Holiday Shopping: Part II and Shameless Self Promotion

My mission this holiday season is to promote the little guy. The small shops and artisans need us to patronize them this year… and every year! So I am buying presents and gifts from alternative sources. I know it’s easy to give a gift card, but where’s the thought and originality in that?

One great resource of unique items is Etsy. Every time I look at the items for sale, I am blown away by people’s creativity. From this tiny embroidered herb ornament to this adorable cashmere mouse hat for a baby, there are tons of incredible items from which to choose.

I always thought that Etsy was for handmade goods, but I recently discovered that they have a vintage section. They describe vintage as anything more than 20 years old (which means that I am vintage!). Buying vintage and antique is a great way to go green.

As you might remember, I am getting ready to move house, and so am adding lots of vintage items I’ve collected over the past few years, both here in the States and in England, Wales and France. I have listed items for sale in the right-hand column of the blog, like these Bakelite-handled fish knives and forks.

Of course, Etsy is nothing without Regretsy, a hilarious site showing some of the really ghastly items for sale. Like these things… They’re spats for your sandals. I can pretty much guarantee you that I won’t sell anything like this!