Valentine's Day Gifting: The Etsy Way

The last thing anyone wants to do this Valentine's Day season is go out and go shopping for, let alone think of, the best foolproof Valentine's Day gift to get that special person in their life. Gift giving this year does not have to be stressful and strenuous, I know we all are still recuperating from Christmas 2017. Or maybe you are an awe-inspiring gift giver and you always come up with the best ideas that are original and always knock your heartthrobs socks off. Regardless of how you go about getting the perfect gift for your valentine this year, you are going to want to check out this Etsy Gift Guide I put together for you.

Oh so you haven't heard of Etsy? Well you must be stuck in a robot product making nightmare. Etsy.com provides dedicated crafters, like myself, and people who sell fabulous vintage pieces, the opportunity to sell their crafts to buyers from all over the world. I can almost guarantee you that at least one, if not all of these products will end up in your Etsy shopping cart after seeing how awesome and different they all are. I even went ahead and did all the drudgery of searching through the shops to find the item you fell in love with. Just click on the picture of the item you like and/or the shop name, and it will take to right to it.

I curated this list of original and unique gift ideas through a search on Facebook. There is something special about our Etsy community on Facebook. We share our stories and our accomplishments with each other. We post our frustrations of low sales and new listings alike. But the level of hustle that derives from the Etsy sellers on Facebook, makes me appreciate being apart of this online community even more. And with that appreciation I have for my fellow Etsians, and always wanting to extend a hand and help promote Etsy shops as much as I can, I asked a few other Etsy shops from all over the world to share with me their favorite Valentine’s Day gift. I wanted unique, out of the box gift ideas, and I am pleased to share with you this collection of Etsy shops that will probably blow your socks off as well, with their workmanship and creativity. Each shop answered a simple questionnaire, so you could not only get the best description about the items they chose, but why they do what they do and why they love it. Etsy is home to creative minds and is a thriving and inspiring community to be a part of. Oh and I also went ahead and got the upcoming sales and necessary codes you will need to know about. Now let’s meet these Etsians and see what they have to offer you this Valentine’s Day.

Shop Name: FruitfulTree

Based out of: Taos, New Mexico

Now these are some flowers I can get behind. Stunning, reclaimed, and they will last forever. Sold! "A hand carved wooden rose out of a single piece of salvaged red heart cedar from Northern New Mexico. It is about 10" long with 3 petals and 4 detailed thorns. Each one is unique and a surprise even to me until I start carving the wood. It makes a great Valentine's gift because it will continue to share the expression of love all year long!" FruitfulTree does not have a Valentine's Day sale at this moment, but returning customers are always gifted a little treat of love for their next visit.

They say if you say your goals out loud, the more likely they are to come true. FruiftfulTree's goals for 2018 are "to make some new creations, discover some new wood to work with, and hopefully get enough sales coming in to make this more of a full time endeavor." Want to know the truth about these marvelous roses. Here is a review from one of their customer: "Absolutely loved this custom made flower! A true work of art that went towards a romantic idea I had to give my girlfriend. She loved it, brought her to tears." Now with all that said, I would like to give you some parting words from FruitfulTree: "We hope to inspire others to step out and create from their passion, and to be good stewards of our world's resources."

"I love passing on what I have created."

Shop Name: HeartSigned

Based out of: Nashville, TN

Now I am a sucker for a good quote, and when it is on the first thing I see every morning, even better. "Prepare to swoon, all you Edgar Allen Poe lovers in the modern age! This lovely mug gives you all the literary feels, featuring a quote from Poe's 'Annabelle Lee.' Snuggle up with a good book, and make sure you have enough coffee or tea on hand. The perfect Valentine's Day gift for book lovers." HeartSigned wants to let you know that when you use code: LOVE2018 at checkout you will receive 15% off a Valentine's Day present. This deal lasts from now until Feb. 15, 2018, but don't procrastinate. HeartSigned is a new shop on Etsy and setting themselves up to a good start with the following goals for 2018. "My goal is to get 50 sales in my Etsy shop for this year, since I just opened this month." and with 4 sales "I love it because it combines my various passions, and their first 5 start review, I would say they are well on

designing gives me a creative outlet." their way. HeartSigned would also like the world to know that "My shop is a collection of goods for passionate hearts, from teachers to military families to book lovers."

Shop Name: CraftingKates

Based out of: York, United Kingdom

Now I understand that not every person has a beau out there to indulge with on this holiday, or maybe you just want to stay in and spend some alone time together. I think this next listing has you covered either way. "A #datewithabook is the chance to rehome date night and fall back in love with reading. It’s really special for Valentine's Day, as it’s a totally unique date night for a couple and a way to spend quality time together without the distractions of technology. Your book date is made up of a mystery vintage novel, tea bag for a good old brew whilst you read, bookmark and crocheted coaster. Your blind date with a book means you get to read something completely surprise and it’s an amazing way to discover new genres or authors you would have never picked before. You really don’t get to judge the book by its cover! Plus each set is put together with love and care with the recipients in mind. It’s a really heartfelt and unique gift!" Sounds good to me, and its vintage, who doesn't love a ​vintage book. Ready to checkout,

well don't forget to use code LOVE and receive "I love my shop because it’s a little quirky and unique, like me and

free shipping on orders over $20.85 (£15). combines my love for handmade and vintage! Plus I love books!"

With 100 sales already under their belt, CraftingKates

goals for 2018 are "this year to make 250 sales and to launch

my subscription boxes and some other ideas I’ve had. I’d love to reach a point where I have 100 things listed in my shop!" And before you snuggle up with your new book and hot cocoa, CraftingKates wants you to know one more thing about #datewithabook. "My sets can be specially curated with the recipient in mind. I’ve been told I’m like a book matchmaker and good at choosing the perfect date night for you. I love the idea of rehoming vintage books, so I think everyone should rehome one themselves."

Shop Name: BasyaBerkman

Based out of: Evanston, Illinois

(sells locally by appointment only)

Did I mention how awesome vintage was. The items are usually one of a kind and always a unique present from the past. "Well, since I don't sell one particular thing, but a variety of vintage clothing items from the entire 20th century, I can describe WHY someone should shop in my shop -- All my items are personally hand-selected and presented in a way that does justice both to the item as a historical record of another time, but also as a contemporary piece that a creative, self-confident woman can use to express herself whether she is going out to a New Year's Eve party, or lounging at home, in front of the fireplace. These pieces are meant to last decades, as most of them were made before clothing was outsourced to overseas factories. They are about slow, lasting, and universal style -- not disposable consumerism." I do not have a coupon code for you on this item, but I do have a bit of information for BasyaBerkman's returning customers. You get a discount, but I'm not going to tell you how much. But if you've trusted me thus far, then you should surely check out BasyaBerkman, you won't be disappointed. Always adding to their shop and looking for the next special find for you, BasyaBaerkman has some new goals for 2018 as well. "Learn how to better market my business and wares via social media so that "I love my Etsy shop because it allows me to it reaches more potential customers. Collaborate with other explore many of the things I love -- creatives and online entrepreneurs to be more inventive fashion, history,and style." and stand out among the other vintage clothing sellers."

Shop Name: VsArtIllustrations

Based out of: Bulgaria

Don't let the distance steer you away on this next wonderful valentine's day gift. The work your up against is really minimal, it won't feel like you went to your local state fair and sat for at least 20 mins without moving a muscle. All you have to do is submit a picture. "Custom portraits/caricatures are very original gifts for family, friends, wife, husband, etc. They are something that lasts forever and something you can always enjoy. You know you can give it at any occasions (birthday, anniversary, wedding, valentine's day)! And you will make your loved ones really happy and surprised for sure." VsArtIllustrations goals for the new year are "to continue growing my business locally and to grow my business on Etsy, because this is my dream. This is what i want to do in the future." And they would also like you know one last thing: "The most important thing i want to tell is that i work really hard,until i'm sure my customers are satisfied with my work! And one of the best things in my job is to know that people are very happy with their portraits/caricatures.This brings me pleasure and makes me work harder! So far i had two sales on Etsy. Both my clients were very satisfied and i couldn't be happier!"

"I love drawing digital portraits of people and it's a real pleasure to have happy customers, who really appreciate what you are doing."

Shop Name: TinyHouseApothecary

Based out of: Olympia, Washington

I know that it is hard to believe, but their are individuals out there who swear off this holiday all together. But now they don't have to. "My unique soap skulls and smoked chocolate heart soap bouquets are truly unique, perfect for the Valentine's Grinch on your list!" So treat yourself and no one else this Valentine's Day, especially with a code: Codeval1, that gets you 20% off of most items in TinyHouseApothecary, which is good from Feb. 1, 2018 to Feb. 17, 2018. And with these soaps, I think TinyHouseApothecary's goal of their "shop fully supporting me financially", easily becomes a reality. If you think this gift is unique, imagine what they would create just for you. "I love making custom requests, my customers always give me the best ideas!" And their customers love to buy them too: "I absolutely love the soaps and lotion bar I received, the smell wonderful and are great for my skin. I will definitely be ordering again!"

"I love getting to do math and chemistry every day"

Shop Name: IndePendantJDesigns

Based out of: Northern New York​​

When I first saw this next Valentine's Day item, I knew it would be the perfect fit for this guide to unconventional Valentine's Day gifts. "The rectangle key-chain has a heart cut out that makes up the included necklace! So no matter what, you and your love will always have each other close by. What's even better- it can be personalized! Maybe you and your partner have sweet nicknames for each other, a special date, or a saying you both hold deep in your heart- add these thoughtful, personalized touches to this Heart Keychain and Necklace Set to make it the perfect gift this Valentine's Day!" And with two different necklace sizes, it makes a superb couples gift. This set gets even better, because IndePendantJDesigns is offering free US domestic shipping until Jan. 21, 2018 on orders of $30 or more, and you won't want to miss it. And you will also want to make sure you check this(<<Click) out and be one of the first people to know what is going on at IndePendantJDesigns like their goals for 2018. "One was to introduce a line of stud earrings and that was met just last week. There's another surprise in store for 2018 that I've been working on so keep your eyes peeled!"

Here is one more thing IndePendantJDesigns would like you to know about their shop. "When you purchase a piece and I extend a thank you, I truly mean it. Because every time you order a piece from IndePendant Jewelry Designs, not only are you supporting a dream, but you are also helping me create memories with my son as well. He's 2 and every time I sit down at my desk and pull out my hammer to create a piece, he will pull up a chair, run off into the living room, to return with his very own toy hammer. We then hammer away, giggling, and enjoying each other's company while creating these pieces! So thank you for not only allowing me to do what I love

when you make a purchase, but for also allowing me to "It is amazing knowing that someone in a totally different have these memories I'll treasure forever!" location is wearing something that I created."

Shop Name: DragonflyWoodWrights

Based out of: Rhode Island

Sells at: Made In Warren (Warren, RI) and Providence Art Glass Gallery (Pawtucket, RI)

Not everything can be for your loved ones, and if you want to disguise a gift for yourself as a gift for "the house", don't worry, I'll keep your secret safe. "My sweetheart cutting board is the gift they will keep and display. This beautiful handcrafted walnut and yellow heart cutting board with matching cheese knife will become a family heirloom. My boards come with a lifetime guarantee." Make sure you use code: Val18 at checkout starting Jan. 20, 2018 through Feb. 14, 2018 to receive 18% off of all orders, including custom orders.

We all do this for the love of what we do, and for ultimately our products find the perfect home. DragonflyWoodWrights is no different: "I'd love to grow Dragonfly Woodwright's. I'm working on some new designs and hoping that they take off." Before we say see you later to these beautiful cutting boards, I mean do people really use knives on these things, DragonflyWoodWrights would like to share one last thing: "I have 2 of the most amazing sons. Zack who is 27 and Xavier who is 14. They are both creative, caring young men."

"Etsy is an amazing community of artist and the buyers

really appreciate the art that they receive."

Shop Name: 3ofaKindBags

Based out of: Ocala, Florida

Don't worry, I never forget about the gentlemen out there. There is always new beard products and beard tutorials on how to use them coming out daily, but where are you suppose to store all of your new found necessities. Well us woman have been using a thing called a makeup bag for years now, and I know you don't want a makeup bag, so how about a beard bag instead. Tall enough so electric shaver or trimmer or both have enough room to stand up straight. With an elastic band to keep your beard oils upright and an interior pocket to put all your little new oddities in, this bag really is all you need to put a smile on any man's face. I also have a custom listing if you would like to choose what the fabric looks like. I am currently featuring items of my shop on Instagram(<<Click) frequently and the posted item is 15% OFF for that day. I am also doing a Valentine's Day loop giveaway, so follow @3ofkindbags, so you don't miss your favorite item on sale.

I always say that I bite off more than I can chew, but then somehow it always gets done. Goals for 3ofakindbags this year are to increase my social media following, to have at least 150 listings in my shop, and to collaborate with as many Etsian as I can. I have a few projects coming up so stay tuned. I do this all for my son. He will always be the best thing I've done,

even when my business becomes what I

want it to be. I am passionate about everything that I do, "I love my shop because it gives me the ability to spend as

and I can't wait for him to see how hard works pays off. much time with my son and still do what I love."

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