Christmas Gift-Giving
Fence by a Meadow
Gift-giving can be tricky because of all the choice out there and your budget.
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming rather than fun to “give.” I tend to go on-line and also spend a few days walking through the city’s shopping districts. But I collect ideas throughout the year when my husband or friends mention their likes and wishes. But, still, I find it stressful-not just spending money but wanting to buy something that adds to someone’s life. I don’t want to just clutter up their home or life with more junk. Now I tend to pay attention to what they value or brands they like, but I also shop to introduce new items into friends’ lives. I buy to reflect my values, too. .
For instance, I value local stores, local artisans, local services-
-the best gift I got locally last year was a gift certificate for massage at a local day spa. Yes, we tend to use gift certificates as the new go-to. I love my online gift cards from people who live across the ocean. There’s no worrying about shipping and delivery.
I sell locally and on-line. This year I’ve been selling art locally in cafe & restaurant venues and I’m revamping my online shop.(late in the year, I know!) Now I’m focusing on notebooks, tote bags, and prints in the online print-on-demand shop, which ships to the USA. I’ll continue to make handmade cards each season and original art can be shipped worldwide. Whether you buy this year from me or not…. (hurry up, it’s getting late for shipping)… here are some ideas about gift giving that might help you.
Here’s my gift- giving advice:
Handmade, original art (of course) of different sizes are wonderful gifts.You don’t have to buy big, imposing pieces that you’re unsure a friend might want. Know a bird-watcher? A nature-lover or traveler? A gardener? Pick a subject that they love. Buy an original painting to go in their home or work-space to inspire and relax them. Or sit online and let them choose their favorite. Take a look at some small landscapes I’ve made that can fit into a hallway, kitchen, or even bathroom. They’re petite and peaceful.
2. Fill a holiday basket, bag, or stocking. This allows you to give smaller themed items. If you can, have fun personalizing the collection rather than pre-packaged gifts. This is my favorite type of present. For instance, for a “cook” add some small kitchen gadgets, an apron and a recipe notebook into a locally made ceramic mixing bowl. Or know a traveler? Fill a decorative tote bag with travel toiletries, artsy suitcase tag,and travel journal. A nature-loving friend might like a pot with a red bow, filled with hand tools, seed packets,gloves, and a gardening journal. My husband and I still trade stockings with small items- artisan jewelry, handmade soaps, and handblown ornaments make their way into our stockings.
Take a look at some Shop journals and notebooks I’ve made that are great additions to holiday baskets and gift bags.
3. Prints are less expensive so they are an alternative to originals when buying art. Also, handmade cards are smaller pieces of art for gift-giving. Maybe an abstract, semi-abstract, or realistic work suits your family or friends. Or maybe you want to buy a print for your own home. Check out my prints based on my watercolor originals. You’ll notice I tend to produce nature themes- animals, botanicals and landscape/forests. I’ll be adding more soon.
My print is great for a children’s room or bright living space.
Let me know what you like to purchase online…
that will help me develop my shop in 2026: do you like tshirts, mugs, water cups, pet items? I’ll be experimenting in the year and love to hear about your shopping habits, purchased items, and advice. What do you buy for yourself and what do you buy for others? What do you like when maneuvering on websites while you shop? What do you buy? What do you reject? Feel free to send me advice, experiences, and ideas in the “contact” section. Happy Holiday Shopping, Everyone!