The holidays can feel like an endless period of consumerist hell.
They are.
But it’s fun to give gifts, and your friends and family will disown you if you don’t.
With Christmas on December 25 and Hanukkah running December 2 – 10 this year, gear up for a long December.
One thing is for certain: DO NOT SUPPORT AMAZON.
And definitely don’t buy anyone a DNA kit.
Or a puppy. (unless you’re buying one for me. I accept.)
Need ideas? Not JCVD’s got you.
Buy
Pottery
Pottery by Osa
I love Pottery by Osa‘s ceramics – she makes amazing mugs, planters, and other functional pottery (and some purely decorative things!) out of terra cotta, with cool line work and rich opaque colors.
Jessica Faulk
How gorgeous is this mug from Jessica Faulk? All of her stuff is inspired by nature and beautiful. She even has a boobie cup (hehehehehhe) that benefits Planned Parenthood, so she’s clearly talented AND rad.
Jewelry
Adriana Soto
Adriana Soto crafts Southwest-inspired jewelry out of metal, crystal, and stone. I get tons of compliments whenever I wear one of her pieces, and, more importantly, feel like an art teacher or cool aunt.
Epicene Creative
Another pair of earrings that I constantly am complimented on: my triangle statement earrings from Epicene Creative. But really, all the stuff from this local (to me) shop is great.
Pins Collective
HOW RAD IS THIS PIN THAT YOU CAN PROGRAM WITH YOUR FAVORITE GIF??? (Which is pronounced ‘JIF,’ and you can leave my blog if you disagree).
My friend Benny has one of these, and it’s like the coolest thing, which is no surprise because he is, like, a very cool dude.
Seriously. He’s from San Diego and works for a start-up and used to play in bands. His girlfriend is one of those skinny people who doesn’t need to diet or workout AND she’s naturally blonde. That’s how cool Benny is.
Clothes
Nooworks
Have you ever walked into a hip party that you had no business being at and had the cool, 5-10-years-younger-than-you artist doing aerials say to you, “I like your jumpsuit! Nooworks!” And then she later changes into her own Nooworks jumpsuit and nods knowingly as she walks by?
Nooworks: not just an outfit but an experience. You can’t go wrong with anything on their site for a femme in your life.
Plus Nooworks is woman-owned, woman-run, and made in the USA.
Amour Vert
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp7rkQdgquG/
Have you figured out yet that this is also a list of things that I own/would love to receive? Yes. It’s true. I covet this sweatshirt from SF brand Amour Vert. It’s cozy, but also a cute way to look effortlessly put together.
And it’s perfect for work! I mean, yeah, I work at a tech company. My coworkers literally wear ratty hoodies with our logo on it every day. And I do too. But I would like to look less like a grubby tech worker because I do communications, and my competitors dress well.
But, honestly, all of their stuff makes great casual or not so casual work attire.
Wood
Collin Garrity
I think I started following Collin Garrity because of his pottery tools, but he makes a bunch of other great stuff that would make excellent gifts for everyone in your family. Like your mom who loves single-use kitchen tools. Or your dad who’s into old-school gaming. Or your brother who needs some decorating help.
Embroidery
Siren’s Song Stitchery
How cute is this embroidery hoop art from Siren’s Song Stitchery?? I have one of Stephanie’s pieces (Barbie with a kitten, because cats, DUH) hanging in my Fun Basement and it makes me smile whenever I walk by. YOU’LL smile knowing that you’re supporting a small woman-run business.
Makeup
There are a ton of great vegan/cruelty-free cosmetics out there. Here are a few options, with a blanket statement: be sure to check out Logical Harmony to make sure what you’re buying wasn’t tested on cute little bunnies or puppies!! The E.L.F. eyeshadow palette Tashina shares here is fantastic for a teen or a budget. I’m a huge fan of Milk for minimal, easy to apply #normcore glamour, and Sugarpill‘s high-intensity products for when I’m feeling spicy. My makeup routine is LAZY, and I find these are an easy way to spice it up.
Vegan leather goods
Matt and Nat
Mom need a new purse? Dad need a new wallet? Brother need a belt? Sister need a diaper bag? Fido need a leash? Do you need a new pair of boots while you’re at it?
Matt and Nat has your back. Literally. Because, you know, they also have backpacks.
Make
I’m all about easy. I majored in sloth at Lazy University and got my master’s at I Don’t Care State, where I taught Apathy 101.
So, if I’m endorsing something, it needs to be something you can complete in a brief spurt of inspiration.
Food & drink
Limoncello
Do your friends like booze? Limoncello is super simple to make!! And it looks really pretty and yellow in a clear glass bottle.
You just need time – get a batch going now and you’ll be ready for the holidays.
Thrift some cute bottles or buy them from Cost Plus or something.
Chocolate-dipped peppermint sticks
Are you lazy? I’m lazy! What’s easier the dipping something in something and calling it a day? Nothing. Do you need a recipe? Probably not, but here’s one anyhow.
Sew
Spoonflower
Got a sewing machine? Spoonflower has a ton of easy to sew options, like this super simple and ahhhdorable stocking from Heidi Kenney. Or this cute cat pillow! Or this cute cat tea towel! Or this zombie cat coin purse! (Coiiiiiiiiiiiiiins)
Of course, if you’re feeling really motivated, you can always take it further and make a quilt or some clothes outta all the amazing fabric! Ahhhhh look at this! And this! And this! Pizza blanket!!!
Potholder
Got some scraps lying around? You can make a potholder!! It’s seriously a super easy and quick project, and your friends and family can never have enough of these things in the kitchen – the second-degree burn healing on my right hand confirms this.
Stuffed animal
Is Hugh not the cutest manatee you’ve ever seen?? I’m sure a kid in your life would love to cuddle with this buddy! Yeah. Kid. Not a grown-ass adult woman. Nope.
Knit
Easy mittens
Martha knows – everyone loves mittens! I once made a pair of mittens for my dad that were a) so warm that he rarely is able to wear them in California, and b) took FOREVER!!! This mittens pattern produces a pair that are cute, easy, and rustic for men, women, and children.
Consider using acrylic yarn or another alternative to wool.
More stuffed animals
I’m halfway through making this knit bunny for a friend’s kid and it’s been super easy so far. Yes, you need to be able to knit in the round on double pointed needles (easy) and be able to count (hard), but lookit how cute – perfect for a wittle wabbit wover in your life.
Don’t forget about kitty
Oh yes. DIY Cat tent! Or just give her a cardboard box. That’s all she really wants, anyhow.
Not Jean-Claude Van Damme. 