Holiday Gift Ideas — English Scribbles

We all shop online (*cough* Amazon *cough*) during the holidays. You have access to tons of products, prices are fairly competitive, everything gets shipped to your house or wherever else you want it to go, and you can avoid the mall and other shopping venues where traffic and parking are abysmal, and the crowds make you lose all faith in humanity.

Merry Christmas, right?

I’m kidding. Kind of. But seriously, as an indie author, I like to support small and micro businesses. Believe me, I know what it’s like going up against everything else on Amazon. Also, gifts you purchase at small businesses not only benefit that business, but provide you with a unique—often handcrafted—gift.

So, without further ado, here are just a few of my suggestions for your holiday gift shopping consideration:

Antiques

Antique Distillery

I meet so many cool people in Instagram, and one of them is Susanne at the Antique Distillery in Lewisburg, Tennessee. She’s so down to earth and easy to chat with, and she’s got a great sense of humor. I mean, she’s a Predators fan, but don’t hold that against her. (Haha! #GOCAPS) She’s got a lot of interesting finds in her shop, so take a peek!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theantiquedistillery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theantiquedistillery/

Bee Vintage

I’ve known Dodi for a long time because our kids went to school together. She’s also awesome at gardening and plant arrangements. She taught me the “fill, spill, thrill” rule! Dodi’s since moved to Mocksville, North Carolina where she set up her antique shop. She’s got some cool stuff for you to check out! I’m digging the vintage maps.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/beevintage41
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bee_vintage_41/

Art

Autumn Rozario-Hall

I’ve sung the praises of Autumn before; we shared at booth at Faerie Con East last year. She’s in Des Moines, Iowa, and I love her artwork. It’s full of magic and whimsy, and she’s very inspired by nature. Her Prairie Series is a testament to her connection with the untamed places. I’ve bought many prints from her, and even commissioned artwork. If I had more wall space, I’d be in trouble.

Website (shop): https://www.autumnrozariohall.com/shop-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnrozariohall.art/

Martin Hsu

Martin is in San Francisco, California, and I found him through my love of all things Studio Ghibli when he blogged about his visit to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. I love how his cultural heritage influences his work, and how he incorporates Asian myths and legends. If you’re into Ghibli (he’s probably the biggest Miyazaki-san fan!), Sanrio, or Disney, you’ve got to check out his art. Naturally I have his book and several prints!

Website (shop): https://martinhsu.bigcartel.com/products
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinhsuart/

Crafts

Car Line Crafts

I love crafts, and from knitting to crochet to beading and sewing, I am the master of unfinished projects. This is not the case with my dear friend Heather. When she puts her mind to something, it gets done. Must be the Army that’s still in her veins! She operates out of Alabama these days, and she’s got a nice selection of crochet and wood work for you to peruse!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlineCrafts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/car_line_crafts/

Damask Rose

I love handmade soaps. Earlier this year, I decided to see where we could cut back on waste in our household. Every little thing helps, and we ditched the bottles of liquid soaps in the bath and switched over to bath bars. I love the variety of scents you can get, and I only just recently found out my friend Mary makes soaps, and they are wonderful! Support a micro business, save the planet, and smell good. So many wins!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DamaskRoseSoaps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damaskrose_soaps/

Meaningful Monograms

I feel like I know so many talented people! Kay is the creative behind Meaningful Monograms, and her work is so pretty. She uses real pressed flowers, shaping them into letters, animals, or any other thing that might tickle your fancy—and I have a feeling you want your fancy tickled.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KMeaningfulMonograms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaningfulmonograms/

Food and Drink

Clarity

If you have conversed with me or visited any of my social media outlets, you know how much I love Clarity. (See blogs on the Michelin-style dinner and the Domaines Ott dinner.) Not only does Chef Jon Krinn create the most amazing dishes (and have beautiful handwriting), but he also makes you feel like family. On any given night, you’ll see him talking to regulars, getting to know people, or whipping up whatever’s popped into his head and sharing it with everyone. Victor, our suave bartender extraordinaire always greets us with “welcome home.” Treat yourself and your loved ones and buy gift cards!

Website: https://www.clarityvienna.com

Vienna Vintner

We only just discovered this hidden treasure of a wine store after the Domaines Ott dinner at Clarity. How we never knew about this place is ridiculous. It’s independently owned, and their wines are hand selected. I’m not a wine snob, but I know what I like. Kyle took the time to talk to us about his favorites and offer tastings. In fact, they do wine tastings every Friday and Saturday (with exceptions). If you know someone who would love to be gifted by wine, but you have no clue what to get, visit Vienna Vintner, and they will be so happy to help you out.

Website: http://www.viennavintner.com

Jewelry

Andewyn Moon

Adrienne Sanders is a metalsmith in Nashville, Tennessee, and she creates beautiful jewelry inspired by nature. Mark has gifted me with some of her creations, and they’re simply wonderful. Her Night Magic Collection is out now, and I’ve been eyeing some things. (Fans of Alaric and his realm should definitely check it out!)

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AndewynMoon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andewynmoon/

Tresors de St Barth

I go with what I know as far as these recommendations, and I know I ADORE the leather bracelet with Tahitian cultured multicolor pearls Mark got me from Tresors de St. Barth. Owner and artisan Ted Deltour handcrafts each piece on St. Barth island, and the gift packing is very thoughtful and sweet. The jewelry is bohemian-chic and makes me dream of beaches and turquoise waters.

Website: https://tresorsdestbarth.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TresorsDeStBarth

Books by Indie Authors

Books, books, books! Below are the indie authors I’ve interviewed so far, and if you haven’t already done so, go check out their work and buy their stuff! Gift it to everyone you know!