This post is part of a series related to the C+H Handmade Holiday Shopping Challenge. This holiday season, I am attempting to purchase all of our family’s gifts from Canadian handmade sources. I have plans to make a few gifts as well, and have allowed myself the exception of purchasing books (because I can’t imagine a Christmas without new books) from a local independent retailer. You can see all the details in the original post here! Update #1 is here.
We waited until December 1st to decorate this year, and suddenly as I pulled out our “countdown” Santa from his tissue paper bundle yesterday, I realized there were only 24 days left until Christmas. 23, as of today! Eep. So, time for a little update on the Handmade Holiday Shopping extravaganza that’s been going on over here. Part of our goal for this year was to give less, but give better – better quality, more thoughtful, lovely things. I think we’re meeting that goal and I can’t wait for Christmas morning!
A few of our favourite finds so far, for the little people in our lives:
Cute little ponytail bobbles by OnceUponAButton
Puzzle from an original print by Monika Brint (CranberryLicorice)
Gorgeous, snuggly housecoats by Pixie Dust Kids
And for some of the adults on our list this year:
Great teacher gift, don't you think? Mini Chai Tea Kit by Purpose Design
Custom magnet tile set by Dombots
Mmm, deliciously yummy smelling! African Red soap by Olive Bath & Body
I can’t give away all my gift-giving secrets before the 25th, so you’ll just have to wait to hear about the “big” stuff :) Let it be said, though, that I’m having so much fun with this challenge and I think I’ll start even earlier next year so that I might have more time to source some of the ideas that are giving me trouble! I also haven’t had as much time to work on the handmade gifts that I’d like to make myself, but I’ve finally got a work space back and will be putting together some projects over the next couple of weeks.
We’re also making a concerted effort to bring the focus of the holidays back to family time – to that end, we’ll be doing a “12 Days of Christmas” advent at our house, with a different family activity every day for the last 12 days before Christmas. I’d love to hear the ways that you bring family and tradition into your holiday season – do you always watch The Grinch when it’s on TV? Do you make a special trip out to look at the lights? Do you drink hot chocolate with marshmallows on Christmas Eve? Do you have a special Hannukah or Kwanzaa tradition that you’d like to share? Do tell!
I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with one last update before the jolly old elf makes his appearance – until then, happy handmade shopping!
Cheers,
~Sarah
I am in love with those magnets! We’re doing a “Canandian + Handmade” (hehe) Christmas with our gift exchange with my mom’s side of the family this year — we like to do a theme and with the involvement I’ve had with http://www.TheHandmadeExpo.com this year, it seemed fitting. I had already tried to get a little handmade something for everyone and next year I might just have to give your challenge a run fir its money! ;) Great job — cant’ wait to see your “Big” stuff!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sarah & Jennifer, Sarah & Jennifer. Sarah & Jennifer said: 23 days to go! Check out my latest Handmade Holiday Shopping Challenge update for a few of my fav finds so far http://j.mp/hCIy65 ~S [...]
ah, back to basics. i love it. :)