This post was sponsored by Amazon Handmade on behalf of Influence Central.
Every year and just a few days before Christmas, I’ll head over to the King of Prussia mall, grab a pumpkin spice latte over at Starbucks, and peruse the different shops while in the company of friends and family. I may pick up one or two unexpected gifts in the process, but there’s no pressure since I tend to finish the bulk of my holiday shopping ahead of time – and that’s all thanks to the interwebs.
Ever since I got my first full-time job, I’ve been doing about 90% of my Christmas shopping from my couch (or bed). Thanks to the huge selection of shops we now have at our fingertips, it can sometimes take mere minutes to hunt down items, search deals, and then press that little checkout button, only to have them delivered a few days later.
Amazon, of course, is one of my go-to places to shop for gifts, purely for the convenience. They stock almost every item imaginable – from appliances and tech, to beauty products and clothing – and offer super speedy shipping too (thank you Amazon Prime!). And when I’m looking for something a bit more unique, that’s when I’ll head over to Amazon Handmade.
A One-Stop Shop for Handcrafted Gifts
Amazon Handmade opens up a whole new world of handmade items, while providing all the benefits of shopping through Amazon, including their amazing customer service, easy ordering and returns process, and Prime two-day shipping. Browse the site and you’ll find thousands of unique, handcrafted gifts made by artisans all around the world – from nature-inspired pint glasses and old fashioned razor kits, to aromatherapy spa gift sets and delicate jewelry.
A ton of items offer customization options as well. Pick your friends’ favorite scents in this bath and body set, or personalize a jewelry dish or a rustic wood beer caddy. In fact, more than 50% of their selection is customizable and made-to-order. Shopping through Amazon Handmade is also a great way to support independent artisans and small businesses that specialize in making handmade goods. Bonus – Between now and December 31st, 2018, Prime Members can save 20% off select items! Explore their full range here!
Handcrafted Beauty
Of course one of my favorite sections to explore is the ‘Beauty & Grooming‘ section. It’s where you’ll find everything from aromatherapy bath bombs and salts, to skin-loving soaps and lotions. If you’re not sure where to start out, I’d recommend checking out The Little Flower Soap Co. They offer little indulgences for the body and senses, all handcrafted in a little studio in Michigan. They have gifts for everyone and a great selection of full-size sets all the way to little stocking stuffers like this Mini Spa Set, which includes a natural lip balm (in the scent of your choice) and bath salts packaged in a cute little drawstring bag.
And if you’re looking for unique pamper-time treats, check out The House Phoenix. They make the cutest gemstone crystal soap sets formulated with non-toxic, animal-friendly, vegan ingredients that came from organic, sustainable plants. Inside each soap is a real crystal that your someone special can add to their collection. The set shown above features amethyst, citrine and rose quartz (it’s also now on sale for Prime members!). You can find even more varieties here!
Handmade Artisan Jewelry
Another fun section to explore is the jewelry department. This is where I first stumbled upon Emery & Opal, a small, indie brand based in Montreal, Canada. I’m loving their minimalist designs, particularly this crescent moon necklace. It’s simple and delicate, and pairs well with any outfit – from a casual tee and jeans, to a more glammed up cocktail dress.
I’m also loving this gorgeous handmade jewelry dish by Fettle & Fire (it’s available in other colors, shapes, and patterns too, which you can explore here). This one in particular features an intricate lotus pattern, topped with a dark grey glaze. It’s the perfect size for keeping earrings, rings, or other everyday favorites within reach on a vanity or dresser.
Handcrafted Candles & Home Decor
Amazon Handmade also has a huge selection of handmade clothing, shoes, handbags & accessories, as well as home and kitchen items. The latter section is where I found this unique ‘Reading at the Cafe’ soy candle by Frostbeard Studio, a couple-owned, Minnesota-based shop. It smells just like a coffee shop (rich, chocolatey pastries and all!) and has a high scent throw that will fill an entire room with its delectable aroma.
Frostbeard Studio offers a ton of other quirky scented candles inspired by Games of Thrones, Outlander, Harry Potter, and more. They even made one inspired by Dumbledore‘s office that features a mix of cedarwood, vanilla, fireplace, and lemon drop! On the flip side, if you’re looking for more classic scents, check out the New York-based shop Lorenzen Candle Co where you can find scents like Pumpkin Spice Latte, Christmas Bakery, and Oakmoss & Amber.
Shop more great finds over at Amazon Handmade!
Do you like to gift handcrafted, personalized items around the holidays?
