Hi, it’s me. Your resident Etsy shopping enthusiast. For the past three years, I have been your guide to gift-giving via one of my favorite places to shop, because I just can’t seem to keep the treasures I find there to myself. This little corner of the internet has been my go-to for vintage, personalized, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items for years because nothing beats its diverse selection. Did you draw the one person in your office that you don’t know very well for secret Santa?? No problem, because everyone loves a good-smelling candle and a match striker. Do you also need to snag a gift for your mother-in-law that loves to create her own recipes? Then these handcrafted spice blends will blow her away.
So to kick off gift guide season this year, we pulled together some of our absolute favorite Etsy shops in hopes that it will help you navigate all the options and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this year. Let’s begin!
Personalized Ornaments
1. Custom Cross Stitch House Ornament | 2. Cross Stitch Nativity Ornament or Hoop | 3. Custom Cross Stitch Family Ornament
Stitched to a T: Tree ornaments are a great, low-stress gift that feels very thoughtful. They can be personal and mark something significant that happened that year, or they can be cute, funny, beautiful, precious–you name it. Stitched to a T is a shop that makes handmade, personalized, stitched ornaments to commemorate the big moments in life. Did one of your giftees get married this year or buy a house? They may love a little ornament to remember that milestone forever.
1. Personalized Mixer Ornament | 2. Personalized Fishing Vest Ornament | 3. Personalized Scrubs Ornament |
Polar X ornaments: This shop sells hundreds of ornaments that represent hobbies, careers, or personal interests and would show someone you really know what is important to them. I love that adorable kitchen aid mixer one that would be perfect for someone who loves to cook or bake.
1 Dolphin Felt Wool Ornament | 2. Felt Wool Ballerina Ornament | 3. Unicorn Felt Wool Ornament
Ornaments 4 Orphans: Every ornament from this shop is handmade and supports a good cause. Their mission is simply: “Through fair trade and sustainable community development, Ornaments 4 Orphans assists parents to keep children with them in the home, and to bring back those children who’ve been separated from their families.” These ornaments would be a really special gift for someone in your life who is altruistic and loves cute animals :).
Art
1. Vintage Food Poster Print | 2. Nymph & Hunter Print | 3. Wilhelm Trubner Dog Print
Stardust Print Shop: Art may seem like a hard gift to give, but luckily Etsy has so many shops that carry every style of art that you could think of. Stardust Print Shop is a shop that I have personally purchased from several times and I have always been impressed by their quality and selection. I have that dog with sausage print hanging in my gallery wall above my dining table and it brings me so much joy every time I see it. This shop has such a wide range of subjects that are unique and really cool, so you can find something for everybody.
1. Man’s Best Friend Printable | 2. Remington Portrait Printable | 3. Sailing Seagulls Printable
West Woven: West Woven sells digital print downloads so before you look at the price tag and think “this is too good to be true” just know you are buying the image that you will have to get printed somewhere else. BUT don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it sounds. You can do this at FedEx for a reasonable price, or you can use an online print shop like Artifact Uprising that does really good quality work and will ship directly to you. That said, West Woven sells really lovely digital prints that are calm, moody, and vintage inspired. That man with a beard portrait is very good and would look awesome in a gallery wall.
1. ‘Princess Diaries’ Collage Poster | 2. Vintage Ad Poster | 3. ‘A Whole New World’ Collage Poster
City and Flower Collage: City and Flower Collage is a Black-owned shop that sells retro-inspired, vibrant, colorful collage prints that are amazing conversation pieces. The reviews are positively raving and I love that they donate a portion of their sales, too. Here’s their promise: “Annual contribution from sales will be made to Austin Justice Coalition! Austin Justice Coalition is a Racial Justice Group that educates and builds community power for people of color who live in Austin, Texas that need support, community, and liberation.”
Vintage Oil Paintings
1. Vintage Seascape | 2. Vintage Nudes Painting | 3. Carpathian Landscape
Soviet Oil Painting: There is nothing quite like vintage oil paintings. They bring so much charm, texture, and personality to a space. Soviet Oil Painting is a shop we’ve loved and shared on the blog for years and it’s one of the best resources for affordable original oil paintings. If someone on your list is a vintage art lover, one of these pieces would be a spectacular gift (my personal favorite is this lovely seascape–just look at those colors!)
1. Fish Still Life | 2. Flower Still Life | 3. Summer Waterscape
Art Nostalgie: The owner of this shop collects and sells paintings from the 20th century that are all by Ukrainian artists and says they are able to ship internationally again. It’s a great way to support even if it’s in this small way. The selection is highly curated still-life paintings, landscapes, and some really one-of-a-kind portraits. I can’t stop looking at this one that I’d love to see in a moody kitchen or dining room (maybe my own??).
1. Male Portrait | 2. Female Portrait | 3. Original Oil Painting
Slav Art Vintage: This shop has over 800 original oil paintings to choose from and they are all so special and reasonably priced. My top pick is this intriguing male portrait but honestly, all of the paintings from Slav Art Vintage are quality pieces that would make a great gift.
Rugs
1. Custom Berber Grid Rug | 2. 5×7 Red Berber Rug | 3. 4×6 Berber Rug
Berber Stuff Artisanat: If someone on your list has been coveting a checkered rug, I’m willing to bet you could find the perfect match from this shop. They have an incredible inventory of checkered area rugs in a ton of colors, plus an awesome collection of vintage Morrocan rugs. My personal favorite is this vibrant red Morrocan Berber rug.
1. 5×9 Moroccan Rug | 2. Custom Beni Ourain Rug | 3. Colorful Morrocan Rug
Beni Ourain Carpets: It was so hard to pick just three rugs from this shop to show you guys. Their selection is off the charts, with over 3,000 incredible rugs to choose from. I have personally purchased a rug from them and can attest that their quality, service, and pricing are unmatched.
1. 6×9 Turkish Rug | 2. 5×11 Kilim Runner | 3. 6×9 Oushak Rug
Nashmil Rug: This shop sells vintage handmade Persian rugs that are so beautiful they should be considered art. Their prices are affordable and they categorize their inventory by size so you can easily find what you are looking for. I am considering buying this one for my parent’s dining room (if they’ll let me :)).
Lighting
1. Philips Memphis Z-Lamp | 2. Tennis Racket Lamp | 3. Minimalist Gold Lamp
98e Vintage: 98e Vintage carries odd 80s-inspired table lamps that have so much character. If one of your giftees works from home or needs something to spruce up their desk, one of the desk lamps from this shop would be an awesome gift. I mean, honestly, how unreal is that tennis racket lamp?? I can’t think of a better, more unexpected gift for a tennis fan. That z lamp is also really rad and I want to see it styled in a room ASAP.
1. Gaetano Missaglia Aluminum Lamp | 2. Glasshütte Lindberg Lamp | 3. Graewe XL Mushroom Lamp
Lille Froken Solskinn: This shop is known for having the coolest Mid-Century Modern and 80s lighting options. This Gaetano Missaglia desk lamp for one is incredible and would be the perfect accent for an MCM home office. And that Glashütte Limburg bulb light?? SO good.
1. Midcentury Table Lamp | 2. Vintage Cone Lamps | 3. NB100 Desk Lamp
Cosmic Design: In case you missed it, Caitlin wrote an incredible guide to finding great vintage lamps, so definitely check that out if you want some insane insider tips. Cosmic Design is one of her favorite shops and here’s what she loves about it: “If you’re looking for an unmatched selection…baby, you found it!! Cosmic Design is based in the Netherlands, and the depth and breadth of their inventory is incredible. They carry hundreds of table, desk, pendant, wall, and floor lamps (the whole gang’s here!) with a specific focus on art deco and mid-century lighting. While you’re there, be sure to check out the selection of glass vases and boxes – they’re SO pretty.”
Glassware
1. Glass Decanter with Shot Glasses | 2. Melamine Drinkware Set | 3. Hand-Blown Pink Stemware
Simply Chi: Simply Chi has the most charming vintage kitchenware that will bring character to any home. How sweet are these pink vintage champagne glasses?? (And they are very similar to the ones in Emily’s farmhouse kitchen I might add!!).
1. Tawny Rocks Glasses | 2. Amber Champagne Coupes | 3. Etched Floral Champagne Coupes
Hob And Nail: This shop might have the best vintage glassware selection ever. Which reminds me! Here’s a great gift formal for anyone who enjoys a specialty cocktail: 1. vintage glasses 2. a personal cocktail recipe book and 3. nice bar accessory. Thank me later.
1. Pedestal Trinket Dish | 2. Green Vintage Glassware | 3. Blue & White Plates
Old Blue Crow: This. shop. is. incredible. Any vintage decor lover could find something they love here. And by the way, if someone doesn’t snag those Japanese dishes, I WILL. You’ve been warned :).
Jewelry
1. Minimalist Wrap Ring | 2. Heart Earrings | 3. Hebrew Name Necklace
SHOP EVREN: Jewelry is probably one of my favorite things to gift. It’s personal, thoughtful, and something someone can wear every day. If someone on your list loves minimal gold jewelry, then you are in the right place. Shop Evren has necklaces and bracelets you can customize plus really lovely minimal pieces like this wrap ring that would go with any outfit. But my favorite piece has to be the beautiful Hebrew name necklace.
1. Beaded Pearl Bracelet | 2. Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace | 3. Gold-Filled Beaded Pearl Earrings
Drea Studio NY: Drea Studio is THE PLACE to go for pearl jewelry. The designs are so unique and equally stunning. Anything from this shop would make an incredible gift. I can’t take my eyes off this necklace!!
1. Yin Yang Signet Ring | 2. Tenderheart Necklace | 3. Gummy Bear Studs
Foe and dear: Foe and Dear features fine-crafted jewelry made with the environment in mind (they are committed to using recycled or fair-trade gold and conflict-free stones). Their selection is really breathtaking and unique, plus the craftsmanship is undeniable. I really love this dainty heart necklace and these gummy bear earrings are too cute.
Leather Goods
1. Leather Bi-Fold Wallet | 2. Handmade Leather Belt | 3. Leather Sunglasses Case
Kingsley Leather: Kingsley Leather is a Black-owned leather good shop that makes really top-tier personalized leather gifts. For any of the hard-to-shop-for men in your life, you can’t go wrong with any of their pieces.
1. Leather Tote Bag | 2. Red Leather Belt Bag | 3. Black Leather Tote Bag
Linden Is Enough: This shop makes STUNNING handcrafted leather goods that are made to last. I am so incredibly elated that I discovered this shop and am trying to rationalize buying myself something from them. I am drooling over their leather tote bag.
1. Leather Vase | 2. Personalized Makeup Case | 3. Leather Passport Holder
ZeynNY: For any and all unique leather goods, Zeyn NY is the place to go. They are made in NY, they have customizable options, and they make just a ton of stand-out pieces like this leather flower vase.
Okay friends, that’s a wrap! Thank you for joining me on yet another Etsy roundup extravaganza. I hope you found some gift ideas and as always, please drop your favorite shops down below. xx
Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How We Decked Our Halls For Christmas
Great recommendations; thank you! I love the jewelry shop Mementometal, from artisan Victoria Tillotson in Armonk, NY. Her statement rings are massive and cool; she also has the cutest little stud earrings. I have a custom fordite pendant from her and I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it. (If you haven’t heard where fordite comes from, check it out— stones cut from the enamel buildup from automobile factories!)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mementometal
Oh I’ll check it out, thank you!
Thanks for this! Foe & Dear is a great find.
Likewise adore Etsy and follow way too many shops to share one favourite only!
My especial weaknesses are Indian Kantha throws (and I can’t help buying in different patterns and colours for different moods!) and cushions. Bought a beautiful Schumacher recently (Coralina) but also ordered Hmong Batik ones.
Will look into the oil painting recommendations.
Love this roundup, so many great shops! Have to add my own Etsy shop into the mix : ) Check it out for modern handmade concrete home goods! xo
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MayhewnStudio
Ryann, this is a really refreshing range of recommendations!
A wide variety for all tastes and most budgets.
I wonder, however, whether recommending Russian vintage oil paintings is appropriate, given the current invasion of Ukraine taking place?? I know they’re vintage, but still. It seemed a little odd to promote this at the moment. 🤔
My favourite is the Ornaments for Orphans … so kind and lovely.
I checked them out and as far as I could tell all of the shops are actually based in Ukraine, which is a lovely (if very small) way to support individuals I feel 🙂 (one of the shops is simply called soviet oil painting, but the soviet union spanned more than just russia after all…)
I’m not sure what Russian paintings you refer to. Did you happen to click through to the Soviet Oil Paintings shop and see that it’s in Kyiv City, Ukraine?
I posed a question.
If this is so, then I humbly stand corrected.
Thank you.
SovietOilPainting:
Soviet antique and vintage original oil paintings
Kyiv City, Ukraine
I got this totally wrong.
Sorry Ryann. 🥴
I would add, just as a reminder, that russian people owning an etsy shop selling vintage oil paintings, have no responsability over the war. They might be horrified, or fled the country, or might have a relative that has been involuntarily recluted to fight. I think it would be too harsh to avoid buying from russian people just because oh their authoritarian government. I am not Russian, but I really feel for them right now too. Most of them are also victims of this horror.
Even if it was a Russian shop (which it is not) – the money would not finance the army or the government, for God’s sake!
I guess the thinking @ that is connected to supporting boycotts. Unfortunately, boycotts do affect those innocent people stuck living in a regime like Russia, Iran, etc. It’s a harsh reality of applying pressure on a government via the suffering of the citizens. It’s awful, either way.
For leather goods, I recommend Indigo Laine & Co. They’re small batch and handmade and gorgeous! https://indigolaine.com/
Thank you I’ll check them out!
This is pretty much the only kind of gift guide I don’t hate. Thanks!
Thanks to this post, I found a book on one of your recommended Etsy shops I’ve been looking for a very long time. I found a copy of Better Homes and Gardens decorating book from 1975. My dad bought it when it was new and I spent hours pouring over all of the photos when I was a kid, that book was the start of my life-long love of interior design.
How fun! I love look at old decorating books. There’s a few of the BH&G decorating books anyone can check out online for free here: https://archive.org/details/inlibrary?query=Better+homes+gardens+new+decorating+book&sort=creatorSorter
That is really awesome and special xx Thank you for reading!
Hi there,
Thank you so much to everyone for highlighting Etsy and all the small shop artists and makers! It makes such a difference in our lives to be able to share our work directly with people from all over, and it definitely is so valuable this time of year to be able to bring in some earnings to help the household. I hope you don’t mind if I share my own Etsy shop: Open Window Art– I create custom portraits of homes and landscapes on glass (or wood) ornaments. Capture your home, previous home, childhood home, family cabin, new place, or favorite spot on an ornament for years to come! I handprint from photos (nothing is computer generated) sent from customers, and I would be happy to work with anyone to create a memorable gift this year. Thanks so much EHD team!! Rosie openwindowart.etsy.com
Thank you for sharing!!
Sorry – that should say “handpaint”, not handprint… 🙂
Ooooh, I LOVE your ornaments. Thanks for linking up your shop. This is the perfect thing for my mom! Now to find a pic of the family cabin…
Oh funny! I was best friends with the owner of Stitched to a T growing up! Funny to see it here.
I’ve purchased several paintings from Slav Art Vintage based on a recommendation from you a while back. I love every piece!
Warmed my heart to see this article! Etsy is a labor of love and to see you take the time to showcase artists’ handiwork is just awesome thank you.
I’d love to share my store. Long story short after my husband was diagnosed with cancer, my sister (who is my business partner) and I created awareness bracelets to support his journey. After seeing firsthand how important this support was, my sister and I rebranded our business and became dedicated to raising awareness to all kinds of causes – from all types of cancers to suicide prevention to domestic violence awareness to mental health awarenesses to heart disease and everything in between. We also offer a large selection of inspirational necklaces with corresponding poems mounted on gift-ready greeting cards to addresses various challenges and triumphs people experience. As we see it we want to be the reason someone smiles everyday™ https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecklessSpiritInc
Thank you so much for sharing!
I bought a landscape from the Soviet Oil Painting site a couple of years ago, got a vintage frame for it, and gave it as a gift to my sister. It looks awesome. Prices have gone up a bit in two years, but they’re still reasonable. I found a gorgeous still life at the Art Nostalgie site and got that one for me!
How do restyle/kickback links work for Etsy shops? Does the commission come out of Etsy’s corporate pockets or the independent seller’s? Does anyone know?
it comes from the corporate margin – never the small business 🙂
Ryann –
Thank you! I just ordered the dog with sausage print – checking off the hardest-to-buy-for person on my holiday gift list! And I bookmarked a couple of the other sites for deeper dives.
– Judith
Also, I love the handmade earrings available from BB Lavender. Lightweight, fun shapes, great color combos. Also an Etsy shop …
I’m so glad you included Ornaments 4 Orphans! They are run by some friends from college who do amazing work and really deserve a shout out!
My favorite place to buy leather goods is GreatBrown on Etsy. They are a shop based in Ukraine. The quality of their saddle leather tote bags is outstanding. Plus, I want to support Ukrainian sellers during such a difficult time.
While I always feel a bit odd tooting my own horn, if you’re looking for a very personal gift this season, I paint watercolor pet portraits and am having my biggest sale on them that I’ve ever had right now on Etsy – and still have space in my queue for holiday delivery! And – if it’s a beloved family pet, I can make a print of the painting for you, for siblings, for whomever loves that pet!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/206199012/custom-watercolor-pet-portrait-original?click_key=7f67082bf3c31030c959c13c07a58006c59eda5a%3A206199012&click_sum=402ceca9&ref=hp_opfy-1&frs=1&sts=1