3 Ways to Buy Handmade for the Holidays

Don’t have time to get all Martha Stewart and make homemade gifts for your friends and family this year? Don’t fret – you can still give handmade even without getting out the sewing machine or the craft glue. Artisans selling their fabulously creative wares (and let’s face it – probably nicer than anything you could make yourself) can be found all over the place these days. Here are a few resources to get you started on a handmade shopping spree…

Local Gift Shops

We’re a bit spoiled here in the Twin Cities (that’s Minneapolis and St. Paul, yo!) since we have a whole slew of fun and funky gift shops, many which specialize in local, crafty stuff. A couple of my favorites are Digs Studio (right in my ‘hood) and i like you up in North Minneapolis. Later this week I plan to check out Paper Hat, a relatively new shop in South Minneapolis. Do you have a favorite local store for handmade gifts?

Craft Fairs

By far the best way to see the most handmade choices in one place; craft and art fairs are abundant at this time of year. Keep your eyes out in your neighborhood and city newspapers or community websites. Find them at churches, schools, malls and even the local VFW.

My only issue with craft shows is that it’s way too tempting to buy things for myself! Like these pretty repurposed tin earrings that I found at the Handmade MN show recently. Does your community have a craft fair or two during the holiday season?

Online

Let’s face it, there’s really no better place to shop for handmade gifts online than Etsy. Whether you are searching for something specific or just browsing around, you are bound to get lost in the pure thrill of it all. I’m seriously awed by all the creativity out there and available for sale on Etsy! Just today I found these adorable needle felted mushroom ornaments. Teacher gift, perhaps?

Have you bought any handmade gifts this year? Where are some of your favorites places to shop handmade?

(top photo from Digs Studio website)