It’s that time of year to spend all your money on your friends and family! But seriously, it’s stressful enough to think of things that your loved ones will use and love. I put a moratorium on shopping for all my family after Halloween to give me ample time to glean by their interests what they actually want. It’s exhausting. It’s not really what the season is about; but it’s fun to get little trinkets that family will enjoy.

LITTLE GIFTS!

• A simple bike chain bracelet. I’ve seen a lot like it. However in purchasing this you get to support villagers in India.
• Check out Taking the Lane! Elly Blue has added some amazing things like a couple different kinds of bike magnets (fancy/simple), Taliah Lempert’s Bicycle Coloring Book and much more!

EVENT!

• If you’re here in Portland, Oregon this winter, spin on over to Velocult for the 9th annual Bikecraft PDX! November 30 & December 1st from 11am to 6pm. There will be an after-party  on the 3oth at 7pm. The event is free, but be sure to bring money for beer, coffee, food and of course the dozens of vendors that are going to pack themselves in. Every year is amazing and you’re sure to find some really fantastic handmade local gifts for all the bikey friends and family in your life.
• Don’t have an event? MAKE ONE! Often times my friends and I will make a “Secret Santa” list at Thanksgiving to run through Christmas. It’s a fantastic way to keep gift giving prices down. To only have to shop for one friend instead of twenty and yet keep everyone involved. Announce the “Santas” at a new Years party or after Christmas party.

STOCKING STUFFERS!

• Dressing-2-Go – What? Really? Yeah. See, I really hate travel containers. They always goosh at the lid and the plastic is crappy. These are airplane-sized, the silicone goes all the way to the top of the threading so no break through gooshing. I use it for hand lotion in my purse. They’re great for shampoo for bike camping. Oh, and you can actually use them for salad dressing. The only problem is that if you’re not careful when you squeeze them they do goosh salad dressing sized blops of lotion on your hand because of the size of the hold on the lid, but other than that – I LOVE them.
• The Road Bike Key Chain Mini-Tool. Local designer, Michael Khamsot has made this awesome bike shaped bottle opener, hex tool, key chain. It’s uses are endless.
• Bike Chain Bottle Opener. This is really freaking unique looking. And in buying this you are supporting villagers in India.

MAKE IT! 

• It’s a little late to start projects, but you can get some amazing, unique fabrics from Spoonflower. Simply search for “bicycle” or “bike” – you can buy in yardage, fat quarters or test swatches. If you’re just making oven mitts or baby bibs you can get a few quarters or swatches in different styles and makes some really cute mix-and-match designs!
• Caroline over at Little Package Cycling Caps makes amazing hats. She’s also a very sweet lady and Portland based! Sometimes you get the creative bug and want to make your own hats. Well, she offers that option as well! She has a three panel AND a four panel pattern. Can’t wait for delivery? She has downloadable options. I like the physical patterns because they come with the insert for the brim and the elastic trimmings etc.