When I was a kid, my mother made her own line of handmade children’s clothes. I remember waking up to the sound of Columbian women (legal, I swear) over my head, in our attic sewing samples. I remember playing with the bolts of fabric and bins of rik rak and ribbons that the UPS man seemed to deliver daily. I also remember seeing my mother’s pride as she nailed a huge Neiman-Marcus order, or learning her Christening dress had made it into the Smithsonian catalog.
Of course not knowing what a Christening dress was–heathen Jews that we are–I asked if it were a dress for a midget. A beautiful midget bride. I actually wasn’t that far off, I learned.
In any case, supporting small businesses, artists, and women who support their families through their work has always been a huge passion of mine. Anyone who’s ever heard me talk about why Kristen Chase and I started Cool Mom Picks has heard that story before.
So each year, we’re especially proud of our Holiday Gift Guide, because it not only helps out tons of moms looking for great gift ideas (and who want lots of discount codes!), it helps out tons of moms who support their families with those very items that you buy.
Kristen and I both agree that while it’s nice to be in InStyle or Lucky (really nice!), the most fulfilling part of our jobs as publishers is getting those letters that say “thank you so much for featuring my work. Thanks to your readers, I’m going to be spending the next month fulfilling orders, and that makes a huge difference to my family.”
While of course there are a few big-ticket items in there like that silver caviar server from Barney’s for your next invite to Lisa Vanderpump’s house, or a family sports vacation that will knock your favorite baseball fan’s socks off, mostly what you’ll find are amazing picks from indie and small businesses in every price range, for everyone on your list.
Here, just a few of my favorite picks from more than 150 (!!) gifts in our 2011 guide:
You might even recognize a few goodies in there from bloggers you know, like Handmade Charlotte, Little Alouette, and Mihow.
I really hope you like it. It’s a labor of love. Now go forth and shop!
The best gifts for my kids last year were from Cool Mom Picks gift guide. Thank you.
No, thank you!
Silverstein has a new book? (This may sound dumb, but isn’t he dead?)
Oh I need to buy that. Thank you Liz.
It’s wonderful!reviewed on CMP last month…
Oh wow, I am seriously coveting those rollerskates, and that dreidel necklace is really lovely too!
I just love those miniature silhouettes hanging on the Christmas tree. I often see them hanging on other people’s walls but I’m never quite sure where I can get them done. You simply don’t see silhouettes artists, or I don’t anyway!
Can you elaborate?
Kind regards
Kevin
Thanks Kevyn! If you click over to the guide you’ll see all the details. It’s a wonderful shop! http://coolmompicks.com/holidaygiftguide
The pencils! I had to order a set for my husband, and then when I got to the Etsy site I found PENCIL SET HEAVEN – five people on my list taken care of, including the one who is the. most. difficult. to shop for. Thank you, thank you!
He should really rename that etsy shop “Pencil Set Heaven,” shouldn’t he? Did you see the Big Lebowski ones?
So glad to be able to help, Meri!
This entry gave me some great gift ideas. You know what else it did? Moved you up one notch in my heart for the Lisa Vanderpump reference.
RHOBH 4ever!
This! Ha, ha, ha––>I asked if it were a dress for a midget. A beautiful midget bride. I was totally stymied by Christening gowns and Quincieniera (sp?) get-ups for years. Silly Jew!
I love your blog!
Where can I find that last necklace, the joy one? I didn’t see a link! Thanks!