Once again I’ve “scouted” the country for unique, handcrafted gifts for the arctophile who has everything. Shopping for thoughtful gifts has never been easier with this informative guide. Whether you choose to share these unique finds or keep them for yourself, well, that’s up to you!
Most gifts can be found on Etsy, and all items are under $60!
Etsy artist: MellyMo, $12
Playing with paper dolls has never been more fun. This magnetic version of the old favorite comes on a glossy sheet of 8-1/2- by 11-inch (22 cm- by 28-cm) magnetic paper (Teddy and his accessories will need to be cut out first), and you can arrange the former president with various outfits on any magnetic surface.
Décor Designs, $55
At half the expense but twice the fun of traditional wall coverings, this easy to apply (and remove) bear decal measures 54 inches wide by 28 inches high (137 cm by 71 cm) and is available in 21 different colors. Other bear and animal designs are also available. The durable high-grade matte-finish vinyl gives a painted look and feel to any wall.
Etsy artist: nommon, $7
Give an “upcycled” gift this holiday season. This artist rescues antique books and gives them new life as artistic decorations. The aging and yellowed 8-1/4- by 10-7/8-inch (21-cm- by 27-1/20cm) dictionary page is carefully removed from the tome and printed with the bear and butterflies image.
Note: You will not get the exact page shown in this image, but rather the same print on another page from the same book.
This product uses organic or eco-friendly materials
Etsy artist: bigtranch, $4
Made from a mixture of the purest goat’s milk and finest fragrance oils, this affordable soap is available in more than 60 scents and 23 different colors. The 3D polar bear soap cake comes gift wrapped in a clear cello bag tied with a satiny ribbon, all ready for gift giving.
100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of this soap will go to the Canon City/Fremont County Humane Society to help homeless animals.
This product uses organic or eco-friendly materials
Etsy seller: zenthreads, $27
Hand screen-printed with dark brown, earth-friendly ink on an environmentally friendly renewable cotton pillow cover, this 20- by 20-inch (51- by 51-cm) throw really makes a statement. The zippered cover is easy to remove for washing, and the price includes the removable inner cushion.
This product uses organic or eco-friendly materials
Etsy artist: makeit, $45
Give the main man in your life bears to wear. These wild bears, measuring approximately 3/4 by 3/4 inch (2 by 1.8 cm), are cast in pewter with a dark antique silver finish and set on high-quality silver-plated cufflink bases. To complete the ensemble, a matching tie tack and necklace are also available.
Web Exclusive Gifts!
Etsy artist: krisblues, $20
Pandas love breakfast. In addition to chasing each other around, their other favorite pastime is eating goodies that grow on branches. This 8.5 by 11 inch print from an original acrylic painting is titled and signed by the artist and ready for framing.
Etsy shop: steppie, $25
A play on the old British governmental saying, this screen-printed tee is available in unisex sizes small, medium or large. This company has many unique panda design t-shirts including the “nerdy panda” and “panda ninja.” They also sell panda accessories in adult and kids’ sizes.
Etsy seller: idiopix, $13
Each tote bag is hand-printed by the artist in her Whittier, Calif., studio, using eco-friendly water-based ink. Sized at 15 inches tall and 14 inches wide with a 2 inch bottom, the bags are machine washable and can be used to tote just about anything.
This product uses organic or eco-friendly materials
A-Skewed Creations, $25
This dense hardwood wine stopper was handmade by the artist on a lathe and is FDA approved solid stainless steel with non-deteriorating o-rings. At 3.5 inches tall, the stopper comes gift boxed.
Originally published in the Winter 2011 issue.
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