Pick an occasion, get a brief.
Choose the occasion and the tool drafts starting points and questions to ask before you pay. General ideas, not recommendations of any product.
Occasions
Ideas to ask a maker about
- Personalized stationery or a print
- Ceramics for the kitchen
- Candles or soap in small batches
- A hand-sewn or knitted accessory
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- Does it need to arrive before the day, or just near it?
- Is a name or date being added?
Ideas to ask a maker about
- Linen or woodwork for the home
- A custom keepsake with the date
- Hand-poured candles for the hosts
- A framed print or map
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- Is it for the couple or for a host?
- Is an engraved date needed?
Ideas to ask a maker about
- Soft knitted or sewn pieces
- A wooden toy finished by hand
- A personalized blanket
- A keepsake frame
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- What are the safety requirements for the age?
- Who made it and what are the materials?
Ideas to ask a maker about
- A planter or pottery
- A cutting board or small woodwork
- Hand-dipped candles
- A framed local print
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- Do they have a style, or a color to avoid?
- What is the delivery date?
Ideas to ask a maker about
- A small ceramic dish
- Hand-labelled preserves or tea
- A notebook or card set
- A candle in a reusable jar
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- Is it perishable? Perishables cannot be returned.
- What will the total be with shipping?
Ideas to ask a maker about
- Ornaments
- Hand-knit mittens or hats
- A tabletop piece
- A small-batch food gift
General starting points, not a list of items for sale. Real items, makers and prices come only in our written offers.
Questions to ask
- Made-to-order pieces need production time. When must it arrive?
- Is the item personalized and final sale?
Before you buy any handmade gift
- Ask who made it. A named maker is easier to ask questions of than an anonymous seller.
- Compare the total. Price plus shipping, tax and any personalization fee.
- Check the date. Made-to-order pieces take time. Ask when it will arrive, not just when it ships.
- Read the return terms. Personalized items are often final sale.