Sometimes making handmade gifts for everyone on your list is easier said than done. Even if you started in July, knitting, scrapping, soap making... it can be a challenge. With the help of Etsy, you can come to a handmade gift compromise. You are still giving gifts that are handmade, they were just not handmade by you. It is all a matter of semantics.
Etsy makes it easy to find something handmade and unique for everyone on your list, even that person that stumps you every year. There are several gift guides in place on Etsy for pet lovers to world travelers. Try out the new feature where Etsy synchs up with your Facebook page to help you with suggestions for your friends. To make your holiday shopping that much easier, I have come up with a few of my favorite Etsy picks.
Laptop sleeves and cases are so last year. This year all the readers want to find a crocheted Kindle sleeve from Sky Magenta under the tree. If the reader in your life is keeping it old school and still hitting the hardbacks might I suggest a kitschy elf leg bookmark by my BOOKmark for festive seasonal reading.
Giving a Christmas ornament is a great tradition to start with newlyweds or newborns. I’m neither, but I would be smitten as a kitten to find a little something by Midwest Maude under my tree. Actually, I’d like to see her Enid Collins like ornaments all over my tree.
Replacing disposable plastic water bottles with a refillable BPA option is not only better for the environment it is better for you. Mini Fan Fan has a new line of water bottles featuring their artwork that makes me thirsty just looking at them.
Jewelry is usually a safe bet for most ladies. Etsy has something to suit everyone’s taste. I have my eye on a colorful statement necklace by Whimsical Jewelry. If you are shopping for someone with more subtle taste check out Figs and Ginger (pictured). Their family line is great for new mom gifts. Plastic to platinum, the jewelry on Etsy is all over the place and you are sure to find a stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.
Etsy is better than any mall when it comes to clothing. Have the cutest kiddlet on the block with a oneise by Gnome Enterprises (pictured). Grab a T-shirt for your favorite hipster from Loyalty and Blood. Find a one of a kind dress for you or your Blythe doll. Don’t even get me started on all the accessories on Etsy. Bowties, shoes, and purses – you name the wearable gift you want to give – Etsy has it.
There are so many wonderful artists selling prints on Etsy that you could easily help someone on your shopping list start their own little collection. A few suggestions to add to your holiday wish list Julia Pott, Orange Studio (pictured), Berkley Illustration, Ashley G and Betsy Walton.
Who wouldn’t love to receive a piece of ceramics by Ninainvorm? They have serving dishes, teapots, plates and platters. Functional and whimsical do not often go hand in hand, but it is always such a lovely and pleasant surprise when they do.
I should also mention that if you are shopping for someone who is really into vintage, Etsy is also the place for you. Not only do they sell handmade goods, they also have vendors selling vintage goodies. If your mom collects Majolica, your dad Bakelite radios and your sister Lucite purses you can do all your shopping without ever setting foot at a flea market. Love this candle warmed coffee carafe in Miss Reto Modern's shop.
Still feel like you're cheating buying handmade and not actually doing any hand making? Etsy can help you ease your guilt. You can find everything you need to have a handmade holiday. Beads, ephemera, fabric – whatever you want to make – someone on Etsy is selling the supplies, if not a full kit. Some of the items come straight to your inbox like digital scrapbooking elements by Lemon Tree Studio and embroidery pattern PDFs by Bad Bird.
Remember nothing makes for a happier Hanukah, cooler Kwanzaa or merrier Christmas than a handmade gift.