Everything Etsy: A Holiday Gift Guide

Winter weather arrived suddenly this past weekend, and the chilly air had all four of us eager to embrace the cozy comforts of the winter season: warm socks and mitts, time spent sitting near the fireplace, homecooked meals that roasted all afternoon in a hot oven. The shift in seasons also has us looking forward now to the approaching holidays, when we'll have the chance to share time and favourite traditions with much loved family members and friends.

Every year around this time I get great enjoyment out of finding thoughtful gifts for the many wonderful people in my life. I've been turning again and again this month to Etsy to browse (from the quiet comfort of my own couch!) for unique and beautiful handmade items that seem just right for each of them. It's always a sweet feeling to see familiar eyes shine with delight over a one-of-a-kind gift that was made and chosen for them with heart.

Today I'm sharing with you an Etsy Holiday Gift Guide that features some of the many lovely items I've come across in my own browsing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or some cheerful holiday decor to warm up your home, you'll find plenty of creative options here. For even more holiday inspiration, take a look at these gift guides created by the Etsy editors.

For the Home

Snowflake Embossing Rolling Pin from Rolling Pin Collection

Monogrammed Faux Fur Christmas Stockings from Davie and Chiyo 607

White and Gold Deer Decor from White Faux Taxidermy

Red Lantern Lamp from The Slumber Jack Baby

For Her

Red Plaid Flannel Scarf from Janny's Girl

Silver Branch Initial Necklace from Kate Szabone

Crochet Flower Slippers from Eva's Studio

Pebble Art Family Picture from Juniper Avery Sea Glass

For Him

Leather Travel Cord Organizer from INSIDE Gift

Rocket Science Necktie from Cyberoptix

Papa Mug from Milk and Honey Luxuries

Laptop Table and Portable Workstation from LapPad

For Teens and Tweens

Felt Bag from Green Sheep PL

Bacon Hoodie from My Cool TShirt

Lumberjack Faux Fur and Plaid Throw Blanket from The Cozy Tot

Crochet Cat Beanie from 2 Mice

Hockey Medal Hanger from AKRO Boutique

For Little Ones

Upcycled Newborn Hat from Rowan's Tree House

Suede Moccasins from Threads and Arrows

Toddler Apron from Sable et Mer

Lumberjack Mini Hockey Stick from des Enfantillages

Small Surprises for Anyone

Natural Lip Balms: Sweet Honey, Mint, and Morning Coffee from LONE WOODS

Linen Holiday Napkins from Kitch Studios

Harris Tweed Coin Pouches from Life Covers

Bear Fridge Magnets from Stoats and Weasels

If you live in Waterloo Region and would enjoy browsing beautiful handmade gifts from over 60 different local Etsy artisans in person, head on over to the Holiday Market being held this Saturday, November 26th, from 10am until 5pm at RIM Park. Parking and admission are free. I'm excited to take a peek myself --  maybe I'll see you there!

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this blog with your Etsy purchases.

Etsy: Summertime Favourites

Will was six years old when I started this blog and decided to name it after his pocket stuffing habit. He and I and this space have all grown and changed in the six years since then, but I always find it reassuring to see that some things remain constant at their core, even as time passes. Here are some of the bits I've pulled out of Will's various pockets in recent days:

(I didn't include the pair of dirty socks that were all wadded up into little balls and stuffed in his shorts. You're welcome for that.)

I think many of us are collectors of some kind, no matter what our age. Tucked away in pockets, boxes, file folders, or drawers, we gather items that inspire us or make us remember, smile, or wonder.

Lately, I've been gathering up summery things in my "Items I Love" folder on Etsy. Here are some of my favourite handmade and vintage finds for warm weather adventures. (Click on the highlighted text for more information about each item.)

Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons from PennySpoonerCeramics

English Oak Bird Feeder from LayerTree

Raccoon Sleep Mask from JulienEmilyDesign

Bicycle Bell from BringaLingBells

Herb Garden Wooden Plant Markers from MileNine

Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket from EllieEllieltd

Tiny Brass Bunny Earrings from saffronandsaege

Custom Leather Keychain from madebyperri

Toasted Marshmallow Soy Candle from SmellsLikeCanada

Lawn Dice Game from ArtiZanGroup

Ebony and Maple Wood Frame Sunglasses from tmbrwood

Farmhouse Tray from ChalkedBySam

Sagan Star Chart in Navy from wildwanderco

Tablecloth Playhouse from StripedCoast

Blue Agate Slice Coasters from BullCityGems

Morse Code Secret Message Necklace from RusticBrand

If you live in the Waterloo area and are interested in doing some in-person shopping for handmade treasures, you can visit the Etsy Local Market at RIM Park this Saturday. There will be more than sixty creative and talented artisans displaying their handiwork there, and admission and parking are free. It's a good place to discover something new and lovely to add to your collection.

Have a wonderful June weekend!


*Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for shopping Etsy through Pocketfuls.

Etsy: Happy Holiday Gift Ideas

The leaves have all fallen from the trees around us now, leaving empty spaces where not long ago there were brilliant splashes of crimson and gold. Looking out at the deserted landscape, it would be easy to feel a November sort of melancholy. A few days ago, though, I caught sight of a beautiful red cardinal perched in the bare branches of the tree right outside our kitchen window, his bright feathers adding a welcome splash of colour to the morning. It was the first time I had seen this winged friend in months, and I was reminded of how each season brings its own little joys to our lives. It's important to keep our hearts open to receiving them.

One of the things I love about this time of year is choosing special Christmas gifts for family and friends. I start early to give myself lots of time to find little treasures that I hope will make each person happy. Time and time again I find myself turning to Etsy, the wonderful online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, to do much of my holiday shopping. It makes finding unique gifts fun and easy (and I don't have to go to a crowded mall to do it!)

Today I'm sharing a collection of lovely gift giving ideas I've found as I've been browsing Etsy lately. Perhaps you'll find something here that would be just right for a special person you know.

For the woman with a generous heart:

You Are My Heart Cuff Bracelets from Amy Waltz

Hand Knit Red Cable Scarf from Knits by Nat

Leather Tote Bag from Go Forth Goods



All Natural Body Care Gift Set from Wild Raven Soap

For the guy who doesn't need another tie:

UnCase for iPhone from Zero Five Design

Herringbone Wool and Leather Mitts from System63

Rosewood Watch from tmbrwood

Duck Canvas Dopp Kit by Shotgun Paul

For the trend savvy tween or teen:

Sterling Silver Name Ring from Ivory MR

Handcrafted Bamboo Skateboard from Habitat Imprint

Red and Black Gingham Wool Wristlet from Sweet Pea Totes

Recycled Circuit Board Keychain from ReComputing

For the sweetest little member of the family:

Sock Monkey Toy from Amber Vroom

Natural Wood Bowling Set from Apple n Amos

Striped Bathrobe from Eco Emi

Vintage Wooden Rocking Chair from Little Cows

For the friend who loves small surprises:

Panda Cookie Dunk Mug from Lenny Mud

Hand Stamped Vintage Spoon from Milk and Honey Luxuries

Heart Hand Warmers from WormeWoole

All Natural Peppermint Bark Candle from The Tiny Collection

There are so many more wonderful handcrafted items from around the world to discover on Etsy. Take a peek at the thoughtfully curated editors' picks in the Etsy Holiday Gift Guide to make it even easier to find the perfect something for everyone on your list. May you find much to smile about this November!