Handmade Holidays 2010 – Who’s With Me?

With the creation of Small Business Saturday this year (and its huge following!), there’s another movement taking shape this holiday season: Buy Handmade. At www.buyhandmade.org, people around the world are pledging to buy handmade gifts for loved ones this holiday season and ask that others do the same for them.

It’s important to note that handmade doesn’t have to mean homemade, as in your home (but extra kudos when it is!). If artsy craftsy isn’t your thing, you can support individuals who have a knack for it or communities that need a sustainable source of income, and give the people you care about a truly unique and creative gift.

While I’m not able to pledge to buy all handmade gifts this year — particularly since my husband needs a new drill, and my daughter will go crazy for the recycled cardboard playhouse I bought her — I can commit to going handmade for at least one gift on my list. How about you?

Here are some ideas on how to bring a little handmade to your holidays:

For espresso addicts:

The new must-have accessory for winter — a crocheted coffee cup cozy by SlitelyAskew on Etsy!

For her:

From Gaiam, a silver pendant handcrafted by fair trade silversmiths for some sustainable bling.

For parents, grandparents and coffee-table-book lovers:

Document your favorite memories in print by publishing your own photo book at Blurb.com.

For tech-savvy types:

A wooden iPad stand makes a great stocking stuffer for the person who has all the latest gadgets.

For crafty types:

Handmade eco paint from organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts — to encourage even more handmade masterpieces!

For the littles:

Public transportation meets playtime with this wooden school bus that’s made in Sri Lanka.

For him:

A limited edition print, such as this Bob Dylan poster by Tad Carpenter, or a painting on the wall of your local coffee shop.