Category Archives: Holiday Gift Guide

Hubby’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

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hubby-2016-holiday-gift-guide Years ago my hubby and I started creating Christmas lists for each other to shop from.  Even though, we didn’t know exactly what we would get.  We knew that it would be something that we wanted and it cut down largely on having to return or exchange things.  Plus it made for two very happy parents.  Since we started, I have had so many friends to inquire as to what is on my hubby’s list, just so that they can get ideas for their own loves.  Hence, the start of Hubby’s Holiday Gift Guide.  This is year two of his Gift Guide.  So let’s jump right in.

check out hubby’s picks for 2016 (with clickable links)

2016-gift-guide-with-pictures

A. Stance NBA Legend Socks
B. Hex Focus iPhone 7 Case
C. Hum By Verizon
D. The Royale Cuoio by Greats
E. Polaroid Snap
F. Grenade Grips Dumbell/Barbell Grips

Want to see his Holiday Gift Guide from 2015 — click here.  If shopping for your honey can prove to be challenging, rest assured you are not the only one.  Hope that this Gift Guide gives you some assistance.  And, if you manage to purchase something from this list and it’s a win, I would love to hear all about it in the comment section below.  This time of year is particularly busy for hubby at work, so I have to give him a quick shout out for making time to help out our Stage Readers.  He rocks!!

Hubby’s Holiday Gift Guide with clickable links

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Hubby's Holiday Gift Guide HERO

My husband is hard to shop for, and I guess so am I.  So for the last five years or so we have come up with a Christmas List for each other.  We never buy everything off the list.  But, it gives us some direction and help us pick out gifts the other will love.  You know #happyhusband + #happywife = #happylife.  LOL.  But, really his choices have always been so out of the box, that people started asking me for ideas on what to get their significant others.  This year, I asked him to come up with a list that I could share, and this is the end result.  As I was typing this, I jumped over into another browser and purchased a few of these to go under the tree.  Shhhh…. don’t tell.

Hubby's Holiday Gift Guide

A. DXRACER Gaming/Office Chair
B. Disaronno Roberto Cavalli Limited Edition
C. Timberland Earthkeepers Stormbuck Duck Chukka
D. Stelton’s Pure Black Knives
E. EcoCity Vintage Canvas Backpack
F. Wilson Connected Basketball
G. Wander & Rumble Growler
H. Burberry Heritage Check Cashmere Scarf
I. Warby Parker Old Fashioned Fade

Only you know your hubby, but I hope that this takes some of the Guess Work out of your holiday shopping!!

What I learned about hosting the 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide?

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What I learned about hosting the 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide?

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  1. First and foremost the most crucial component of prepping a Gift Guide is TIME.  Make sure to give yourself enough time on the Front End and on the Back End, FOR LIFE.  Because, it is definitely going to go on regardless of what you have to do.
  2. Be Clear.  Decide up front who your target audience will be. Research and Reach Out to those who you feel will meet your criteria.  Pick Your Categories and Advertise in Places that you think you will find participants best suited for each category.
  3. Create a Detailed Marketing/Advertising Plan.  Decide on the front end what is expected from each participant, and what you as the host have to offer your participants. (Provide information on how many people you reached in previous years, if applicable.  And, what avenues you utilized to advertise)
  4. Create Realistic Deadlines.  Stop accepting Applications After that Time.  Provide Participants with Hard Deadlines that you can stick to.
  5. Work your Plan.  Use All Available Social Media Outlets to get the word out for your Gift Guide.  Create a HashTag (#stagepresentshandmadewithlove) and Encourage All Participants and Sponsors to Share Info Across the Board Using the Same Hashtag.

Things I would probably do differently.

  • I would probably charge a nominal fee for those wishing to be showcased in the Gift Guide.  For no other reason than, time is money. I would also hope that if you put money out for advertising, you would be more likely to do your best to promote the Gift Guide.
  • I would probably start the Entry Process out at the end of September, beginning of October.  I feel this would give applicants, more time to get their entries in.
  • I would publish the completed Guide Mid-November.  I feel this would allow the items and shops that are showcased a greater lead time to get their items noticed.
  • Now, that I have Year One, under my belt.  I have a template within which to work and I will request all necessary information up front, as to avoid the constant need to reach out to applicants, and wait for their responses. **I know everyone is busy during the Holiday Season.**

Things I would not change.

  • The completed project.
  • The amazing artist/shops that were showcased.
  • The opportunity to help share their talent with consumers.
  • The opportunity to promote Hand Made.

Again, I want to take the opportunity to thank all the participants and the Sponsors that contributed and participated in the Gift Guide, the corresponding Giveaway and its promotion.  I could not have done it without you!!

“I feel like every project I work on is a dream project, so long as I am learning.”
― Simeon Kondev

Featured Shop/Artist Interview: OpenHandCreations

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FeaturedShopOpenHand When did you fall in Love with Handmade?

Since I was a young person I have always enjoyed making gifts with my hands. Knitting, card making, sewing… you name it I wanted to make it. I especially love that I can transform a raw material into something usable… and the fact that I can help put a smile on someone’s face even for a moment makes it so worth it!

15 years ago I started my business as a paper crafter. I made greeting cards as well as wedding invitation & birth announcements. However in 2012, I decided I wanted to work outside my usual style of perfect straight measured lines and neutral colors and OpenHandCreations was born.  I love painting with my hands, not measuring anything and using all the colors of the rainbow!

What does your Shop have to Offer its Patrons?

Every item at OpenhandCreations is made by me. From choosing which materials to use to the final assembly of the item I pour my heart into every project.

At OpenHandCreations I offer one of a kind artful and useful gifts. I also welcome custom orders. You can expect special detail and attention to your order and superior customer service… I value and am so very grateful to all my customers who support me and my work.

Do you have any upcoming sales or local appearances?

For the holidays I am offering 10% off all OpenHandCreations purchases (no limit) until Dec 24, 2014 by using coupon code: HWL2014 at checkout. Also each purchase will ship with a handmade felt/collage gift tag.

Please like my Facebook Page, for updated info as well as a very special Black Friday/Cyber Monday discount.

Where can you be found?

You can find my work at OpenHandCreations ( www.openhandcreations.com on Etsy) as well as several storefront locations.

-The MUSE In Frederick, MD
-Uni-T at the Natick Mall in Natick, MA
-Hibiscus Jazz in St. John, US Virgin Islands
-The Shop at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA
-Mosees in Barnstable (Cape Cod), MA

I will also participating at two winter fairs in time for the holidays:

  • Saturday Dec 6 (10am-3pm)

At the 77th Annual Christs Church Cambridge Christmas Fair at Harvard Square (Zero Garden Street Cambridge, MA)

  • Saturday and Sunday Dec 20/21 (10am-5pm both days)

at Etsy Artists of Boston Winter Bazaar (485 Arsenal St Watertown, MA) http://www.thearsenalproject.com/events.php

 You can connect with me via :

Etsy: www.openhandcreations.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/openhandcreations

Instagram: http://instagram.com/openhandcreations

Email: thoughtfulcreations22@gmail.com

Blog: www.thoughtfulcreations.wordpress.com

 

 

The 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Giveaway

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

And, we’re LIVE!!

Details on how to enter: It’s simple.  Perform the actions listed below to be entered into the Giveaway. The more actions you perform, the better your chances are to win.

 

HolidayGiveaway

 

Items for the Giveaway were provided by the Official Sponsors of the 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide:

  1. Gorilla Fitness Push Up Bars:      GF_logo_V1
  2. Grill Brush – Set of 2 Stainless Steel Wire Brushes – 12″ and 21″: 3
  3. Futurepace Tech Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – BPA Free logos.pdf
  4. Bad Ass Beard Oil Conditioner – Classic Blend – 100% Natural Softener Formula BADASS LOGO
  5. CrossFit Jump Rope – Fast High Quality Cable Rope with Metal Ball Bearings. DS logo with barbell on both sides in color copy (1)
  6. Flip Flops for Kids by Mottos features Custom Charms on the Sandal Straps mottos-jpg FINAL LOGO
  7. Wizard of Oz Graphic Reproduction Poster – 11×17 STAGE PRESENTS LOGO

For more information on these vendors and their products follow the Clickable Logos shown here:

Featured Shop/Artist Interview: Adri Luna Studios

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aDRI LUNA FEATURE

When did you fall in Love with Handmade?

I feel in love with handmade when I realized it was higher quality and you can see the love and work people put into their products. I would rather work two days jobs to pay my bills so I can make art because it’s a creative tornado that has ups and downs but ultimately is the most rewarding thing I could ever do.

What does your Shop have to Offer its Patrons?

My shop offers small paintings, drawings, prints, paper sculptures and note card sets.

Do you have any upcoming sales or local appearances?

I will be selling at the Hello Art First Friday Show in Kansas City, Missouri on December 5th and at a local arts and craft show on December 6th in Smithville, MO.

Where can you be found?

I can be found all over the internet!

– My website is www.adriluna.com

– www.pinterest.com/adritheartist/

– twitter.com/adritheartist

– instagram.com/adritheartist

– www.facebook.com/adrilunastudio

 Your Favorite Piece (as of right now)!!

Home by Adri Luna

2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide

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I am so excited to finally present to you our Highly Anticipated 2014 “Handmade with Love” – Holiday Gift Guide.  This was truly a labor of love and it allowed me to interact with so many amazing artisans.  The items that you find in this Gift Guide are sure to thrill you and appeal to you on many levels. After each Gift Guide Page, you will find the Social Media Links to all our contributors.  Feel free to “Get Social” With Each and Every One!!  In addition, you will find a Flip-able Version of Our Gift Guide at the very end.

Enjoy!!

— Stage Presents
Holiday Gift Guide For Home

*Featured Item: Handmade Natural Christmas Centerpiece – $20

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/LouisianaBeautiful

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Louisianabeautiful

 

*Featured Item: Teal and Burlap Gold Holiday Wreath – $40

Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/charmingcreations14

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/charmingcreations85

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/charmingcreationsboutique

Holiday Gift Guide For Home1

*Featured Item: Grandparent Sign – Personalized to Meet your Needs with Names Hand painted on  Solid Wood – $29.95

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/oakridgeprims

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oak-Ridge-Prims/

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/oakridgeprims/signs/

 

**Featured Item: Black Friday Green and Red Christmas Tree Black Throw Afghan – $50

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCrocheting

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/craftcrocheting

Holiday Gift Guide For Her Page1

*Featured Item: Set of Copper Bangle Bracelets 2 for $48

Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/Sylviajewelry

COUPON CODE: TAKE10  –  for 10% discount

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sylviajewelry.smvdesigns

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/sylviajewelry

 

**Featured Item: Handmade Collage Zipper Pouches for $22

Etsy Shop:  www.openhandcreations.com

COUPON CODE: HWL2014 enter this code at checkout for 10% off Entire Purchase (exp 12/23)

Free handmade felt & collage gift tag with every purchase until Dec 20!*

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/openhandcreations

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/OPENHANDCREATIONS

Holiday Gift Guide For Her Page2

 

*Featured Item: Handmade Collage Zipper Pouches for $22

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdriLunaStudio

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/adrilunastudio

Instagram:  instagram.com/adritheartist

Twitter:  twitter.com/adritheartist

 

**Featured Item: Crochet Convertible Hat $20

Etsy Shop:  www.whimsicalmimsys.etsy.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalmimsy13

Twitter:  twitter.com/whimsicalmimsy1

Holiday Gift Guide For Him Page1

*Featured Item – Handmade Men’s Wood Watch – Made from Red Sandalwood – $89.00

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodieSpecs

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/woodiespecs

Instagram:  instagram.com/woodiespecs

Twitter:  twitter.com/woodiespecs

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens

*Featured Item – Fate Loves the Fearless: Raw Amethyst Druzy Necklace – $35

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ashleegranberg

Facebook:   https://m.facebook.com/Heartenhandmade

 

**Featured Item – Gypsy Necklace- $89.00

Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/poppyjohaljewelry

Facebook:  www. facebook.com/goldenpoppyjewelry

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/poppyjohal

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/poppyjohal

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/poppyjohal

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens1

 

*Featured Item – Camo iPad/Reading Pillow – $29.99

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/stagedpresents

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stagepresents1

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/stagepresents

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stagepresents/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stagedtweets

 

*Featured Item – Crochet Adjustable Earwarmers/Headbands – $15

Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/LandOfKnots

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/landofknots

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/LandofKnots

 

Holiday Gift Guide For Couples

*Featured Item – Hand painted Snowflake Holiday Glassware- $36

Etsy Shop:  www.Etsy.com/shop/LKCustomCreations

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/LKCustomCreations

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/lkcustomcreations

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LKcustomcreate/

 

*Featured Item – Rustic Wine Bottle Thank You Gift Tags – $7

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/stagedpresents

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stagepresents1

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/stagepresents

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stagepresents/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stagedtweets

Holiday Gift Guide For InfantsBabies

*Featured Item – Charm Books – Baby’s First Memories- $48

Etsy Shop:  www.charmbooks.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/charmbooks

COUPON CODE:  (10% off on 11/28 only) BLACKFRIDAY2014

 

**Featured Item – Toddler Eco Felt Applique Christmas Lights Funny Holiday T-Shirt- $25.50

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JamJamsJam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamjamsjam

Holiday Gift Guide For Pets

*Featured Items – Elevated Dog Bowl- $36

**Featured Items – Leash Holder – Treat Holder – Handmade Pet Gift – $10

Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/moorefinewoodworking

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/moorefine.woodworking

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Woodworking4u2

 

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To View a Flip-able version of Our  Holiday Gift Guide Click Here.  

What is a Sponsor as it relates to this Gift Guide?  We were lucky to have a great group of Sponsors who Support the “Handmade with Love” Movement. In effort to further promote Our Holiday Gift Guide, they have each offered a generous donation of products that will become part of the Giveaway Associated with the Holiday Gift Guide. We are extremely grateful for their participation.

For More Information on Our Sponsors Click Their Clickable Logos for More Information on Both Their Companies and their Products.

DS logo with barbell on both sides in color copy (1) GF_logo_V1
BADASS LOGO logos.pdf
3 mottos-jpg FINAL LOGO