Gift giving can be a complicated task – besides having loved ones with tastes that are hard to shop for, maybe you’d rather not support large corporations this holiday season. A great remedy to both these issues is to support small artists and businesses. This is easier than ever now, thanks in large part to websites like Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble, where you can find unique, handcrafted items that’ll make the perfect gifts for anyone. While some of these items may come at a higher price tag because of their individuality, it seems worth it for the personalized, one-of-a-kind touch that handmade items have. Here are just 5 gift ideas to give this holiday season while also supporting small artists and businesses who could actually use your support:
- Art Prints
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Art prints are the perfect gift for the art lover in your life, and buying prints online is both affordable and a great way to support smaller artists. Buy a print and throw it in a frame, and you’ve got a classy, unique, thoughtful gift! My current favorite artists are 8PXL and Ulla Thynell, both of whom create dreamy, magical landscapes I’d love to fill my house with.
- Throw & Co. Throw Blankets
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Cozy items like socks, mittens, and blankets are always a great go-to gift idea, and Throw & Co. has a huge selection of colorful, folkloric throw blankets for anyone’s tastes. The company hand-weaves the patterns, most of which are collaborations with other small artists, on-demand. Your purchase also supports a good cause – with every blanket that is sold, $5 are donated to support the climate.
- Handmade Soaps and Bath Bombs
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Other arguably universally loved gifts are bath essentials like soaps and bath bombs. Etsy has page after page of homemade bath soaps, bath bombs, and body washes, most made with all-natural ingredients. Consider this gift set of 12 aromatherapy bath bombs or cupcake-shaped soap for the most stressed-out people in your life – maybe then they’ll finally get the hint that they need to take some time off for themselves!
- Mugs
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Everyone knows a serial coffee or tea drinker who could always use a new mug, and there’s a vast selection of novelty mugs designed by artists on sites like Society6 and Redbubble. Get a Twin Peaks mug for the David Lynch fan in your life or the “woman yelling at cat” mug for that meme-obsessed person you know, throw a packet of hot cocoa in with it and you’ve got a cozy, cute gift ready to go!
- Pins, Stickers, and Other Small Stocking Stuffers
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Most online artists also design smaller items that make great stocking stuffers, like pins and stickers. You can find stickers with just about anything on them these days, such as the viral quote “OK Boomer” and Timothée Chalamet’s face. Search up your loved one’s favorite hobby, TV show, or band, and you’re bound to find the perfect sticker for them to rep on their laptop for years to come.
Whatever the tastes of your friends and family, you’re bound to find something they’ll love designed by independent artists. Consider gifting a handcrafted, uniquely made item to support artists this holiday season!
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