Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Tree Toppers

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Tinworks

We bought our tree topper on Etsy 7 years ago when we moved in together. It basically looks like an oven mit, but I love it and I bet we will never change it. Tree toppers are the kind of thing most of us will only buy once or twice in our lifetime, so it is worth it to spend a little more on something special that will last all that time. Etsy has so many options, but here are some of my favorites:

Kentucky Reclaimed (Kentucky) makes beautiful reclaimed wood stars that would look perfect on a rustic Christmas tree.

Kissa Design (Detroit)has the coolest collection of these paper tree toppers. I have never seen anything like them,

Tinworks (South Carolina) makes stars and angels that seem old and precious, somewhere between a tintype photo and a suit of armor, but I can see them working on most trees, and they feel like an heirloom.

The Stencil Laser (Indiana) makes these super sharp and minimalist stars. I think this also has that cool trendy side, but the wood makes it look like it could fit on a more traditional tree as well.

Me and She Studios (Philadelphia) these stars are so light and airy, and I think they make look great in a small apartment where you don't want to cramp the space much more. Another sort of different style.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer...

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Meadow Tea

This week we watched one of my favorite Christmas movies- Elf! Best thing Will Ferrell ever did, and now a namesake movie for the world's cheeriest baby (so appropriate). We usually watch it while we put up Christmas decorations, because it is bright, spirited, and has a great soundtrack (Brian Setzer Orchestra doing the Nutcracker Suite is the best). If you are also a fan, you aren't alone and a bunch of people on Etsy are selling cool Elf-inspired stuff (like this adorable mug)! Look it!

Cleopatra Candy (Alabama)- These earrings really capture the manic joy of this movie. They have oodles of kooky earrings in their store. Love the idea but don't want Will Ferrell's crazy eyes hanging off your ears? Check out the sweet earrings from Erin etc,

from Dainty Dirtbags

Dainty Dirtbags (Columbus, OH) sells all sorts of hilarious t-shirts (including ones honoring the Beloved Barb), but their commitment to Buddy the Elf might be my favorite. Check it out if you need a special decorating shirt every year.

from Strong Girl Clothing

Strong Girl Clothing (Arizona) also makes some of my new favorites. Perfect for the woman who loves a holiday theme shirt (because you are awesome).

Sweet Littles Inc (Florida) makes onesies. Kind of like the Elf-themed t-shirts,but smaller.

Widdershine and Bones (Georgia) is a store entirely devoted to Peter Pan and Elf hats. Because we live in a truly strange and wonderful world. I think these are adorable, and maybe the elf party can overtake ugly sweater parties. Bad news everybody, ugly sweaters are over.

If I can find Elf presents on here, you can definitely find the gifts on Etsy that you want to buy loved ones. Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- The Stockings were Hung

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

This week, the blog is going to be all about stockings and stocking stuffers. The stocking, when done right, is really the best part of Christmas morning, and if we are cutting our regular gifts down to one or two, then the majority of our items will actually be in the stocking. Can you make a totally eco-friendly stocking? Oh yeah! But let's start with some fun ideas for the sock first. 

Allenbrite Studio (Iowa). When we first got married, The Boy and I bought two of these adorable stockings for our house. Now we use the amazing ones his mother made us and our kids, but I still have a serious soft spot for this store and their stockings. These stockings aren't gigantic either, which makes them perfect for more thoughtful and minimalist gifting.  Also, they do all sorts of dogs, so check them out if you want a pet stocking. 

Eugenie2 (Florida) makes these lovely knit stockings that would be great if you have chic and kitschy taste at once. Like a classy Christmas sweater made into a stocking. If you have the knitting skills, you can find patterns too.

Handmade Pretties (Iowa) make quilted stockings that remind me of the ones my Grammy made us as kids. So I am in love with them. Even more eco-friendly are these upcycled quilted stockings from Groovy Goods 4 U. If you can quilt and want to do it yourself, you can find all sorts of patterns on Etsy as well.

Pink Slip Inspiration (San Diego) makes the most sophisticated stockings I have seen anywhere. Pretty girly, but I think in a good way. Angie and Lois and Westin House Design sell gorgeous and sophisticated stockings as well.

Three Schatze (Illinois) makes modern stockings with fun and quirky prints. The prints are very on trend, so just make sure you pick things that really fit so you can get lots of years of use.

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Not too Spooky Decorations

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

I don't love the focus on death that comes with Halloween decorations, it seems weird to me, especially with little ones in the house. At the same time, you can't deny that Halloween decorations are often the most fun, because people can really go crazy. These stores have figured out how to keep a nice balance. 

from Nevada Knits

Nevada Knits makes chunky knit pumpkins I want to hug. They remind me of a lot of stuff they sell at Michael's, with a sort of rustic feel, but these look like you should hug them (and not that much more expensive). They would be awesome with kids in the house

K and J Creations

K and J Creations (Texas) makes all sorts of sweet yard art out of reclaimed wood (so you know I love them), but they seem to turn it out most for Halloween, with jack o lanterns, candy corn, and ghosts! My favorite are the ghosts- you can't deny how cute these are.

from Anthology on Main

Anthology on Main (Kansas City) makes these pumpkins out of recycled books. A little sad, but they also come out very cute and at least the book isn't wasted completely. And this good idea comes with lots of variations so you can find something perfectly your style; Tr HBixby Artworks (Yakima), or Hi Butterfly (Colorado) as well.

from A Black Star

A Black Star handpaints Silhouettes onto pillow covers (always a great way to decorate- not much room to store and lots of impact). They have some awesome Halloween-themed ones, from Beetlejuice to Bride of Frankenstein. They also have Jack Skellington and Sally, but everyone Nightmare before Christmas is a Christmas movie. You could also try Pillows of Plenty for a great Frankenstein pillow.I like Halloween Kelley's Collection pillows as well.

from Playin with Scraps

Playin with Scraps (Pennsylvania) sells ornaments made with recycled scrap metal, but my favorite is this bat. Very cute and recycled too! Double win.

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Halloween Costumes for Baby

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

As a side note, you can find costumes for little ones in all sorts of consignment stores, and it makes so much sense, because especially when they are this little, costumes can't get much reuse. If you are going to buy a super original and adorable (and probably expensive) Etsy costume this year, get something in consignment next year. Alternating between these routes will even out to be comparable to buying those plastic bags filled with polyester from Target, K Mart, or Walmart. It's a different approach, but it might reap some cool rewards.

from Creative Dragonfly

Creative Dragonfly (Florida) makes crotchet costumes, but the clear bread and butter here is little mermaid tails for newborns. I mean, come on. This business is cute and actually takes advantage of your child's immobility AND their inability to say no. Bwahaha. Enjoy it, because you gave them life! Don't have a merperson in your household? How about a hungry little caterpillar? They have this too, and it is so genius and cute.

from The Wishing Elephant

If you are looking for cute, but you want to see a lot of options, try The Wishing Elephant (New Hampshire). And its clear they have amazing designs and tons of positive reviews. They have such a wide bunch of baby costumes- the Staypuff marshmallow man, a pineapple, C3P0, and a swan tutu (it's so good. Somebody dress their baby at Bjork). Lovely choices and sparkling reviews! My favorite is their flamingo dress. The fatter the baby, the better.

from Boo Bah Blue

Boo Bah Blue (Washington) sells the kind of costumes you imagine you would make if you actually sewed things. They kind of look like costumes from old 70's Halloween pictures, and in the best way. Plus, a toddler dressed as an ewok can't be denied.

from The Costume Cafe

The Costume Cafe (Austin, TX) is popular enough that they are done taking orders for Halloween a month in advance (crud!), but if you want to dress your spawn as food (and who can blame you?), I would start here. Their costumes sometimes look simple, but they have really thoughtful and funny details sure to make their getups a huge hit. Plus, the hats. The hats!

from KidHub

Last year, I bought one of these dinosaur hoodies from KidHub, and it is so well-made and adorable. The Bub wore it out all the time. Even better, the costume is incredibly low key and non-fussy, so if you have an uncooperative toddler (or very cold weather) this could be the ticket. Also, I think it would look damn cute with a tutu, which is really the best part of having a little girl.

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Keeping Warm

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

It's getting colder! Yay! If you are like me, you have been dying to get back to your fall clothes, layers, and warm blankets. If you are looking to replace something, or you need to buy a gift, Etsy has you covered. Let's do this.

from The Knot and Chain

The Knot and Chain (Portland, Oregon) sells adorable knit hats with bear ears on them. Maybe too cutesy for some, but I think it is just the right amount of adorable. I would wear this, because I think the neutral colors help them ride that line. I love Yokoo knits as well, because they are also highly stylized and modern. 

from Iris Mint

There are so many gorgeous knits and crotchet pieces available on Etsy, so I won't possibly be able to point even to all of the great ones. I do especially love Iris Mint knits out of Boston. Their scarves have the perfect balance of coziness and style. They look consistently chic, and I don't know how I would pick one!

from Mad about Mittens

Mad About Mittens (Montana) sells really adorable mittens made from reclaimed knits. The style of these are really cute. They look great and use recycled materials, double win! Perfect gift. You can also try Made Again Mittens (from Minnesota) or Miracle Mittens (Pennsylvania) for more styles and maybe a shorter shipping distance.

from Lily and Peabody

Lily and Peabody (San Diego) sells gorgeous chunky knit blankets that look perfect for a cozy netflixy day. I feel like throw blankets are the kind of thing you can buy kind of willy nilly, but finding one with great style can make a space. These ones from The Prairie Boutique (from Arizona) is less stylish, but looks just as cozy. Check Nursey Knits and Colorways Gallery as well. '

from ABC Crochet

Lastly, I love the cozy ABC Crochets, though it's hard not to recommend the crochet bikini tops in their store, because they just make me smile! I want to meet the ladies who have warm nunjas and cold everything else!

Want more warm and fuzzy? Of course! Check out these stores as well- Designs by Elena, Knitting Wonders, Unique Knit Designs, Smitten Kitten Originals, Rosehip Lane Knits, Avaneska, Gypsy Street Stuff, and Knit Couture Co.

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Recycled Jewelry

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Twice Creations

Twice Creations (Austin, TX) sells "eco-elegant" jewelry. This is their slogan-

"Diamonds last forever, and so does plastic."

This company uses various plastic forms in their earrings and bracelets. I love these earrings that use recycled waste for simple, clean, and really mod designs.

from Dishfunctional Designs

Dishfunctional Designs (Emmaus, Pennsylvania) makes their jewelry out of broken china and porcelain. Come on, what a cool idea is that? Especially because those designs can be so intricate and lovely, but certainly don't seem to have much use in pieces. You can even take heirloom china and have her make custom pieces (a great way to share an heirloom piece among family members. Want more broken china options? Try Sister Zart, Andi Clarke Jewelry, Modern Garden, or the Artful Sojourn.

from Recycled Beautifully

Recycled Beautifully sells necklaces made out of recycled electrical wire. It sounds kind of cheesy, but when you look at the collection, they are so pretty! Perfect for someone who likes organic motifs.

from Restrung Jewelry

Restrung Jewelry (New Orleans) sells jewelry made out of recycled guitar strings. It's so New Orleans, I can barely stand it. The style is simple and clean, and I don't think you even have to be a musician to find their bracelets and earrings really cool (but it would make an amazing gift for the guitaristor music lover in your life). If you are looking for something more masculine, check out Fox Designs Jewelry out of Logan, Ohio- a little more butch but still great looking.

from Fabtabulous

Fabtabulous (Kansas City, Missouri) makes me smile, because they sell bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry made out of recycled pop tabs. Genius and they are so cute! I would have never thought of this, but I love it. They also do wine charms and other jewelry out of guitar strings.

Want more? There are so many; look at Refunked Junkies (recycled typewrite keys), Forge to Eternity (recycled change), Double High Five (recycled flip flops), Hooptastic Earrings (recycled water bottles),  Tanith (recycled and steampunk), The Whirlwind (recycled fabric), and Pendent 13 (recycled electronics).

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Travel Gear

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

from Off Chutes

Off Chutes- This is one of my favorite Etsy stores of all time- she takes used material from parachutes (talk about a life of adventure) and turns them into wallets, passport covers, and luggage tags. So different from the aesthetic of most recycled materials, these are bright, dynamic, and fun. Plus, they are easy to spot when you pick up your luggage, which is a little but lovely thing. This store would be great for gifts as well!

from Oliday

Oliday- I had an Oliday camera bag that lasted me for years, so I can really vouch for this store. Based out of Los Angeles, these bags have clean aesthetics that would work for lots of styles (and both genders). I love this camera backpack, even though I generally prefer a side bag. If you are traveling with some camera gear, this may be the way to go.

from Exsect

Exsect- This store has a variety of items, but I am all about their cord organizers. I bought these for The Boy last Christmas, and they are genuinely helpful for keeping things clean and together in your travel bag. We also love these for keeping cords under control when the three of us are packed into two seats.

from Designspirit USA

Designspirit USA- I am not a pet owner, but I do want to point to these pet travel bags from Designspirit USA, also based out of Los Angeles. The bags look thoughtfully-made, are designed and sewn in the US, and they even give some of their proceeds to animal rescue organizations.

from Shoppe by Lola

Shoppe by Lola- This Minnesota shop mostly sells super cute fabric wallets, but I love their little first aid kits for traveling. Such a smart thing to have in your travel bag.

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Decorating the Dorm

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

Did anyone see the picture circulating of the girls in their absolutely pimped out dorm room? Good for them, I guess, but I think there are better ways to add style to those tiny, shared rooms. Here are five of my favorite stores and ideas that might graduate out of dorms into early apartments as well.

Because really, are you going to want to bring that broken, plastic,crayola-colored milk carton with you as you move through spaces (spoiler alert from the future- you won't).

from WAAMI Industries

I know I slammed the milk carton, but WAAMI Industries makes the coolest wood milk cartons that would look great in adult spaces or even a kids' playroom. These modern and detailed cartoons certainly aren't as cheap, but they would be cool long past the dorm.

from Be There in Five

I feel like one of these mats would have been helpful keeping our dorm room nice, but no other shoe mat is as cute (or helpful) as this one from Be There in Five.

from Oh My Deer

You can't always hang everything in your room, but if you can hang things, hang something that you love enough to keep for a very long time. Loyal readers know that I love these prints from Oh My Deer- I have one in our room, and I have bought a few for friends.

from rag rug road

Rugs can be a great way to add color to the space. My best advice is to get them used (because someone else bought one for their dorm room last year), but if not, I love Rag Rug Road- they use recycled materials to make bright, fun rugs that could add some color to the room. Not super cheap, but it could at least have years of life in it.

from habitation Boheme

If you can't paint or hang much, you can at least make the room homey with your pillows. Pillow covers are easy to come by on Etsy, but I do love these ones from habitation Boheme. Colorful and eye catching, which is what you need in a dark space.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- For Backpacks

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

Lots of people are starting their back to school shopping. Be sure to check out this list of back to school essentials (hello recycled paper and pens!), but here are some of my favorite book bags I have seen in my research. Some are definitely for grown-ups (see- very expensive and will need years of use), and some are more kid-friendly!

from Oliday

1. Oliday- One of my favorite Etsy stores. Gorgeous laptop bags, camera bags and diaper bags for adults (all a little over 100 dollars. Also have adorable kid backpacks for only 37 dollars! Would totally go for this in a few years.

Cat Bird Creatures

2. Cat Bird Creatures- This store screenprints adorable animals onto otherwise neutral backpacks. So cute, and perfect for an elementary schooler if you don't want them to grow out of it immediately. Some are more grown up geekery, so might be perfect for a gym bag.

from Wooly Bison

3. Wooly Bison- Ok, completely obsessed with these bags, made in Seattle with recycled wool! Between 150 and 250, so not the cheapest, but they look great (I could see my husband carrying one- no one would know it is eco-friendly) and save fabric from landfills.

from Intercon

4. Intericon- Mostly simple, but beautiful bags, and they are handmade in Hawaii! Most are between 70 and 100 dollars, and they also make super affordable lunch bags (you may just see them again on that list!). You were just thinking your bags needed to remind you of summer right? They look like high school/ college age bags to me.

from Medium Control

5. Medium Control- This store sells over 100 backpacks, all with exceptionally cool printing on them. I mean, what high schooler is going to school with a Bauhaus symbol on their bag? At least one, and that kid is way cooler than I was at that age (I mean, that's true of most high schoolers, but the Bauhaus kid is setting an even higher bar). Bags vary from 35 to 50 dollars, so well within affordable and actually cheaper than the LL Bean bags everyone has (that are made in China).

Want more? Try Oris Designs, Awl Snap, and Mulberry and June.

Happy school shopping!

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