Article: Gift Ideas No Matter The Reason : Shop Small

When sitting down to do some list shopping for all those kids, grandkids and all the extra family members I found that it was entirely hard because most places recommended Amazon, Walmart, and other big box stores. This year I started some research and found some wonderful shops that will allow you all the fun of online shopping and still let you avoid those big box stores and warehouses. I sat down and needed a few things for me. Then I started the shopping around. Some things you can not get like yarn hugs, specialized projects or even adorable hooks from Amazon. I started my quest and have decided to share it with you my discoveries.

What about those crafters in your life. You really need more yarn. Well, there are other options from small business for those people also. I own the yarn hug in the picture is made by Yarntasia. I actually own two of hers the mini mermaid and the love you Lattee. But here are some other options if you are at a loss what to buy. Yarn boxes are amazing this one is from a small town business owner in Salem Mass, The Quartz Ship these offer knitting and crochet instructions and extras. Another thing to consider regardless if it is a crocheter, knitter, beader, crafter of all types can use project bags. These beautiful options from  Paisley Ducky are right up your alley. If you know a crocheter that could always use a beautiful hook, these by The Speckled Clay.  Hand-dyed yarns are always an option almost every crafting skill requires some and there is nothing better than indie yarn, one of my favorites is by Wobble Gobble.

Never dismiss homemade options and you do not have to be crafty to give a handmade gift. I am a maker and I have a few markers that I shop from myself.  In the picture is one of the items I bought for myself for Ashleys Crochet Shoppe these beautiful fingerless gloves will be great to use while reading or making things indoor or out.  My Darn Yarn offers some beautiful Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser Necklaces for the essential oil user in your life.  These beautiful jewel necklaces have a cotton wick inside to absorb the oil.  Love Jungle Crochet offers custom bows, hats, nesting baskets and all sorts of beautiful options for all ages with a vintage twist. Jwhiz jewelry shop is quality everyday wear inspired by celebrities.  These pieces are completely handmade and unique to her shop. All Things Croc By Paige has some beautiful slippers, scarfs, and vests. If you are looking for something unique you can not get away without looking at this unique site of Fantasy jewelry pieces, Native American Art and Inspirational jewelry pieces Mrs. J Bone Design.

What do you buy the book lover in your life? Book Beau has wonderful sleeves in all sizes from mass production paperbacks to big old hardbacks like Harry Potter. What is unique with there sleeve they can hold tablets and readers too. I have one like the one shown it is amazing.  Frost Beard they carry a whole line of book lover candle products from big candles to wax melts and they all have a literary theme.  Sky Metal Designs offers personalized handwritten bookmarks, yes we know bookmarks are for quitters how beautiful would it be to have one that has your own personalized note in your own handwriting saved in metal.  Personalized Site offers keychains and bracelets all personalized to your book lovers delight. If you are wanting to introduce them to a new author and it is a child to older adult to consider you need to try out Bryan Davis. Bryan Davis writes for a wide range of ages and his fantasy series would appease your most picky reader.  He also offers options of audiobooks, posters, and t-shirts and you purchase directly from the author himself. Have you considered coloring pages or even make your own coloring book for that special book lover Jennifer Drawings has some beautiful artwork that you purchase a page at a time, the pages are for anyone. Pizza Eaters offers some customized rainy day activity books because what book lover does not like puzzles.  Last not least why not consider a personalized journal, whether the book lover in your life likes to write there own stories or just jots down there favorite quotes, that is one thing that can always be considered. The Wedding Party Store has a wide selection where you can make one just for them.