Yesterday we talked food gifts, and today we’re talking handmade DIY presents. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather receive something small with lots of thought put into it than something pricey that was an afterthought. It just means more knowing someone spent their time rather than their money. Here are fifteen gifts that would be perfect alone or partnered with one of our suggestions!
Pair with: a boot brush, a small rosemary bush for the porch.
Pair with: simple earrings, a pair of bangles.
Pair with: a pretty brass bell, bottle brush trees.
Pair with: a few vintage ornaments, homemade pomanders.
Pair with: a soft pair of gloves or mittens, a silk scarf.
Pair with: hot toddy ingredients, a set of mason jars.
Pair with: a set of mugs, mulling spices.
Pair with: soup mix, a vintage pot.
Pair with: gourmet hot chocolate, homemade cookies.
Pair with: crackers and cheese, pretty cocktail plates.
Pair with: letterpress place cards, a set of linen napkins.
Pair with: a candle snuffer, a nice box of matches.
Pair with: a bottle of nail polish, a pair of sunglasses.
Pair with: a cozy scarf or blanket, a favorite board game.
Pair with: an iTunes gift card, screen cleaner.
Click on each image to go to the project. All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
I love the playful, creative feel of these textiles from Milk Farm Road (aka Heather Chontos). They’re sort of perfect for any occasion, each one is hand-painted linen that feels like an abstract work of art. The garlands would also be so fun to decorate with during the holidays (or any day, really)!
I’m playing Oprah today! Hundreds of products cross my screen on a daily basis as I search out the best to share with you, and a girl can’t help but have a few favorites! And while I wish I had one of each of these fantastic pieces to give to every one of you a la Oprah, I hope my opinion will hold its weight in salt for you. Because these are all shops and creators whose things I own, that decorate my home and my self each and every day.
Splendid Orlando Oxford. These shoes are a new addition to my wardrobe for winter and I love their sleek look (no laces!). Splendid‘s entire lifestyle collection is ultra-comfortable and effortlessly chic, which is perfect for my every day and mixes with existing pieces easily.
American Giant Womens Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. I’ve been a hoodie aficionado since junior high, but it’s tough to find one that doesn’t resemble a garbage bag on a woman’s body. This zip up from American Giant is not only sturdy, but made especially for us ladies. If I’m home I usually have it on over whatever I’m wearing, it’s that good.
Emily McDowell’s Foods of the World New York City Tea Towel. Emily McDowell just might be one of the funniest people I know, and her humor translates seamlessly onto her illustrated line of cards, dish towels, and other miscellaneous goods. This towel featuring a recipe that actually involves zero cooking is just the tip of the iceberg.
Warby Parker’s Durand Eyeglasses in Woodland Tortoise. Warby Parker has had my poor vision and my heart in its grasp for several years now. I just recently snapped up this pair from their winter collection, the round-ish lenses are super flattering and their buy 1/give 1 model is tough to beat.
Bloggers Love Cats + Bloggers Love Dogs 13-Month Calendars.Shameless plug alert! I teamed up with other well-known bloggers who are animal lovers to create these two calendar downloads featuring our pets. All proceeds go directly to the Humane Society of the United States and all of the little critters in need.
Cursive Design’s Apex Studs. Cursive Design is one of my favorite jewelry shops by far, I just love Sarah’s eye for detail. These studs, along with much of the fall/winter 2013 collection, were inspired by a project we collaborated on together for NYFW 2012. They’re molded from vintage glass and cast in yellow bronze.
Jaime Derringer’s Untitled 3. I’m the proud, happy owner of three works of art by Jaime Derringer. Her bold use of color and constant exploration of shape and space never leave me bored. And both Jaime’s original pieces and prints are super affordable.
Alexa Chung’s It. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
Paloma’s Nest Custom Monogram Tiny Text Bowl. Paloma’s Nest creates some of the best heirloom-quality ceramics I’ve seen. I own one of these plates and have gifted numerous others over the past few years. You just can’t go wrong with a piece that’s lovingly personalized like these.
Gingiber’s Deer Tea Towel. I love shop owner Stacie’s whimsical, geometric illustration style used on all of her animal characters! Gingiber‘s prints, pillows, towels (and more) are always the highest of quality and meticulously checked over.
Miró Watches from Urbantrait. Among an incredible selection of modern watches from Urbantrait, Miró definitely stands out. Made from stainless steel, hardened mineral crystal, and calf leather it’s sure to stand up to wear and tear for years to come. Mine has made me a watch wearer again after years of depending on my cell! Find your favorite from tons of men’s watches and women’s watches.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Grapefruit Rosemary Body Oil. Come winter, lotions just don’t cut it for me. I coat myself in Meow Meow Tweet‘s body oil before I get out of the shower and don’t need to re-moisturize until right before bed. Each amazing scent if filled with natural ingredients and infused with botanicals.
strawberryluna’s Morrissey Pittsburgh Poster PETA Donation. My favorite stop for gig posters, and it doesn’t hurt that strawberryluna is based in my hometown either! Allison and Craig do stellar silkscreening work for more bands than I can think to name, and on more posters than I can count that I own.
Sometimes you find that perfect shop – let’s call it the sweet spot – that not only fits your own taste and style, but where you can also find the perfect gift for just about everyone on your list. That’s Baba Souk. Full of color, pattern, and inspiration, all under the online roof of an indie boutique.
And they’re helping to make your holiday shopping that much easier by offering a 15% discount with the code designcrush through November 30th! (Thanks, Baba Souk. You’re definitely on Santa’s Nice List this year!)
This post is sponsored by Baba Souk. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!
White accessories are some of my favorite to add to my home, they add so much personality without the clutter. A few weeks ago Imm Living asked me to choose some of my favorite pieces from their collection to style for their Choo Choo Chooses campaign and I jumped at the chance. Imm is the absolute king of white and one of the best at marrying playfulness and functionality in their accessories.
I immediately gravitated towards the Socialites. Both of their hats can be removed to stash little collections, but I think I’ll be using them as occasional vases for seasonal flowers and greenery this holiday season.
I fell fast for the King’s Subject Containers, namely the hippo with the sweet little bird perched upon his nose. Right now he’s hard at work with a nosegay of wildflowers on my coffee table, but I’m also looking forward to putting him to work holding my favorite pens. I love how imm’s pieces lend themselves to multiple uses!
I’ve been searching for just the right cake plate for some time now, and knew I’d found it when I saw the horse head Takes the Cake Plate! I can’t wait to serve hors d’oeuvres and other treats to guests atop his majestic head, but rather than put this guy behind closed doors in the cupboard I’ve decided to place him front and center on my dining table to collect keys, sunglasses, etc.
This gold Lucky Break Wishbone Wall Hook was a no-brainer, as I’m forever searching for ways to organize my necklaces and to keep them from tangling with one another. I also wouldn’t mind the little bit of luck it might bring!
That’s right, you have a chance to win all five pieces! And one last little surprise, Burke Decor has partnered with Imm Living and is offering you all 15% off storewide (including Imm Living), just enter the code IMMLIVING15 during checkout. Time to start crossing those holiday gifts off your list! You can also like Imm Living on Facebook for the latest updates!
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Caitlin!
To Enter:
1. In the comments section below, tell me your favorite item from my picks above!
2. Leave a valid email address in the form (for notification purposes).
3. Do it all before Sunday, November 23, 2013 at 11:59pm CST.
These beautifully inspired Leaf Rugs from VIVIDGREY pull double duty as rugs or throws which only makes me want to own one (or three to layer) all the more. Each one is dyed and manufactured from organic linen canvas and stuffed with pure organic cotton sourced from an Indian fairtrade cooperative. And all of the textured lines are hand-drawn without a pattern, making each piece unique!
I’m a planner by nature. As a 10 year old I drew floor plans for fun and throughout school rewrote notes to relax. NERD ALERT! Now I love that planning is a part of running Design Crush, and there’s not much I love more than planning a good dinner party – real or imagined! (You can see Thanksgiving 2012 right here.)
Multi-functional is where it’s at! I’m loving this brass Can Vase that features three changeable caps. Each one can help you achieve the best arrangement for the type of flowers you’re working with thanks to its cleverly shaped openings.
. There’s no denying she’s the darling of the fashion world, but after ready through this pink linen-covered book filled with short musings and photos she seems down-to-earth as well.
