Day Four of ReadyMade’s Gift Guide Extravaganza
Amy Palanjian
It’s the American Way. No sooner are you through digesting your Thanksgiving feast, than it’s time to start making your list, checking it twice, and shopping till you drop–or until the major winter holiday of your choice comes and goes. ReadyMade served up a holiday gift guide in our December/January issue, and a batch of DIY giftables to boot, including chocolate lollipops, tiny terrariums, and the formidable snowball bathbomb. But, true to our American roots, we just can’t get enough. Each day this week on our blog, ReadyMade’s editors will present their own personal gift guides. Welcome to the fourth and final day of the ReadyMade editors’ holiday gift picks. I'm Amy, RM's Deputy Editor and while the lists by Katherine, Andrew and Alexa are a little hard to follow up, I'm going to give it my best shot. A bit about me: I grew up in Jersey, went to school in LA, lived in NC for a while and somewhat recently moved from Nyc to Iowa—which means my tastes include bits of each of those places. I also divide my free time between cooking, quilting and being outside, so that will help give you some context for my picks.
What: Jewelry from Pequitobun Why: Sherry is both a biologist and a talented jewelry maker and the three pieces I have from her are my most frequently worn jewelry. I love how she combines new and vintage elements to make totally unique pieces. Price: this pair has already been sold, but earrings start at $15 and go up from there Where: pequitobun.com
What: Vintage Feed Sacks Why: Because I love the patterns and the texture of the fabric. And because I like the thought of continuing the tradition of using them for quilting. And because they are so pretty that they make me obscenely happy. Price: varies, usually around $10-$15 Where to get: antique dealers who specialize in vintage quilts, on ebay or on etsy: Cherry Chic, or New New Kitty, or Vellicie Supplies
What: Gong Fu Tea's 500-mile Chai Why: More people need to toss the powdered chai mix and taste the difference in home-brewed chai. It's perfect for sipping fireside and this one is crafted by Des Moines' best tea shop. Price: $9 for 4 oz. Where to get: gongfu-tea.com
What: Seedling Embroidery Patterns from September House Why: Perfectly pretty inspiration for the embroider-to-be (which this year is my little sis). Price: $6 Where to get: septemberhouse.etsy.com
What: Wisconsin Preserves Sampler from Quince & Apple Why: These small batch boutique preserves (made with local ingredients when possible) from husband/wife duo Claire and Matt are artisanal and intriguing, in flavors like Fig with Black Tea, Pear with Honey and Ginger, and Apricot Almond. They make me want to read the paper with a plate of toast and coffee, which I take as an extremely good sign. Price: $24 (for your choice of three) Where to get: quinceandapple.foodzie.com
What: Donation to Big City Mountaineers Why: They get more than 750 inner city kids into the wilderness each year through week long backpacking trips and shorter day long events. I like to hike, I like helping more kids experience the outdoors, and I love this organization. Price: $50 will support a teen in the outdoors for a day, $500 will support a teen for an entire summer course. Where: bigcitymountaineers.org
What: Studio Scrap Bag from Anna Maria Horner Why: If you have a quilter among your family or friends (ahem), or just someone who likes to sew, this will fuel many creative pursuits. Maybe, if you're lucky, you'll even get a crafty ware gifted back to you. Price: $10 Where to get: store.annamariahorner.com
What: Handmade soap from Oliba Why: Their soap, which is all natural and made with organic ingredients when possible, is as much a pleasure to use as it is to simply keep it sitting around. I bought two which I plan to give as gifts, but until then they are sitting on my dresser sending lovely scents around my bedroom. Where to get: oliba.etsy.com
What: Antebellum-Style Graham Wheat Flour Why: Because heirloom grains are good. Whether you knead or not, this flour—which they bill as "the quintessential blending flour for rustic breads"—and ideal for graham biscuits and crackers—is a must try. Anson Mills is an excellent source for old-world heirloom grains and flours, so definitely check out their other offerings which include farro, cornmeal and hominy. Price: $8.50 for 2 lbs. Where to get: ansonmills.com 
What: Simplicity in Linen Cafe Gift Set Why: I believe that pretty kitchen linens are a key part of cooking. I love this gift set of 2 linen tea towels (with grommets for hanging!) and a linen apron from Sam of Inklore and consider it a fantastic gift for any cook. Price: $58 Where to get: inklore.etsy.com
What: Linen pincushion Why: I've decided to keep blogging about these until I get one as a gift as I really need a pin cushion. (Though at this point I'm slightly embarrassed that I haven't just spent the $13.50 on myself already.) Plus, the product shots in Namolio's etsy shop are so great that it's nice just to look at the pictures. Price: $13.50 Where: Namolio






































