(…continued from Part I, II, III, IV, and V)

Right about now you should be done with holiday shopping, right? Well, you would be if you took the hints from retailers in October! If you’re like me, then you’re still scrambling for some things. The thought of entering another store in the hopes that you’ll find the perfect gift for so-and-so can be daunting. I had a few people on my list who are particularly troublesome, so I made a list of their favorite things and solved my mini-crisis in seconds. Do it. No, seriously, write down some things (right now!). Your list might look like this: candy, nature walks, recycling, and medieval times. All of these things seem like potential shopping woes. Not so with Etsy! Just search for your items in “tags, titles, descriptions.”

Seemingly unrelated favorite things are easy to find on Etsy:

1. Clever Girl makes sweet jewelry. It’s playful and makes me crave candy!

This pendant is darling!

2. If living a healthy life outdoors is more your speed, check out The Full Spectrum‘s line of tees and totes. The artist screen prints flowers, sea life, and even bikes on an array of colorful cottons.

Don’t worry, not every artist I like caters to just women! The Full Spectrum also has men’s shirts!

3. If you’re worried about the waste that the holidays produce, consider Easy Being Green‘s Eco-Conscious note card set.

The message is snarky, but well meaning! Educations is key, people!

I also love Remade‘s creations using materials with a former life. The artist makes beanies out of beloved sweaters and cuffs out of vintage belts.

I think this would be another great gift for a stylin’ guy.

4. If you’re looking for art with old world charm, then look no further than Emily Balivet. Her artwork is stunning. I’m in love with the Twelve Women with Birds print!

It reminds me of the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses that I used to read as a child.

Finding the unusual is really quite simple. Shopping always takes longer than one expects, but the benefits of our hard work is absolutely evident when a friend opens up his or her treasure. Take the time to find something just right. Be considerate and buy handmade.

Peace!

(…continued from Part I, II, III, and IV)

So by now I should be preaching to the choir, right? Etsy is the best thing since sliced bread! The holiday shopping season isn’t just about buying gifts for other people. While searching for nice things for friends and family, don’t feel bad if you want a few things for yourself, too! Etsy sellers make guilt-free buying simple. The shops are run by people like you and me who understand the plight of the online shopper—shipping charges! Most sellers will combine shipping costs if you buy more than one item, so it helps if you know what you want to buy instead of browsing endlessly. Another cool offer I’ve seen is free shipping for repeat customers or free shipping within the continental U.S. This thoughtful consideration is what keeps me shopping at Etsy. Plus, just like other retailers, Etsy sellers put their items on sale!

Guilt free favorites:

1. Christmas decorations really help me get in the mood, especially since I live in a place that’s currently 68 degrees at almost 10 o’clock at night! Since there is no snow here, I have a great appreciation for nontraditional looking holiday decor. I love Rikrak‘s stockings! I needed a little one for my new kitty, but naturally I wanted to upgrade mine and The BF’s also.

2. The tree could always use some new trimmings. Even better are some vintage looking things. Brandywine Boutique crafts some very pretty things using delicately distressed papers, paint, and glitter. You can never have enough glitter during this time of year!

3. Buying stationary always satisfies my need to shop. Empty George has cool graphics and doesn’t shy away from fun colors.

Don’t forget thank you cards! (P.S. Take a look at the humor section!)

4. Gifts with purpose go along way. In order to lug around my holiday goodies to and from work, I sure could use one of these! Three Dog Party captures the look of a classic girl Friday on this canvas tote.

Another find that’s perfect for someone’s stocking and also for yourself are these nifty bookplates. Organization is very important, whatever time of year!

(…continued from Part I, II, and III)

Etsy.com can transform your shopping experience. There aren’t any lines, and parking isn’t a problem, in fact, you don’t even have to leave your house or waste any gas! Best of all, you don’t have to compete for the attention of rude salespeople. Any crafty person can have a spot on Etsy, and any person with access to the internet can shop—it’s a level shopping field, if you will.

Girl Friday hates holiday stress. Forgetting people on your list is the worst. I like to keep some small, thoughtful items on hand just in case. You can wrap extra gifts up and leave a post it note on them reminding you of what they are. Grab one before you head out for a party for a hostess’ gift, use them as stocking stuffers, or stash them for emergencies.

A list of sweet deals and cool finds…

Dirty girls must get clean, and what better way than with soap that looks like sugar cereal or soap that looks and smells like cake?!

1. Oh That Ashley might be aiming at kids who don’t like to wash up for supper, but her Fruit Loop and Apple Jack cereal soaps ($4.25) are something that even a grown up would use.

2. Suds Muffin is exciting our noses in an all new, calorie-free way. Instead of pumpkin pie leftovers, try her Spiced Pumpkin Souffle Soap Muffin with Buttercream Frosting ($9).

If pumpkin isn’t your taste, try any of her other slices of delight. Cake slice bars go for $6.

Gifts aren’t always about frivolity. Etsy artists show that you don’t have to sacrifice form for function.

3. Art isn’t just for walls. My Favorite Mirror transforms wall art into mouse pads and coaster sets. A few years ago I tried to master embroidery, but now I can throw in my tea towel and get these Jenny Hart classic embroidery designed coasters with a matching tin for $16.

If you loved the look of The Black Apple from my previous post, then you’ll love this set or a mouse pad ($14).

Notorious M.A.G. loves Stella Im Hultberg art.  Her coaster sets and mouse pads are an accessible way to introduce Stella’s art into her home.

Little gifts can be just a precious as the big ones. Don’t be afraid to think small! Etsy makes it easy to find needles in a haystack.