Handmade Holiday Gift Ideas

This holiday season, many of us would rather do anything than trudge the megastores, stockpiling more stuff for people who already have it all.

We would like something with texture and meaning. Made by a human. Someone who inspires us by chasing their own crazy, creative dream.

From the desk or kitchen table you're sitting at right now, you can access a world of items that fit the bill. But where to go first?

Here is a list of 10 handmade holiday gift ideas that will help get you started.

1. When you see the polka dot elves above, you can't help but smile. Just try not to. See? Still smiling. And how could they not make us happy – they're made in merry old Worthing, England by Paper-and-String. The felt fiend behind all this, Sarah Poulton, has shops on Etsy, eBay, Folksy – and a lovely blog. Yes, you do still have time to make an order – Paper-and-String suggests Dec. 10 as the Christmas deadline for North American customers. 

2. "Tis the season to take baths," declares Bathgasm, an Oklahoma-based maker of bath products. In this holiday set of bath bombs, the green Christmas tree smells like Christmas spice, the red stocking like candy cane. What do you think the gingerbread man smells like? The bath bombs contain skin-softening jojoba and grapeseed oil.

3. 'Tis also the season to get all dolled up for holiday parties. If you want to accessorize, but don't want to go as far as dangling Christmas trees or candy canes from your ears, how about these Rainier red earrings, made by Seattle-based Glass Elements. They're classy and Christmasy, but can also be worn all year round.

4. When it's too cold to grow flowers, wear these felted ones by The June Bride. Made from reclaimed wool, these pins can dress up jackets, blouses, and perhaps even hairstyles. It's also great to know that June Bride has been hard at work contributing to her community in southeastern Michigan. Here's an announcement posted in her shop: "I've collected $1,500 from my 2009 Etsy sales and have donated it to charities that provide food, heat, and medical care to local families in need. Additionally, another $100 has been raised for the American Cancer Society as part of my proud involvement in Etsy Project Embrace." Bravo!

5. With its gorgeous colors and design, this scarf from WryKnot is an absolute standout. There's also a story behind its inspiration: it's called In Flanders Field, in honor of the vendor's grandfather, Simon, who served in World War I, and in honor of all veterans.

6. Handmade gifts may not work for everyone on your list. But, thanks to Made by Jackie, a California-based paper crafter, here are some great ways to add a special touch to common gifts. The gift card holder above takes care of wrapping, and can be hung on the tree. The customizable wine-bottle labels add a memorable touch to a host or hostess gift.

7. Speaking of paper crafts, Seattle's Pink Lily Press offers beautiful holiday gift tags and cards. Her desk calendar (above), is another smart gift option, because the receiver can use it for all of next year.

8. Perhaps you're looking for a gift that's a bit more masculine. Check out these mustache mugs from Portland's Uptown Avenue. You get a set of six mugs, with a sturdy wire holder. A note from the store profile: "A portion of each purchase is donated to charities that we love. Some of our favorite charities include OrphanCry {which was originally just Russia and has expanded to include Liberia}, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Autism Speaks."

9. Still in the mustache department, we can't help but notice a great idea for the kids. These look like mustache-shaped crayons, but they're officially known as the "Mustchievous Coloring Device Complete Disguise Pack of 12". These are made from recycled crayons by Portland, Oregon-based Chase Dreams. Other great crayon sets include Christmas Tree and snowflake crayons, and Lego block crayons.

10. Another great children's gift is WoodToyShop's 10-passenger bus, with cute rainbow people aboard. It's made in Portland, Oregon by Mark, a toymaker and stay-at-home dad who creates classic moving vehicles, secret decoders and letter blocks.