We usually put up the tree (it's a fake) at the beginning of December after my oldest daughters birthday. I don't go overboard with seasonal decor, just a bit of stuff I've collected over the years mixed with crafts that the girls have made. My youngest daughter is already cutting snowflakes & drawing gingerbread houses!
I recently saw "A Bad Moms Christmas" and while it made me laugh out loud it also put me in the holiday spirit. I LOVE Kathryn Hahn. If anyone decides to make a movie about me...which isn't going to happen any time soon, I hope she's up for it. In the movie, the ladies all enjoy beers in the foodcourt before they tackle the stress of mall shopping. My go to winter cocktail is a White Russian...yum!
Meet my girl crush Kathryn.
Ever since our girls were small we've tried to limit the amount of gifts we give to immediate family members to one thing. Last month we went to a local Etsy market and a shop in town that supports local artisans called Watson & Lou. We are almost done! No shopping at the mall for this lady.
I thought I would share a gift guide with you featuring the makers of the items I've bought so you can check there stuff out and start shopping!
"Best known for our colourful geometric studs, MOONLIGHT FOR VIOLET is thrilled to bring you easily wearable pieces in a wide variety of colours and shapes." Shannon creates out of her home in Toronto, ON. I had a difficult time choosing what colour to get, I also love the colour mint chip. I think these ones will look great with anything. "The brass hexagon forms shown here are filled with polymer clay and filed, and come with 18 karat gold-plated surgical steel bases with tight-fitting butterfly backings."
Check out Lakeside Stitch Co. based out of Lakefield, ON. Stephanie has a wonderful collection of outer wear to keep you warm this holiday season. I picked up two crocheted market bags to gift in a cotton/nylon blend, that will be great to use for produce or everyday essentials.
My daughters couldn't decide which one we should get, all the feathers by Flux Glass Co. are amazing! "I like to keep my designs simple, because I think it’s the beauty of the glass itself that’s the real art." The copper details add a modern touch to this traditional stain glass. Jessica is based out of Orillia, ON. and has branched out and started to create arrows, trees and mountains as well. Her etsy shop is taking a break but you can shop her items online at Watson & Lou.
Photo by Flux Glass Co.
Who doesn't love a bar of soap with a cool cat on the packaging? My daughters loved these all natural ones by Peterborough maker Melinda Richter. They are synthetic fragrance free & will make the perfect stocking stuffer. Available at Watson & Lou.
Photo by Papirmass
If you have someone on your list who loves art and decor this is the perfect thing. "Need a gift that wows but don’t have time to figure out how? A gift subscription to PAPIRMASS will keep them surprised, delighted, and thinking of you every single month." I was lucky to win all of the art shown above in an online contest last month by this Toronto company.
"Papirmass is an independent art subscription that seeks to spark curiosity and inspire creativity. Subscribers all around the world love how our monthly mailings help them discover their next favorite artist. Through unique prints, studio interviews, and hands-on artistic activities, Papirmass is all about making creative connections."
"Electric City Supply is a furniture and home decor company started by two friends with a passion for industrial/rustic design out of Peterborough, ON." I thought this hanging pegboard would be a great way for a guy to display tools in a workshop or hang a collection of ball caps. Even if you use it as an art piece without any hooks it looks just as good. They are having an online sale until November 22nd, so check them out.
This 100% natural cotton bag has me singing No Diggity every time I see it. Swell Made is based out of Peterborough, ON. Lesley has lots of unique goodies for the holidays including modern gift tags, cards and even an advent candle! I picked this out for my husband to give to me...I know I'm not the only one who shops for themselves at the holidays. I'll act surprised in front of my kids I promise.
Gift Tags by Swell Made
So remember shop local and handmade this holiday and support small businesses and makers. You will be less stressed and won't be the person driving around the parking lot at the mall pissed off that you can't find a parking space.