Gifts in the shade of red

With red being my favorite color I had to do a gift section devoted to this color

Porcelain tray by clayswan

This would be a great addition to any holiday table setting.  Fill it with home baked goodies and it adds even more fun. 

Heart Pendant by Charmed Ceramics
Looking for that gift for your wife?  This red heart could remind that special lady just how much she means to you. 

Personalized ornaments by CottageJoy
As I have said before anytime you can personalize a gift it gives it that extra special touch and the receiver knows that you had to plan ahead.  An ornament for their tree will give them a reminder of you year after year. 

Treasure Box by sisterbutterfly
All of the boxes by sisterbutterly are just amazing. You can't help but sit and wonder about all the time and talent put into each one of her creations.  This would make a great gift for the crafter in your life who has all those little trinkets to store away and also wants to surround herself with creative inspirations.

Gift sets

Gift sets pop up everywhere at Christmas time. Some are a really great combination of items you know someone will love and other times there is one item that is just too good to pass up at that price but the items they package along with it really aren't worth much.  (I'm thinking that wonderful bottle of cologne paired with a twinky pocket knife or fake leather wallet.).  Or you buy a wonderful basket that appears to be filled to the top with food items, bath products, etc and then shrink wrapped all ready for you to give.  Then as you watch the receiver open their gift and pull out piles of stuffing you soon discover that you should have opened this before giving it and filled more than a top layer.  Don't get me wrong I love the idea of a gift set and find that making my own can be a fantastic way to buy several inexpensive items and combine them into one reasonably priced gift that is perfectly personalized. 

As I wander through the pages of Etsy I've begun to see the gift sets showing up here as well and they have me really excited.  There are items here so much better than what you find in the stores.  I can't wait to see what else appears as we get closer to Christmas.

Just for Kids spice pack by BasilandThings

A spice pack for kids???  This seemed a little unusual to me as well but as I read the description and throught more about it this is a great idea.  I have found that kids love making things and are much more willing to eat something they created.  Just gift these to your future chef and them sprinkle away and maybe just maybe that veggie they were so sure they wouldn't like becomes super tasty.

Ouch Pouch by PillowSewCute
This ouch pouch really caught my eye.  Organization for purses or bags of any kind are always a girls best friend.  Having someone compile all of those basic first aid type items in a ready to go pack could really save a new mom some time and energy she could use other places. 

Hot/Cold packs by DaySpa
Do you have a friend who is always cold?  This would be a simple gift idea that could provide them with much delight.  Add a book, and a blanket to this set and you have created a warm and cozy get a way. 

Happy Winter Magnet set by fashionfucsia
Are you ready to brighten the desk of your co-worker?  This magnet set is something that can bring out the holiday spirit for a few months and easily fit in a desk drawer and be stored away till next season.

Don't forget the wrapping

It's not just what's inside that counts, how you present your gift is half the fun so here are some ideas to help get you started. 

Quilt by QuiltLover
For those akward to wrap or extra large gifts find a suitable quilt or blanket and make an instant gift sack.  Place your gift in the center, draw up the blanket all around it, and tie it with a decorative piece of ribbon.  Now your gift wrap becomes a warm and cozy gift as well. 

Christmas Bags by Creative Chicks
For the smaller gifts use one of these pre-made gift bags.  Even better these are re-usable.  No more piles of wrapping paper to throw away at the end of the day when these are used. 

Oragami nesting boxes by SleipnirDesigns
For those itty bitty gifts (hmmm...i'm thinking bracelets, necklaces and earings) use these adorable stacking boxes.  Now you have an eye catching gift and adds excitement to the gift opening process when there are several boxes to open.

Card by Paper Petal Creations
Of course no gift is complete without a card or tag.  Sometimes a tag is just to small to share the meaning behind the gift or even to add a funny story to your gift to make someone smile.

Gifts for Guys

I have heard it time and time again that it is just to hard to find handmade gifts for guys.  Although you won't find the latest technology in electronics I guarantee there are tons of items the guys in your life will enjoy. 

Micro Buck Trophy by CardboardSafari

I picture this gift being given to an avid hunter and becoming the topic of many tall tales and discussions of the best hunting grounds for such an exotic cardboard animal. 

Men's Shave and soap gift set by FunktionalSpa

Do you have that guy in your life who grabs the first bar of soap that doesn't smell like flowers and runs back out of the store? 

Why not give him a really quality bath product to show him what he is missing.  You will also save him the trouble of making the trip to the store himself. 

Belt Buckle by MicahGregg

Belt buckles are a standard piece of equipment for the men in my life.

A custom made buckle would be hard to find in a retail store and definately wouldn't be under $25.

New York Print by Valentinadesigns

Do you have a traveler in your life? 

A piece of art like this one could be the perfect gift to remind your guy of a previous adventure or give him plans for the future. 

More gift ideas coming soon!

Christmas is just around the corner

Ok so, yes there are still 38 days till Christmas arrives but it's never to soon to start searching for the  perfect gift.  When I start this process I give much thought about recipient. What are their favorite things?  Have they hinted about something they want?  What is that one thing that always brings a smile to their face?  With those thoughts in mind I head out in search of the PERFECT gift.  Anything special, unique and meaningful to that particular person will do. 

I have found that the handmade world is often a great place to find gift giving ideas.  For me this used to mean browsing through craft magazines and fabric stores.  After finally finding what I want additional time was then spent creating my gift or finding someone who can make it for me.  Occassionally I would luck out and see just what I needed at a Craft fair, where someone else has poured their blood, sweat and tears into something special. 

This year I have discovered the wonderful world of Etsy where handmade items from A to Z are available with the click of a mouse.  It has been so much fun browsing through the shops and pondering just who this most adorable item would make a great gift for.  There is just so much...where do you begin...how do I weave through all the items out here to find something special...  It's enough to make your mind spin. 

For those who may not have as much time to search I am going to spend the next several weeks sharing some of my personal favorties from ETSY. 

Locket Set by Polarity 

Does your sister like variety and art?  Here is a locket with interchangable faces and it features the work of a true artist.  Many more lockets in this shop with other pictures. 

Soap by Anhoki

Does your dad need some pampering?

Bath and body products with a fun message stamped right would add that special touch but not look to girly. 

Christmas Lights Alpaca Scarf by phydeaux

Know your friends favorite colors? 

A scarf in those colors would be just perfect.

Doodle Art bowl by loveartworks

Is your Aunt a spectacular party host?

This fun bowl would make a great converstaion piece and would last outside of the holiday season.

An added bonus:  Each of these shops are a part of TeamEPE and donate money to the American Cancer Society!

Stay Tuned more gift ideas coming soon!