Late to the party

(1. A Devon Industry creation 2. A fantastic counterpart, a print by yumi yumi)

I am not an early adopter. There have been many situations in my life where I've found something only to have it fold, die, quit or lose steam right as I'm getting into it. Etsy, thankfully, does not seem to be headed in that direction.

I've begun my holiday shopping. Partially because I can't contain myself, and then a practical reason -- once November hits, I begin to hemorrhage money, frantically losing track of the various lists I start, listing everyone's gifts (purchased or not) and I find myself throwing down green for things that I'M PRETTY SURE THEY'LL LIKE based on the wafts of panic that exudes from my pores. "I just wet my pants in Urban Outfitters. Let's pray he doesn't want to return this hoodie."

On many sites I read, pleas have been made to shop handmade, shop local, shop where you know your money will be going to fund the person behind your gift, helping to ease the pressure that seems to cave in any small niches or pockets of time they've carved out to create. You're paying for so much more than the product itself, you're paying for a way of life that seems to grow fainter each year. I guess the worms have eaten my brain, because this year I get it.

I ordered the small pink owl, above, as one of the gifts planned for the only baby I have ever loved that wasn't from the same uterus as I was, and I plan to order the print and a pair of small fabric slippers to complete the trifecta of gifts she will not notice for a good ten years. Next year, receipts and a plastic Frosty spoon.

Not only was the owl cuter and less money than many of the stuffed goods I'd been eying off and online, in little boutiques and stores, the shipping was fast, the craftsmanship outstanding the packaging ridiculous -- a lavender sachet. Two colors of tissue. Several business cards and a handwritten note. Thanks, Devon Industry. I don't think Grandmas show that much love. I know the big-business folks I ordered two pairs of shoes from didn't, because I received a poorly taped, giant box with the shoes thudding around inside, encased in a plastic bag with the receipt and a letter informing me that only half of my order was there, the other half was not "in stock" and they'd charge me later -- only they'd already charged me, for both pairs. Nice. NICE. You with your giant stores and customer service centers. I hope that next time you pad the box with dirty laundry and lawn clippings, maybe some animal limbs.

The difference was glaring. The decision was made. Etsy gets all of my money this year, with the exception of books, certain clothing items and toiletries.

There are drawbacks though -- for instance, I have no idea how to find anything on Etsy. I know there are color charts and things like that, and I rely on many of the handpicked items that grace the homepage/interviews with shop owners. But otherwise, I'm lost. I type in a phrase and there's 398 pages to sift through. Some of these items may or may not have anything to do with what I've typed in. So I'm begging, a little, for any guidance you have -- your favorite shops, YOUR shops, items you like, love and live with, advice on how to navigate this great resource, anything. Anything that a very smart, savvy ten year old girl would like (or dudes, just general dudes, of all ages), huge bonus points. Thank you.

And I hope, that if for some reason your mom drops you off twenty minutes after mine does, that this edges you a little closer towards Etsy. Otherwise we'll lock you in the closet with it and count to 7 seven times, and when you come out someone will have spilled root beer on your coat. GET WITH IT.

Comments

[steph]

I have loved Etsy from afar and for the same reasons. I too get overwhelemd on HOW to find stuff, so thanks for the shout out for tips. I bet lots of us can use them.

[ariel]

these are the only things i've ever bought on etsy. cause they're cute and cheap, which is what i look for in every aspect of my life. and the seller was really nice, included a handmade button and note inside saying thank you.

http://terriblyunclever.etsy.com

etsy rules and so does this blog.

[Miss Sassy]

Nice choice from Etsy. I buy craft magazines and fabric usually, but do happen to buy other things like great tags from everyjotandtittle:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5015388

I bought a stuffed pear (the pattern for which is now featured in a sewing magazine) from StacySews:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5037312

I had a custom medical ID tag made by Rachael Sudlow though she has much cooler stuff:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8298

It is difficult to shop on Etsy. I tend to fall into things by reading other blogs. I'm hoping to sell some items I sew there soon including Lavender Sachets. Nice seller to give you one free with your order!

[Miss Huckleberry]

I always discover things when they first come out, then immediately wipe them from my mind until it explodes and I'm the last one to get on the bus. I've been slowly getting into it, i.e. browsing but not buying so I'm glad you asked for tips because 900 pages takes a long time to click through.

I like your suggestion to do the X-mas shopping on Etsy. I'll finally get to order something and not have to feel guilty for shopping for myself. Not only did I about die laughing when I read "I don't think Grandmas show that much love." but I totally agree. Bix box companies suck. (Except for Amazon- my love.)

[Beth]

Okay seriously... I love reading your blog. It is so hilarious.