As a busy local business owner, I am an obvious supporter of "shopping local" but I also understand that it can sometimes be difficult; running from store to store isn't always easy (doubly difficult if you have kids in tow), which is why many people land at the malls.
A solution?
Well, the internet has made it easier than ever to support not just the big-box retailers, but many of local and/or small businesses as well. And if handcrafted is what you're after, I hope most of you have at least heard of etsy, an online marketplace for all things handmade and vintage. Etsy features a search option that allows you to find local businesses selling the gifts you seek. All without leaving the comfort of your home! Sounds grand, doesn't it? (Under "ways to shop," simply click "shop local" and you're on your way!)
A simple search of my local area brought me immediately to some beautiful gift ideas -- all under $50 -- proof that you don't have to break the bank to purchase a thoughtful gift.
Check out this gorgeous glass ornament from Sterling Glassworks! It comes in other beautiful color combinations, too!
Price: $14
And how about this adorable homemade purse?
Price: $30
This beautiful planter looks lovely on its own, don't you think? I can see it on a mantel or as a part of a table centerpiece.
Price: $50
This copper bracelet would look great with jeans and a sweater. A single piece of interesting jewelry like this also looks great with sleeveless tops or dresses!
Price: $29.99
Here is just one of the many beautiful jewelry pieces featured in Liz Blanchflower's etsy shop. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings -- you'll find them all there!
price: $28
Going outside of the local area, I hit on some other beautiful finds as well. As many of you know, I'm not one for a hard copy date planner, but I know some of you are! Check out this custom one. That's one of the great things about etsy. Many artisans and crafters accept custom orders. This planner, in fact, currently features fifteen patterns to choose from!
Price: $20
Want a classy clutch to take along to a wedding, social event, or night on the town?
Price: $42
Price: $42
And yes, all her bags are handmade! My friend, Heather, of Olive and Ollie created this adorable set. It's just too cute, isn't it? Heather is becoming a bit of a celebrity and rightfully sew (sorry, couldn't resist being cheeky)! Just this week she was featured on the Gerber Babies Blog in their Holiday Gift Guide and this set below was selected by parents.com for it's holiday gift guide, "Adorable Etsy Gifts for Every Kid." It's pretty easy to see why; her designs are fresh and cheerful. Congrats, Heather!
Price: $45
I love this scarf for its versatility and it's made from eco-friendly fabric. The scarves also come in a range of color combinations, so if you click the link and can't find this one exactly, check out the rest of the shop to find one that suits you!
Price: $33
This upcycled hat had a former life in felted wool sweaters! And check out the arm warmers featured below, too. Also upcycled from sweaters, these accessories are great gift ideas for those who like to make "green" choices and look great doing it!
price: $35
See? It's not too hard to support small businesses, now is it? So much to choose from that it's a good thing etsy features a "favorites" button once you create an account. And did you know you can add items to your amazon wishlist by installing the universal wish list button? Give your friends and family gift ideas and encourage them to shop small and local for you!
So excited that some of the fabulous shops featured in this post have been uber-generous in offering some prizes to you, our readers! We are so thrilled by and grateful for their participation. We hope you'll visit their etsy shops and show your support. Their work is beautiful and we think you'll agree! (Of course...why else would we have picked them, right?)
Here's what you can win (and huge thanks to these talented folks)!
- Featured purse by Tammy Thorpe
- A $25 shop gift certificate from Heather of olive and ollie
- A day planner from Leah Johnson of The Musing Nerve
- An upcycled hat from Chloe Hennesy of Salvador Salamander
- A business card holder from Tori of Toriska
Enter our giveaway -- it's simple! There are two ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post telling me why you love to support local and/or small businesses, or
2. "Like" Storibook Designs on facebook and then leave a note stating why you love to support local and/or small businesses.
Whether you leave a comment here or on the facebook page, please remember to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner! You have until noon eastern standard time on Saturday, December 18, 2010 to enter.
Please share this on facebook, retweet, and email friends to let them know and show your support of these artists!
Winners will be chosen at random! Good luck!
Posts
I'd much rather pay a few more dollars to support a local business rather than a faceless, nameless big box store. I assume a local business is making an investment in their community--I see that first hand now that my oldest son is on sports teams. SO I feel like we should support them as they support us. It is true--sometimes it's a bit harder with kids in tow than going to a mall, but you also get better service and less crowds. And I love me some online shopping so bring it, local businesses! Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeleteThere are some really fantastic local businesses in my current town, and I love shopping at them and seeing the individuals who have put their souls into the business being directly rewarded by the patronage of the local community. It's very satisfying, and I'm inspired by the number of talented individuals who run their own businesses, so why wouldn't I want to support them?
ReplyDeleteMy email address is in my profile. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I love supporting handmade artists because they are creating from a passion for their artform. There are so many talented people out there, and an amazing array of goods! Thanks for showcasing some wonderful items!
ReplyDeleteJaci
jbvl.wollenberg@yahoo.com
I enjoy supporting small businesses, especially the ones offering handmade and vintage, because the items are usually unique and there is a personal touch with service.
ReplyDeletegourddust@gmail.com
I love your comments and fantastic reasons for "shopping with and supporting small business". I hope you'll share this post with your friends so we can hear from more like-minded supporters and give more folks a chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteSupporting local businesses is crucial for our economy - they employ the vast majority of people in our country. Besides, it's great to know where your food comes from, who made your bracelet and who knitted your hat. You're helping others and getting a quality product. How can that be beat?!
ReplyDeleteI'm entering your giveaway, and I love to support small businesses because they are the backbone of America! You can find so many wonderful, better made, high quality and unique items from small business owners, especially those that sell handmade items. :o) Samll business owners understand going the extra mile for their customers, and that is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSandie
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com
http://zaftigdelights.blogspot.com
I love local businesses. I like to see the faces behind what I eat and buy
ReplyDeleteoops.... I forgot to enter my email address:
ReplyDeletegoldeglo
at
gmail
.
com
Or you can find me in my shop: Lolailo.etsy.com
Sarah, what a great idea for a give-away, and with a great purpose.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to live in a place that has an abundance of small business, many of which feature and support the work of local artists/craftspeople. Being in business myself, I make it a point to buy from them as often as possible. I bought a pottery coffee mug just yesterday for Mom's Christmas present at an art gallery I hadn't been to before, in an old schoolhouse.
I love shopping local and supporting and getting to know my fellow small business owners.
nancy at pinehousedrapery dot com
I support local for many reasons:
ReplyDelete1) environmental: sticking to locally made cuts down on
Packaging waste, shipping etc.
2) handmade is so much better than store-bought :)
3) supporting local supports the community
As a crafter myself, I love it when someone buys something that's perfect for their lived one it just makes my day! Warm local fuzzies!
I support local business, cuz I sure hate driving through the town and seeing empty storfronts, just did a quick bit of shopping at the local mens store, quick and easy with out the hassle of the mall
ReplyDeleteI like to support local business because of the personal interaction and community involvement that occurs. Purchasing from local businesses and artists gives me a feeling of being connected to something.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this nice giveaway!
Karrita
mymothersgardens@gmail.com
I like to support local businesses, because I am also a local business. I will gladly pay a couple of dollars more or my decision is made easier if I know it is going to someone who will benefit locally and keep the money in our area. I also live in an area where there is a whole street of local busniesses, and this is the best time of year to go down there and shop, because they have all kinds of christmas events going on. Chrystal_y@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI live in a somewhat rural area and depend on the small local businesses. I could drive 15 minutes more to the big box stores but the friendly faces and extra services that you get locally are worth the little bit extra you have to pay.
ReplyDeletePam
pjm9838@fbcom.net
I love to support small business because I know that it benefits people in my community. I also love how much more personal the experience is; I don't feel like just another customer. I work for a local small business and always make sure I'm doing my best to make everyone feel welcome and recognized.
ReplyDeleteksweetser at gmail.com
Thank you for the give away contest! It is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI like to support local business because it is one way I can humanize my life.
When I go to big box stores, all the human beings whose labor contributed to the product are erased. Whose body mined the ore for the metal? Whose hands assembled the product in the factory? What is the story of the customs inspector at the dock? What is the name of the worker who puts it on the shelf?
Can we calculate how much we loose of life in the guise of getting a "better deal"?
I want to spend my money in support of a life where we still interact as person to person. I want products that display human expression and artistry.
Today it is easy to mistake spiritual yearnings for material ones. I conflate wanting to be more with wanting to have more.
Local artisans and small business are "walking the walk." They are living and working among us, refusing to divorce human expression from the objects of everyday.
The main irony is that many of the people who chose to buy such goods for themselves may be making their living from the same products or companies that threaten local businesses and crafts people.
Eve Young, Somerville, MA
eve.young@gmail.com
I'd much rather support local businesses because when you shop local, you develop relationships and friendships with them and I want those people to keep their jobs and enjoy their livelihood.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying so hard this year to shop local or make our own gifts (hard living in a VERY small town.) But I do appreciate greatly things that are handmade and so much more beautiful! I would love to support those artists! Thanks so much for the chance - I would love to gift any of these prizes (maybe even to myself! ;)) he he.
ReplyDelete(my email is in my profile also)
I love supporting small businesses because they really know the products and walk you through all your options, listen to you etc etc. They have a passion for what they're selling.
ReplyDeleteWillardCORAL@yahoo.com
I shop local because I LIVE local. I want MY money to improve MY community and MY schools. I would much rather MY money go to helping the local community grow stronger. (sorry, you got me on my soapbox!) Thank you for the giveaway and I am SOooooo checking out those links! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI love knowing the money stays in my community. I love supporting someone's dream of having a business and supporting their creativity.
ReplyDeleteother than the obvious money being in economy, and economical benefits, I love to support them, because it gives me pride knowing I am using a locally produced item.
ReplyDeletediarygirl at live dot com
shaha