The EtsyNY Holiday Gift Guide Part I: For Him, Mom and the Kids

Picking out just the right gift is never a simple task. Let us take the stress out of shopping with our amazing 2014 Handmade Cavalcade Gift Guide.  We’ve put together into easy categories a bevy of special, cool and socially responsible pieces curated from all of the intensely talented EtsyNYteam artists who will be participating in the Cavalcade this year at Chelsea Market on December 13th and 14th.  Check the artists out online via the links provided for some great online shopping, or come join the fun and meet them in person at Chelsea Market starting at 10:00 am on Saturday!

And don’t forget that we are again doing the famous Cavalcade Goodie Swag Bags for the first 100 customers through the door - on both days!

So, without further ado, here’s the first of our two-part Gift Guide which includes Gifts for Her, Him, Mom, Dads, Kids and Gifts for under $25 as well. Something handmade with love for everyone!

**Please note images of all the products are featured in a gallery - please click on the photo in each section to see all listed products; they are in the same order as listings below.

HIM

Perfect for the gadget person in your life! This cool wall clock is made with a vintage bicycle chain ring and reclaimed textiles. A little bit of history to go with your time keeping, no two are quite the same. https://www.etsy.com/shop/1byliz

For the creative who loves a customized libation! Bitters can change the entire character of a cocktail. This kit includes virtually everything one needs to make enough for oneself and even a bottle or two for friends as well!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrooklynDIYSupply

For the guy who likes a little twist to his refinement. These neckties are made completely from scratch with silk shantung and permanent textile ink to achieve a finely detailed print. Comes in three colors and even more designs. https://www.etsy.com/shop/jesswitaj

Let him be hip and eco-friendly as well as organized! This toiletry bag is made with sustainable and re-purposed materials. Rugged, refined and water repellent too!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/fritzandfraulein

Get him an original piece that encapsulates NYC in particular and the absurdity of the human condition in general. Graffiti from the neighborhood of Prospect Heights, photographed by the artist, mounted on wood and embellished with embroidery to truly highlight its brilliance.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ApertureAgog

Add a little originality and spirit to his formal attire with these funky cufflinks. Made from NYC photos captured in resin, then mounted onto stainless steel. These come in two different sizes and many other designs too! https://www.etsy.com/shop/citybitz

MOM

Let Mom stand out from the crowd with these chic and sweet thank you cards! Beautiful, creamy, high-quality cardstock lined with sections of real antique poster from Paris.  Magnifique! https://www.etsy.com/shop/S2StationeryDesign

Allow Mom to wrap herself in warm, handmade luxury! Made with a snuggly wool blend, this long scarf and pageboy style slouchy hat with soft bill will keep her warm, stylish and protected from the elements. https://www.etsy.com/shop/birdy27designs

Raise consciousness and give her something beautiful with this delicate symbol of the important and fragile place that honeybees hold within our environment. Real bees, captured in resin, died naturally and were gathered respectfully by responsible keepers throughout the Northeast.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/jtopolski

A great gift for travel or for those long days around town, this great, get Mom this bright and cheerful handmade toiletry and anything else bag of laminated, water resistant cotton. A great medium size - it holds a lot and yet packs flat when storing in small spaces!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/traceytoole

Jewelry is always an extra special gift for Mom. With many additional styles and colors to choose from, these lightweight, finely rendered enamel and copper earrings evoke the gentle ripples of ocean waves as well as other patterns we see and feel in our natural environment.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/beinthemoment

Everybody loves warm hands! Keep Mom warm and stylish with these angora blend mittens that have all those special little details that only come from something handmade with love.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/purlbknit

Treat Mom to a spa-like experience of her very own! An exquisite blend of color and texture, this completely natural and non-toxic blend of Himalayan salt, rose petals and chamomile comes with your choice of scent. Stimulate, replenish, soothe. https://www.etsy.com/shop/naturallysusans

Chic, soft and easy to wear, Mom will love this versatile and stylish necklace of specialized art yarn in a soft winter wheat, accented with metallic gold leather band that you can wear in back, front or to the side. Something a little different, yet really practical too.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/YanaRodin

KIDS

A sweet and good-for-every-day gift for the small kid in your life, this hoodie is made of extra soft ring spun combed cotton, with a zipper front and pockets too! Tons of styles and prints to choose from, and a  percentage of all sales from this site go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society for research.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/buggedout

Calling all cute, cool babies in your life! This adorable lightweight knit cap comes in several sizes and is made of a soft, breathable cotton yarn, including the wonderful added brim to keep the glare out of little one’s eyes. https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleKnittyThings

Everybody needs more friends! Give the little one you love this cute little plush animal made in a vintage-style using up-cycled fabrics. A small little guy himself, check out his black plaid wool ears and hound’s-tooth belly! https://www.etsy.com/shop/HankyBlanky

For the creative kid you know (isn’t that all of them?). These folding blank artist cards come in a set of bright, cheerful and super fun colors. Let them turn otherwise simple thank you and birthday cards into keepsakes for their grown ups and friends. https://www.etsy.com/shop/porcupinehugs

Why not let them have a little fun while they get clean? Add some extra joy at bath time with Momma and baby duckling soaps. Comes with a whole slew of babies and their Momma. Each of the soaps contain all natural ingredients and come in your choice of essential oils. https://www.etsy.com/shop/BubblesApp

Blast off with this cute rocket tee in a great blue-grey. Made of soft, ring spun cotton, this tee comes in sizes 2-6. The special hand cut applique has been zigzag stitched, and along with this and other small details, this shirt makes and adorable as well as durable gift.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/patriciagambis

Take care, everyone. Happy shopping!

Melissa Hile, Prairiefunk

Shop and Eat Local at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at Chelsea Market

It's less than a month until the 7th annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, held this year at Chelsea Market, on December 13 and 14th, from 10 AM to 8 PM both days.  

I've lived in Chelsea for more than a decade, and one of my favorite things about the neighborhood is Chelsea Market - it's a fantastic indoor one-stop-shop for a myriad of delicious and unique gourmet foods and ingredients.  I'm so excited that the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is at this venue - it will be easy to make an entire day out of shopping for handmade, local goods at the Cavalcade, followed by eating, food shopping, and exploring the market. 

There are so many great food and drink destinations in Chelsea Market, it might be hard to decide where to start!  Here's a sample of my favorite spots in the market: 

At Lucy's Whey, they have an amazing selection of artisanal cheeses, as well as a selection of crackers, honey, charcuterie, and other cheese accompaniments.  They focus on American-made cheeses - one of my favorites is a particularly stinky and creamy cheese called Ameribella - it's delicious! 

If you're looking for a beverage to pair with your cheese picks, stop at the Chelsea Wine Vault.  They have a great selection of wines and spirits, including a group of "top ten" wines that are discounted each month. They also frequently have wine tastings - I love stopping in here because the staff is always friendly and helpful.  

Directly across the corridor from the event space where the Cavalcade will be is Amy's Bread, a long-time fixture in Chelsea Market.  This is the perfect spot to stop in for a brie and tomato sandwich, a fresh baguette, a chocolate sourdough twist, or a slice of their delicious coconut cake.  I especially love their signature semolina bread that's studded with fennel seeds and golden raisins - it pairs perfectly with that stinky cheese you might pick up at Lucy's Whey! 

Some other can't-miss Chelsea Market spots are Beyond Sushi, where you can get beautiful vegetarian and vegan sushi rolls, Los Tacos No 1 (their Adobada taco, with marinated pork and pineapple is especially delicious), and the Fat Witch Bakery, where you can score a fresh-baked brownie for half-price after 5 PM! 

There are so many tempting choices it can be difficult to decide what to buy and what to try - you may have to come back both Saturday and Sunday to fit all of your shopping and snacking into one weekend!  See you at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade on December 13th and 14th at Chelsea Market!

 For more info on Etsy New York's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, visit www.handmadecavalcade.com.

Shop Small, Shop Handmade, Shop Local

It’s Small Business Saturday on November 29th.   Founded by American Express in 2010 as a way to help businesses get more customers, this single day has grown into a powerful movement!

I believe in supporting small business all year round but it is nice to have an official designated day.

According to research by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday in 2013 spent $5.7 billion with independent merchants - a 4% increase over the previous year!  (source:  sba.gov)

Why Shop Small?

The Multiplier Effect

Shopping at a small business means that every dollar spent at an independently owned business stays in the community and offers greater economic value by creating jobs and more localized spending. 

Charitable Giving

Studies have shown that a community that shops local also gives to and supports community charitable events.  Communities with many locally owned businesses create a walkable environment that attracts tourists further stimulating the local economy.

Maintains Community Character

Independently owned businesses offer a distinct character that major chains cannot.  Local businesses bring their local economy greater revenue then national chains.  70% of sales made at a national chain store leave the community and go back to national headquarters.  Whereas with a local business, the opposite is true – the revenue stays local and is recycled back into the community.

As a small business owner, join the movement by promoting Small Business Saturday to your network.  Create special promotions and share it with your network via social media and e-newsletter.  Remember to use the hash tag #ShopSmall on your social media posts!  American Express has made it easy by providing FREE personalized marketing materials.  You’ll get social posts, FB covers and banners for your website…just sign up HERE.  You don’t even have to create an account or accept American Express cards!

As a consumer, show your support and make sure you #ShopSmall throughout the holiday season!

Shopping with ETSY artisans whether online or at local markets is a perfect way to support the small business movement.  Browse our list of NY Team ETSY Members and check out what holiday specials they have to offer!

Rekha Krishnamurthi | ETSY Shop:  DivineNYCo  |  Website:  www.divineny.com

 

Save the Dates & Be a Magician this Holiday Season...Shop the 7th Annual Etsy NY Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!

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Dear Shopping Wizard,

You are invited to save the weekend of December 13 -14, 2014 for Holiday shopping at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at Chelsea Market!  

Seven is a magical number and we promise you magic when you shop unique, creative, handmade gifts while supporting local small businesses at the seventh annual Etsy NY Street Team Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!  The collective of local artists, designers and makers who sell their handmade goods on the online marketplace Etsy.com will help shoppers find the perfect, thoughtful gift for even the most discerning recipient on their list.

Located in Chelsea Market, between the hours of 10am to 8pm both days, you can shop unique wares including clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, body products, and more from 62 different indie vendors all based in the tri-state area!  Not to mention, considered the gourmet food destination, Chelsea Market is located at 75 Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th Street, just steps away from New York’s famous High Line Park. You can make an entire day of shopping, eating, and walking around one of New York’s gorgeous Parks during the Holiday season with friends, family, visitors, or your loved ones.

Doors will open at 10am both Saturday and Sunday, but you'll want to make sure you get in line early because the first 100 shoppers that arrive on each day will receive a goody bag filled with products and discounts donated by participating vendors and they are always a huge hit with the crowd. Several raffle packages will be up for grabs and Cavalcade sponsor Etsy will be on hand to offer free gift wrapping for any purchases made at the event. Kiva Zip will also serve as sponsor and shoppers will have the opportunity to give back to their community by donating gently used coats for the New York Cares 26th Annual Coat Drive.

Admission to this event is free. For more information about the Etsy NY Team's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, visit www.handmadecavalcade.com.

We look forward to seeing you at December 13th and 14th and are excited to be part of your Holiday Season!

Warm, magical wishes for you and yours,

The Etsy NY Street Team




11/11; 11:11? Singles Day? Alibaba? Lets Practice Good Buying Instead!

Image courtesy of The Handsome Hansons Blog.

Image courtesy of The Handsome Hansons Blog.

There were two opportunities yesterday for you to make a wish at 11:11 on 11/11. I had originally planned on scheduling this post for one of those moments yesterday, but did not. Sorry! That doesn't mean you still can't follow the superstition/belief of the 11:11 phenomenon.  Even though it's not 11:11 on 11/11, I'm posting this on 11:12 of 11/12, another sequence of numbers, the day after.

Ahhh, let the superstitions continue...

While driving yesterday morning, I heard a segment on WNYC about Alibaba and Singles Day. I thought to myself, what in the world is Singles Day? And then I was educated.

Singles Day is China's Black Friday and their Anti-Valentine's Day. And it happens for a week, with a large culmination on 11/11. The holiday was originally called Bachelors Day and was created in the 90s, but was taken over and reinvented by Alibaba in 2009 as a play on Bachelors Day. Alibaba released the figures for sales, and they made $9.3 billion dollars and shipped 250 million orders. Staggering, eh?

Alibaba, for those of you scratching your head, was founded in 1999 and is a Chinese e-commerce website (kind of like Amazon and/or ebay) where consumers and businesses can buy goods directly. They also provide electronic payment services, a shopping engine search and data-centric cloud computing services.  It started originally as a portal for Chinese manufacturers to connect with overseas buyers. Last September (2013), the company sought an IPO with the United States; they debuted on the market in September of 2014. They are now looking to enter the market in India.

The name Alibaba was picked by current Chairman and founder, Jack Ma:

One day I was in San Francisco in a coffee shop, and I was thinking Alibaba is a good name. And then a waitress came, and I said, "Do you know about Alibaba?" And she said yes. I said, "What do you know about Alibaba?", and she said, "Alibaba and 40 thieves". And I said, "Yes, this is the name!" Then I went onto the street and found 30 people and asked them, "Do you know Alibaba?" People from India, people from Germany, people from Tokyo and China … they all knew about Alibaba. Alibaba — open sesame. Alibaba is a kind, smart business person, and he helped the village. So … easy to spell, and globally known. Alibaba opens sesame for small- to medium-sized companies. We also registered the name "Alimama", in case someone wants to marry us!"

I find this important because of the symbolism. If you know the story of Alibaba, he is a poor woodcutter, who finds an entrance to the cave of treasures and enters with the secret phrase "Open Sesame".  It is a tale of caution for those who lie, cheat and steal. It is also an amazing story of success for those who are good-hearted and with "pure" intentions. I don't want to ruin the story for those of you who don't know it. As is the case of any legend/fable, it is a classic story of good versus evil, with good the victor.

The idea that a person can have the same experience as Alibaba when he finds the cave of treasures through an e-commerce website troubles me. Now, before you jump down my throat and say, well Etsy is a kind of e-commerce website. I want to acknowledge that you're correct, but Etsy puts you in touch with craft makers, skilled experts, and passionate artists (for the most part). The goal of Etsy is to have you buy quality goods from real people. It's why this blog and the Etsy NY Team exists - we are real people, who want you to have an "Open Sesame" moment, but with handmade, creative awesomeness - not high volume manufactured goods.

So what about 11:11? And how does this tie into this post?  Well, to some (many), it symbolizes angels, or a spirit presence letting you know they are around you. I personally like this post on the idea/significance of 11:11 - "In my opinion and what resonates with me, is that when you see ‘11:11’ whether on a clock, a license plate, your bank statement or wherever you happen to see it, is like a friendly little sign from your soul, source, higher-self, or the entire Universe, whatever you choose to call it, God, if you will, that everything is in alignment and you are exactly where you need to be, right here, right now."

I don't mean to be hippie dippy on you here, especially as this isn't my personal blog, but I am after all the environmental writer, so this kind of makes sense. Anyhow, I see 11:11 and all other sorts of numerology references all the time - 12:34 for example - and I believe in them. I don't know that I've thought of 11:11 as an angel presence, but I always think of someone near and dear to my heart and smile and acknowledge it and feel thankful for all I have and all that will come as I continue my journey.

When I heard about Alibaba and their "Singles Day" and it mentioned as a shopping day to rival "Black Friday" or "Cyber Monday", I got overwhelmingly sad. Sad because if we take a day like yesterday, which to some (or many) has a spiritual/magical/happy/mystical significance and turn it into another day of consumerism, what are we left with? Can't we have a day, or days, that isn't, aren't', affiliated with shattering markets and over-spending on material possessions that don't mean anything? Why can't days like Green Friday be more prominent in our culture? And why does there need to be an Anti-Valentine's Day? Can't a person be single and proud and not need to spend money to prove it?

As an Etsy seller, artist and crafter that prides herself on handmade goods and the deep consideration that goes into each of my products, I'm upset that a day like today makes news for some unnecessary holiday, or for selling an obscene amount of goods that are not only wrecking havoc on our environment, but our health too.  You are more of a force than you may think. Every time you open your wallet, you are sharing your values.  We small business owners appreciate you buying handmade and local goods, even when you're tempted with Singles Day in China and any other marketing ploy to buy.

I'm getting off my soap box now. As an end, I'm just going to wish you all a happy, magical and connected day. It is 11/12 and today at 11:12PM, you have one more chance to make a wish for whatever your heart wishes. You can also make that wish at 11:11 and 11:12, just to have an extra. May you also feel here and now in the moment, as well as whatever positive energy heads your way and bestow it on those you love and use it to impact change.

 

 

HEALTHY & BEAUTY: Prep Your Body for the Holidays

We're all busy. And, we seem to be getting busier every day, leaving us less time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the holidays fast approaching, more travel, family gatherings and social engagements often fill our already full calendars. Yet, when that happens, it's even more important to find ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

So, how are you prepping your body for the holidays? Here are some tips that may help: 

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important to maintain proper bodily functions and to flush toxins from the body. When exercising or traveling, it's important to drink even more water to replenish our bodies since exercise and dryer environments can deplete more essential fluids. 

2. Exercise. We admit that we're not the most diligent about following a regular exercise routine, yet we're constantly on the move when it comes to our market life. So, whether you enjoy jogging, swimming, or practicing yoga, continue exercising to keep your body active and in shape.

3. Eat right. Fill your plates with more fruits, fish and nuts. Fruits such as berries are high in antioxidant vitamins like A and C, and consuming more fish and nuts such as almonds that are rich in essential fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and keep the body healthy. 

4. Get eight hours of sleep. Can we tell when we've gotten at least eight hours of sleep? Of course we can. We look and feel younger and more refreshed!

So, stay healthy this holiday season. We wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends!

published by Susan Ng / www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com / www.NaturallySusans.com