It’s Gift Guide time! I should probably file these under “Hide Your Wallet” because they’re dangerous temptations to me as I compile them. We’ve all been doing a little shopping, and we’ve got a new collection of beautiful, clever, and pretty ideas for you!
NB: Some of the links are affiliate coded, so if you use them, we may earn a commission – and if you don’t use them, that’s totally cool, too.
Shana: I went shopping at the Dia de los Muertos festival last weekend, and bought these Wonder Woman earrings that I’m in love with. In theory, they’re a gift…but we’ll see.
The same seller also has lots of Latinx snack inspired jewelry (I did not know I needed pan dulce keychains but clearly I do).
Maya: Oh man, I love those earrings and also love the pan dulce earrings!!
AND THE TAKIS KEYCHAIN!!!!!!
Shana: I know! My friend is a teacher and she lost her mind over the Takis pins and bought so many to bribe her students with.
Lara: Ashley Heather is a small jewellers that uses only recycled metals from old circuit boards / e-waste. They ship internationally, too.
Catherine: OK, these HANDBAGS. I am not a huge handbags person but I am absolutely in love with this whole range from Vendula London.
Especially the Cake Boutique one, which has my favourite colours, and also cakes, and also a cat, and I want it so very much.
Sarah: Oh, gosh, the Vintage Stationery line is egregiously gorgeous.
Chris Z. sent me this link to an adorable reversible pillowcase for a large throw pillow:
Angela James sent me a bunch of adorable links to different items on her wish list and and on her frequently-gifted list, and I’m sorry in advance for what’s about to appear before your eyeballs.
Angie: “I’ve bought a ton of pillows from this Etsy shop, Heart Felt Designs.”
Y’all, you need to see all the variations, but here are a few that will appeal to so many fandoms:
And she does custom pillows, too, starting at $34.
What about you? Any items you’re excited to give or receive this year? Please share! Or, if you have ideas for the gift guide, or you want to tell me about an Etsy store or catalog you adore, please email me your ideas at sarah@smartbitchestrashybooks.com.
Appreciate these recommendations– I have officially begun my holiday shopping! Click. Click. Thank you!
Jaime Fraser pillow. First Christmas gift of the year done!
I’ve recently been into handmade watercolors on etsy. I’ve made two orders but I haven’t received any yet but I’m really excited to try them out. I think they make great gifts for the creative type. I’m considering giving them out as gifts, and a tiny part of me wants to try making my own.
@Sally: link(s) please, I’m intrigued!
Hi hng23! I received one of my orders yesterday. It’s the split primaries set from The Art Spirits in the UK. She has an etsy page which I used to look at reviews and reviewer photos, but I recommend shopping through her own website because the prices are cheaper. Most of her watercolors are made from single pigments and she has details on the lightfast rating.
The other set I’m waiting on are watercolors made from mica powders from KJ Design By KarenAlso from the UK. I’m interested in her regular watercolors but sadly they’re currently sold out.
A popular artisan that I’m watching—but don’t plan on buying anytime soon—is Designs by Rachel Beth. She releases fun color sets that sell out quickly, but the the reason I hesitate to shop from her is because her watercolors don’t look like they have strong pigment strength. Neither does she provide any pigment or lightfast info, but that’s just me. Like I said, she’s one of the really popular handmade watercolor sellers and it’s a fun challenge to create an illustration with a limited palette.
I really like to browse all the handmade watercolors I can find. There’s such a wide variety such as artisans specializing in historical colors, or watercolors made from rocks and soil they forged themselves, or even vegan watercolors (no honey or ox gall).