Last year my Carolina-made gift guide was so popular I’ve decided to do it again. This time with an even bigger selection of hand-crafted goodies made right here by artists and artisans of the Carolinas. I’ve put my curatorial skills to the test, sifting through thousands of Etsy shop listings to bring you some of the best ideas and most exquisitely crafted finds from the region. This holiday shopping season, I encourage everyone to support American craftsmanship, and the wonderful artists whose heart and soul is imparted into each piece they create.
*Click on the item photos to be directed to each seller’s shop on Etsy.com.*
For the hostess with the mostest:
This soy candle from WhisperingWillowSoap of Lincolnton, NC is so beautifully packaged. Even the candle jar is handmade. $30 each. Photo via Etsy.com.
For new parents and mod tots:
How adorable is this bunny clock from LeLuni of Greenville, SC? Check out their Etsy shop to see other designs including an elephant, pirate ship, and motorcycle. $52. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the chef:
I can personally attest that wooden cooking implements not only feel great in the hand, they also last forever. This set comes with a beautiful wood container. $130, by DesignsByBaerreis of Murphy, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the fashionista:
This hand-dyed linen clutch purse makes a serious fashion statement. $45, by OhSuzanni of Charleston, SC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the holiday party:
Almost too pretty to eat! These “Winter Wonderland” cake bites would be so cute on a holiday table or peeking out from a stocking; $35/dozen. By JillsSweetTreats of Rocky Mount, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the jet setter… or the armchair traveler:
Do you know someone who loves maps and travel? Artist Karen O’Leary can create a custom paper cut map of any city, town or address; $75 for a 10×10 custom map cut, unframed. Check out her Etsy shop, StudioKMO, for other cool map-inspired art. Photo via Etsy.com.
For beautiful young minds:
A unique take on the classic children’s “Memory” game, these rainbow-hued wooden acorns build toddlers’ memory, matching and counting skills. $42, by DreamingTreeFarm of Oxford, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For ladies who love luxury (and who doesn’t?):
This hand-woven silk-cashmere wrap is chic enough for a night out, and cozy enough for a night in. $120, by ThornFiberArts of Durham, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For people who like to entertain…or just like to drink:
Charlotte glass-etching artist Stacy Anderson can etch just about anything you want on any kind of glass vessel. The possibilities are endless! For the sports enthusiast, you cold put a favorite team on a beer mug… for the pioneer woman, how about custom etched canning jars? Set of four glasses pictured, $40, by CustomSchmustom of Charlotte. Photo via Etsy.com.
For halls in need of decking:
This cranberry wreath gives your entry the perfect splash of holiday cheer. $50, by TheWrightWreath of Raleigh, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For stockings in need of stuffing:
This sweet desk calendar comes in your choice of four different themes. $16, from WhimsicalPrints of Raleigh, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For a new take on the traditional bouquet:
Absolutely lovely: the delicate beauty of pressed flowers captured inside a resin bangle bracelet. $44, by SpottedDogAsheville, of Asheville, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the domestic goddess:
This is one seriously stylish apron, made with European linen (the best kind!) And it even comes with a matching tea towel. $52, by AttitudeandApron of Bath, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For Fido:
Find styles for every dog at ShopKatyBlue of Wake Forest, NC. Argyle collar, $20. Photo via Etsy.com.
For kids of all ages:
Just what every little (or big) Lego enthusiast needs: a personalized Lego figure! $8 each, by TheBrickEngraver of Lillington, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
For the minimalist:
The sweetest little pink pearl earrings set in tiny silver cups. $40, by DeSoriaDeSign from Asheville, NC. Photo via Etsy.com.
Well, I hope that gives you an idea or to two to get your shopping groove on! And please check out Etsy for more great finds.
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Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.