We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 

from HeatherScottDesigns

We just kicked off another year, and nothing makes me feel the fresh possibility of a new resolutions like a planner. I think it is because I dream of being organized There are a million different planners out there, but some of the best ones are on Etsy. 

Not only can you get a gorgeous planner, but you can support a small business too! Here are some of our favorite Etsy shops for planners. 

FavoriteStory

This California shop makes beautiful calendars and planners. I have one of their planners, and I love the design and that their materials are recycled. It does not get any better than this shop, and they have 45,000 positive reviews to show for it. 

HeatherScottDesigns

I love the wall planners from this UK-based shop, and they have lots of creative ideas and designs to help keep life organized. If you would like to do your meal planning on paper, there are some great options for that as well. I think this shop is definitely going to take off. 

lettercdesign

If you like to have a lot of options, but you still want to have recycled paper, this Conneticut shop might be a great first stop. I love their modern and simple designs, and I like that there are monthly and weekly options.

ClaireTIllustration

Wow, these planners are maybe the most beautiful that I have ever seen, and I love that they don't have the exterior spiral binding (turns out, that is easy for my little kids to destroy). The shop is based in the UK and mostly sells prints, but their planners look really, really special. 

FloatingThistlePaper

These gorgeous planners (from a Michigan-based shop) have weekly and monthly planners, but they are dateless, so you can start this planner whenever you are ready. I love this, because so often things there are wasted pages when you can't time things out perfectly. If you aren't always timely (even in your planning), this is the planner for you. And probably me. Timeliness is overrated. 

Want more options for your planner shopping? Check out CognitiveSurplus, MADEtoPLAN, badabase, and JOURNALJUNKY.

Love Etsy shopping? Check out this list of our 100 Favorite Etsy Stores for tons of new ideas!

from SmithncoShop

We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 

 If Halloween was any indication, we are all going big for Christmas/Hannukah/Winter Solstice this year. We can't celebrate together in traditional ways, so many people are really committing to their outside decorations. I know we are hoping to do a little more this year, just because we all need the cheer this season! 

Lucky for us, we can still find really beautiful and cheery decorations this year without getting the same old stuff from Home Depot and Walmart. Etsy has so many beautiful and unique decorations. Here are five stores that are really nailing it:

SalvageandBloom 

I love the outdoor decor from this store- these salvaged metal snowflake sculptures look like they would last a long time. They give trash materials amazing new life. Their flowers are ok, but the snowflakes are really special. 

ShopMeaSigns

This shop has a wide variety of signs and holiday decorations, but I really love these outdoor Christmas tree signs. They aren't huge, but they would look great by a front door. If you want something bigger, FischerCabinets has bigger trees out of reclaimed barn wood). 

DIYwithperfection

If you love a lit up house, you might love this shop from New York. They make all sorts of interesting lighting pieces that none of your neighbors might have. Aren't these funky and cool? 

HamlinRowShop

There are so many cute and spirited door mats out there now, but I like this set from Hamlin Row Shop. Simple, but there are lots of options from the store, so you can find what you want. 

FosteringJoy

Wreaths are my favorite decorations for this time of year, and I love modern hoop ones like this from Fostering Joy. Check out the whole store; everything is gorgeous.

Ok! Who is shopping small this Christmas? Check out this list of our 100 Favorite Etsy Stores for tons of new ideas!

At this moment in history, so many people are anxious to help small businesses and their owners, as they struggle through economic catastrophe. One great way to do that is to shop on Etsy for gifts and even things you need, so you can pay the maker directly. We know people are doing this, because during Coronavirus their numbers are at Cyber Monday levels! That's amazing for small businesses and for the environment!

Etsy is huge. There are so, so many options out there, and it can be hard to know where to start.

Luckily, we have been researching Etsy shops for 5 years, so we can point you to some of the best Etsy shops out there. We have shopped at so many of these, and we love them. Etsy shopping can be so fun, and it really allows us to shift how we think about shopping and how we spend our money.

This list doesn't cover every category, so if you are looking for something in particular, be sure to narrow the geography in the search, so you only look at shops in your country, state, or area. If can also be really fun to shop by location, and you can see all the sellers that are making things near you.

Here we go! Get browsing and support small businesses!

from UrbanEarthCo

To Wear

For Adult Cloths

TheBeeandTheFox (California)
NatureSupplyCompany (South Dakota)
UrbanEarthCo (Dallas)
Berisqu (New York)
laurenwinterco (South Carolina)

For Babies

SugarPlumShopCo (North Carolina)
henryandetta (Pennsylvania)
babysproutsco (Missouri)
2sweetcheeks (Washington)

For Kids

LolaandStella (Portland, Oregon)
NatureSupplyCompany (South Dakota)
landofpines (New Jersey)
UrbanEarthCo (Dallas)
thelittleblackline (Seattle, Washington)
MochiKids (Utah)

For Jewelry

SarahZentzJewelry (Santa Cruz, California)
barzahav (Brooklyn, NY)
CaitlinMinimalist (Los Angeles)
MagpieVintageJewelry (New Orleans)
ReStrungJewelry (New Orleans)
SKindCo (New York)
Shektwoman (New York) - City Skyline rings
GLDNxLayeredandLong (Washington)
MaderaLane (Portland. Oregon)
ValerieKStudio (Los Angeles)
VKEcoJewelry (Portland, Oregon)
SleepyMountain (Seattle)

For Bags

INTERICON (Hawaii)
WAAMIndustries (Minneapolis)
StitchCrafty4U (Utah)
Oliday (Los Angeles)

For Beauty

ButterMeUpOrganics (California)
OlivineAtelier (Seattle)

For Accessories

Yokoo (Atlanta)
FabulouslyFeminist (Pennsylvania)
UnpaperUnplastic (Florida)

from CindySearles

To Have at Home

For Living with Lower Waste

marleysmonsters (Oregon)
GreenCityLiving (Denver)
SaidoniaEco (Florida)
CreeksideKid (Charlotte, North Carolina)
moocowmomma (Florida)
curlymonkey (California)
AnnesHandcrafted (North Carolina)

For Planters

ThePottedEarthCo
CindySearles (California)
DipsandPrints (Pittsburgh)
SucculentArtworks (San Diego)
andrewsreclaimed (Seattle)

For Napkins and the Dining Room

ClearSkyHome (Michigan)
ohlittlerabbit (Oregon)
112JamesStreet (Washington)

For Ceramics and the Kitchen

dorothydomingo (Florida)
SawyerCeramics (California)
mudworks (Pennsylvania)

For Furniture

BrandonBuilt (Nebraska)
wwmakes (Chicago)
UrbanChandy (California)
ReclaimedWoodUSA (Mississippi)
HaresEarsDesigns (Virginia)
SaltCreekMercantile (Nebraska)
WoodekDesign (New Jersey)
habitatconcept (North Carolina)

For Outside

RopedonCedar (Washington)

For the Baby

TumbleweedBabies (Texas)
WillowGroveBoutique (Pittsburgh)
manzanitakids (Seattle)

For the Kids Rooms

strawberrymoth (Georgia)
irontimber (Utah)
WildRabbitsBurrow (Wisconsin)
warmpersonality (Denver)
halfpintinkstudio (Delaware)
LightingbySara (California)

For Decor

DustySquareDesigns (Texas)
EleventyOneStudio (Wisconsin)
SixFingerStudio (Montana)
GFTWoodcraft (New Jersey)
GRAINandGRIT (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Hoopsbyrae (Oklahoma)
jfjones (North Carolina)
LemonMadeShop (Austin, Texas)
DECORsuite (Georgia)
RootToVine (Indiana)
StitchedbyGraceNY (New York)

For Art

JessicaHaasDesigns (New Jersey)
CathyCIllustrations (Charleston)
Rachelignotofsky (California)
SzkloGlass (Las Vegas)
ChelseaPetaja (Nashville)
VacilandoQuilting (Utah)

For Cleaning Supplies

JuniperSeedMerc (Colorado)
TheLittleWanderersCo (Massachusets)

from OnceAgainSam

To Celebrate

For Gifts

TheMakeshiftGallery (Virginia)
OnceAgainSam (South Carolina)
foodiebords (Kentucky)

For Paper Goods

FavoriteStory (California)
OkayMiss (Denver)
CreatureComfortsNYC (New Jersey)
ObviousState (New York)
PartyofOnePaper (Michigan)

For Halloween

TreeAndVine (Maine)
TheCostumeCafe (Austin, Texas)

For Christmas

AllenbriteStudio
Buitique (Houston)
ChaostoArt (Charleston, South Carolina)
OakAndAnvilWorks (Missouri)
Tinworks (South Carolina)

For Weddings

LTCoutureAtelier (Maine)
floraandlane (Chicago)
MartinMcCreaCouture (Arizona)
WinonaBride (New York City)

Craft Kits

HouhaDesigns (Portland, Oregon)
UrbanCheesecraft (Portland, Oregon)

And the Really Random Stuff

CaramelsforKarson (Washington)
LaceyOlsonDesign (Arkansas)
HoffeltandHooperCo
CRETEATION
DOCKSMITH
CrochetfromKatie (Washington)
OffChutes (Oregon)


Ok, which of your favorite Etsy shops didn't make the list? Is your state represented? Happy shopping when you have to.

We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 

from Juniper Seed Mercantile

We know that the majority of the cleaning detergents and supplies sold in stores are loaded with unnatural chemicals that are bad for our bodies and our homes, but what is the alternative? First, for most everything, you can make something yourself (and don't get me started on just how easy vinegar and orange peel is to make- how did these all purpose cleaners ever make money?).

If you don't have time to sew your own sponges and make your own window cleaner, you can find naturally made cleaners and detergents on Etsy. One good way to do it might be to have someone else's formula to start as you work out how to make your own cleaners (you can find every recipe you need for the kitchen and bathroom here). Cleaners like these could also make excellent gifts! Here are some good shops to start:

JuniperseedMerc

This Colorado-based shops makes beauty supplies as well, but my favorite items are their cleaning supplies. They make fizzy bombs to help keep the toilet clean, and they offer scrubbing pads, vinegars, and more.

MilamCo

This company sells toilet tabs that have stellar reviews. My favorite thing about them is that you can buy refills instead of getting a bunch of unnecessary packaging again and again (in fact, you could just start with refills and use a container you already have).

RFRESHSOAP

This California-based store sells natural solid dish soaps. This is a newer shift you can make with your dishes, but the soap tends to last longer, and you keep a bunch of unknown chemicals off of your food surfaces.

ButterMeUpOrganics

This store (also based in California) has a lot of variety in their cleaning products, with everything from cleaners to soap nuts (never heard of them? Look them up, because they are pretty cool).  This might be a cool place to start if you want to try a bunch of things since you aren't sure yet.

naturalremediesbysam

If you aren't ready to give up your spray cleaners (me either) but you aren't quite ready to make the leap to making your own, check out the sprays from naturalremediesbysam. Her natural cleaners probably don't have a ton of materials in them, but it can be a great way to try out a natural cleaner before you buy one yourself.



Have a favorite etsy shop that didn't make the list? Point me there! Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

from GFTWoodworks

It's almost time to get decorating for Christmas! It can be easy to run to Target to pick up a decoration you need, but we know that easy and cheap for us usually comes at a WAY higher environmental and ethical cost- is it honoring the holiday if the person who made it was mistreated?

Instead of doing that, you can shop on Etsy! You get to give your money to a small business and maker, plus the objects you get are so much more special and original. We treasure the decorations we bought on Etsy, especially our tree topper, which I am pretty sure would also double as an oven mit (but we love that angel).

Now, before we get into this, I have to tell you, the best way to get Christmas decorations is always secondhad. Your local secondhand shops probably have tons of Christmas stuff ready to go, and if you have something in mind, ebay seriously has you covered. For example, they have 5,000 used tree toppers. FIVE THOUSAND. So if you have a dream decoration in mind, don't even look new before you check elsewhere.

That said, Etsy makers have all sorts of amazing takes on this holiday, and it doesn't get much better than supporting these small businesses. If you are looking for a nativity set, check here. I have also written special posts on stockings and advent calendars.

Check out these amazing stores:

Allenbrite

This Etsy store makes all sorts of adorable stockings. I love how colorful and playful they are. They also have a huge selection of different dogs and cats for if you want a stocking for your pets. These are also slightly smaller than the massive ones they sell at most stores, so less to fill.

AnneflowersCrafts

I love pillow covers for any and every holiday, because they pack away so nicely but have lots of impact when they are out. This store has all sorts of sweet and Christmasy designs that would fit lots of styles.

Buitique

I love this store- they have the most beautiful and special handpainted personalized ornaments. It looks like they may already be full for this year, but it might be an idea to try for next year! They also have some simpler ornaments that might be just what you are looking for.

cardboardchristmas

Trying to figure out what you are doing for a Christmas tree? Living in a small space? I absolutely love these trees from cardboardchristmas. They are completely recycled, and you can use them in a small space to make it really special. Those artificial trees have to be used for at least 10 years to make up for their carbon impact (and they still make a lot of plastic waste). This is my dream alternative.

ChaostoArt

This shop takes old quilts and repurposes them as stockings. Such a cool idea, and I love that it recycles materials instead of using new ones.

FantasyFabricDesigns

This store makes all sorts of fabric decor, from wedding runners to table clothes, but their tree skirts (with fluffy balls on the end) are my favorite. They have over a hundred options, so you can find something that fits your style.

GFTWoodworks

This shop sells a bunch of tabletop decorations and ornaments. I love their trees (one of the sets is at the top of this post). Another decoration that could make an excellent gift.

HappyPlywood

Want something special to put in the window or on the mantle? Happy Plywood's Christmas towns are so special. The kind of thing kids will remember as adults. I love that Christmas glow, and this really puts it to use. They also look really pretty in the daytime.

hoopsbyrae

I love the hoop wreaths, and these Christmas ones by hoops by rae look lovely. It just goes to show that you don't have to go over the top to make your space feel warm and welcoming.

JillMakes

I am absolutely obsessed with these patterned and colorful ornaments from JillMakes. Perfect if you have a fun but modern style or if you just love color. She also sells super cute diy kits that might be a perfect Christmas day craft.

OakandAnvilWorks

This shop uses recycled steel and turns them into totally original ornaments and nativity sets. I especially like the nativity sets and a gorgeous Santa sled.

resplendid

This shop is mostly rag rugs (that I also love), but they do sell some repurposed wood ornaments. Lovely and simple for a rustic style.

RootToVine

These adorable snowmen are made of repurposed book pages. So cute, and perfect for the book-lover you love. Check this shop out- they have little Christmas trees too!

SzkloGlass

This may be my favorite thing I found. This shop sells modern, minimalist glass pieces, including this gorgeous nativity set. So different from anything you will find elsewhere, making it feel incredibly precious. Such a cool shop to browse through.

TinWorks

This Etsy shop makes lovely tree toppers out of tin and copper. They look like they could fit with rustic or vintage or even minimalist/modern styles, and it feels like a family heirloom (maybe eventually it will be). Just a really special object.

WildRidgeDesign

This Etsy shop makes beautiful and natural wreaths. Check out the whole store- there are so many options.





What is your favorite Etsy shop for Christmas shopping?

We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 

from BearCreekFelting

I was never really a Thanksgiving person, but the older I get, the more I appreciate having a month of celebration devoted to gratitude. I also really love family and carbs, so that is a pretty powerful trifecta.

I am not really one for the super decorated table (you already have so much to cook! How can you also worry about the table?), but Etsy does have some sweet gems to guss up your Thanksgiving day. I tried to pick things that have a broader use than just one day. I also avoided Pilgrims and Native American of any kind, because I think that history is best left examined, not turned into cutesy decorations.

Ok, let's get to it!

112 James Street

I am a hardcore fan of cloth napkins. 112 James Street makes ones that look nice enough to use for a special event, but you could still use them everyday for the next 364 days after. I think cloth napkins have a huge positive environmental effect, but they can also elevate a table every time. If you want less subtle ones, check out these gems from ResparkedDesigns and ClearSkyHome.

ShopHadleyDesigns

I LOVE these placemats from HadleyDesigns- they are so cute, and they would be perfect if you have a lot of kids coming to your Thanksgiving. It isn't anything over the top, but I think it could really be the perfect addition to any table. Just be sure to ask for it to be shipped without plastic.

SucculentArtworks

Looking for a centerpiece with some impact? This succulent-filled pumpkin is just so beautiful. As opposed to flowers, you could keep growing these beautiful plants, so it could be a special addition to your home all year long.

BearCreekFelting

I am not about the kind of cutesy interpretations of our country's complicated history. On the other hand, I love cutesy interpretations of turkeys. There is so much cutesy turkey stuff on Etsy, but my favorite is this felted turkey. So fun to spend this month learning a new skill! Not your kind of turkey? Check out some other turkeys from AlaskaCC73, berkshirebowls, and Nanasgrungyprims.

MamaJamaCrafts

Ok, so maybe you won't want to use this all year, but come on! This is the cutest Thanksgiving banner I have ever seen, and it doesn't lose sight of the fact that this whole thing is really about pie. I love this one so much.



What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Have any new plans for this year?

Have a favorite etsy shop that didn't make the list? Point me there! Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists.