Be Inspired to Buy Handmade

Creativity isn't just for arts and crafts. You can be creative in all of your endeavors. Take holiday shopping for example. You can do the easy thing and purchase a gift card to some mass merchandiser for everyone on your list, or you could take a little time to think about the person, their likes and dislikes, their interests and hobbies, their personal style (or lack of in some instances), and their wants and needs. Isn't that what gift giving should be about? I have always loved finding the perfect gift for someone I love. I think it's even better when you can make them something. Remember when you were little and you made a gift at school for your Parents and they ooooed and ahhhhed. Well I have been a recipient of many of those gifts over the last couple years and I can tell you that nothing tops them. Now if you aren't crafty enough to make something as a gift , why not buy something handmade instead? You will be giving a unique quality item and getting personal service directly from the artist. Even better, you will be supporting an artist instead of greedy corporate CEOs! It's really quite easy, just head on over to Etsy.com for a little handmade goodness. The stores on Etsy have gifts for everyone on your list. Here are a few suggestions for your immediate family:

Need a gift for your mother that really celebrates her amazing sense of style? How about this incredible necklace from Stonehousestudio.etsy.com


Is your Dad a corporate manager by day and a motorhead by night? How about this super cool tie from toybreaker.etsy.com

How about your crafty Aunt who loves to knit? I'm sure she would love some luscious handspun yarn from knittydirtygirl.etsy.com and some funky knitty needles from chelle.etsy.com










Here's a little something for your uncle that travels internationally for work and has a quirky sense of humor. A fun and informative passport cover from tinymeat.etsy.com . Going through customs will never be the same.

Here's a little something for your sister who just moved into her first apartment. A couple of cool prints for her bare walls from scottgarrette.etsy.com .













Let's not forget your older brother who is a bit of a video game geek and a die hard star wars fan. Some storm trooper cufflinks from luxdeluxe.etsy.com and some pacman coasters from
lostmitten.etsy.com. are sure to please.











You can't forget about Grandma and Grandma. How about this incredibly lifelike ceramic fish by PiscesCeramics.etsy.com to commemorate the one that got away from Gramps.

And I am sure grandma would really get a kick out of this Bowlegged babe from Artsy.etsy.com featuring a vintage enamelware coffeepot:

You have to admit that there are some amazing handmade gifts out there just waiting to be snatched up. I have decided to stray a bit from my regular inspirational pieces this week to promote buying handmade and sharing some great gift ideas. Please come back to see handmade gift suggestions for your significant other, co-workers & bosses, babies and kids, teens, pets, holiday decorations, stocking stuffers and even custom commissions. So take a break this week and let me help you get ready for the holidays. Please also head over to buyhandmade.org and pledge to buy handmade. There have already been over 5000 people who have taken the pledge. If you are having trouble sifting through all the handmade items on Etsy check out the All Things Handmade blog which separates some fabulous sellers by category and offers a glimpse of the items they have available which makes for easy browsing. Take some time this week to make something special for someone on your holiday list, and don't forget to buy handmade this holiday season!



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