It's that time of year again: the holidays, gift-giving season, Christmas. Is it just me, or does it seem harder than ever to figure out what to give loved ones to show them you care?
In my corner of the world, people seem to be thinking hard about where they put their money. Every dollar feels like an investment in what a company stands for. It's so hard to balance filling a material need in your life with high quality, reasonable cost, and making a choice you feel good about. And then, this time of year, you're doing all that a lot more often and for other people! It's exhausting.
That's why I like to shop from smaller businesses whenever possible, especially local and handmade ones. I find there's a lot more commitment to quality without luxury pricing, and you can find something really unique for a loved one. Plus, you can often get to know the maker on a more personal level- something that's just not possible at a big box store or on Amazon. You'll know what kind of person you're investing in, and the difference a single purchase makes in their life is so much larger than anywhere else. It's almost like a gift for them, too.
With how often I sell at pop-up markets, it's pretty easy to find small businesses I love. But lots of people have told me they don't know where to look to start finding local goods like I have.
That's why I decided to make this gift guide, showcasing my local creative friends who I love to support. Each of the people here is meticulous about quality, prices for regular people, and are such wonderful, kind humans. You can feel good about using this guide. Let's get into it.
For those who shine brightest in your life:
Give the gift of Granite Firefly glow.
Granite Firefly makes exquisite, handmade pillar candles. Handmade by Alicia and Don, right here in New Hampshire, with clean burning ingredients and fragrances that will make you feel at home.
I have two Granite Firefly candles and about a dozen tea lights, and they're such a special winter treat. I love to light them in the studio as part of my painting ritual. The crystallized cooled wax and warm glow when burning are what make these candles truly special to me!
Shop Granite Firefly at granitefirefly.com until 12/20, and find them on social media @granitefireflycandlecompany.
For spreading sunshine and color to your loved ones:
At Sunshine Dust Co., find handcrafted cheerful polymer clay earrings, illustrated stickers, greeting cards, and original art prints - all created with the intention of spreading joy and a touch of sunshine into everyday life.
Lauren is one of my best friends (we're going to Greece together next year!) I have dozens of her lightweight, polymer clay earrings and get so many compliments. Her whole brand is about joy, so it's perfect for the optimist in your life (or the person who could use some sunshine!)
How great would these earrings be in a stocking?
Sunshine Dust Co. can be shopped online at sunshinedustco.com until December 13. Follow along on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook @sunshinedustco.
For the spooky-year-round girlies and the critter lovers:
Sewing Nerd Studios offers handmade bags made with a mix of colorful and macabre fabrics, often utilizing upcycled/salvaged materials! (Now that's something I feel good about.)
There are so many bag makers out there, but none are like Jo. Her quality is incredible, and her fabric selection is so perfect for, well, spooky nerds.
When you look at her bags, you know exactly the person in your life that would say hell yes. I know I have someone in mind!
Jo's shop, sewingnerdstudios.com, will be coming soon (at time of writing- go check while you're reading this!) and you can find her goods in person at the Lazy Cat Lounge in Lowell, MA. It's a cat cafe, you're going to love it.
For anyone who likes spooky, silly, wacky, funny stuff:
B McCormick Art sells a variety of merch - stickers, pins, prints, T-shirts, hats, taking inspo from the spooky, the 90s, skate culture, and more. They write, "Designed by us, shipped by us, T-shirts printed at our home office, we have our mitts in the process from A-Z."
The Cat Tarot series has been super popular. I've given a few prints as gifts, myself.
My New Hampshire readers will love this bumper sticker! They're in several shops around New England, so you might have seen their work before.
B and K are more of my best friends I've made through pop-up markets, and you can shop their goods at bmccormick.com or on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/BMcCormickART. Follow their Instagram at @bmccormick86 too! (Tip: that's a good way to find them at pop-up markets and snag something fun in person.)
All that glitters is silver:
Kitty Stoykovich Designs
Artisan jewelry handmade by Kitty in her studio in Concord NH. Kitty works with sterling silver, gold, and copper to create one of a kind pieces. She loves unusual stand out stones and designs that are easy to wear.
Every now and then, I'll treat myself to a Kitty piece. Her gorgeous designs mix and match so well together, you could build a whole collection of her jewelry!
I love this subtle design made for the dog person in your life.
Kitty's work is online at kittystoykovich.com and shoppable until December 12. You can find her on Instagram @kittystoykovich and Facebook at Kitty Stoykovich Designs.
For the outdoorsy person who doesn't shy away from color (or, for your crazy chicken lady):
This last one is me! If you don't know my work already, I'm a painter and printmaker selling my work as wall art prints, greeting cards, stickers, magnets, and more. I describe my work as "Nature in Full Color", ranging from vibrant landscapes, lush botanicals, and fun animals (especially chickens.)
This New Hampshire piece (the fourth in my ongoing series) is the most popular. See the whole series here.
My chicken series is pretty popular too, especially the Nostalgia Hen! Stickers of these can be great stocking stuffers, or for a bigger and bolder gift, framed prints are available upon request. (Unframed are ready to order!)
My work can be shopped right here at jackiehansonart.com, or in person at:
- Manchester Craft Market (shown above) inside the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, NH
- Gilmanton's Own Market in Gilmanton, NH
- Penumbra (NEW) in Concord, NH
Make sure to follow me on any social media at @jackiehansonart.
For a happier, wholesome holiday season
I hope this list helped you find the perfect gift to cross someone off your list! Remember, when you shop small, your impact is large. And your gift will be one of the most unique your loved one receives.