Holiday Gift Guide - For The Outdoors

If your loved is out in nature no matter the weather, you'll need to check out these listings for some great handmade gift ideas!

Hiking Backpack - 

Every hiker knows the value of a comfy backpack.  This bag is padded by a thick layer of foam to protect your back when you pack you accidentally pack your dry shoes pointing in the wrong direction.  Valentich Bags has a wide variety of every day and adventure bags available.

Fire Starters - 

The backpack may get you where you are going, but you'll need something to keep your warm when you get to camp! These eco fire starters will get the fire going anytime.  Check out Less Candles here.

Mountain Print T-Shirts - 

Just because you're chilling in the great outdoors, doesn't mean you can't do it with style.  These super soft tees will be a great addition to your packing list.  Check out Black Bird Tees for even more stylish apparel.  

Fern and Moss Wall Decor - 

Your outdoorsman will feel right at home in the "Man Cave" when you invite the outside in!  As a bonus, these real, preserved plants are maintenance free.  Artisan Moss offers a variety of home decor that will transform your house into a woodland paradise.

Stained Glass Elements - 

If you love the water more than the woods, check out Bespoke Glass Tile's stained glass raindrops. This set would make a great gift to hang in the office and remind your loved one of time spent on the lake!  These items are all made to order, so please check current production times to ensure delivery before the holidays!

Grit Scrub Soap - 

Last but not least, you'll need a good scrubbing to clean off after spending all weekend in the woods. Rocky Top Soap Shop can help.  This exfoliating soap will make you shine as good as new!

Well, readers...the week is coming to an end.  We have two more posts left before the holiday shopping begins!  Tune in tomorrow to check out gifts for newlyweds that will be sure to please!

Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts For Your Favorite Traveler

Do you have a family member who is always jetting off to some place new?  This is the list you want to read!

Painted Bamboo Chopsticks -
These beautiful hand painted chopsticks would make a thoughtful gift for the couple that loves Asia and the region's cuisine.  They come in a variety of colors, but I am partial to the fantastic mint design.  Designer Dwellings offers a variety of other hand painted utensils and serve ware.  Use code BLKFRI14 for 20% off purchase over $60.

Christmas Ornaments - 

Is your wanderer home for the holidays this year?  This ornament from MB Art Studios is a perfect reminder that you are thinking of your loved one no matter where they are this time of year.

Map Prints - 

Jazzberry Blue features a variety of home decor items made from map prints.  If you've taken a family trip together recently, this map printed on birch wood is a great reminder of the fun times your group had!  You could also remind your traveler of home with a smaller (and easily movable) poster print. Use code JAZZ15 for a 15% discount.

Camera Strap - 

For the stylish travel photographer head on over to Exsect.  This leather company creates gorgeous camera straps, luggage tags, and passport covers that will last a life time.  All items are hand cut and crafted!

Sleep Mask - 

Who doesn't hate trying to catch some sleep on an overnight flight?  Show your loved one you are thinking about them with a handmade sleep mask.  Evelina Apparel has a gorgeous selection!  The shop will be offering a 20% discount on sleep masks and 10% off all robes for the Black Friday weekend.  Free shipping is available as well!

Etsy has some great options for all of the wanderers in your life.  I won't tell if you pick up some of these items for yourself this holiday season as well!

Tomorrow the blog will feature gift ideas for your friends and family who just can't step out of the kitchen this time of year.

Coming Soon!

Stressing about your holiday shopping yet?  Let me help!

Black Friday is around the corner, and Etsy is a great place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.  I will be publishing a series of gift guides beginning next week.  From hostess gifts to the newlyweds in your life and everyone in between.

Stay tuned!

-Sarah

November's New Shop Spotlight - andMorgan

Opened in May of this year, andMorgan is a modern shop offering screen print towels, tote bags, and more.  I recently spoke with Jillian Morgan, the daughter from this father-daughter team, to discuss the beautiful and creative items featured in this shop.

Why did you decide to start your shop?
I decided to start my shop when I was thinking about how to earn some extra money to help pay off my student loans! My dad has owned his screen printing business for 25 years and I’ve always wanted to learn more about screen printing so this seemed like a good opportunity. 

What does your shop name mean to you?
I actually really dislike naming things and it wasn’t easy to come up with something! Our last name is Morgan and since our shop is a collaboration I wanted the name to reflect our partnership. Also, many of our designs feature ampersands so my thought process went from “Morgan and Morgan” to “andMorgan.”

How are you inspired to create your products?
I would say food and nature are my biggest inspirations. I’ve always been drawn to cooking, baking, and spending time in the kitchen so I started off designing tea towels. Since food is on my mind 90% of the time, it only made sense for my tote bags and tea towels to be mostly food related! 

What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite item is our new tote bag with the “Eat your Greens” design. I think it’s modern and cute! 

What makes your shop unique?
I think our shop is unique because we’re a father daughter team. I wouldn’t be able to do this without my dad’s screen printing experience and skills and he certainly wouldn’t be able to do it without my knowledge of the internet and social media! 

What is your favorite part about running an Etsy shop?
My favorite part is reading reviews or messages from customers or seeing photos of customers using my products. It’s strange and exciting to think that something you made is out there in another country or state and people are enjoying it. 

What has been the hardest obstacle in starting your shop?
The most difficult part of starting a shop is dealing with the ups and downs. Some days you have so few views, favorites, or orders that you start questioning whether the things you make are good enough. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from starting your shop?
The importance of social media cannot be stressed enough! I can definitely see a difference when I’m active on Pinterest, Instagram or Tumblr and when I’m not. It might seem time consuming or tedious to be constantly updating social media but it’s an easy and free way to promote yourself! 

Jillian is a wonderfully modern and unique designer.  AndMorgan definitely benefits from the teamwork of Jillian and her father and should be on your go-to Etsy shopping list for the upcoming holidays.  Those wine tote bags would make a wonderful hostess gift!

Images used with permission from Jillian Morang and AndMorgan.