opportunity. Once you get to the point of not-sucking, handmade items become an effective way to display your intelligence, discernment, and other attractive traits. And the items themselves are imbued with an unusually rich source of meaning—my grandad's pottery might not be perfect, but it’s worth immeasurably more to me than the smooth, perfectly symmetrical coffee mug I can pick up at Walmart for 99c.
