Stocking Box: A Review
I’ve developed a slight Etsy addiction over the last month – and I’m blaming a fantastic new venture that supports creative types like me!
I came across Stocking Box via Twitter and fell in love with the concept.
Carefully-selected artisan gifts are packed into a box and delivered to subscribers – or one-off purchasers – on a monthly basis.
You don’t know what you’re getting (although you can look up the contributors for that month online) to preserve the Christmas-like element of surprise!
I ordered the second box put out by the company after the link was tweeted by Maria Ingram, the woman behind Alfie Winn Designs, whose work I have been admiring.
She contributed the Ziggy Stardust pin badge, which went to my David Bowie and badge-loving friend, along with the bird temporary tattoos from Kate Broughton.
Three of the businesses were rewarded for their Stocking Box contributions with follow-up orders from me.
I found a bag of tiny worry cats in my box from My Art and Soul and after looking at its Facebook page, I spotted two perfect thank-you cards for my son’s teacher and teaching assistant.
My children have been having great time with their hand-poured crayons from Diddy Colours, so I ordered some personalised ones for their friends’ birthdays.
Etsy also came to the rescue with a gift for my friend’s 40th. She lived in London for a while, so Made By Mrs M‘s framed South Bank fabric print fit the bill perfectly.
Her retro floral notebooks from the box have also come in very handy for compiling my summer holiday bucket list of things to do with the kids!
I’ve managed to keep my wax scent melts from Flamingo Candles and my wish bracelet from Wren’s Handiwork to myself so far!
I love that these talented women are probably working from home, like me, or in a small studio, running their businesses and doing a brilliant job of it.
I’m happy to support them – and discover unique handmade items in the process.
It looks like Etsy’s going to be my first stop before the high street for a while to come!