Business & Tech
Buy Local: Finding Holiday Gifts Online
Although we encourage you to frequent local brick-and-mortar merchants in the Woodbridge area, some local artists and crafters sell their work online on sites like Etsy.
The tug-of-war between small business and big business is often thought of in terms of tiny neighborhood shops versus big box stores, or, in more recent years, tiny shops versus behemoth online companiesΒ such as Amazon.
But not all local shops are brick-and-mortar. When buying local this holiday season, don't forget to support the many independent artists and crafters who find a home on sites like Etsy. Maybe their craft is a hobby that they pick up when they get home from work, or maybe they don't have the resources to rent business space. Maybe they also have a brick-and-mortar shop but choose to extend their customer base by offering their wares online.
Whatever the case, they offer items that are, in many cases, unique, hand-crafted individual expressions.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
So in the spirit of giving these sellers more visibility, here are ten items from local sellers on Etsy:
Harvest Spice Soy Candle in Votive Glass Jar. $3.50. Shop PurePalette.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
Virginia Tech Etched Glass Large Beer Mug. $15. Shop RobinsMonogramNest.
Crocheted Mary Jane Baby Booties. $10. Shop Crochetlovebug.
Silver Poppy Cupcake Topper. $20. Shop SweetLittleMorsels.
California Roll Sushi Hair Clip. $15. Shop PreciousParagons.
Antique Gold Tone Dangle Owl Earrings. $5. Shop robotsnappingturtle.
Metal Chinese Character Stamp. $8.50. Shop TheBeadBox.
Reisling Wine Bottle Sweater. $15. Shop FaisDodos.
Textured Draped Candle Holder. $35. Shop SundanceReflections.
Rustic Burlap Wreath With Red Flower Accents. $30. Shop RusticCoffee.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.