While something doesn't rub me quite the right way about rushing into shopping right after a day of being thankful, I have to admit, this is the time to buy those Christmas gifts and goodies with all the sales and special offers out there. This weekend is jam-packed with big shopping events.
If you're wanting to give a gift to someone special in your life, consider shopping handmade. Instead of buying a bunch a small cheap things, think about putting your money into something with real value.
You might not have known this, but this Saturday is Small Business Saturday, a chance to support local, handmade, and small businesses. As I've gotten connected with other crafters, artists, and makers, I see so much amazing talent and value to what others are making. So here's why you should shop handmade this holiday season.
1. Sage Hen Homestead 2. Olive and Pearl Candles 3. Gorin Art 4. Lee Wolfe Pottery 5. Gracelaced Art and Book 6. Limon Bijoux Jewelry 7. The Hopeful Woods 9. Birds and Berry Studio - that's me!
1. You receive an item made with love.
Each of the items in most of the handmade shops on Etsy or similar sites has been thought up and created by an individual person. If you get to shop at a local store or craft fair, you might even meet the maker or artist who created your piece. There's a connection there you could never get from a big box store. And there is something so special about knowing that love has gone into each piece.
2. You support a small business.
It's hard work running a small business. Each person pours their heart and soul into the work they do. While it's convenient to run to walmart to grab those last few gifts, how about supporting a small business and encouraging competition for the superstores.
3. You get what you pay for.
You will most likely be paying more money for a handmade item than you would if you bought a mass-produced product. But when you have a product made with love, the quality will be noticeable. Machines can't make gifts quite like what handmade sellers are making.
4. Each item is unique.
Want to buy Aunt Susie something special instead of the generic Target knick-knack she gets every year? When you shop handmade, your gift is one-of-a-kind. And a lot of places offer custom orders that put an even more unique spin on an item.
5. It's a great place to buy gifts for the holidays.
Maybe you're not spending money on handmade items year-round when your shopping list consists of groceries and paper products, but this time of year is great for thinking outside the box when it comes to Christmas gifts. Chances are, you're buying things that aren't on your usual list anyway, so why not hop over to a handmade business for your Christmas shopping this year. As an extra bonus, a lot of handmade local and online shops are running sales right now so take advantage of the savings.
I'm having a sale in my shop now through cyber Monday, also (I know, I know, I've got a little ulterior motive in writing this post, because when you support handmade small businesses, you're supporting me too).
So this Christmas season, think about shopping small, local, and handmade as you dive into the gift-giving time of year. We're eternally grateful for you!
