Recently, I got sucked into the world of wire-wrapped jewelry–a style I’d never seen before and really loved. I followed a large number of wire-wrapping artists on social media, as well as embroidery artists and traditional painting or drawing artists. I already have a collection of 5 wire pendants so far from buying their art. Every time I have ordered from a small artist, I’ve gotten a thank-you note or DM that always feels far more personal than buying from a corporation.
I am that white girl who shops on Etsy a LOT. I can’t help it–I always seem to find a more personal, unique gift on Etsy than I would ever find in a store like Target or Walmart. Every single thing I’ve ever ordered from an Etsy creator, I have received packaged nicely, on time, and often with small candies or confetti and a handwritten note of appreciation for my business.
I love supporting people who are daring to be creative and make a living off of it while living in a world that stresses 9 to 5 jobs in a cubicle. I want them to succeed, and I want them to be able to continue to share their talent with the world. Several creators that I’ve met have expressed how their businesses have allowed them to pay medical bills, to pay for school, or to support an elderly family member.
Especially with Christmas coming up, consider buying gifts from websites like Etsy or Redbubble, or directly from an artist themselves if they have a website of their own. Chances are, you’ll find gifts for your friends and family that are far more personal and something that they’ll truly like rather than something cheaply made from a chain store.