Artful Gifting

As we near the end of this year and the festive season catches up, I thought to share an intentional change I have bought to my shopping habits this year . This year I have been trying to be more thoughtful about the things I buy, I brought several new things into my life – intentional, lovely, artful, useful, and well-made things that I fully enjoyed and also have a uniqueness to them.

Books, perfume, paints , artwork… this list is not at all cohesive, but I ran out of energy – so these are the few special objects that came to mind. Some of these are for creatives while some are more artful and useful.

However do go through these lovely local businesses and show them their support this festive season , and rather than rushing to your nearest mall & dishing out money on the factory made machine line products , buy gifts that are thoughtful and unique this gifting season.

Browse links and descriptions below.

• Perfume - A few months ago, I bought two perfumes from Boond Fragrances. Each perfume is heavenly and local to its roots – Organic fragrances made in Kannauj, India and completely handcrafted . I purchased the two fragrance's Rose and माटी (Maati -which is the goodly smell of the first rain on dry ground.) Gorgeous fragrances I would highly recommend getting the collection package, they are also the most thoughtful festive gifts.

• Books for journaling and art making - They say you find your tribe and Say Hey To Art was the perfect collaboration we did this year. I found this thoughtful Woman Led business through Amazon. They have sketchbooks / Christmas DIY kits / bookmarks - and the products are of the most robust quality on par with any artist large brands . I have worked on their watercolor journals / acrylic sketchbooks you name it ! It serves as a lovely gift for your creative friends or yourself. PS: You can also use these books as picture journals they worked very well for me

• Handcrafted jewellery , accessories and decor - I met the wonderful Krishna Tolia in a virtual paint party and instantly fell in love with her abstract artwork handcrafted goodies. They are beautiful, colorful, mystical and all things lovely. Shop her collection here.

• Original Art - This one is super special as Nikita is a dear friend but more a lovely soul and a heartfelt artist she makes art which is spontaneous , courageous and nature inspired. I gifted one of her original's to my husband and would highly recommend you to have a look as well here.

• Handcrafted jewellery - Divya has a dreamy vibe to her jewellery and handcrafted items, I think i have picked over 4- 5 pieces from her across the year , I love her work and go have a look at her latest collection here.

• The Black Sketchbook- Last year I fell in love with Black background and discovered my true art style through this brand, and that is why it will probably be the closest to my heart. Again a women led business by the wonderful Niharika, It is the perfect gift for a creative who wants to break some barriers , find the book/ papers here.

As I end this list , I am pretty sure there are a ton of lovely handcrafted stores I bought from but I am missing . I wrote this blog on a whim and I hope to keep updating or write another one especially on home décor as I picked some gorgeous household items this year.

Anyways , What objects bring you joy right now? and would you also spend some time trying to shop local, shop unique and shop different this year?