True North: A family magazine for Bend and Central Oregon.

June/July 2010

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Handmade for the Holidays: A gift giving guide
by Sethi Jacobson

I must admit that I have a bit of an obsession with all things handmade — there really is no question as to what you're getting. The True North family was lucky enough to sample some of the very best in handmade gifts this holiday season. So, if you're looking for gifts that have character, personality, and extraordinary quality, then dare to go beyond mainstream and check out some of these handmade treasures. Be sure to check out the special offers that these stores are offering exclusively to TN readers! Click here to view all of the great deals available from participating stores. (PDF, 800k)

		1. Hippest Hostess Cocktail Apron "These aren't your mother's aprons!" and they're not kidding. The hippest hostess cocktail apron is calling me to the kitchen. With ruffles, super fun fabrics, and two front pockets these aprons are ready for the job. You can't go wrong in the kitchen when you look this good. Available through Grant's Pals. $40. 2. Fuzzy Teddy Oh so soft and snuggly! This adorable fuzzy handmade Teddy will become a well-loved keepsake. Available through Honeysuckle Dreams. $34. 3. Tampon Case These hip and trendy cases won't reveal anything but style. Not only do they keep your personal items from getting lost at the bottom of your purse, they are great for change and makeup too. Made from stainless steel, holds 3 regular sized tampons. Available through Grant's Pals. $17. 4. Lil Heart Doll There is something special about these little cuties. They are just plain loveable. Using only 100% organic materials each doll from Honeysuckle Dreams is handcrafted from start to finish in Diana Yun’s home studio. Each doll develops its own personality as it is designed, sewn, clothed, and hand embroidered. Available through Honeysuckle Dreams. $14.


		1. Tedde What's not to like? These bears are just plain silly and fun. Tedde makes some of the wackiest stuffed bears we've ever seen. So, if you're looking for a gift that's unusual yet classic, consider one of Tedde's unconventional bears. Available through Tedde. $17.95 and up. 2. Peace Bracelet This two toned metal stretch peace bracelet speaks for its itself. A perfect gift for spreading a message of peace during the holiday season and all year long. Available through Grant's Pals. $20. 3. Kitty Crayons True North staff has fallen in love with these little cuties. Not only will they provide artistic fun for all ages, they also make a very special presentation as a thoughtful gift. Each set includes six kitty crayons (custom-molded from non-toxic wax) snuggled in a recycled egg carton, wrapped in vanilla tissue paper, tied with a raffia bow, and finished with a hand-stamped note card. Available through Craftsbury Kids. $17. 4. Clutch Ball With so many colorful fabrics to choose from, The Clutch Ball is a soft, durable, toy. The gentle jingle bells hidden inside make this ball extra special. Safe for chewing, grabbing, and throwing, this ball is a perfect gift for a special little one. Available through Crafty Baby. $16.50.


		1. Custom Butterfly Single Flyer Add a little something extra to your child's room! This beautiful custom crafted single butterfly flyer has something special about it. The best part about creating your child's room with BuggaLove décor is the fact that you choose your paint colors and design scheme based on your child's room décor. With a plethora of design schemes to choose from you're sure to find a good match. Available through BuggaLove. $10. 2. White Bat Stability Leather Feather Earring These leather feather earrings are a brilliant Bend find! Each leather feather is hand cut from premium teepee leather, wire wrapped with gold plate, and sewn with 2 bright colors of heavy duty thread. Available through White Bat. $28. 3. Fleece Lined Winter Booties & Matching Beanie Set This is a great, easy gift for the holiday season. With funky vintage patterns to choose from, these bootie and beanie sets are a must have for the cold winter months. For 0-12 months. Available through BayBeeGee. $30. 4. White Bat Organic Striped Hats Your baby just got even cuter with this hand knit, 100% organic cotton Baby Bat hat. Preemie to adult. Available through White Bat. $24.


1. Organic Freeze & Chew Teething Snake This is the perfect stocking stuffer for baby's first Christmas! When this snake is soaked in water then frozen it becomes a soothing teether. As if being 100% organic isn’t enough, it doubles as a toy when not frozen. Wrap it around a crib, or car seat handle. Available through BayBeeGee. $16. 2. Herbal Eye Pillow There was no doubt when these little beauties arrived at the True North office. The smell of lavender instantly filled the room. Thanks to Elan Vital Anthology for enlightening our senses and putting us all in a relaxed state. Filled with 100% Organic Lavender, Rose Petals, Egyptian Chamomile and Flaxseeds, these special eye pillows will send stress packing. Available through Elan Vital Anthology. $18. 3. La Poire Business Card Sleeve I couldn't wait to pack this one of a kind business card sleeve full. This smart business/social card sleeve is an instant attention getter. What a perfect gift for that passionate business owner or entrepreneur in the family. Made of 100% blended wool felt, the sleeve is lined with coordinating, cotton Japanese Kokka Trefle fabric, with thoughtful accents. Available through Elan Vital Anthology. $10. 4. Bunny & Bear Hats These 100% organic cotton hats are cuddly soft and sure to keep little cubs and bunnies warm all winter long. Preemie to adult. Available through White Bat. $28.

	Handmade Gift Guide Directory: A Toy Garden carries a large selection of Fair Trade & Made in the USA toys. Waldorf & Montessori families and anyone who appreciates quality toys at reasonable prices will enjoy this family run web store. www.atoygarden.com BayBeeGee is a collection of unique, funky, uber-cute, wearable, washable, rock-able baby clothing. New storefront in Bend, at the corner of 9th & Wilson. www.baybeegee.com BuggaLove features unique, handcrafted nursery décor and apparel. www.buggalove.com Challenge & Fun will introduce you to a beautiful selection of natural children's products that are not readily available in the US market. www.challengeandfun.com Craftsbury Kids is a collection of carefully handcrafted classic wooden toys, natural fiber dolls, cozy knits, and artwork for kids. www.craftsburykids.com Crafty Baby specializes in unique, handcrafted items for babies, toddlers, & children. Their unique items are great for baby shower gifts, birthday gifts, nap time, rest time, or play time. www.craftybaby.com Elan Vital Anthology is a beautiful collection of handmade vintage treasures. Made in Bend. www.etsy.com/shop/elanvitalanthology Grant's Pals provides an eclectic collection of gifts, home & garden, holiday décor, aprons, and more. 541-350-4696. grantspals@bendbroadband.com Handmade Toy Alliance is an alliance of toy stores, toymakers, and children's product manufacturers from across the country who want to preserve unique handmade toys, clothes, and all manner of children's goods in the USA. www.handmadetoyalliance.org Honeysuckle Dreams creates beautiful, lovingly handmade 100% organic cotton dolls, stuffed animals, quilts, and pillows using naturally hand-dyed fabrics and yarns! www.honeysuckledreams.com Liliputians is a hip, indie clothing label from NYC specializing in custom, boutique children's clothes. All creations are heirloom quality, limited editions or even one of a kind. For hip babies, little girls & boys, and mommies too! www.liliputians-nyc.com Mary's Soft Dough, "Let your Imagination Fly." Made in Eugene, Oregon by Terrapin Toys, LLC, you'll find an inviting collection of modeling dough for children. www.softdough.com Pearl Grey, "it's all Retro Baby," offers funky & retro clothing & accessories for babies & kids! www.itsallretrobaby.com Skipping Hippos provides a fantastic collection of handmade coats, jackets, ponchitos, and ponchos. www.skippinghippos.com Tedde creates modern handmade bears stuffed with personality. www.tedde.com The Playstore provides quality wooden and natural toys for creative and imaginative play. www.playstoretoys.com Warm Biscuit Bedding, "Inspired by Big Dreams," provides custom heirloom quality bedding and furniture. www.warmbiscuit.com Whimsmoore offers intelligent and lovingly designed unique and classic toys, books, and gifts. www.whimsmoore.com White Bat is a fun collection of knit hats, hula-hoops, tee-shirts, jewelry, and body care. Made in Bend. www.whitebat.etsy.com