so, it’s black friday and cyber monday or some such thing. i don’t really do gift guides, because, honestly i feel gifts should be heartfelt and special and have everything to do with the person you are giving the gift to, and not so much what i tell you to shop for. so i think that you are perfectly capable of finding just the right thing all on your own. so, i’m not going to even try to tell you what that might be, because i don’t personally know your loved ones like you do.

i would recommend shopping at small, indie shops, like any one of my advertisers you see on the right hand column of the blog. lots of them are artists, photographers, or handmade, like something you might also find on the poppytalk handmade website where the best of etsy is represented. or from an independent mom & pop shop like rare device, perch, the curiosity shop or park life – all wonderful small boutiques in san francisco, but also shoppable online, to make shopping a little less stressful.

or, go on — make something yourself. that i feel good about. but, whatever you choose, think of your recipients long and hard, and what might be most meaningful to them. it could be a scarf you knit, or a photograph, or just something special that shows how you love them. love goes a long way. try to stay calm out there, and try and remember what it’s really all about. in the words of the beloved beatles, love is all you need.