As Black Friday approaches and folks start thinking about the upcoming holidays, I've been reflecting more and more on the benefits of buying handmade and wanted to share some thoughts. No you can't get an Xbox on etsy.com, but here's the upside of buying handmade:

• When purchasing something from a store, basically most of money paid for the item goes into a distributor's pocket and a few pennies fall into the hands of the person who actually made it. 
• When you buy handmade, often times the materials used are more environmentally responsible and the handiwork is derived from love and a specialized craft rather than solely the necessity of getting paid.
  
• Buying handmade often allows you to see the face and/or read a little about the person/family/lifestyle that you're supporting with your purchase. Many handmade items offered on Etsy.com are made by stay-at-home parents, for example, who depend upon the income they generate on Etsy to maintain that lifesyle option. 
• The cost of a store-bought item is not necessarily cheaper than its handmade cousin, and the latter will oftentimes last longer and be a more treasured gift due to its uniqueness. Case-in-point: Lala, a much-loved Waldorf doll purchased on Etsy for our first daughter is again a favorite friend to her younger sister. The cost of the doll was equal or less than that of a plastic, store-bought alternative and its soft, wool-filled body has soothed, snuggled and washed up like new for over three years now. Every time I look at that doll, I think of the fellow artist/mother I purchased her from and I feel good about where our money was spent.

So, I guess I just want to say, before you head into all that Walmarty madness this weekend maybe check out Etsy and see what bigger bang you might get for your buck going handmade. Happy Holidays!