Last Minute Gifts - 2016 Procrastinators Guide

Hey there fellow procrastinators! Don't let your fear of the swiftly approaching holidays force you into ordering gifts for everyone still left on you list from Amazon Prime! There is still time to shop independent, and support your favorite makers and small businesses.

Top tips:

• Shop brick and mortar - instead of heading to the internet, make the trek out to a shop that stocks the work of local makers. Can't think of any? The "stockists", "stores", or "retailers" page on your favorite designer's website is a great place to start.

• Attend the last few gift fairs this weekend. In San Francisco, check out the SFMade Holiday Gift Fair on Sunday December 18th. There you will find gifts for everyone, all made locally. 

• Scan social media for last-minute offers, and Open Studio events. Our own Sharon Zimmerman, along with studio-mates Corey Egan and Christy Natsumi, are hosting extended Open Studio hours Monday, December 19th through Wednesday, December 21st 5pm-8pm. So much more fun to shop while enjoying festive beverages in a gorgeous artist's studio! 

• Double check shipping deadlines on your favorite websites, and pay for expedited shipping if necessary. Send an email to the artist first to make sure your items will arrive on time, and consider shipping directly to your recipient. Most artists will include a gift note and gift packaging, sometimes for a small fee, and if you request it.

---

Or, just order one of these still-available favorites from the top of the post, and wrap up your shopping in style:

• Noteify's San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge zippered pouch | $24

• Etta & Billie's mini body oil duo in several amazing scents | $38

• Good West Co's indigo denim tote, on sale and ready to ship! | $125

• Kendra Renee Jewelry has a whole section of ready to ship, on sale designs, use code HOLIDAY for 20% off | $90-$3000

Gift Guide 2016: Gifts for Pet Lovers

1. Sleepypod Air Dog and Cat Carrier
For dogs up to 15 lbs and cats up to 18 lbs.

2. Wildebeest Geode Pet Food Mat
Let them make a mess!

3. Wildebeest All Weather Dog Jacket
Keep your beest cozy & dry on any adventure!

4. Siamese Social Club Magnetic Fishing Rod Set
Inspired by the magnetic fishing game for children, our modern version for cats transforms the typical wand toy into a dynamic, interactive toy for you and your cat. 

5. P.L.A.Y Pet Teepee
P.L.A.Y.'s Pet Teepee creates a cozy hideout for your pet to play or curl up for a nap!

6. Gulpy Water Dispenser
The number one pet item I get asked about is the Gulpy. It comes in two sizes for small or large animals - great for road trips and the dog park!

7. Original Digs LLC Pet Crate Mat
This light weight pet pad makes an easy travel dog mat/pet pad/crate mat. Just grab & go so your dog or cat will always have a nice comfortable pet bed if needed.

8. Siamese Social Club Coiled Rope Bed
Modern enough for your living room, comfy enough for your cat.

Gift Guide 2016: Gifts for the Home

This year I'm looking to embrace the "buy fewer, better things" philosophy, both when shopping for the holidays and in purchasing for myself. This guide is chock full of quality pieces, designed and crafted with care by thoughtful makers, so you can feel great about gifting them to your loved ones (or just keeping them for yourself. that's ok too).

1. Against the Grain abstract block print from Melissa Holden Art.  Melissa meticulously hand carves her own blocks and prints in very limited editions. I love the melding of organic and modern in this particular one, and the black and grey colorway is a minimalist's dream.

2. Small Walnut Trapezoid Bread Board from Deoria Made. The unique shape and the fact that it is handcrafted from a single piece of salvaged walnut makes this one particularly special.

3. Ceramic tumbler (comes in a set of 4) from by Pinckney. These would be a gorgeous addition to any nightstand, or as an alternative coffee mug (I can imagine really curling my hands around a warm cuppa joe in this).  Hand thrown and painted, finished with a white glaze. 

4. Golden Coast Soy Candle from PF Candle Co. Inspired by California's coast - notes of salty sea air, redwood, eucalyptus, and a heart of white lavender. This invigorating scent is infused with essential oils of sage and palo santo.  My new favorite (it's burning pretty much every day in my studio). 

5. Triangles Square pillow from Shapes & Colors. It's handprinted, which makes it extra special, and the pattern is featured on both the front and the back. A perfect addition to any minimalist's home.

6. Large Corner Spoon from Windy Chien. Each spoon is hand carved from walnut and one of a kind. These are truly heirloom pieces- a pot of organic spoon butter (for polishing) is included with each order to keep them beautiful.

7. Cocktail Diagram Tea Towel from Drywell Art.  Do you like cocktails? I like cocktails. My guess is we'll both find our favorites in this hand-drawn collection of sixteen, complete with diagrammed ingredients. Printed onto a natural, unbleached cotton tea towel that's machine washable so you can actually, you know, use it.