Christmas Shopping Carnival

Update: I'm so sorry! There have been some new Mr. Linky software glitches. Apparently Typepad users have to have his widget in exactly the right spot on their sidebar (it's invisible) or the Mr. Linky won't work. So much for putting everything on auto-pilot! I've fixed the problem now. Please come back by and post your pemalink.

Can you believe we have six weeks to finish our Christmas shopping? That's 42 days, people. For those of you hoping to finish by December first, that's 19 days. Personally, I need to be finished shopping and wrapping by December 12 because of a family surprise.

All of that to say...we better hop to! Chop, chop people! Except, if you're like me, you are entirely unsure about what you're going to buy or make for everyone this year. Sure you have lofty goals of making lists and checking them twice. Of course you take their needs, wants, and personalities into consideration in order to give the perfect gift. Then reality hits and you realize you are going to be at the mall at 4:00 on Christmas Eve like all the other suckers. Let's try to avoid that scenario this year. Let's all pitch our five (or more) best ideas for gifts to buy or make.

Before we get started, I'd like to remind you that if you're going to link to your own post, please do so in the Mr. Linky below using the permalink for that post, NOT the main URL for your blog. If you have any questions about what that means, please see the article at Blogging Basics 101 pertaining to permalinks. Thanks!

Here are my favorites and suggestions:

1. Sarah Jane Studios. I just ordered two prints (Halloween and October) from this Etsy studio and couldn't be happier. Her work is just precious--and that's not a word I throw around lightly. They have an endearing vintage quality that I simply fell in love with. Just about everything is $20. There are few things that are $35, but not many. The prices are very reasonable and they are a gift you can be proud to give.

   In addition, Sarah Jane was unbelievably kind when I had a sudden brain failure and couldn't figure out how to pay her via PayPal. I know! I'm still shaking my head in embarrassment. Oh, and I kept e-mailing Scribbit and apologizing for my idiocy because I thought Sarah Jane was her mother (she's not). But seriously, you read the post and see if you think it sounds like SJ is Scribbit's mom. Sheesh.

2. Lisa Leonard Designs. Lisa is a mom who has a jewelry business. She makes personalized sterling pendants for necklaces, bracelets, and key chains. I was lucky enough to receive a necklace to review at Chili Tried. Lisa's designs are all hand-done and have a rustic quality that doesn't detract from their style. Almost every piece includes her signature fresh-water pearl. Her designs range from $40-48. I wear my necklace all the time and receive many compliments. I've had many friends say they would love to have one of these for Christmas, so keep it in mind!

3. Sew, Mama, Sew. For all you crafters out there who are determined to make your gifts, Sew, Mama, Sew is posting a different tutorial every day in November. She also has an online fabric store with delicious fabrics. Seriously, your mouth will water. I, personally, am thinking I may make some aprons. I'm just not sure who I'd give them to because I think I'm the only person I know who would actually wear one! Ah, well. Maybe they could hang it in their kitchen and appreciate the fabric as art.

4. Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theater). This is at the tippy-top of my own personal list this year. I've already given it to my mom for her birthday. I know several other people who would love to own it too. If you have not seen this movie version of the classic tale, do yourself a favor. It's magnificent. The characters have depth, the acting is superb, the scenery is breathtaking. Also, it's a whole new take on the break-up. Steamy doesn't even begin to cover it! If you know someone who loves Pride & Prejudice (with Colin Firth), you know someone who will love Jane Eyre.

5. Heifer International. My friend, Ann, has been pushing this charity for years. Heifer International is unlike regular global relief groups because it's not just a hand out. This organization focuses on hard work and community involvement.  How? From their web site:

• Cornerstones guide our efforts to end world  hunger and care for the earth.
• Long-Term Solutions emphasizing community involvement distinguish our work from that of global relief organizations.
• “Passing on the Gift” means recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger.
  
• Environment and Sustainable Development is taught to our project recipients to help them achieve sustainable agricultural production.
• Improved Animal Well-Being guidelines are strictly reinforced with professional veterinary training staff.
• Disaster Rehabilitation, with long-term, sustainable development the goal of Heifer's rehabilitation projects.
• How We Measure Success shows how people's lives have permanently changed since Heifer came along.

If you're looking for a way to make difference in the world, you may have found a way through Heifer International. Buy a goat, cow, chicken, geese, honey bees, etc. for a family that wants to better themselves and help them do just that. The confidence that comes from working hard and contributing to your community is hard to beat. A helping hand to stand on your own two feet is better than a hand out any day.

6. 20x200 Prints. This site believes art is for everyone. If you've ever wanted to own original art, but were scared away by sticker shock, this site is for you. Every week they offer two pieces of original work (one photo, one work on paper). From their site:

Each image is available in three sizes.* The smallest size is reprinted in the largest batch – an edition of 200 – and sold at the lowest price – $20.

For more information, read about how they started and why. Or simply go see what's new this week. Keep in mind they sometimes still have things from previous weeks. New editions go online Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2pm est.

Shameless self-promotion: I make money if you click on my links to go to Amazon and buy items there. My Amazon links are the books I've read this year (listed on my left sidebar) and the links under Chili Recommends (also on the left sidebar). I also make money if you click the links on my Widget Bucks bar over there on the right sidebar. So if you're going to Amazon.com anywaaaay, you could get there from here even if you're not going to buy anything related to my link. I'll get credit for being the gateway.

Comments

[Smockity Frocks]

I'm ready with mine, but I'm not seeing Mr. Linky.

[Liza's Eyeview]

I do not see the Mr. Linky ... are we supposed to leave the link on the comments? If so, here it is:

http://lizas-eyeview.blogspot.com/2007/11/christmas-gift-ideas.html

[Michelle at Scribbit]

Yes I can see how you could make that mistake :) Glad you liked her stuff, I'm really pleased with the prints I got from Sarah Jane.

There are some good links here . . . clickity clickity click

[Mommy Cracked]

I've got mine up here:

http://mommycracked.blogspot.com/2007/11/5-unique-holiday-gift-ideas.html

[AbsolutelyBananas]

WHERE is Mr Linky hiding? Well anyhow, here's my link! http://www.absolutelybananas.com/2007/11/under-20-holiday-gift-guide-because-who.html

[phyllis]

mr. linky hides from me too...here's mine:-)
http://imabima.blogspot.com/2007/11/creative-holiday-gifts-of-tzedakah.html

[Ornery's Wife]

My list is up. I hope Mr. Linky comes home soon!
http://thoughtsfrommillermanor.blogspot.com/2007/11/holiday-shopping-carnival.html

[Melissa]

Where, oh where is Mr. Linky? Oh Where, Oh Where can he be?

Here is my link:

Melissa's Idea Garden
http://www.melissaomarkham.com/2007/11/christmas_list_carnival_ideas.html

[Jenny from Chicago]

That crazy mr. linky is getting coffee....I need some too.

[PT-LawMom]

Here's mine:
http://ptlawmom.com/2007/11/11/holiday-gift-ideas/

[pam]

Heres mine:http://withoutfear07.blogspot.com/2007/11/christmas-shopping-carnival.html

[An Iowa Mom]

Since I don't see Mr. Linky either ... I'll leave my link here. :)

http://www.aniowamom.com/an_iowa_mom/2007/11/if-you-havent-s.html

[ellen b]

Same Same...I don't see the linky either...
I'll check back.

[ellen b]

Oh I forgot this is my direct link.
http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/2007/11/12/holiday-shopping-carnival/

[Randall]

While we wait for Mr. Linky - come on over and check out my gift ideas!

[Amy]

Whoo hoo! I can see Mr Linky, and he says I'm the first one, LOL. My list of tried and true suggestions is posted!

[Meg]

Can't wait to read the other recommendations! Thanks for a great idea!

[Two Knives]

This was a wonderful idea. Thanks for taking it on!

[Smockity Frocks]

Thank you, Melanie.

[Jennifer]

Thanks for hosting this. A great idea!!

[Linda]

Great tips and sites! I am going to be posting mine later today.

[Charity]

What a fun idea! Here is my list:
http://charitree.blogspot.com/2007/11/holiday-shopping-carnival.html

[Two Knives]

I love Lisa Leonard's stuff! I have seen something similar to this but it was way overpriced -- in the $300 range. This is perfect -- thanks for introducing her.

[Christy]

Coming from Arkansas, I have known about Heifer Project for years. We have given flocks of chicks, geese, ducks, sets of rabbits, hives of bees, and even a Water Buffalo. People always seem to love these "donation" gifts because they personalize them more than just the regular "I gave in your honor" card.

And the water buffalo gift is a hoot if you include a CD of Silly Songs with Larry's "The Water Buffalo Song." (You know the one that goes "Everybody's got a water buffalo.
Yours is fast, but mine is slow.
Oh, where do we get them, I don't know,
But everybody's got a water buffalooooooooooooooo!")