Think Handmade - Buying for the Reader/Writer

Do you have a book lover on your list this year? Or maybe someone who loves to write? You could buy a gift card at a book store - again! Or you could think handmade! Take a look at just a few of the great ideas that are unique instead of ordinary.

Click here to sell all of my Think Handmade gift guides. Most feature Unique Women in Business (UWIB) artists and craftswomen. Click the link to the right to learn more about this great group.

Book Lover Soldered Pendant "Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier." (Kathleen Norris) by Cobweb Corner






BLUE JAPANESE STAB BOUND JOURNAL
The dyed, decorated non woven material that is used to cover the front and back covers as well as the insides, is so beautiful and truly unique. A one of a kind. Use it as a scrapbook album, a visitors book, a (travel) journal, a sketchbook. by SewDanish

Modern Blue Green and Gray Architectural Lines Stationary This boxed set is perfect for the contemporary loved one in your life. Each flat note card is adorned with hand-drawn chartreuse, baby blue, and light gray lines. "Hello" is written in a light gray architectural font. by DawnCorrespondence

Are You Blessed Bookmark Giving a gift to someone who loves to read? Add a handmade bookmark to complete the package. This one is black denim with a black and white vine print on the back. by DestinationHandmade



Mighty Oak Bookmark This bookmark is geared for the man in your life. It is a more substantial metal bookmark with ornate engraving. Black glass beads and a metal acorn bead ending with a metal leaf charm complete your gift.
by MommaGoddess


LEARN Glass pendant
Does it get any cuter? by CandyGlass

Think Handmade - Buying for the older Teen (Punkish)

One customer challenged me to come up with ideas for teens aged 14-19 - with a little touch of punk. What a fun challenge. See what I came up with below. Click here to view all of my Think Handmade gift guides.


Pretty Pink Punk Glass Tile Pendant
About 1" square with a touch of pink and a touch of black. by Beegrl88







Autumn tones high-end crochet poncho
with FREE fingerless gloves. High-end crochet work...
Unique , stylish , noble... And COOL!! by Ayca











Personalized Ipod or Phone Cozy with Sugar Skull Applique
Ipod or Phone Cozy Personalized! Specify name and skull color.
Quad layer construction with light padding/interfacing. Velcro closure, hand cut and embroidered skull. Lined in coordinating cotton. by DestinationHandmade

Deadsy Skull Earrings Made with black resin roses, white brass filigree stampings, and little Czech glass skull beads. This assemblage dangles from shiny white brass kidneywire. by PolishedTwo



Guitar Pick Wallet
Keep your stuff in this funky and fun wallet. Different types of guitar picks are scattered around on this black Michael Miller "Hot Picks" fabric. There is also black vinyl covered paper on the inside. by Japip


The Twisted Colors Midgie Scarf get ready, girls! its time to take high fashion to a whole new level, time to recreate the definition of fierce. forget following trends, today is your day to start one. by MissIndie


You're a Rockstar Note Cards This boxed set is perfect for the teenage girl in your life who thinks she is a Rockstar! Each flat note card is adorned with a black scroll and yellow stars. Set includes 12 flat cards with 12 yellow envelopes. by DawnCorrespondence

Bramble - Oxidized Fused Sterling Silver Ring
Made to Order. Unisex. Tangled. Organic. Free-spirited. This ring was free-formed and fused from sterling silver wire, then darkly oxidized, lightly sanded to bring up some highlights and tumble polished to deep shine. by WabiBrookStudio

Steampunk Swirl Domino Necklace
This domino is painted golden yellow, sunset orange and a touch of red. Black artwork consisting of swirls is then applied and finished off with watch parts, crystals and beads. by MommaGoddess

White Chocolate Mocha - Delicious Soap Looks so yummy and good enough to eat, but no please :) just pamper yourself with the luscious lather of this delicious soap bar and the irresistible aroma of rich chocolate paired with freshly brewed espresso, with notes of Turkish Mocha Coffee, creamy top notes of milk, cardamom, cocoa and a touch of nutmeg. by SoapyPleasure

Old West Buffalo Skull Design ACEO Trading Card
Buffalo Skull in sketch style paired with Colorado Columbine wildflowers...a bit of Georgia O'Keefe influence. by KirstenSteinFineArt












SIMPLY FUN Bangle Trio
9 color choices. Mix and Match for a great gift. by DesignKnitFun






Fragrance for Guys
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON and KEEP CALM AND SPRAY ON Cologne TWO Mens Fragrances by ThemeFragrance






Black Elegance Lace Crocheted Cuff/Bracelet
Black cotton thread and real jem stone bead (Black nephrite) as a clasp. by FashionTouch






Girlie Skull Ring Skull measures 1" tall and comes on an adjustable silver metal ring blanc so fits small to medium ring sizes. Skull was handmade using polymer clay and has been finished off with a protective coating for long wear and durability. by PinkFink

Think Handmade - Buying for Men

Part two in my When you think Christmas Think Handmade series. Click here to view a listing of all of my Think Handmade gift guides.

Tracy writes that she has a hard time buying for her 80+ year old Grandfather. I say men in general can be hard to buy for. Ties, shirts, underwear - there has to be something better.

Here are some ideas that may help. This year - Think Handmade for the men on your list:


Faux Tooled Leather Singlet Card Case
Holds about 20 business cards, or other credit card sized items. Slip it into your pocket, backpack, wherever you need it. Makes a great gift card presenter. Super sturdy with quad layers and double stitching at the stress points. By DesitinationHandmade


Spencer Glacier Calendar (Alaska), 8x10 Single Page Calendar

This single page calendar is both beautiful and functional. Image is on one half of the sheet along with a 12-month, 2010 calendar on the other half. by PaulsPics





Primitive - Upcycled Vintage Copper Wire Cuff Unisex Bracelet This simple copper cuff is hand-forged from heavy vintage wire using simple tools - a hammer and fire - much as it would have been long ago in another age. by WabiBrookStudio




Superstar Cuff - Unisex
Whether you're more of a rock star or prefer to go country western, this cuff is fit for celebrity style. It is a western-inspired black leather cuff adorned with a large star-shaped turquoise magnesite stone that is wired onto the wristband. by PolishedTwo


Dark Stout Soap
These soaps are make with 100% Guinness in the water phase and a wonderfully conditioning blend of oils, as well as essential oils of Patchouli, Sweet Orange, and Cedarwood. by AquarianBath



Set of 4 Blue Plaids and Stripes Coasters

Don't you DARE put that drink on the table without using a coaster, were you born in a barn?!? You best employ the help of these fun coasters to class things up a bit!





Fine Art Notebook
The small notebook has two pockets, a business card pocket and paper. 8 1/2 x 6"

Each Fine Art Notebook is handmade and made to order with a 2 -3 week delivery time. Larger quantities or larger sizes available. by RobinMariaPedrero

Custom Engraved Buck Canoe Folding Pocket Knife
This folder is a perfect one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays. Unique to its owner, it will be a favorite memento of you for a lifetime. by DJReigel




Hello Sunshine Framed Modern Abstract Landscape Ceramic Tile by

kristensteinfineart








This is just a tiny sampling of what you can find for men on Etsy.com . Just search FOR MEN and you'll see what I mean.

Who is your 'toughest to buy for' person? Leave a comment and challenge me to find a handmade gift suitable for them.

Click here to read part 1 of my series

When you think Christmas - Think Handmade (part 1)

This year when you start your shopping list - try something new - Think Handmade!

Click here to view a listing of all Think Handmade Gift Guides.

You're hoping to find something unique, something special. We don't mind shopping when we know the person we're buying for is going to love what we got them. But sometimes it's just hard. So I'm writing a series of articles to help you think outside the box. This year there is no reason to have the 'same-old-same-old' when you can have the unique, the out of the ordinary, and, maybe even save some money at the same time.

THE MALL: Oh yea! Another trip to the mall. What will I find there?

1.) Crowds 2.) Loud music 3.) Pretty much NO customer service 4.) Long lines 5.) Out of stock items 6.) Large department stores selling the same things they had last year. 7.) Closed at night when the kids are finally in bed!

ETSY - What will I find there?

1.) Unique, handcrafted, often one-of-a-kind products
2.) Fabulous customer service by the artist themselves.
3.) Possibility of personalization or customization to fit my exact needs (depending on item)
4.) Satisfaction that you are supporting an artist who is passionate about their craft, doing what they love and truly excited to have you as a customer.
5.) Something for EVERYONE - will be amazed when you take the time to browse at what you will find. Things you've never seen before and will never see anywhere else. Items for every age group and every interest.

Over the next few weeks I am hoping to post a series of articles featuring Etsy artists and craftswomen who are A.) Members of an online group I belong to called Unique Women in Business (UWIB) or B.) Sellers whom I have personallly purchased from in the past.

My goal is to provide at least some ideas for every person, every age-group on your list.

Have a really tough person to buy for? Leave a comment with age, gender, interests etc. and I'll do my best to include something for them in one of my upcoming posts. I hope you'll follow me and find out what is out there other than department store shopping!

Just to give you a taste - here is a tiny sampling of some items you might think about: