Say no to mass-producers this year by supporting a local crafter or handmade artisan when purchasing your gifts this holiday season. You’d be amazed at what you can find on Etsy (I refer to it as the handmade version of “Ebay”), have it shipped to your door and know that you’re supporting a small business in this world of mass-produced bleh. And the prices are really good (sometimes too cheap for the amount of work that goes into a handmade product in my opinion)!
You can go to Etsy and type in any keyword and be sure to find a unique/obscure item you wouldn’t find in the big box stores. Have a family member that is a fan of monsters, hedgehogs or computer geekery? You’ll find plenty of options at Esty. Have a friend that just loves smell good soaps? They have thousands of soap makers. Wanna support your local economy? Click on the “shop local” button on the lower left hand side and find crafters and artisans in your local area.
Here are some member-curated treasuries that I was featured in recently, so here’s a good start on some fun gift ideas out there (click on any picture to get a better close-up at these veritable gift guides):
This treasury, “A Colorado Christmas” shows off some local talent in this beautiful state and includes my Inspired Girls print:
To show your gratitude, here are some great items that give thanks from this treasury called “Simple Acts of Gratitude), including my Gratitude Girl bookmark:
My Harmony Angel note card is included in this lovely treasury titled “You’ve Got Mail” which encourages people to go back to the old days of writing snail mail:
All the shops and items in this treasury- “Gift that Give” – give away a portion of their proceeds to non-profit organizations and includes my Brave Girl print:
This cool blue treasury aptly named “Dreaming in Blue” feature my Lovely Angel ACEO/art card:
I am particularly fond of old, vintage buttons and was thrilled to have my button hair pins included in this fun “Today is Button Day” treasury:
This eco-friendly treasury, “Eco Gift for Women” is a personal favorite and features recycled/upcycled/repurposed goods including my music sheet bow:
And once you get your gift, these items from the “Accent your Christmas gift with…” treasury to top off your gift (and also included my music sheet bows):
Alright; that ought to get your brain going on unique gift ideas. Thanks for taking a gander at my fellow Etsians! 
