Rock That Holiday Gift Guide 2016!
Rock That Gem
Looking for some uniquely awesome and creative gifts for friends and family that can still be shipped in time for the holidays? I'm back again this year with a brand new last-minute holiday gift guide for 2016! (If you missed it, check out the amazing items from last year's gift guide). All of these products and digital downloads are still available to purchase online, but don't delay -- gifts this good never stay in stock for long!
Photo courtesy of Emily McDowell Studio
Emily McDowell is a hilarious, talented, honest, and relatable artist whose original line of greeting cards has developed into an awesome brand that includes smart tote bags, mugs, and now this new line of Everyday Bravery Pins. Enamel pins have become so popular, but these feature a delightful twist -- they celebrate the small things in life to be proud of, like "Put Myself First" and "Did It Anyway". The perfect encouraging stocking stuffer!
Photo courtesy of Hand Lettered Design
Who doesn't love the style and beauty of chalk art? Earlier this year I purchased the Chalk Art 101 online class from Hand Lettered Design, and only recently did I get the chance to take a few days to sit down and devour it all. There is so much inspiring information in this class! It took my chalk lettering skills to the next level, and Lisa is such a calm and helpful teacher. They also offer a Hand Lettering and Faux Calligraphy class, as well as a Brush Lettering class. The perfect gift for the artist in your life!
Photo courtesy of Little Miss Workbench
Speaking of chalk -- this genius little chalk device is perfect for the kid in your life! (And yes, that includes kid-like adults too!). I met Michele of Little Miss Workbench at the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar last year (she was the booth across from mine!) and I've been a fan ever since. Evolving from wooden cameras with chalkboard displays so kids can draw what they see, her new product is equally genius -- a chalkboard cellphone! Who wouldn't love to draw the images they wish to see on their phone?
Photo courtesy of Lucy Knisley
Lucy Knisley has rapidly become one of my absolute favorite illustrators. Originally introduced to her work on Instagram during Inktober (she's currently on maternity leave with her adorable new son and posts drawings of all the fun and difficult moments of new motherhood), I have devoured almost every single one of her comics-style memoir-meets-diary books. Relish quickly became my favorite of the bunch. In it she chronicles her relationship with food -- her chef mother, tasty meals abroad, and favorite recipes. It's a colorful and honest story that will make you want to get into the kitchen right away to play along. The perfect gift for a foodie! And if you fall in love with her as much as I do, she offers custom paintings to her Patreon members. A great gift as well!
Photo courtesy of Ohhh Lulu
Who doesn't love gorgeous lingerie? Sarah of Ohhh Lulu makes the prettiest custom bras and panties, sized just for you. Choose from delicate laces, buttery velvets, glossy silks, and so much more. But that's not all. In her second Etsy shop you can purchase the sewing patterns to make them yourself! Perfect for the DIY-er that loves the challenge of creating their own lovely intimates.
Photo courtesy of MollyGirl Yarn
Have a knitter or crocheter in your life? After purchasing some awesome gemstone stitch markers for them, your next stop should be MollyGirl Yarn (and it's not just because the brand shares my name, but it helps!). I originally fell in love with Angela's hand-dyed yarn at the opening of Woolyn in Brooklyn, and then got to meet the artist at the Kings County Fiber Festival. Her yarns are bright, colorful, and playful with a rock star edge. Purchase a fun skein or two of a yarn like this speckled Lollipop in the photo above, or make it into a full kit that includes the yarn and a pattern. Your fiber friend will thank you!
Many of these shops have discounts going on (on top of shipping in time for the holidays) so check out their social media accounts for some special codes. And if you make a purchase, feel free to let them know I sent you!
Which one are you most excited for? For yourself or as a gift? I won't tell :)