Here is the second in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions. You can read my previous list of for gifts $25 and under to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!
Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options
- Whether you have a toddler who loves his play kitchen, a child who enjoys imaginative fairy play, or a teenager who is into Super Mario Bros, you’ll find a great home for this assortment of rainbow mushrooms (washable acrylic yarn) from Jody’s Designs. At only $12 for a set of 6, that’s a “one up” you can feel pretty super about. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, Jody’s Designs also offers a set of rainbow muffins ($12/set of 6, acrylic yarn).
- Make getting clean fun this Christmas with cotton candy animal soaps from The Rumor Mill Soaps ($6.50/bar). Also available in a toy soldier variety ($6.00/bar).
- Portable and reusable: two words that parents love to hear! Mini I-Spy Chalkmats from Aliah’s Creations ($7, chalk cloth, print fabric, and denim) at Wonderland will roll up for an easy fit in a stocking or in a “go bag” for car travel.
- Playsilks are one of the most versatile playthings in the toybox. They can be uses for dressup, for carrying a dolly around, as scenery for playing with dinosaurs or cars. They come in a wide array of sizes and colors. I like these mini playsilks (11″ x 11″) from Vivid Tribe ($3 each), this Rainbow Playsilk (35″ x 35″) from Earth Store ($10), and this elemental set of three (35″ by 35″) from Beneath the Rowan Tree ($35.50/set of three).
- Speaking of Beneath the Rowan Tree (and I often do), they’re listing several adorable sets of natural toys (available on November 19th) that would fill up a little one’s stocking perfectly, like this Moondrop doll, wooden teether, and mini “Bitty Bu” comfort blanket set ($35). You can see all the sets available on the Beneath the Rowan Tree store. Talk about one-stop shopping!
- For the readers on your shopping list, you might consider a beautiful beaded bookmark by Adorn ($14-16, stainless steel and glass or clay beads) at WAHM Nation or a Trio of Kokeshi bookmarks from Becky’s Paper Creations ($5.50/set of three, laminated paper with yarn/ribbon tassels).
- One of my absolute favorite stocking stuffers is an “I Spy” Bag. These awesome little bags hold hidden treasures and come with a reference card for searching for them. Choose your own fabrics and special theme items (including name beads) with these custom treasure bags ($4 for small, $9 for medium, $12 for large) from Corinne’s Treasure Hunts at Creative Mamas.
- The knitters on your list deserve some goodies, too. You can never have too many sets of stitch markers and they’re a perfect gift to sneak into the toe of a stocking. If you’ve got clothdiapering knitters to shop for, try these EviePants AIO Stitch Markers from EviePants Wool that indicate the beginning of a round, the left and right hips, and center back for knitting longies/shorties/soakers ($4/set of four). Sock knitters will enjoy these delicate silver bullet sock stitch markers from Pitterpat ($3.75/set of 8). For your loved ones who knit large projects, these Rowan Tree large stitch markers from Pitterpat at Bitty Fluff are stunning.
- My kids love the simplicity of wooden cars. The Speedy Duo from Cars from Papa ($16/set of two) or this set of “Smart” vehicles from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys ($18/set of three) would fit just right into most stockings and will provide endless hours of creative play.
- Encourage the art of handwriting with this beautiful butterfly stationery set from Becky’s Paper Creations at Necessitae ($6/10 sheets & envelopes) and this elegant holly slimline pen from Thornbush Pens ($11, wooden case with optional engraving available for additional cost).
- A gourmet lip balm is a nice stocking stuffer, but you know what’s better? An assortment of gourmet lip balms! More specifically, a Happy Birthday Cake lip balm collection from Clear Hills Honey Company ($13.95/set of four). Yum!
- Knockout Lotion from Frost Fish Cove Soaps ($10 for 4oz) is the best lotion ever in this whole world. Smells delicious and really well help you, your kids, and/or anybody else to whom you’d like to gift a bottle settle into a gentle, easy sleep. Put this in a stocking and reap the benefits! I recommend the vanilla lavender.
Ok, I think that’s a long enough list for now! Go, shop, enjoy!
