2nd Annual Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: Calling All Shop Owners!

Do you have a shop you'd like to showcase this holiday season? Are you ready to get a jumpstart on Christmas gifts this year? I'm here to help! 

NOW BOOKING slots for my 2nd Annual Handmade Holiday Gift Guide! Last year's gift guide was a big hit, so this year, I thought I'd support handmade shops again by offering more slots and more showcasing options for everyone's holiday gift giving needs. Shop owners...this is a PERFECT way to drive traffic and sales to your shop during peak shopping months! Not only will you be showcased to my fabulous readers, but also other participating shops as they share the gift guide with their fans, followers, and loyal customers! We're spreading holiday cheer all around!

The details:

• Open to handmade shops/small businesses/online boutiques ONLY (i.e.- Etsy sellers, StoryEnvy, Soceity6, etc.).

• Participating shops are asked to offer a discount promo code exclusively for gift guide readers as to encourage sales.

• Gift Guide will go live on the blog the week of November 11th and all shop promo codes will be active from Nov 11th through December 15th. This way, it gives our shoppers plenty of time to place orders and shop owners enough time to ship orders before Christmas.

• There are 6 shopping categories this year. Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for the Traveler, Gifts for the Little Ones, Gifts for the Home (i.e.-paper goods, prints, candles, wreaths, etc.), and Jewelry.

• Each gift guide slot comes with a short blurb about your shop, links to your shop, and the opportunity to showcase your top 2 or 3 best selling/favorite items (with links to these items). I will also showcase my 2 favorite picks from your current shop inventory.

• Cost to participate: $10 per shop (most shops will only have to sell one item to make that back!). Payment made via PayPal only.

• Each Gift Guide category post will be shared via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ to a social media reach of over 7,600.

• Spots are limited. You will be emailed upon acceptance to the Gift Guide.

Want to show off your shop and join the holiday fun?
 Email me at wetooktheroadlesstraveled@gmail.com. 
Deadline for shop entries is Wednesday, November 6th!!
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE, so don't miss out! Not a shop owner? Feel free to spread the word!

Jessica Oatman 'Bowtique' & Giveaway

SHOP//FACEBOOK//BLOG//PHOTOGRAPHY//TWITTER

1) What was your motivation behind opening up 'Bowtique' on Etsy?

I decided to venture into the bow business after a friend suggested that I try it. Once I started created bows, I realized that there weren't as many bows geared towards the military and childhood cancer. 

2) You offer a lot of cute bows that are patriotic or military themed. Can you tell us a little bit about your affiliation with the military?

I come from a long line of men and women who have served our amazing country. My husband is currently in the Army and stationed at Ft. Eustis in Virginia. My dad is retired military, my sister was Air Force, and my brother in-law is currently in the Navy. The greatest service however, has come from my brother, Sgt Paul Dumont Jr. when he paid the ultimate price while serving in Afghanistan. He was killed on Aug. 19, 2009 while serving in the Army.

3) What are two of your best selling items from the shop?

The two best selling items would have to be the lined alligator clips and the military headbands/bows.

4) Do you have any favorite items from your shop?

I really love the colorful bows, especially the cupcake ones. Who doesn't love a cupcake? :) 

5) You're also a very talented photographer! Can you tell us a little more about your photography business and blog?

I've been doing photography now for about 7 years. I shoot mainly weddings and high school seniors but I do shoot family, baby, and children's sessions as well. I started photography when my son was diagnosed with cancer at 2.5 years old. I wanted to be able to document everything he was going through and share it with him as he got older.

 

6) If you could give one piece of advice to a new military family, what would it be?

If I could tell you anything, it would be "to roll with the punches". What they say is going to change not only once, but maybe even 2, 3, or 4 times. Also, enjoy the traveling. Some of the places you go, you may never go again. Take advantage of all those opportunities.

Thank you so much, Jessica! It's been an honor to have you and your wonderful shop & photography business showcased on my blog today! Please head on over to say hello to Jessica and don't forget to visit Jessica Oatman 'Bowtique' on Etsy and use the code THEROAD15 to get 15% OFF your purchase!! In addition to Jessica's generous discount for you, my dear readers, she's also decided to give away one of her ADORABLE camo headbands to one lucky person! This headband is perfect for any little lady in your life and would be a special accessory for military homecomings, a new baby photography shoot, or just for showing support for our brave Armed Forces. All you have to do to enter is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below! Giveaway is open to US residents (and APO addresses) ONLY! Must be 18 or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Friends, Black Friday has come early...and in the form of a Thursday...but that's beside the point. The point is We Took the Road Less Traveled's 1st Annual HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE is finally here! And holy cow have I got some fabulous shops with amazing handmade goodies to show you! The 15 shops that are showcased in this holiday gift guide are among some of my favorites in the handmade world. They offer a wide variety of items perfect for everyone on your gifting list this year! Wanna know what's even cooler? Each shop featured in this wicked awesome gift guide has offered you, my lovely readers, special discounts to get you started on your holiday shopping! I mean seriously, how sweet are they?! I could just kiss their faces. So, go on, go ahead and get yo shop on, friends! And tell 'em Casey sent ya. ;)

--Gift Guide info--
+All shop discounts are highlighted in red.

+Shop discounts are good from November 15th-December 15th ONLY. Trouble with discount codes? EMAIL ME!
+Don't delay! Some shop items are limited edition and have limited quantities available!

+Please check each shops' policies for holiday shipping time frames and other pertinent shop information.
+Like this holiday gift guide? Let me know! Would love to continue the gift guide series...Valentine's Day maybe?

+Spread the holiday cheer, y'all! Feel free to tweet, Facebook, pin, blog, send a carrier pigeon, etc. to your friends and family so they can get in on the gift guide action as well!

Tweet about this Gift Guide!
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Pin this Gift Guide!

BrideBlu

shop//facebook/blog

Use code COTES20 to get 20% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!

Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:

1) Annie Milky Turquoise Pearl Bracelet 2) Cherish Personalized Hand Stamped Initial Necklace (I own this!) 3) AHOY Anchors Away Sailor Necklace 4) Chevron Vintage Brass Earrings 5) Mustard Hold the Ketchup Glass Crystal Pendant Necklace

Little Low Studio

Use code WTTRLT15 to get 15% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!

shop//facebook //blog

Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks: 

1)Bloom Art Print 8x10 2) Shielded Racerback Tank  3) Hoop Art *LIMITED EDITION*

 4) Wild & Free Eco-Friendly Throw Pillow Case

 LISA BARBERO
shop//facebook//twitter
Use code LB20412 to get 20% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards!)
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) German Map Wall Art (I own this!!) 2) Cool Chevy Blue & Green iPhone 5 Hard Case 3) Catching Dreams Typography Print 4) Be Brave iPhone 5 Hard Case 5) A Beautiful Thing 8x10 Typography Print 

Grace & Lace
shop//facebook
Use code FFSAVE to get 15% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Lacey Lou Off White Open Work Leg Warmers  2) Miss Molly Off-White Slouchy Button Down Leg Warmers 
3) Alpine Thigh High Oatmeal Tweed Slouch Sock 4) Milly Lace Black Cable Knit Boot Socks ( I own these in tan!)
5) Chevron Crest Plum Leg Warmers

Lola's Bebe Bowtique
shop//facebook
Must "Like" Lola's BeBe Bowtique of Facebook to get 15% off your purchase with code THEROAD15 (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Grey & Yellow Jersey Knit Headband 2) Sweet Sadie Headband 3) Brownie Headband 
4) Vintage Fabric Scrap Baby Girl Tutu & Headband

NEON & NUDE
shop//twitter//blog
Use code CASEYCHRISTMAS to get 20% off your purchase!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Blue & Pearl Bracelet  2) The Alyssa Necklace (I own this!) 3) Green Teardrop Necklace 
4) The Chunkster Bracelet (I own this!)

 SparrowNest Script
shop//facebook//Tumblr
Use code COTELOVE12 to get 10% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Harry Potter Inspired Moleskin Notebook: Ravenclaw Edition 2) Postcards with Hand-lettered Calligraphy 
3) Christmas Cheer Holiday Greeting Card 4) Indifferent Holiday Card 5) You're My Very Favorite Romantic Greeting Card 
6) Happy Holidays Handwritten Calligraphy Rubber Stamp

Precious Little Tot Boutique
shop//facebook
Use code COTES15 to get 15% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Small Diaper Bag with Travel Changing Pad 2) Baby Burp Cloths-Set of 3 3) Travel Diaper Wipes Case 
4) Baby Blanket 5) Cotton Baby Burp Cloths

InspiriBody
shop//facebook//twitter
Use code GIFTGUIDE to get 20% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Lemon Poppyseed Soap 2) Pick 5 Soaps from Scratch, Cold-Process 3) Honeysuckle Soap & Lotion Set 
4) White Tea & Ginger Soap

Issaino
shop//blog//twitter
Use code GIFTGUIDE15 to get 15% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) SIMA Texting Gloves 2) Brutus Bear Hat-Customize Colors 3) Dinosaur/Dragon Hat 
4) Short Bubble Cowl

Tookies Gourmet Delectables
shop//facebook//blog
Use code LESSTRAVELED to get 10% off your purchase (accepts Etsy gift cards)!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Punkie Pie Pecan Jumbo Gourmet Marshmallows 2) Mini Frosty Christmas Confetti Cookie-wiches 
3) Harvest Spice Jar Cakes 4) Ooey Gooey Peppermint Crunch Brownie Cookie-wiches

HomeSpun Happiness
shop//blog//facebook
Use code HOLIDAY2012 to get 20% off your purchase!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Coffee Cozy & Mug Rug Combo 2) Mustache Mania Coffee Cozy 3) Penguin Hat 4) Casserole Carrier

Pottersong
shop
Use code COTESHOLIDAY to get 10% off your purchase!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Wild Animal Coffee Mug Set 2) Shaving Mug with Ridges 3) Moose Mug Coffee/Tea Cup 4) BIG Shaving Scuttle Mug

Chloe Bonfield
shop//blog//twitter
Use code PEACEGIFTGUIDE15 to get 15% off your purchase!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Bird Sings of Snow Christmas Card 2) Christmas Stockings Print 3) Peace, Joy, Merry Card Set 4) Forget Me Not Print 
5) Personalized Christmas Card Packs 6) Christmas Bird Wreath Print

Rustic Living
shop//blog//facebook
Use code HAPPYHOLIDAYS to get 35% off your purchase!
Shop bestsellers & my holiday picks:
1) Scripture Pillow 2) Good Morning Pillows 3) Prairie Wild Pink Pillow 4) Rustic Wedding Day Pillow 
5) State of Love Pillow 6) Shade of Lace Pillow