Your Guide to Local, Handmade Gifts on Etsy

Founded back in 2005, online artisan market Etsy has paved the way for re-imagining how goods are bought and sold, allowing independent crafters and artists to have their voices heard in the midst of ever-growing e-commerce. Headquartered in Brooklyn with additional offices all over the world (including one in our backyard in Hudson!), Etsy has become quite the global phenomenon, boasting 1.7 million vendors and 27.1 million buyers worldwide in 2016.

If you haven’t hopped on the Etsy train yet, you’re missing out on a diverse catalog of handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, home décor, supplies, and much more. It isn’t too late to get started though, and with the holidays coming up you can find something made locally for everyone on your gift list. Below, we’ve gathered a handful of artisans and vendors from the Hudson Valley with some cool wares to show off. Take a look and hopefully you find something you love — plus, as an added bonus, you’ll be helping local small-time sellers do what they love.

DiGilioDesigns

​Susan DiGilio, Hyde Park

What I sell: “My Etsy store features my original art on pendants, note cards, prints, magnets and ornaments.”
Why I love Etsy: “I love selling my products on Etsy. [You’re] always open for business and [I can reach] out to areas and people that I normally would not be able to.”
The Perfect Gift: Birth month flower pendant necklace / Luna moth pendent necklace

PrimaGiftShop

​​Danilo Vicioso, White Plains

What I sell: “Fun, non-serious and creative sweaters for people of all ages.”
Why I love Etsy: “I love the demographic that Etsy reaches. It’s not eBay, it’s not Amazon. It’s a wide range of people who appreciate creativity.”
The Perfect Gift: “Chillin With My Snowmies” sweater / “Fleece Navidad” sweater

LaLasPetPortraits

​Laura Massari, Mount Kisco

What I sell: “Handmade acrylic paintings on wrapped canvas. I’m trying to reach people who love their pets or want to give the painting as a gift to someone who loves their pet.”
Why I love Etsy: “Because I love that I can reach customers outside of my local area.”
The Perfect Gift: 11×14 inch pet portrait

YvonneLaubeDesigns / TinyLittleNest

​Yvonne Laube, Poughkeepsie

What I sell: “My shop features a line of home and nursery décor products I have thoughtfully designed and made.”
Why I love Etsy: “I believe a lot of people look to Etsy to decorate their homes, support handmade, and buy unique items so it is a great service to use.
The Perfect Gift: Peace and Love laser-cut ornaments / Laser-cut decorative LED nightlight

TheMermaidsMuse

​Kate Essery, Catskill

What I sell: “While I currently focus on Nativity sets and needle felting, the shop originally had a slightly different theme; Waldorf style dolls and toys for young children.”
Why I love Etsy: “Etsy has enabled me to send my work all over the world, from Australia to the Arctic Circle. The conversations that happen here inspire me and have even encouraged lasting friendships. I really love seeing the enthusiasm of others as they create their own art.”
The Perfect Gift: Father Christmas tree-topper / Waldorf-style nativity scenes

HuzzahHandmade

​Kathryn Luciana, Cornwall
What I sell: “My work ranges from hand-knit accessories and home decor, to wet felting and is constantly in flux.”
Why I love Etsy: “I had been selling at shows around the Tri-State area and wanted to reach a larger audience with my work, so it seemed like a good fit. Etsy is different than most online selling platforms, because it also has created a strong community for sellers.”
The Perfect Gift: Nuno felting wearable art piece

TheFlipFlopBitch

​Cindy Massari, Somers

What I sell: “My product is a chic tote that folds up into a matching wristlet that’s great for every occasion. It can go from casual to elegant and is a great way to carry an extra pair of flip flops with you wherever you go. The tote was featured on the TODAY Show by Kathie Lee Gifford as a favorite thing, Rachael Ray as a bridesmaid tote, and z100 by Elvis Duran as ‘What’s Trending.’ We were also featured in an Emmy & Oscar Swag bag.”
Why I love Etsy: “I decided to sell on Etsy after someone recommended it to me and I love that it is global! I also love the great reputation that Etsy has and that it really is the place to go to find true artisans.”
The Perfect Gift: Vegan leather totes

HandJStarCreations

​Judy Secon, Rye

What I sell: “My products are all handmade, they are made with a unique selection of fabric which I find all over the world, either through my travels, or purchased through the internet.  I am trying to reach buyers who are interested in a unique, one of a kind product, made with love.”
Why I love Etsy: “Etsy is really easy to work with, and provides a lot of support. I felt it was also the most well known handmade site. I love being able to easily showcase my items, and that I can reach a large audience.”
The Perfect Gift: Paris café pouch / French bulldog pouch