Looking for that holiday cheer? Well searching the malls and big box retailers for the perfect gift at the best price is not the way to find it. This year you can delight your friends and family with nostalgic, whimsical, one of a kind gifts... Here's why shopping small, handmade, and vintage is the best way to celebrate the holidays (and everyday)!
When you shop small, not only do you get to know the person you're doing business with... but you get personalized service. Shopping for someone who has everything? Shop owners are perfect brainstorming partners, and can generally make great gift suggestions with just a few factoids about the gift recipient. Know what you need, but need help finding it? Maybe they don't have it, but they could get it for you! And small business owners often support each other, so if your looking for something outside their realm they can generally point you in the right direction.
Handmade gifts have become a cliche, and a bit of a joke over the years... and while I will admit that handmade items have dipped in and out of fashion over the years, handmade gifts are the ones that are treasured most. Of course, if you can make the gift yourself, that's fantastic! If not, there are so many great artisans out there that would be happy to help. From ceramics, to visual art, to textiles; every art and artist can be found! By supporting these artist/entrepreneurs, you get high quality items while ensuring that these skills/knowledge/crafts will continue!
Shopping vintage comes with a whole world of benefits! Besides the joy of knowing that you are in fact recycling; you have the opportunity not just to gift a "thing", but a memory! Even if it's not something directly from someone's past; walking around a fleamarket, it's easy to see that previously loved items take on a life of their own. You may be looking for something useful (like serving ware or decanter), something decorative (like a planter or picture frame), or something functional (like furniture). In any case, by going vintage you may be going beyond just gifting... you may be creating heirlooms!
Whether you are looking to shop small, handmade, or vintage; check your local area to find out what's available! Can't find what you need in your area? Go online: etsy, ravelry, ebay, artfire, craftsy, folksy... the list goes on and on! As an etsy shop owner, I'm partial to their vast index of sellers... so I'm listing a few here that I hope you'll check out. But I'd love to hear about your favorite shop; whether online or local brick and mortar, tell us why you love it!
BabyQuiltsbyRomiW: Baby Quilts handmade with love ♥ in the USA.
DawnToussaint: Vintage and handmade goods
Knittingdreams: handmade teddy bears and amigurumi plushies shop
MadMikeBrewing: Mad Mike's Brewing
MotownLostandFound: Vintage Home Goods and Accessories
SfusoUnRivaled: Vintage Stuffs from In & Around New York!
TexturableDecor: Organic Wool Blankets and Cover Pillows
TexturableDecor: Organic Wool Blankets and Cover Pillows
WilloughbyRdVintage: Curated vintage for your stylish, modern life.
OK, that's all for now; on to the next project! Want to know what it is? Follow me on twitter for sneak peeks and updates! If you're just looking for DIY inspiration, stayed tuned @ dawntoussaint.com for more on my DIY projects through the year! If you're looking to get some of the items you've seen here, on twitter, or on my boards, check out my etsy shop!
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