As I mentioned in my last post I have yet again been trying to make Christmas as handmade / independent as possible. I feel this is especially important when buying gifts. I want to get my friends and family unique gifts that have been made with care and attention. So small sellers, businesses and brands are exactly what I'm searching for. Not only does buying handmade support these independent businesses, I've found it also helps provide a more stress free present buying experience. I've managed to avoid the festive crowds by doing most of my shopping online or at Christmas craft fairs, making me so much happier and relaxed.
If you fancy trying for a handmade Christmas, here are some tips and tricks I've picked up over the past few years. Good to keep in mind for Xmas 2014.
Preparation and PinningI spend a fair amount of time online and am always stumbling across lovely handmade items that catch my eye. Sometimes these are found through blogs, social media or just general internet browsing and particular items can stand out as being perfect for a certain somebody. To keep track of these moments of gift inspiration I set up a secret Pinterest board. This means when it comes to birthdays / Christmas I have a wealth of ideas that have been hidden away from the prying eyes of my nearest and dearest.
Start EarlyWhen buying handmade it is always best to start early. Some of the best items are made to order so allow time for this. Also many sellers will only have there work available online, so postage time has to be taken into account. Ordering as early as possible makes sure that truly unique items can be delivered in plenty of time and makes for a calmer festive period.
Watch out for DiscountsMany small sellers and makers will get into the holiday spirit by offering some neat deals. Special advent discounts as well and Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions will all help make Christmas slightly easier on the purse strings. I would recommend following your favorite designers/makers/brands through social media or signing up for newsletters, that way you usually get a heads up on any discounts or special offers.
Plan your Xmas VisitsIn the run up to Christmas I usually try and take some time to visit friends who are scattered in different cities. When planning these trips I will always have a quick search for any Christmas craft fairs that are going on. Attending different events at home and away will usually give a nice varity of different stalls and sellers. I also find there is a much more relaxed atmosphere at these events compared to traipsing around department stores and shopping centres.
DIY itOf course to make it an authentic handmade Christmas you can always have a go at crafting some of your own gifts. Again, starting early and planning is super important for this. The festive season is a busy time of year and you don't want to end up with a half finished project and no present for Auntie Mabel. Follow crafty blogs and search Pinterest for inspiration through out the year and make a start as soon as you can.
And as an added extra these are some of my favorite sites for discovering handmade items that aregreat for Xmas or any other present giving occasions:
Etsy - it's where I, and many others, sell handmade wares. I love how easy it is to search and the fact there are so many different items from across the world. Search it locally if there's no more time for international shipping and have a look at treasuries if you're in need of inspiration.
Howkapow - mentioned in my October Favourites this online store has a great mix of items from lots of lovely independent designers.
Oh Deer - Another online store, this time filled with work from fantastic illustrators.
La La Land - A great mix of fun gifts from a variety of makers and also from in house brand - Pop Culture Pencils.
Hannah Zakari & Red Door Gallery - two Edinburgh based bricks and mortar shops that also have a wide selection of online goodies. Perfect as they give the option of buying in person or ordering online if I'm not able to make the trip. Check out boutiques you've visited to see if they have an online shop option.
Where have you been buying your Xmas gifts from this year?
