Over this last weekend I've been doing my Christmas Shopping.
For us, presents are more than a token, but definitely not extravagant. The three daughters get useful items, and a certain number of requests (including, generally, six months' worth of toiletries and stationary!!).
My point is, that everyone gets something, but it is small, and staying within a budget whilst trawling the shops, or finding time to make something meaningful for everyone can be very trying.
Enter my brilliant idea for this year: Christmas Shopping on Etsy!
Firstly; I'd be supporting people like me, who are trying to make some extra pocket money to keep going through the times that are in it.
Secondly; consider the bliss of not having to battle the crowds in the shops?
Thirdly; I might possibly avoid costly mistakes if I'm not being harried and panicked, well, hopefully...
Well!
I have to say that I have just about everything bought, and now all I have to do is sit back and wait for the postman to deliver things!
There are a few items I need in town, but I know exactly what they are and where to buy them, and there are three things I need to sew, one big, one small, and one to finish off.
Howzat for stress-free present buying?
...and, what's more, it was fun, and...
...I met some lovely people, and...
...a couple of sellers gave me special deals...
...and I've got exactly what I wanted, as well as individual and special presents!
These are the Shops I used, if you are interested
(I'm not telling you what I got! Secrets must be kept!!).
I tried to shop local but many things just aren't made by Irish Sellers, so I went further afield, and then some Sellers had such gorgeous things that I just thought 'What the heck!' and went for it!!
Vickie Wade Fine Art : ab-so-lute-ly GORGEOUS posters of her Art!
Around The Island Photography : I've had my eye on Robin's photographs for a while now, and her new Photoverse venture is great!
First Fan, Cottage Jewellery : (Irish Seller) lovely costume jewellery, pretty and not clunky!
Ritz Glitz 555 : (Irish Seller) You have to see her dichroic glass, its iridescent and sooo beautiful...
Happy Cloud Supplies : I won one of her Star Necklaces back in the summer, so of course I went back for some beads and things! She has two Shops, Happy Cloud Moments has her jewellery in.
Mels Bells Cloche Hats : If you are a hat person, you've gotta check these out! I could easily buy half the shop, like maybe a hat to go with every jersey? and season...and occasion...and...
Dragonfly 1750 : (Irish Seller) These silk scarves aren't just bee-u-di-fulll, but also VERY reasonably priced! I'll be baaack...
Jewels by Jane : if you want some Wall Art you'd better move fast...I've already got the best one...hee! hee!
Eastwitching : You have to go and drool over Alison's Art! Each animal and bird has such character, and is so colourful!
Hearts and Laser Beams : I didn't really know what I was doing here, what with wanting to use my own photos, but Steph emailed me and she's made it all easy as pie! Efficient too!
Gifting Girls : Exactly what I wanted for a very reasonable price, including postage! Go Girls!
And that, mes amigas, is my shopping done!
Lots of time now for all the things I really want to do!
(Such as persuade the Junior and Senior Infants to sing in tune.....?? 9.20am Monday!)
