I shopped indie this year and only bought items from artists and local boutiques. I dare say that I found the perfect gifts; unique, handcrafted, funky, and well made. I thought it would be fun to share my finds. Let’s just hope that my friends and family don’t decide to start reading my blog!
For my younger nieces, I bought these gorgeous sterling silver hand-stamped bangles from Pink Papillon. The bracelets, like all the other offerings, are handcrafted by artisan Mary Ann Springer and made to order. They are completely custom so you can have them made with a phrase, saying or name of your choice. I opted for each of them to be stamped with the girls’ names. They are a personal and timeless gift that I hope will become a treasured keepsake.
For my older nieces, I purchased these truly unique button bracelets from Emily of emilys*buttons. They are made from really unusual, vintage-looking Czech art glass buttons on sterling silver chain link bracelets. You’d be hard pressed to find a funner or more unique charm style bracelet. I liked them so much I had to buy one for myself too!
For my aunts and grandmas that have everything, I bought them crazy cakes. What are crazy cakes you ask? They are the most scrumptiously delicious, handcrafted desserts and teapot sets made of fabrics and filled with lavender so they smell as pretty as they look. Believe it or not, they are also made by Emily when she’s not creating her fabulous button jewelry. Check out her web site for a full menu of her yummy treats.
My hubby will be getting a new tattoo this year compliments of you-know-who. I couldn’t decide what to get him, so I thought a gift certificate to Tattoo Culture would be fun. This studio was recently one of the four top-picks for NYC by Time Out magazine.
For my art-loving friends, they will get one of the liliputians NYC Frida Kahlo Inspired appliqued shirts custom made especially for them. Viva Frida!
For my oenophile friends, they will get gift baskets containing NY state wine (I go to Vintage in Soho for an amazing selection of NY wines), along with other local handmade items (such as jam, soap, & beeswax candles) that I got at the Union Square Greenmarket.
For my funky grandma that also has everything, I ordered a fabulous t-shirt. Part Native American, she loves clothing and jewelry of that genre. So I got her a rockin’ screen print Indian Tattoo girlie tee based on the funky flash of Honolulu tattoo artist Sailor Jerry.
So, I’m almost done! I just have to find something great for my two brothers & parents and hope to find something next weekend at the Bust Craftacular in Brooklyn. (Hopefully you’ll be able to find liliputians designs there this time of the year in 2007.)
What about Lily? Well her gift list is a whole post unto itself!
