Bonus Holiday Gifts Post!
Don’t worry—I’m not going to start bombarding you with twice-weekly posts. It occurred to me, though, that you may be searching for gift inspiration. If I keep to my regular schedule, this article will reach you too late. So…here it is, an extra 2023 Holiday Gifts Edition of Petite Over 40, packed with sustainable gift ideas from small businesses I adore. Most are here in Seattle, but all have websites you can order from.
For Kids or Kids at Heart
The Handmade Showroom
The Handmade Showroom is my one-stop shop for pretty much any kind of gift for any person. For the kids on your list, you’ll find baby gifts, delightful toys, fun t-shirts, wacky clocks, and plush toys. Over the years, this is where I’ve gone to find gifts for my nieces and nephews that stand out from mass-produced stuff. My nephews especially loved the “Flasher Bat,” pictured below, and the Wooly Sasquatch. I have even bought some of these items for adults because they’re so clever and cute.
Art by Vikram
Vikram Madan is a Seattle artist and children’s book author. I have several pieces of his whimsical art hanging on my walls. He’s won awards for his children’s books and has all kinds of other goodies for the little ones, including puzzles, playing cards, and stickers. Shop his store on Etsy or go to Elliott Bay Books to buy something for your little one’s library.
Books, Food, Art, and Home Gifts
Elliott Bay Bookstore and Libro.fm
Books and audiobooks rank high on my list of gift ideas. One of my favorite bookstores in Seattle is Elliott Bay Book. It’s in this old historic building with brown polished floors that pleasantly creak as you browse. It’s not quite the library scene—whenever I am there, I overhear riveting conversations about relationship drama—but their book selection is incredible. Their staff is friendly and knows everything. Whether you live in Seattle or not, you can shop their online store, and they’ll ship it right to your door. Better yet, look up the local bookstore near you and show them some love.
Audiobooks:
If you’re into audiobooks, Libro.fm offers a similar program to Amazon’s Audible, but profits go to a bookstore you choose, like Elliott Bay or one nearer to your home. Last year, I bought my dad a six-book credit bundle, which means whenever he wants to buy an audiobook, he can go to Libro.fm and use one of his credits to pay for it. He recently told me he’s been savoring it, using the credits for extra-special books.
Handmade Showroom and Bezel and Kiln:
As mentioned in the kid's section, this shop is much more than a toy store. They offer handcrafted goods, jewelry, food, and art by artisans nationwide, many from right here in Seattle. I buy a lot of my Christmas gifts and cards there every year.
Their sister store, Bezel and Kiln, offers beautiful accessories and fine housewares by independent artists and designers from all over the world. Sadly, this gorgeous shop is closing down in the new year. They’re moving any inventory they have left to The Handmade Showroom. From now through December 31, they’re having a moving sale. Each week, the discounts increase. Visit their website to shop. Visit their blog to see the discount schedule.
JD + Kate Industries and Poison Cookie Shop
What do you get when you take two humor writers and give them the skills to make candles and cookie cutters? You get JD + Kate Industries.
JD and Kate Dobson live in St. Louis, Missouri, where they develop cleverly themed candles and cookie cutters, among other things. I’ve given their candles as gifts for years. They make unique White Elephant Party and book club gifts. I have only recently discovered the cookie cutters, but now I have ideas for this year’s round of White Elephant and book club gifts. You can check out their candles on their website or hop over to their cookie-cutter store, PoisonCookieShop, on Etsy.
Oh, and if you like their quirky candles, you’ll love their monthly newsletter. Sign up here. According to this month’s newsletter, you can get a 25% discount on all canal-themed candles (yes, CANAL-themed) using the discount code “PALLET.” It’d make more sense if you got the newsletter.
Clothing, Accessories, and Jewelry
Whether it’s a holiday outfit you’re looking for or a meaningful piece of jewelry for that special someone, I’m confident you’ll find what you’re looking for with these sustainable options.
Kelley Hollis:
Kelley Hollis is no stranger to this Substack newsletter. She and her jewelry art were featured here on Petite Over 40 a few weeks back. As someone who understands the impact symbols can have on people, Kelley brings to life vintage jewelry, creating one-of-a-kind works of art imbued with deep meaning for the wearer. Visit her website to find that special something for your special someone.
Vintage by Suzanne:
If you read the recent Sell It Yourself post here on Petite Over 40, you know what a good friend Suzanne Carillo is to me and this Substack. She is an artist who instinctively hones in on the crème de la crème of vintage clothing, accessories, and shoes when thrifting or perusing estate sales. And she’s an environmentalist who understands the value of keeping clothes in circulation for as long as possible. This combination of talent and activism makes her shop perfect for the conscientious consumer seeking unique holiday outfits and gifts. Visit her shop to discover these treasures and more.
Cute and Local is Everywhere
Big cities aren’t the only ones with cute local shops that are sustainable. I visited my hometown of Denison, Texas, in November and discovered many shops on Main Street. There were vintage and consignment shops, candy stores filled with locally made treats, a wine shop with locally produced wine, and coffee shops with beans roasted right there in town. If you live in a small town, take a little walk or drive to the small shops near you and support your local crew!
Thanks so much for including me here Sherry! I love your picks.
Suzanne