Sweet, Simple and Budget-Friendly Gifts for Children

Story by mycakies

Published on Nov 19, 2012 in Shop

Photo by sugarSCOUT

Rubyellen Bratcher is a homeschooling, crafting, blogging mama of four. She spends her days trying to manage all the happy chaos that ensues in her home. You can visit Rubyellen at her blog, Cakies, and see how she tries to capture the chaotic beauty and fun of having four little ones.

I have four little girls who are pretty close in age, so I am used to having a plethora of toys everywhere, all the time. Life is just plain messy (and wonderful) with kids, and we try to be intentional in the gifts we give our children. This helps make our chaotic lives a bit simpler with four little ones (and their things) everywhere. One of the biggest things I have learned is that children really don’t need a lot of toys. I find that their favorites aren’t the fancy ones with batteries, but ones that really encourage their creativity.

[1. Circus folk paper doll by kissabug; 2. Hand carved "Winter Street" stampsby talktothesun; 3. Miss Sunshine tote bag by misakomimoko; 4. Flip topsby TheLittlestLearners; 5. Mouse softies by krakracraft; 6. Old McDonald finger puppet set by WeeKnit; 7. Gnome baby by warmsugar; 8. Waldorf wooden carsby Imaginationkids; 9. Vintage duck pull toy by CLEOandBLANCHE; 10. Wooden toy camera by twigcreative.]

I love that the sellers making these wonderful toys are often other moms and dads who come up with ideas based on things that have worked well for their own families. It makes handmade gifts even more special!

[11.Plush fox by sleepyking; 12.Retro toy watch bracelet by misakomimoko; 13.Vintage doll's high chair from SweetBread; 14. Geometric rubber stamps byJulietCaesar; 15. Wooden doll kit by SophieTilleyDesigns; 16. Vintage toy pianofrom suziesvintage; 17. Vintage tin cars from nanascottagehouse; 18. Vintage Marx dollhouse from BlackEyedSusanShop.]

Vintage toys make great gifts. They can be re-used and loved over and over again while giving children the opportunity to create and imagine.

[19. Mid century tricycle from zomodern; 20. Radio Flyer push bike fromPropParadise; 21. Vintage wooden scooter from WhimzyThyme; 22. Tiny turquoise leather locket by JENBOOTHLOCKETS; 23. Vintage push kick scooter fromsugarSCOUT; 24. Wooden blocks wagon by asummerafternoon; 25. Mini fold away teepee (a splurge!) from houseinhabit.]

Other favorites in our home are toys for building and riding. And of course, kids love little hideaways. Every child must have some sort of tent. It guarantees lots of special memories!

When we give to little ones, their delight and excitement gives us a sense of joy better than any present.

What gifts will you be giving to the children in your life this year?

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/sweet-and-simple-toys-for-children/?ref=fp_blog_title

Etsy Gift Guide for Your Best Friends

Gifts For Your Best Friends

Story by  joslyn

Published on Nov 25, 2011 in Shop

Photo by Is Was and Will Be

Joslyn Taylor is the founder of Simple Lovely, a lifestyle blog that chronicles her love for design, fashion, art and food. In addition, she is a founding partner in tinyDallas, which focuses on raising kids in a creative and mindful way in her adopted hometown. She also is a freelance writer contributing to local publications such as The Dallas Morning News, the Dallas edition of Edible Magazine and Dallas Child Magazine.

I’m a bit of an obsessive gift giver — I plan, ruminate on the recipient and make lists before deciding what to buy. The act of selecting a truly meaningful gift for another person gives you a chance to really celebrate them, to consider what they love, their interests and passions.

I think the best gift is a combination of something useful and beautiful — something the recipient probably wouldn’t buy for themselves but will use and love. No dust collectors or fodder for re-gifting allowed.

The most fun (in my opinion) is sleuthing out a gift for a sister or best friend: something that honors your relationship. The ladies in my life tend to run the gamut – there are staunch foodies, earthy gals, accessory lovers, nesters — so I’ve pulled together some of my favorite picks for each. Enjoy!

For The Soulful Fashionista

[Clockwise from top left: Sailor's knot blueberry leather key fob fromautomaticsweetheart; Rose gold sparkle clutch from Scout & Catalogue; Gold earrings with gemstone from lovejujube; Triangle pendent necklaces fromamerrymishap; Grey poppy silk day dress from byrachelrose; The skyscraper necklace from ISWAS + WILLBE]

This bright blue key fob would seriously lower the risk of losing your keys.

I love this sweet, glittery pouch for stashing coins and business cards.

These simple gold earrings would dress up a simple black top.

Triangle necklace: One of Jenn’s clay triangle necklaces would be a perfect everyday piece.

This silk day dress is like a wearable work of art.

I love the mix of rustic black lava rock with the modern pop of pink in this necklace.

For The Nester

[Clockwise from top left: 2012 trellus calendar from Michelle Armas; Saucer/spoon rest from Dawn Dishaw Ceramics; Winter coats painting from Kiki & Polly; "Love" black lines noteset from NEAPOLITAN; Mid-century brass owl tray fromVieuxDesign; Modern white mobile from AM radio]

Michelle Armas is a favorite artist of mine — her yearly calendar is a way to share the love with all my nearest and dearest.

I like this blue pottery saucer to store rings.

I love the sentimentality of this sweet winter coat print.

These hand-painted love notecards would be perfect for my Luddite letter writing sister.

This mid-century brass owl would look great atop a stack of books.

And I’m a bit obsessed with these artful himmeli mobiles.

For The Naturalist

[Clockwise from top left: 100 succulent plant rosettes from Succulent Designs;Yarrow mound from flores del sol; Cedar spring air plant terrarium from Sea & Asters; Table top forest terrarium from CaptainCat]

I love the idea of pitching in with a few friends to get someone special an over-the-top gift. I think kick-starting someone’s garden with 100 succulents would do the trick, yes?

This sweet yarrow mound would be fool-proof for a green thumb-challenged buddy.

I love these artful, unique takes on a terrarium, and the vessels are just as pretty as the plants.

For The Foodie

[Clockwise from top left: Folded salt and pepper cellars with spoon from Pigeon Toe Ceramics; Winter fruit print from clairenereim; Wood serving board fromTimber Green Woods; Pit-fired tumbler with ceramic glaze from ClayWoodStone;Fleur de Sel caramels from The Caramel Jar; Rosemary tangelo orange marmalade from cupboardcook]

Sculptural salt and pepper cellars are simple enough to mesh with any décor.

I love framed art in the kitchen; the winter fruit print is an all-time favorite.

I’d give this beautiful natural edge wood serving board with a hunk of good cheese.

These gorgeous ceramic tumblers would be perfect for tea and could do double duty as a vase.

Food gifts like fleur de sel caramels and artisanal marmalades are my go-to for holiday hostesses.

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/gifts-for-your-best-friends/?ref=fp_blog_title

See My Newly Made Silver Goth Romantic Cross Skull & Fleur de Lis Necklace Pendants!

 Romantic Heart Flower & Skull Pendant  $20

 Gorgeous Heart Cross and Flower Pendant $22

 Scrollwork Heart and Beaded Flower Pendant $18

Beautiful, Romantic Hearts, Fleur de Lis and Cross Silver Pendant $24

Amazing Silver Heart with Cross Pendant $16

I'm so excited about these new pendants I'm making!  They're all silver with either a silver & bead flower or a fleur de lis charm on the back, so they look cute even if they flip while being worn.

I'm adding more as we speak, so please check out my shop:  http://www.natureangels.etsy.com/ to check out all my silver pendants & cross necklaces.  Considering the work that goes into making them, they're priced to sell - Add them to your Christmas list!