The title says it all people. *For my European friends, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which is the biggest shopping day in the United States.
Let me say it like it is; if I wanted to go fight crowds or push in lines, I'd move back to Germany and shop on a Saturday! In fact, I'd like to start the FBF Movement! (I'm such a weenie though I titled it a little softer).
So if you're with me, I'm here to share some alternative deals and steals. These are TJ's top picks for your holiday gift shopping. All this is available to you by plopping your ass in front of your computer. So join me in supporting the handmade movement this season, and don't feel one bit bad about staying home!
BARGAIN BUYS
- Fingerless Gloves from Well of Creations (I saved these leopard-print ones for you, 'cuz I snatched up the "Rock-Star" set. You snooze you lose peeps).
- "Amore" Handmade Mini Quilt from Hanna of Sweden (I sort of want you guys to order something else from her shop and see if my husband gets me this)
- Zipper Flower Pattern - (want to make your own groovy accessories? BUY A PATTERN from the Sewing Loft -duh! Imagine these atop your gifts)
- Sweet Mary (for those keeping Christ in Christmas) OR a Set of 10 Postcards - (if stationery is more your thing)
- Customizable Charm Necklace - (pets, nicknames, kiddos - the possibilities are endless. I've got my eyes on these fancy)
- Printable Journal Kit - (what a cool project if you're snowed in this year)
- Quirky Hairpins (I own one that shows a portion of a map --where you might ask? BERLIN of course!)
- Camera Cozy (Jacqueline will even stitch your monogrammed initials in it. Unbelievably cool!)
- Underwater Book of Adventure for Children (illustrated by an artist here in MN!)
TWISTED GIFTS
- Girl Selling Pretzels - oil on canvas (I am a HUGE fan of Julie Galante's work. She did an entire study of girls in Dirndls, and I would hang any of them proudly in my home)
- Pretzel Glam (5-inches is a long earring, but I can't help myself, I LOVE THESE. The etsy seller's profile says "I like my people crazy." I think I'm in love).
- Museum Quality Wood Turned Items (the bottle stoppers, S&P shakers and napkin holders would make very classy gifts. Personally, I'm loving the wooden pins and I'm thinking of a million decorating ideas for those faux flakes)
EXPERIENCES
- Drawing Courses (Brigitte holds classes in Germany as well as workshops abroad, she speaks great English)
- Brave Girl Camp (I met Melody and Kathy at the Creative Connection in St. Paul. They are as kind and cool as they seem on-line. I would die to go to BGC)
- Writing or Creative Coaching (I was treated to coaching for my birthday this year, and haven't been the same since)
- Intuitive Healing with Spirit (learn about the fascinating concept of energy cords and how Nanci can heal yours)
Perhaps you have your own strong sense of taste? Check out ARTSCRUM and search artwork yourself by style, medium or type - it's brilliant!
Of course it's impossible to buy everything handmade, but how about becoming a Locallectual? Use their site to enter your zip code to find retailers nearest you, or wherever you are traveling to. This is an awesome resource to find cool gifts in your vicinity.
*Image credit & Fingerless Glove Warning: the fantastic image above is being used with permission from Robin at Well of Creations. Robin gets animal prints just right; a little goes a long way and makes a BIG impact. But here's the deal with fingerless gloves: you may find yourself wearing them all the time, not because you're actually chilly but because you want to be cool. Every time I put a pair on, I pretend I'm Muhammad Ali. Play Lighters by Eminem and Bruno Mars, and suddenly I think I actually can fight. So watch yourselves with those gloves. Love xxx tj
I really hope you guys like this post and it keeps you busy shopping all weekend...!
Posted by: TJ | November 25, 2011 at 03:09 AM
happy holidays and love your idea - yay! thanks for including my printable journal kit :)
Posted by: linda | November 25, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Hey TJ - so glad to see you actively blogging again! We've missed you and your awesome art slash humor.
Posted by: Sarah | November 25, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Awesome post, and I so agree with you. Buy handmade people!
And thanks for including me + don't forget to send your husband a link now! ;-)
XOXOX
Happy first of advent!
Posted by: iHanna | November 25, 2011 at 12:36 PM
TJ, this is such an awesome idea, you're such a generous girl, thank you for including my little art place here :)
Posted by: Veronika | November 26, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Sweet, thanks for including me!!! :)
Hope you had a Happy Turkey Day, I'm thankful for you. :)
Posted by: Jenny Lee Wentworth | November 26, 2011 at 07:18 PM
What a great post! Thanks for the fun links. It makes Christmas shopping a lot more fun than circling around for a parking spot!
Posted by: Andria | November 26, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Yeah! It's a pleasure to support my arty friends... I hope there is some success from this, even if it just increases browsing at your sites.
Jenny, I'm happy to see your items sold! The links still bring people to your store so I'm not too worried about linking anyplace else...
hugs, tj
Posted by: TJ | November 27, 2011 at 01:50 AM
I behind you on this TJ :) (& thanks for explaining Black Friday, had´nt a clue)
Posted by: Madde | November 27, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I am IN LOVE with the girl pretzel canvases!!!
Posted by: Robin Norgren | November 28, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Tj a Great idea and Thank you for informing about black Friday This is a very informative blog.
Posted by: best identity protection | February 02, 2012 at 10:18 AM