Economic times are beyond tough, and I don’t know anyone who disagrees. Cutting back isn’t the word for it anymore – we’re being careful with every economic decision regarding our family, including holiday gifts. As much as I would love to buy everything for my girls, we’re going to keep it simple and truly thoughtful.

This holiday season, aside from choosing thoughtful gifts for our kids, I’m once again making the Handmade Pledge**, vowing to buy only original, made-from-scratch items from artisans who put their passion and talent into their work. Instead of pumping hard earned money to big businesses who may or may not be folding in the next quarter, our dollars are proudly going to Main Street.

Here is a sampling of where to find high quality, handmade gifts for every member of your family – even the family pet! Not only will you give unique gifts, but it’s extremely easy to find products using sustainable and/or recycled materials, as well as many fair trade items.

Etsy** is the original marketplace for crafty and other handmade goodies. I started my love obsession with Etsy from the vintage fabric tote bags made by a group of moms in Miami about two years before green became the mainstream. I’ve never looked back since. Etsy is my go-to place for dolls (I buy a new, non-plastic friend for my girls every Chanukah), letterpress cards, pillows and even a piece of jewelry or two. You can literally find anything you want on Etsy, and it’s easily searchable. Many sellers custom make their items – just email them and ask! Etsy is a wonderful community, fostering relationships once seemed impossible for consumers. One warning – it’s addictive – once you start searching Etsy, you may never stop!

Trunkt** is like Etsy for the more artsy set, with professional artists and artisans offering their masterpieces in art, clothing, jewelry, home goods and more. They bill themselves “The Wholesale Directory of Exceptional Art and Design,” and they mean it! I’ve found unbelievably gorgeous house wares and funky finds I’ve been happy to pass along to friends.

One of my favorite online shops for kids is Craftsbury Kids**, and their Holiday Gift Guide** once again doesn’t disappoint. Items are handmade in small batches and are therefore very limited. Don’t forget to check out their “Under $20″** page for stocking stuffers or the last nights of Chanukah gifts. They’ll be sure to bring smiles to faces without breaking the bank!

The Green Women Mercantile** is a true greenie’s paradise! GWM’s founder, Sierra Stulb, has a passion for promoting local and sustainable, women-made products, and she’s stocked her shop full for the holidays. This is a great place for earthy, natural items ranging from baby slings to candles, herbal soap to hand-knit baby booties. Her most popular products are the African Market Baskets** – made in Ghana through fair-trade practices, these look like a welcome addition to any home.

This is just a tiny sampling of the craftiness to be found online. Challenge yourself this year by buying handmade! Don’t forget, many of these products on all sites are custom made, so you need to order quickly if you want delivery by holiday time! Good luck and happy handmade shopping!

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