It’s that time of year…when you get your Christmas shopping lists together, and consequently stress over what to get everyone. Holiday gifts can be stressful and expensive, and most think their loved ones want those shiny new gadgets or whatever is trending. While it’s true that some people might, I know my family and friends have enjoyed the unique or handmade gifts I’ve given them. It feels more personal (and fun!) to find that special gift in a local shop, make it yourself, or find something cool on your travels. It shows you put some real thought into what they love, or it could be a gift that opens them up to new interests.
While I know not everyone has the time or desire to make homemade gifts, I do have some excellent recommendations for unique gifts from some of my favorite local small businesses. I also highly recommend searching out local shops on your travels for unique gifts. While abroad, my family and I have found great gifts with fun stories for our loved ones. Like a handmade Italian shirt for my brother, with a very sassy and opinionated shop owner, telling us which shirt is suited for him based on his picture. A leather purse with ALL the pockets, perfect for an avid traveler, found in a little leather shop in Florida. Colorful hand-beaded earrings from a local craftsman in Morocco, gifted by a friend. The possibilities are endless!
Bonus to shopping for unique gifts, you are helping out local business owners, and that’s always an amazing thing!
I mean…you had to know he’d be the first artist I recommend! #proudwifey My husband makes some pretty cool functional pottery, which are beautiful and practical. Everyone needs a handmade mug for their favorite coffee or tea, or even a yarn bowl for those knitters out there. He makes a variety of functional pottery in different textures and colors (all dishwasher and microwave safe!) They are not too masculine and not too feminine, so they can suit everybody’s taste. Check out his website if you’d like to buy online, or if you are interested in finding him at an art show or local art gallery.
For those color lovers in your life, Amy The Makist is your shopping go-to! Her bright and fun modern style makes you instantly happy, and she has a variety of handmade products online for your Christmas shopping needs. She has art prints, jewelry, stickers, banners, pin sets, and more!
Reed’s Wellness + Fitness Training
Sometimes it’s not a physical product that makes the perfect Christmas gift. For those in your life that are ready to get fit and healthy, donate towards their goals. Purchasing a gift certificate for an online or in-person training program can be just the thing to get them started on their fitness journey! I highly recommend Joshua Reed as a personal trainer, he’s definitely helped me change my eating and exercise habits for the better. I personally use in-person training through him, but he has an awesome online training program for those who aren’t local to the NKY/Cincinnati area.
My great friend started a jewelry business this year and her designs are stunning. Made with a laser cut printer, these wooden jewelry pieces are perfect for your earthy, artsy friends. Currently she only has a few of her designs on her online shop, but she is always adding more! Also, if you are local to the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area, you can purchase a larger selection of her great jewelry at an art show or through contacting her on her facebook page.
This vivacious couple owns THE CUTEST home decor store in my area, and their handmade home decor and furniture is a perfect mixture of rustic, bohemian, and high quality. While some of their furniture might be too big of a Christmas purchase (literally), their smaller decor items would make perfect gifts. They make a variety of macrame wall hangings and hanging planters, felt banners, wooden wall decor, geode candle holders, and more. If you are able to shop in person, I highly recommend stopping in their store in Bellevue, KY. If you are not local, they have a large variety of their products online.
Lemonwood’s bath products smell divine and look so pretty displayed in your bathroom! These handmade soaps, bath bombs, lotions and scrubs are high-quality and made with safe, ethical ingredients. They pride themselves on only using raw materials from women owned small businesses, and creating quality skincare products. There are a variety of delicious scents to choose from, and they make the perfect spa gift! You can shop online, or catch them at their next show.
This colorful store can seriously empty your pockets (forget Christmas gifts, I want it all for myself)! This dynamic boss babe duo caters to all your creative whims. They have quirky new and vintage clothes, funky jewelry, fun home decor, and all your whimsical stationary dream products. Shop in-store for the full experience in Covington, or shop online and pile up that shopping cart.
While these block prints might lack in color, they pack a punch with their bold black and white designs. She carves beauty into whimsical nature scenes, mythical beings, and the ultimate fan art (Harry Potter characters!) Perfect gifts for the beginner art collector. Shop online through her Etsy shop, or catch her at a show!
This Southern creative couple puts alot of heart into their rustic home decor, and their pieces sell like hot cakes every time I see them at shows! They create beautiful wood wall art from reclaimed Kentucky tobacco sticks, so you can have a little bit of that farm life even if you’re a city person like me. Check them out at one of their shows, or purchase online before it sells out!
traverseinstyle.com 
I love those mugs! I always make sure to ask for cute mugs for christmas:)
LikeLike
Great thing to ask for 🙂
LikeLike