On the second day of Hanukkah and with not that many days until Christmas or Kwanzaa, it seemed like the right time to mention some of the goodies that we offer that make splendid presents any time of year. I do encourage you to do any holiday-related shopping as soon as possible, simply because shipping carriers can get rather overloaded and we'd hate for items to not arrive on time.
The first, and easiest, choice is a Gift Certificate. You can't go wrong, and you don't have to worry about picking the perfect fabric or yarn, the right size of needles, or any other custom option. We can send gift certificates by email or in hard copy; just let us know which you prefer.
(Keep reading for all sorts of more personalized options!)
Speaking of needle sizes, do you know any knitters, crocheters, or other yarn craftspeople? If you do, we're your one-stop holiday shop for them!
Have you checked out our glorious knitting needles? They're sustainably produced and so wonderful to work with, and the SoxStix just might be the best stocking stuffer imaginable.
Combine a skein or two of luscious yarn with the perfect pattern and a pair of needles for a splendid present for your favorite knitter (and there's no reason you can't be your own favorite knitter, either!). I keep trying to convince someone, anyone to make me a pair of the Cozy Tractor Socks -- want to make them for me? Pretty please? Our pre-made Knitting Kits make easy, wonderful gifts too.
If you know someone who's interested in knitting but hasn't quite figured it out yet, both the Knitting Essentials DVD and the Learn To Knit Booklet are highly recommended. Volume Two of the Knitting Essentials will have something -- or many somethings -- to teach almost everyone as well, and is great for the somewhat-more-advanced knitters of your acquaintance.
A very fun gift for knitters or crocheters is a selection of the more "unusual" yarns we offer, to give them an idea of the range of sustainable yarns that are available. Consider including alpaca, camel (my favorite still), Banana Silk, Colorgrown Chenille, hemp (also available in fingering weight), Vegan Recycled Sari, naturally-dyed organic cotton, Hempwol, and/or Hemp/Cashmere/Cotton yarns.
If you're sewing presents for people, I highly recommend choosing quick things now that we're well on our way into December.
The Star Pillows are my favorite choice -- they make everyone smile, and are stupendously easy to make. The 1928 One-Yard Flapper Apron is a close second, though -- it's incredibly functional, so very cute, fun to make, and fabric-conserving. And our 1917 Foxtrot Bag makes a great gift bag or present in and of itself.
If you're sewing for a little person, consider making a few Bath Puppet Pals, Baby Booties (which win the cute award in such a big way), a winter-themed Bib, or a Quick and Comfy Dress for a little girl or the oh-so-cool "pockeeeeet pants" for boys or girls.
A pair or two of custom-made organic boxers are an amazing gift for your favorite man or boy, and matching father-son boxers are a special treat (especially for little boys who want to be "just like Daddy!"). And speaking of matching items, consider making everyone in the family a pair of matching pajamas (or a nightgown). I always used modified patterns from the Kwik-Sew books for PJs for my boys.
If you're looking for goodies for sewing enthusiasts, you'll never go wrong with the gift of knowledge -- consider the Kwik-Sew Books, one of our selection of Sewing DVDs, or a few special patterns to provide a bit of inspiration.
Our splendid Sewing Kits make for amazing presents, or consider giving a yard or two of a luxurious fabric that might not otherwise be tried. Our Knit and Woven Organic Wool Fabrics are perfect for that!
Another special gift is a selection of notions -- a bag of buttons, a few pieces of lace, and the like. I can never have too many buttons and I'm always running out of trims, so this would be a very appreciated present for me at least. :)
If you've no time left to make presents but want to be sure that you're giving ethical, sustainably-produced treats, we've got you covered there too. Think about the following:
Anyone who works outside the home or ever eats fast food should love our To-Go Two-Tier Food Carrier and Bamboo Utensil Set. I keep a utensil set in my purse and it's come in handy so many times!
The Recycled Chopstick Bowls and Placemat Set is kitchenware with a purpose -- it's gorgeous and also helps provide sustainable employment while keeping "disposable" chopsticks out of landfills. And when folded it takes up hardly any space, which means it makes a great gift for people who are far away.
Our selection of clothes make wonderful presents, especially the alpaca items which are incredibly luxurious and so very warm. There are things for babies to adults, and I'm convinced you just can't go wrong with them.
The Mongolian Animal Ornaments are oh-so-sweet decorating a gift bag or a tree, and our cat's in love with his Felted Toy Mouse (which can also double as a gift adornment, of course).
The Organic Candles are a splendid stocking stuffer, grab-bag gift, or present for your favorite nomadic traveller (who will love the atmospheric effect that even just one candle can create).
Oh, and if you know a gardener you HAVE to get him or her a CobraHead Garden Cultivator (unless s/he already has one, of course). It'll make such a difference!
So ... anybody on your list that I left out? If so, let me know and I'll see what I can do!
