It's a cold, blustery November morning here in Oklahoma. This is kind of weather that makes me want to stay in my jammies and delight in the wonders of online shopping for the holidays. (What I'll actually be doing is staying in my jammies and working like mad on completing our book manuscript! Shopping will have to wait for me!)
Maybe you are out today supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday. But if you can't get out to do that, may I remind you of the fantastic small businesses represented in the Splendid Guide? I'm re-running the guide today to invigorate, inspire, and encourage you as you move your shopping list closer to completion!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jessie, the creative force behind Chaos to Art, at last year's Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar in Oklahoma City. I had already gotten to know her here at SortaCrunchy - she's a long-time reader and often leaves thoughtful and insightful comments. I picked up some darling pouches from her booth and the girls picked out some super sweet cards. Being able to feature Chaos to Art in the gift guide is such a treat for me!
From Jessie:
At Chaos To Art, objects from the past find new life. A raggedy old quilt becomes a Christmas stocking. A board game missing one too many pieces becomes a set of coasters. Discarded floppy disks become blank journals. Little did anyone know, they have life in them yet!
This means you will find beautiful, unique, functional items for you, your home, and your friends and family. There's something for everyone at Chaos To Art, where the old is made new.
I love that whether you are looking for something for your Grandma, your best friend, or your favorite nerd, there's something for everyone at Chaos to Art. And you can use coupon code SplendidSeason to receive free domestic shipping on your order!
Anyone who knows me well knows that a very big piece of my heart lives in Austin. You can imagine that I jumped at the chance to feature Satchel & Page - an Austin-based company designing and creating bags with materials sourced right here in the USA.
From Satchel & Page's creator Daniel:
Satchel & Page, out of Austin, Texas, features rustic, handmade bags and travel accessories built for any adventure. Our products combine style and functionality and offer several unique holiday gift options.
For the men in your lives, the Austin Messenger is a rugged piece of handmade craftsmanship, perfect for the office or as a carry-on. Featuring a leather design inspired by an old Texan saddle, the bag fits a 15 inch laptop and is fully waterproof.
For the women, the gorgeous Alegna purse will definitely catch some eyes. It comes in both black and a striking cobalt waxed canvas. It’s stylish and functional with a smaller pocket for your phone along with the main iPad compartment.
All Satchel & Page products are handmade in our Texas workshop. We utilize only domestic-sourced materials and source locally whenever possible.
Check us out here, and don’t forget to use discount code “sortacrunchy” at checkout for $20 off any bag!
I have to admit, I got a little drool on my keyboard looking through the bags at Satchel & Page. And for those of you love to travel (or those who love people who love to travel!), the vintage travel posters and passport journals would make fantastic gifts as well. What a stylish way to vote with your dollar for high-quality gifts handcrafted in the USA!
As all of you know, I was absolutely over-the-top thrilled with the blog header Rebekka Seale created for SortaCrunchy. I knew from the very moment I clicked into her Etsy shop that the charm, whimsy, and delight that she evokes with her art was exactly the vibe I was hoping to convey here.
Creating blog headers is just one eeensy little part of Rebekka's repertoire. She has a shop full of creative wonders that would be perfect gifts for people on your list who are drawn to unique, artful gifts. Rebekka told me the most popular item in her shop right now is the Custom House Portrait and Christmas Card Package. Not only do you receive a custom, hand-painted 8 x 10 house portrait done in watercolor and gauche, Rebekka will also create for you a high-res digital file of your house portrait along with a custom holiday greeting. You can then print those out in whatever form you like to send as holiday cards!
Another gift idea from her darling shop would be the 8 x 10 prints of her original watercolors. (Hibernate might just be my favorite!)
Oh, friends. Once you read a bit about Amani ya Juu, you are going to know why I am just TICKLED to be able to include them in the Splendid Season Gift Guide. The beautiful products in the photo above all have an incredible story:
Amani ya Juu means "peace from above" in Swahili. Amani is a sewing and training program for marginalized women based in Africa, with centers in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Liberia. Women from many African nations and cultures are learning to work together through faith in God who provides a higher peace that transcends cultural and ethnic differences.
Amani is financially self-sustaining through the sale of quality handcrafted products. The sale of products enables each woman to earn a consistent income. Amani is committed to holistic development. Women gain experience in purchasing, bookkeeping, stitching, quality control, management and design. Ultimately, Amani is committed to nurturing women of peace. In the face of conflict and poverty, these women have regained stability and are sharing this gift of peace in their homes, communities, and nations.
High-quality handbags, home & kitchen décor, jewelry, and children’s items made by the women of Amani are available online. Amani is offering Sorta Crunchy readers a 15% discount on all items “For the Table." To get your discount, enter “CrunchyFriends” at checkout.
I was a little concerned at the lack of gift ideas specifically for children in this year's gift guide (parenting and family life are pretty much my bread and butter, right?), but when I found one sweet delight after another in the Amani's children's section. I love the Kikoy doll and baby set and oh my goodness, would my girls ever love the animal safari set!
Every single one of these businesses just make me so happy. The quality of work and what the work stands for - art, entrepreneurship, justice, hope, and beauty. As you work through your gift list during this splendid season, it's my hope that these are the names and faces that you choose to support.
Happy shopping and happy holidays!
