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.

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!

Interpretation of Card Patterns Sketch #31

Today's creation is based off of Card Patterns sketch 31.  This card is also available for sale on my Etsy website. 

Oh Happy Day!

Today was a typical Monday, busy day at work and about half way through the day I was dreaming of the weekend that was still so many days away. When I finally arrived home I sat down to work on my Etsy shop and brainstorm a few new promotional ideas...then all of the sudden....an email arrives stating I have made a sale (a small smile forms on my face). But wait, next came a second email and then a third. I am now grinning from ear to ear and curious where all these sales are coming from. After much thought and investigation and sales still popping in I still can't figure it out. Thankfully all the questions are soon answered as a Convo arrives from a fellow Etsy seller Es Things informing me my shop was selected for a sneak attack. New smiles come to my face...someone picked me and it resulted in some great sales. Of course next came a new investigation. What exactly was this "sneak attack" anyway? I followed the forum thread provided in my convo and also checked out this website www.handmademovement.com and soon had my answer. It was just another sign that Etsy community is very supportative.

Thanks to all of those who made purchases from me today and I plan to pay it forward so someone else can be as delighted as I was.