Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Last-Minute Gifts

While you can still get things shipped in time for Christmas on Amazon as late as December 23rd, most independent sellers are closing up shop after the weekend, if not sooner. Here are a few last-minute gift ideas, for crafters of all types!


Mailbox Monthly ($48-$144)
If you have a letterpress lover in your life, look no further: Satsuma Press will send them a delightful package of stationery, prints and off-cuts–different each month–for either three, six, or twelve months. Getting mail is almost as good as sending mail, and this gift means both!


Hue Yang Pottery ($20 and up)
As I type, I’m drinking out of a beautiful mug made by Hue Yang that I picked up at Bazaar Bizarre last weekend. In winter, a hot cup of tea or coffee (or hot chocolate, or cider, or…) is a true comfort, so treat someone to a mug or teapot. She only has a few items in her Etsy shop, but her contact info is on her website above.

Home, Paper, Scissors by Patricia Zapata ($20)
I’ve long been a fan of Patricia Zapata’s papercuts (she even did a diorama DIY for us in CRAFT, Volume 07!), and her first book is a real treat, full of simple, gorgeous projects that anyone can put together, no matter their skill level. You’ll look at the possibilities of paper in an entirely new way: it can be plaything, decoration, or work of art. I love the fabulous paper frames and the wineglass markers are brilliant, but there are also cupcake toppers, beautiful paper flowers, and all kinds of delights.


Pick Up Sticks Patterns and Kits ($6-$40)
Looking for a gift for a knitter or felter? Or wanting to knit something yourself as a gift? Pick Up Sticks has great patterns and kits for everything from felted boots in all sizes to tooth fairy dolls to a poinsettia wreath. (I made a pair of the baby snugs and they turned out beautifully!) If you’re in a hurry to make something, you can download a PDF and get started right away. (Best of all, they’re offering 15% off everything in the online store–just enter the coupon code HOLIDAY until December 22nd!)


Selvedge Magazine ($60 for 6 months or $115 for 1 year)
I can’t imagine anyone who’s interested in textiles or sewing who wouldn’t love Selvedge Magazine. A bi-monthly British publication, it has stunning photography and articles on everything from contemporary fiber artists to linen’s role in aviation history, Bauhaus weavers to subway seat textiles. If they already subscribe, pick up a few back issues! It’s not cheap, but that’s why it’s a perfect gift because you probably wouldn’t buy it for yourself.