Local Etsy gift guide

Some great holiday gifts crafted by fine artists shipping their goods from right here in the ol’ RVA.

December 5, 2013; 6:15 AM • by Valerie Catrow

I think when people hear the term “shop local,” the mom and pop brick-and-mortar shops around the corner tend to come to mind. But thanks to Etsy and its magical “shop local” feature, we also have easy access to the creations of tons of artists working right here in Richmond who opt for peddling their goods on the Internets.

If you’re still looking to finish up your holiday shopping (or for a few ideas to round out your own wish list), take a look at the items below.1 And even if these particular items don’t jibe with your own shopping list, hopefully they’ll inspire you to poke around Etsy a bit and see what our Richmond artists have to offer.

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Personalized Christmas Ornaments

These sweet personalized embroidery hoop ornaments are perfect to commemorate Baby’s First Christmas or would be a great gift for newlyweds celebrating their first holiday season together. ($15, Burlap and Blue)

Narwhal Friendship Necklaces

What better way to celebrate friendship than a pair of narwhals cut out of stainless steel? Nothing! Because, as the product description suggests, you and your BFF “…are both magical elusive creatures that have somehow found one another in this arctic crazy world!” Sweet, quirky, and perfect. ($98 for two, Meg J. Roberts)

Piggy Bank

I can’t look at this without laughing which, to me, is reason enough to buy it for someone and pass along the joy. These are available in a variety of colors and sizes, so choose the one that best suits your fancy. ($10-$13, Donnabelle)

Ron Swanson Motivational Poster

“Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” So true, Mr. Swanson. So true. ($10, Kate Wadsworth)

To Cradle Leather Shopper Tote

I’m in a constant (and constantly unsuccessful) search for a durable, grown-up-but-not-fussy bag. Until now. I’ve found it. I hope someone in my family is ready this. ($95, Angela Bacskocky)

Arthur Ashe Monument Print

An artistic representation of what all Richmonders think when they drive by this spot on Monument Avenue. ($35, RVA Coffee Stain)

Silk Obi Journal

This shop offers hand bound notebooks (with blank, unlined pages) covered in the same material used to make kimonos–a great option for someone in need of a new (or first!) journal or sketchbook. ($35, Yokohama Dreams)

Teal Linen Necktie

Richmond Thread Lab offers a great selection of these handcrafted ties, but this teal one is just so handsome. Get this for your guy! ($60, Richmond Thread Lab)

Return Address Stamp

This is another great gift for newlyweds, but would also be perfect for new homeowners or a friend who’s just made a big move to a new city. Or for someone who’s always wanted a personalized return address stamp but keeps talking herself out of it because it feels very luxuuuuuurious. Yes, I’m talking about myself. ($25, Apropos Roasters)

Ollie the Beige Pug Pillow

I don’t have a pug, and I don’t really have the desire to own a pug, but I find this guy irresistible. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. There’s also a Frankie the Black Pug version; he looks a little tougher. ($28, Darling Octopus)

Fleece Monster Scarf

Get one of these for everyone on your list and then wear them at the same time so you can be like an awesome, cuddly monster squad. ($16, Phil Barbato)

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Footnotes

  1. As of this writing, all of these items were still available for purchase. Should you find that a seller has sold out of a particular item, please take a look at what else he or she has to offer. ↩

photo courtesy of Donnabelle

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Valerie Catrow

Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.

December 5, 2013 6:15 AM 19

Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.

  1. emily on said:

    Don’t forget about the curated Bizarre Market, here is the local treasury reppin’ some of the fine makers you can shop at Chop Suey.
    http://etsy.me/1jqaP86

  2. Grace on said:

    You can also get some great university Mason Jars along with other hand painted designs

  3. Christie Thompson on said:

    Thanks for including Richmond Thread Lab Valerie!! Our Big Cartel shop is hosting a 20% off deal all week for new items! Check it out: http://bit.ly/IKW1mt

  4. Kate Wadsworth on said:

    What! This is awesome. Thanks for the mention Valerie! :)

  5. Tyler on said:

    I make RVA wine bottle holders which can be bought through Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/listing/155787791/rva-wine-bottle-balancer-holder?

  6. Donna on said:

    Thanks for the mention! I’m so honored :)

  7. Sunny on said:

    Congrats to all of the artists! Thanks for featuring some local talent RVA News! There are a few local craft shows and farmers markets left in the season – be sure to check them out for more local talent. The Carytown Farmers Market is also coming up on the 15th for the holiday grower + artist show. I will be there with my jewelry that is available for purchase and I’m taking orders until December 11th online :) Support the little guys this season so we can support our fellow artists as well! Happy Holidays everyone! http://www.coastalsoul.etsy.com and http://www.urbansoutherncharm.etsy.com

  8. Foust on said:

    Add me in!
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/foustart

  9. morgan on said:

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/ijustgeekedmyself don’t forget about about me! Mo Mitchell from RVA…PINS, guardian dragons and OOAK artwork.

  10. April on said:

    I also operate an Etsy shop out of RVA making up cycled products out of wine corks and bottles http://www.etsy.com/shop/thegoodwineartist

  11. Mary on said:

    you can get some great handpainted glass at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHenroost

  12. pikkturethis on said:

    If you’re interested in photos/prints from RVA and Virginia, check out http://www.esty.com/shop/pikkturethis | 25 percent off prints through Dec. 11!

  13. CindyM on said:

    Karma Studio Art is an RVA based Etsy shop that sells beautifully embellished hand bound journals and handmade book sleeves and boxes. Spinbob Studios is another RVA Etsy shop.

  14. Jason G. on said:

    The pug pillows are also available at Orange in Carytown. And Karen will sew a pillow of your pet, which is another option through Etsy. Plus, she shows you how to DIY these pillows in her regular R-Home column.
    Sincerely, Proud Husband

  15. The Carytown Farmers Market on said:

    Thanks for the mention Sunny!! To see the growing list of all the awesome & local artisans check out our website, http://www.carytownmarket.com. This year the artisan market will be December 15th from 10:00 to 5:00. Come on out to Carytown to enjoy artisans, music, and food. We hope to see everyone there!

  16. Holly on said:

    RVA has so many handmade treasures to chose from! Love this collection.

    If you want a locally made greeting card to go along with your locally made gift, check out Holly Camp Cards! The Drunktopus says “happy holidays!” // http://www.hollycampcards.etsy.com

  17. Mary Wolf on said:

    I am a certified metal clay instructor in the Richmond area and have lots of great gifts on my Etsy site: mwolfdesigns.etsy.com. Want to play in metal clay? See my website for information on classes!

  18. Stephanie on said:

    What a great article! Check out these locally made dachshund ornaments and Christmas cards at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AprilSage

  19. V. on said:

    Looking for neat prints of odd illustrations by an RVA local for your kooky friends? http://www.etsy.com/shop/IllustratingEcclexia

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