Dec. 25th
Here it is again, looming large. You all know it, some of you love it, and everyone who celebrates knows what it’s like to not have any idea what to get people for it:
It’s Christmas.
Fa-la-la-la-laaa la-la la-laaa 🎶
By coming to Artisans Cooperative, you’ve already had the idea to get something handmade—and that’s a great start! In choosing to shop small, you’re doubling your gift-giving with support for hardworking artisans.
Now let’s narrow your search a bit more. Do you know someone who you might describe as an active spirit?
Yes?
Then read on!
No? Heck, still read on! A lot of these are multi-themed. But if you don’t find what you need in this gift guide, you can also take a look through our Artisan’s Choice Sale for your holiday shopping. We want to emphasize an artisan’s right to price their items in ways that reflect their needs and the value of their time. The ACS is where you can find shops whose owners have made that calculation and determined that putting their items on sale for the holidays is the right choice for them.
Table Of Contents
- Heart-Shaped Hand Warmers
- “Anxious Drivers Club” Keychain
- “Driving Gnome for Christmas” Greeting Card
- Seatbelt/Strap Cushion
- Head, Neck, & Knee Ergonomic Assistance Pillow
- Long-Antennae Shrimp Cat Toy
- Hand-Braided Pet Tug Toy
- Leather Bicycle Frame Handle
- Wooden Bicycle Stand
- Draft Beer Trailer – Handmade From Upcycled Vintage Trailer
Heart-Shaped Hand Warmers
Handmade in Texas, USA at MadeCreatively
Let’s start with a universal winter experience for the active spirit: cold hands. Whether you’re out walking, biking, playing, or driving, these fleece hearts can make for a cozy reminder that you are loved.
Comes in multiple colors.
“Anxious Drivers Club” Keychain
Handmade in Pennsylvania, USA by Stephanie Fleckenstein at Fleckenstein Designs
Maybe you have a loved one who’s on the road enough to have made a passion out of not being able to stand reckless drivers. Let’s not call it anxiety; let’s call it… sensibility.
This groovy keychain would make an excellent stocking stuffer—or a complimentary side-gift if you’re getting them that spare tire they’ve always wanted. For safety.
“Driving Gnome for Christmas” Greeting Card
Handmade in England, UK by Mike Davies at Prints With Personality
We love a malleable message. Is this for your daughter visiting from college? Is it your parents’ only warning before your arrival? Is it a declaration of familyhood for the childhood friend?
Do you just like the idea of traveling gnomes?
If you want to give a classic, simple gift of money in a Christmas card, or an omen of things to come, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Seatbelt/Strap Cushion
Handmade in Texas, USA by Elizabeth at Adservio Group LLC
Our final driver-specific suggestion that could fit in a stocking is also applicable to walkers with weighty bags and purses. No matter how far or fast you go, a cushion between you and a belt or a strap will go a long way to keep you from feeling worn down.
Tell your friend, “Hey, keep doing what you’re doing. Just do it comfortably,” this Christmas.
Head, Neck & Knee Ergonomic Assistance Pillow
Handmade in Oregon, USA by ALana & Helen at Cozy Folk LLC
Speaking of comfort, here’s an innovative version of a common travel companion: the neck pillow. Or… the knee pillow? Head pillow? Portable seat cushion?
What about all of that and more?
If you know that you’ll be on the go for a while, a pillow like this can only be a friend. This one includes a strap for malleable positioning and a snap closure for adding or removing stuffing if you so desire.
Long-Antennae Shrimp Cat Toy
Handmade in Washington, USA by Lee Cattarin at Riverside Refuge Studio
Alright, enough about long-distance and time-consuming travel. What about play? What about your best friend, Mr. Demon King the tabby tornado?
This handmade leather shrimp has long antennae to allow you to participate in the game without getting too close to the whirlwind of tiny blades that manifests with a playful cat.
Hand Braided Pet Tug Toy
Handmade in Pennsylvania, USA by Alyssa at Petits Morceaux
If you’ve never given your pet their own stocking for Christmas, let this and the shrimp be your sign to start this year. These tug ropes come in a variety of colors and are made from recycled clothing—an animal’s favorite tearable toy.
Tug ropes like these are most popular with dogs, but don’t shy away from letting your cat or ferret try something new.
Leather Bicycle Frame Handle
Handmade in Oregon, USA by Geoff & Valerie Franklin at Walnut Studiolo
You can’t get a bike on Artisans Cooperative (maybe someday), but we’re already host to a variety of helpful biking accessories. For example: this leather grip bike frame handle.
If you’ve ever dreaded the part of taking your bike to a particular place that meant getting off and lifting it—up the stairs, into the train, over the ice patch—then you may want to send this to a friend with a wink and a nudge and a “what do you think Santa’s gonna get me?”
Wooden Bicycle Stand
Handmade in Washington, USA by Christo
Okay, we lied—sort of. You can’t get a full bike here, but you can get a hand-carved wooden bike frame. If you know about bicycle maintenance, you can totally get a bike here!
But it’s three weeks until Christmas, and a $7,500 purchase may be something you need to sit on for a while… so here’s one of that artisan’s smaller pieces: a bentwood bike stand.
Draft Beer Trailer – Upcycled Vintage Trailer
Handmade in North Carolina, USA by Jivko Pentchov at Mobile Bars
This upcycled original 1958 GMC truck bed trailer is for the kind of driver who likes to take the Christmas party with them. Maybe for someone who likes to show off a little, too.
Drink responsibly!
Artisans Cooperative is a growing handmade marketplace for an inclusive network of online creatives: in short, a co-op alternative to Etsy. Check out more gift guides, or browse the marketplace directly, to find more handmade gems and support our artisans.