Here are some gift ideas for the Holiday. These are some things that I really enjoy and think would be a nice, thoughtful gift.
Christmas is quickly approaching, which means less time to get that perfect gift for family members, friends, bosses and even Secret Santa’s. I usually hear people having conversations over not knowing what to get for a particular person on their list or what do you get for someone that has everything! Instead of the usual Gift Certificate to Dunkin Donuts or a tie or shirt check out this great list of gift ideas that are not only different, but made locally here in Connecticut and I’ll bet the gift receiver will LOVE their gift! Here are some fun ideas:
1 - Let’s start off with Stoneware by Krisa. I really think that Krisa’s pottery is very unique. Stoneware by Krisa creates beautiful mugs that can personalized, bowls of all kinds, old fashioned-classic looking water pitcher’s, vases, dessert trays and so much more. Stoneware by Krisa also has pottery classes for kids and adults. You can purchase Krisa’s pottery this Saturday at the Norfield Grange Winter Farmers’ Market in Weston from 10-2pm. To view all of Krisa’s Stoneware, you can go to stonewarebykrisa.com.
2 - I LOVE Carissa Black Bags! They are beautifully made with vibrant colors and high quality fabrics. Handmade by the way, also all one of a kind. Move over Vera Bradley, Carissa Black Bags are here! Not only are there purses, but there’s a whole line of make-up bags with wipeable inside lining, jewelry roll-ups, messenger bags, ipad covers, belts and more. Any young girl or woman would love to open a present and see this in the box. I know I would! Carissa Black Bags will also custom make your bag. To view more of Carissa's work, you can go to carissablack.com.
3 - Next in my guide of different gift ideas is from That’s-Sew-Cute. Handmade with love are exactly what That’s-Sew-Cute is all about. Soft and beautiful handmade blankets, afghans, baby and toddler dresses and even a new line of Christmas items. The most adorable crochet reindeer and little monkey hats I’ve ever seen. You'll want to enjoy her beautiful products all year long, just as if your grandmother had made them herself. To see more of That’s-Sew-Cute line, you can go to thats-sew-cute.com.
4 - Hair barrettes, clips, headbands and even sweet looking winter bunny hats make a perfect gift for your daughter or your friends daughters or even for your nieces. The Enchanted Ribbon creates very small quantities of each piece so that they really are very special to have. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else. All handmade and unique, this is truly a great gift to give. To see more of The Enchanted Ribbon Collection, you can go to etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedRibbons. I would hurry, most her items sell quickly, especially since they’re made in small quantities at a time.
5 - My next gift idea is from Back Up Better – Vehicle Safetly Products. (Fantastic Teacher & Grandparent Gifts!) BUB helps to prevent the amount of back over incidents with children. I can honestly say, that having these small, inexpensive products in my car have really been helpful. Not only do these products increase my view by 80% each time I back out of my driveway, but they have also helped when I couldn’t see my niece in my regular field of view, as well as my dogs, a short cement post and other things that happen to be behind my car. These are wonderful to give as a gift, especially to other parents, teacher gifts or just thoughtful stocking stuffers. If you would like to find out more information or to see what products they’ve created, you can go to backupbetter.com.
6 - Clare Hare Darien is my next gift suggestion. For the golf or sports enthusiasts or women that just like to look cute, these outfits will have you feeling confident, beautiful and summery. Clare Hare Darien designs each of her clothing pieces with only high quality, beautiful fabrics. Feel like a million bucks without spending it. You can go to clareharedarien.com/index.html to view all of Clare’s clothing collection.
7 - I think this is a very creative and fun product idea. Wooden Ruler Growth Charts are handmade wooden rulers for you to keep track of your child’s height. No more scribbling on your walls to mark the important progression of your child growing, no longer do you have to keep that paint color on your wall or paint all around the height markings. You can now use this ruler to track your children’s growth spurts and if you move, the ruler can move with you. You can even have it personalized. I think this is a very cute gift idea to give to someone this Holiday or even for Baby Shower’s! You can contact Danielle for more information on pricing by emailing her – danielledags@yahoo.com.
8 - If you or someone you know enjoy receiving jewelry, drop hints to your husband or boyfriend about these amazing jewelry pieces by White Moth Jewelry. Different and shiekh necklaces, bracelets and rings is what this local jeweler creates. There’s even a line of Russian Military stamped necklaces. I’ve never seen those anywhere else. To see more of White Moth Jewelry, you can go to whitemothjewelry.com/index.html.
9 - If you’re thinking of getting your employee’s or clients a gift they’ll enjoy eating, then try “Nothin’ But” Foods. Especially if you’re someone that’s in the health field and you don’t want to get a basket of sugary, unhealthy cookies or treats, then this may be the perfect solution. Delicious and healthy treats. Throw some of these in your kids stockings to have for Christmas morning. Tell them Santa dropped it off, hehe. I bet you they’ll love them! To see what exactly are in these yummy bars, you can go to nothinbutfoods.com.
10 - My last, but not least gift idea this Holiday are my favorite candles from Chloe’s Soy Candles. As the name says, they are all soy based candles, so you can be confident that there won’t be any of that black sutt on the edge of these pretty glass jars, which means less toxins that you’re breathing in. Chloe’s Soy Candles has a wonderful variety of fragrances that you’ll enjoy lighting through-out your house. For more information about Chloe’s Soy Candles, you can go to chloesoycandles.com.
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Well there you have it. These are some of my favorite products I’m sharing for your Holiday Gift Ideas that are made locally. All of these products are local and you can feel good about supporting local businesses this year. If you like something in particular, please go to their website and also “Like” them on Facebook. Don’t forget to mention that BuyLocallyCT.com sent you! Please “LIKE” us on FB to stay updated on new local products and what’s happening in Connecticut – facebook.com/pages/BuyLocallyCT. To read the entire post - http://buylocallyct.com/your-local-holiday-gift-guide/ (copy and paste)
Some other great places I enjoy going to, to get more gift ideas is at the Sono Market Place in Norwalk, CT. This is an inside local artisan flea market and is just beautiful to walk around and try treats from local bakeries and meet local artists and candle makers and 43 other businesses.
Happy Holiday’s everyone! If you would like me to write about you and what you’re doing to “Keep it Local,” please contact me, Carissa at buylocallyCT@gmail.com or 203-223-0127.
