honeybunch

Feeling a bit Rip Van Winkle-ish, having come back from surf and sun to...full blown Christmas. Most houses on the street are in full regalia, Jingle Bell Rock is blasting in Loblaws, and, my God, were those snow flurries yesterday morning? My gourds look a little silly now.
So while everyone is feeling optimistic and happy and by gosh almost Christmas-y, let me point out a few great indie shopping sites.

Indie Collective is a great place to start shopping for handmade. You'll find lovely (inexpensive too) jewelery, things for your house, pretty purses and wallets, cufflinks and laptop bags and of course, baby and kid stuff - where you'll find me listed, of course!

For my fellow Torontonians, Toronto Craft Alert is an amazing resource. They list all the best local designers - small and large - as well as upcoming events. The Church of Craft's Pedal to the Metal 2 December 2nd at the Rivoli will change any lingering perceptions that crafty means uncool, lumpy macrame tea cozies. Think 40 designers of everything from zines to art to jewelery to t-shirts and 5 bands jamming all afternoon while you shop.

If you like to read as well as shop, head to Delightful Blogs for a quick pitstop. It'll point you in the direction of people who create good stuff and write about it too. The DIY-crafting section is the place to head.

Kaboodle lets you save what you find online (or offline, I suppose), organize into wish lists and share favourites so everyone in your extended family can see what's on the kids' lists. Handy. Here's an example.