Before the read
Etsy is full of artisanal Christmas gifts that support small businesses and skip the big-box retailer guilt.
Choosing handmade, eco-conscious products from independent makers helps you gift with purpose and impact.
From reclaimed wood shelves to zero-waste candles, there’s something thoughtful for every style and budget.
Your loved ones deserve ethical, handmade gifts this holiday season.
If you want to give thoughtful gifts this year without getting swept up in the chaos of holiday shopping, Etsy is a great place to start. It’s full of independent artisans from around the world selling unique, handmade products. Your loved ones get something truly special, you support small businesses, and you keep your money out of the hands of billionaires who exploit workers and harm the planet.
Here are the ten best Etsy finds by TrooRa for this holiday season.
Tree Shelf Made from Reclaimed Wood
Why should Christmas be the only time of year when we are allowed a tree indoors? This stunning shelf makes it possible full-time. The base looks like it grew out of the wall, and no two pieces are the same, because they are made with reclaimed wood, covered in knots and textures that would be impossible to replicate. With its muted colors and natural design, this would look good in all kinds of decor.
Handmade Leather Bag
With this gorgeous Handmade Leather Bag, leatherworkers from the Tuscan region of Italy send their warmest regards. This piece has la dolce vita stitched into every fiber of it. With this bag, your loved one will carry Italian flair on their shoulder without you breaking the bank.
This bag carries a promise to age with grace, much like the timeless city of Florence, where it was made. The leather will gradually develop a rich patina, a soft sheen, and a deepening of color that comes from years of use and handling. Each mark, touch, and sun-kissed hue tells a story.
Handmade Flower Soy Candle
Everything about this cute Handmade Soy Candle screams cozy. It is decorated with dried flowers and has a wide wooden wick that crackles like a fire. Scents include mango & coconut milk, lemon pound cake, and Christmas Spirit.
Even more hygge is the fact that these candles are healthier and more eco-friendly than most. They are made from 100% natural soy wax, which burns more cleanly than paraffin and is biodegradable. The fragrances are phthalate-free, reducing the amount of chemicals released during production. Last but not least, the candle is zero-waste, coming in a beautiful, reusable tin.
Handmade Macrame Necklace
When you hear jewelry on a budget, you probably think of knock-offs or fast-fashion pieces. Not this Handmade Macrame Necklace. Comprised of a stone set in an intricate lacey design created by knotting thread, it is unique and eco-friendly. The stone is a Preciosa Crystal, a high-quality, machine-cut Bohemian crystal produced in the Czech Republic.
Hand-Knitted Icelandic Sweater
This Hand-Knitted Icelandic Sweater comes with a comfy, Nordic vibe. This “Alasuq” design, originating from Iceland, is a striking round-yoke pattern in colors of denim blue, pink, white, black, and beige. It is knitted from the material ‘lettlopi”, which is a softer version of Icelandic wool. This material is slightly thinner than most knits, which makes it comfortable to wear, while still being very warm.
This sweater feels like a warm hug, welcoming you into Icelandic culture. Consider it your armor for those grocery runs when the snow is coming down hard.
Handmade Soap Bars Gift Set
The Natural Spa brings you soaps that look like art, as well as being vegan and palm-oil free. This gift set contains eight bars with the brand’s signature quirky fragrances, which include Mulled Wine, Citrus Blossom, and Matcha Mysteries. The formula is designed to be environmentally friendly and soft on the skin. If you don’t know what to get someone, it’s hard to go wrong with this gift set.
Wooden Desk Tidy
This Wooden Desk Tidy is ideal for those who struggle with a cluttered desk. So they won’t have to waste any more time next year looking for misplaced keys or a pen that actually works.
This desk tidy keeps all the essentials in plain sight with a spacious wooden docking station. It has sections for phone, watch, keys, wallet, and earbuds. Its compact size makes it a good fit for most table tops.
Handmade Ceramic Mugs
With their blue and sand-colored enamel design, these mugs will transport your loved one from a hard day’s work straight to a sunny beach. Each one is unique, having been hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel. They don’t have handles but are ergonomically shaped to fit perfectly in the hand. This gift will have the person thinking of you regularly, as a beverage warms them from the inside out.
Woolen Felt Slippers
These Woolen Felt Slippers are decorated with a colorful, flower design that will make your recipient feel like they are surrounded by nature, even during the dark winter days.
They are made from all-natural materials: wool and nubuck leather. This makes them breathable, eco-friendly, and even prevents athlete’s foot. The natural leather soles are long-lasting and firm enough to walk around in comfort. Each pair is handmade to order, so you can ask for specific colors or designs.
Female Body clay earrings
The final, must-have item on our list is these earrings shaped like bodies of all shapes and sizes. Because all bodies are works of art and deserve to be celebrated.
These earrings are hand-made from polymer clay and will turn any outfit up a notch. Perfect for your feminist friend who loves to make a statement.
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The Wrap
- Artisanal Christmas gifts from Etsy support independent makers while offering truly one-of-a-kind presents.
- Shopping handmade promotes ethical shopping habits during the holiday season.
- Items like reclaimed wood shelves, felt slippers, and ceramic mugs offer beauty with sustainability.
- These picks highlight craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and environmentally conscious materials.
- Many of the items are customizable, making each gift feel even more personal.
- Ethical shopping through handmade holiday gifts keeps your money out of mass-production cycles.
- Whether it's functional, decorative, or symbolic, every gift in this list celebrates slow, intentional giving.










