My Go-To Etsy Shops for Gifts

Last week, when I shared some of my easy money saving tips, a few of you asked for recommendations on Etsy shops. There are a handful I can't share right now because I'm using them for bridesmaid and family gifts at our wedding. But! For now, I'd love to tell you about some of my other favorites. 

One thing I'd always suggest is to check the shop for reviews. I've been disappointed by a few items I've purchased on Etsy and the shop owners aren't always willing to work with you if expectations aren't met. Reviews are your friend!

Also, I try to always have a stash of gifts from which I can pull when I need a very last minute option. I don't use them for close friends, but if I get invited to a party or have a lunch pop up and feel like I need to bring a gift, it's nice to have a good candle ready to go.

{You can never go wrong with flowers}

For the newly engaged girl:

Dear Mushka is my favorite for sentimental jewelry. My newest obsession is her vertical bar necklace. I recently purchased it for a friend when she got engaged with her new last initial stamped on it. Every piece of jewelry is inspired by a bible verse, beautifully wrapped and affordable.  

Also, when we got engaged, two really sweet gifts people gave me were a manicure to a local spa (so thoughtful!) and a sweet ring dish for my nightstand. I've always admired this super affirming one on Etsy, but have yet to purchase.

For the hostess:

For the Host: My sister introduced me to this shop. I love to purchase her beautiful, simple items as hostess gifts. The kitchen utensil set is my go-to. I love that she has so many colors from which you can select, while still keeping the design minimal. 

Dandelion Textiles: I'm a *big* fan of Turkish Towels and have purchased quite a few from various sites. You can pay a lot of money - but you absolutely don't need to do so. Dandelion is technically an Amazon shop, but these are the best, affordable Turkish Towels I've found. They are oversized, come in beautiful colors and get softer with each wash. My sisters purchased them for my bachelorette party gifts and they were a big hit.

{Dandelion Textiles Turkish Towels}

For the new homeowner:

The Savvy Scribe: I think it's so sweet to give a return address stamp when a friend buys a new home. Haley, a friend from Atlanta, recently opened The Savvy Scribe and has a beautiful calligraphy stamp. I've not yet purchased this item, but we used Haley for a few wedding projects and everything was gorgeous. At one point, I asked her what font she used for something we printed and she said "actually, that's my handwriting." Amazing!

One Craftivist: For a stock the bar, I love to get a Mexican themed gift, such as a bottle of tequila or margarita glasses, then these Holy Guacamole & Let's Salsa spoons. 

For A Pregnancy Announcement

Oh My Deer Handmades: Last summer, I framed this Hey Babe print for a friend who was having a baby. I love sweet, traditional baby gifts, but sometimes it's fun to get something unexpected.

What are your go-to gifts? I'd love to hear! Happy gifting!

I scream you scream

I don't have grand plans to throw a party anytime soon, but if anyone is looking to get me a hostess gift anyway, I can't stop thinking about these ice cream ball makers.

You just fill them up with your ingredients and throw them around like a stinkin fun game, and 20 minutes later - voila! Ice cream!

For other fun hostess gift ideas, check out my post on Freshly Rooted today.

CliffsNotes for the Hostess

Remember how I confessed that my table settings aren't always the most lovely?

I've since fallen for this table print setting from Cake With Giants, and I believe it would serve as an  excellent crib sheet. My only concern is that if I accidentally put the dessert wine the wrong distance away from the bread knife, the print hanging on my wall would give me away.

But, a little extra accountability might be worth the cuteness...

table for two?

For as long as I can remember, I've had this idea that I will someday be the type of person that throws amazing dinner parties. However, I'm halfway through my 24th year and have yet to begin planning one.

Anthropologie's new Tabletop Design Tool makes me think it's probably best I haven't hosted on yet, since my creations were not nearly as lovely as those they made. However, it is an excellent way to practice my table setting skills.