Sunday, November 16, 2008

Gift Guide

Buying handmade for the holidays is both fun and rewarding. You have the opportunity to find something unique, show your thoughtfulness, purchase quality, and support local artists and crafters...all while avoiding the crowded mall and the endless parking lot circle that accompanies it. When you don't have time to browse local craft shows, turn to the Etsy West Michigan team online and let the fun begin! We have put together gift guides for women, men, hostesses, babies, teenages, little kids, crafters , cold weather and secret Santas!
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From your best friend to your mom or wife, all of the women on your list can be treated to quality handmade gifts this season. Etsy West Michigan has gift ideas for the pet lover, jewelry addict, decorator, and more!
(upper left) Catherine Marissa’s stacking sterling rings are right on trend and the perfect gift for the woman who appreciates clean, modern styling
(upper right) Unique frosted glass jewelry from Yellow Lux will inspire “Where did you find this?” from any lucky lady on your list…
(lower left) Pitbulllady Designs can create a custom needle felted portrait of her pet. This makes a lovely and thoughtful gift for anyone who lost a dear pet this year…
(lower fight) Absolutely unique, these stunning Japanese temari balls from Julie and co. will delight the decorator on your list
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Cold Weather is upon us and the fiber artists of Etsy West Michigan have been busily creating quality accessories to keep everyone on your list comfortable until Spring arrives.
(upper left) Hand felted scarves in a variety of stunning colors will dress up the fashion conscious female on your list. Browse for the perfect color at Clawtree Design
(upper right) Shady Side Farm takes all the bland out of socks and creates luxurious wool pairs in a wide range of colors
(lower left) Ellafern’s cashmere lined mittens are an indulgence without the crazy high price tag. Whether the recipient’s style is embellished or simple, you will find the right pair in her shop
(lower right) Knitted mittens for children and adults (all at $12 or less!) are available through Mimi’s Mittens
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Handmade is fun, but can be tricky when someone on your list is a crafter. Treat the crafters in your life to some fun supplies and let them have fun creating with their new goodies.
(upper left) Just Jaynes is a jewelry maker’s paradise with sterling silver charms, pendants, and more
(upper right) Just For Fun Crafts offers a variety of chipboard products for the paper crafter on your list
(lower left) Fiber artists will appreciate a colorful gift of quality roving or yarn from Yarn 2 Spin
(lower right) If beads and baubles are her weakness, stop by Raid My Stash for a variety of stones, pearls, and more…
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Mix handmade into your children’s gifts this year and watch their excitement when they find unique goodies from Santa. With a variety of items for little girls and boys, Etsy West Michigan will save you the long lines at the toy store.


(upper left) Your little girl will be absolutely adorable outfitted in accessories from Lily-Pie Designs
(upper right) This little dog needs a happy home and a new best friend. Be sure to surprise your little one with a stuffed buddy from The Monkey Shop
(lower left) Put a knot in the strap of this bottle cozy and let your kiddo be grown up as he carries his own water bottle on your adventures. That Is So C.U.T.E. offers a variety of colors and cozy styles
(lower right) Have a budding artist at home? Stop by Baggavond’s shop for chalkboard bags, placemats, and more

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If your teenager is anything like I was, she is tricky to buy for. Thankfully, Etsy West Michigan artists have creative and fashionable ideas for all ages. From the environmentally conscious to the fashionistas in the group, we’ve got you covered.
(upper left) Ribbonrose’s beads and pendants are available in many of this year’s popular color combinations and your teenager won’t see her friend wearing the exact same thing she has on
(upper right) Is your teenager going green? Craftinator’s logo tote has been upcycled into a statement bag perfect for your environmentally conscious teen

(lower left) A Window Into Whimsy’s bags are available in a variety of sizes and current designer fabrics. This gathered tote can replace your teen’s backpack and leave her friends wondering where she found that bag

(lower right) Is your teenager a Blythe collector? Surprise her with a holiday ensemble from morganannie

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Babies are fun to buy for and even more so once you get started browsing the fabulous clothing, accessories, and nursery décor available through the Etsy West Michigan team. Go ahead and spoil your little ones – they’re worth it!


(upper left) Squeak! Squeak! Outfit your darling in this sweet little mouse onesie from Mom N Mia Quilts
(upper right) Avoid the typical holiday outfits and dress your sweetie in this festive crocheted cardigan from karen mary
(lower left) Perfect for nursery décor or playtime, Holy Craft! offers sets of darling wooden blocks
(lower right) Perennial Piecer’s quilted jackets are unique and can be custom made in your favorite colors or theme
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With so many holiday parties this time of year, it can become exhausting trying to find hostess gifts. Show your party organizer that her time and effort are appreciated with a handmade gift that lasts longer than that bottle of wine.


(upper left) With a variety of fabric styles available, you are sure to find something that fits your hostess’s home in Delainie’s quilted coaster selection
(upper right) The hostess can kick back and relax after the party, soothed by the smell of a soy candle from Bliss Candles
(lower left) Add a little competitive spirit to a dull holiday party with this African inspired game from Antiquity Gamecrafters
(lower right) MariaSoleil's selection of holiday gift tags reminds us that every package can be pretty this year. Help your hostess save time with her holiday wrapping with these tags

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Does your office or group play Secret Santa each year? Surprise your partner with a handmade gift and be sure to have everyone hoping you are their Santa next year. Etsy West Michigan team members offer a variety of products under $10 that make the perfect office gifts.



(upper left) With over 500 scents to choose from, Sweet Surrender Candle’s soy tarts make a great gift for candle lovers and are available in packages for as little as $4.50
(upper right) Would you believe that these Key Lime earrings from Elysium are only $6? I was surprised too!
(lower left) Island Girl Bags offers functional and pretty key fob wristlets in a variety of designer fabrics for only $5
(lower right) A lovely embellished satin ornament from LaShelle is a sure way to dress up someone’s tree this season – perfect for your friend with a new grandson or shabby chic style

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As much as I enjoy the handmade hunt, I freeze up as soon as it’s time to buy for the men in my life. Crafts are for girls, right? Wrong. Many crafters have expanded their lines to include products that appeal to men. You may have to hunt a little longer, but the rewards are well worth the time invested.



(upper left) For the nature lover, consider a print from newleafdesigns
(upper right) If your man spends his day at the office, add a little personality to the 9 to 5 with vintage typewriter key cufflinks from The Empty Nest
(lower left) Unicorn’s Garden offers a creative twist on office wear with a chainmaille tie, perfect for the “corporate raider”…
(lower right) Ease aches and pains from a long day with a hot/cold therapy pad from Mondry’s YKnot Shop where the unique corn filling stays hot longer than a typical rice heating pad…