Mother's Day Gift Guide
I know how hard it can be to decide what to get your mom for Mother's Day. Especially with the circumstances of this past year, it should be something special. A piece that will remind her of you every time she wears it or looks at it.
We've put together this Mother's Day gift guide to show you some of our favorite picks for all of the lovely moms out there!
Make sure to order before May 4th to get it in time to celebrate! Take 25% off with code MOTHERSDAY at checkout!
Garden Reed Essential Oil Diffuser
This Garden Reed Diffuser offers a tantalizing mixed floral scent that smells like a lush garden.
Classic Sweetgrass Vase
This coiled, woven sweetgrass vase makes a beautiful display or is great for holding dried flowers or pens at your desk. It can also hold fresh flowers with a plastic insert.
Geranium + Rose Essential Oil Candle
This custom blend of geranium essential oil and rosehip seed oil - sure to evoke the nostalgia and joy of spring - is calming and relaxing; with an uplifting, pleasant floral aroma.
Ethically Handmade Calico Mist Cotton Scarf
Soft cotton handmade feel makes this elegant scarf easy to blend in with most outfits. Perfect for gifting, travel, or covering up at the office.
Handmade Kata Jute Shoulder Bag
The Kata Shoulder Bag is a classic, easy to carry around, and roomy around for all your essentials.
Organic Clay Mask Trio Set
A set of three clays masks: Fossil Clay for a gentle exfoliation that does not pull oils, Sea Clay for a stronger exfoliation, and sea mineral nourish and Lava Clay for a deep clean including blackheads.
La Playa Straw Market Tote
This large-size bag is perfect for a day at the beach, a trip to the market, or for everyday use. It's the ideal multi-purpose tote.
Organic Rose, Cardamom & Sandalwood Velvet Body Polish
Gently exfoliating, with the perfect delicate balance of moisturizing oils and butters, leaving you subtly scented, soft and glowing.
What's the Difference Between Green, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
The word "green" has long outgrown the color. It is used today in everyday speech when referencing anything related to the environment. "Green" is now used in fashion, architecture, product labels, food, and virtually anything you can imagine.
As terms such as sustainable, eco-friendly (or ecological friendly), environmentally friendly, environmentally conscious, and even the word green itself become more common, so does their ill-usage.
Thus, depending on how a brand uses these terms, they can mean a lot or nothing at all. We understand why there is confusion amongst consumers wanting to do right for the environment. As a result, we wanted to take the time to explain the difference between "green," "sustainable," and "environmentally-friendly," which are three of the most popular terms.
Knowing how these terms relate and how they differ can help you make a more educated purchase.
Sustainable & Sustainability
There is no definitive way or process in which sustainability can be achieved. However, technically speaking, the word "sustainability" is defined as "the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level."
Thus, when we apply this term to environmentally conscious practices, we are referring to the ability to maintain a healthy environment on a local or global scale.
As you might have already gathered, the terms "sustainability" and "sustainable" are not interchangeable. A sustainable product is an item that provides environmental, social, and economic benefits while also minimizing its impacts throughout its entire life cycle.
In other words, a sustainable product is one that, from the extraction of the raw materials needed for its production and all the way to the product's end of life, can be deemed as not being damaging or harmful for the environment.
Plus, the term "sustainable" also infers durability and longevity. If a product is of high quality, it is much less disposable than a product made to last a few short years and, as a result, more sustainable.
Green vs. Eco-friendly
The terms "green" and "eco-friendly" are much more simplistic and very closely related.
Something is called "green" when referencing anything that benefits the environment in some way — from products to services and business practices. In consequence, it is a very broad term and refers to the overall movement of more thoughtful and ethical production practices.
Calling or labeling something "green" suggests mindfulness for the planet. But, know that it is not tied to any certification or regulation.
Eco-friendly, ecologically friendly, or environmentally friendly are all use to reference the same thing. And is a synonym of something that is unharmful for the environment. It usually refers to products or services that do not contaminate the air or water or that contribute to sustainable living practices like recycling.
Both adjectives invoke a sense of environmental responsibility and that the company or brand cares about the environmental impact of their product or service offering.
Difference between Green, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Know that we know the definition of eco-friendly, green, and sustainable, we can assess how they oppose or differ.
Compared to '" green" and "eco-friendly" products, sustainable products and practices have much higher standards. More so, sustainability includes eco-friendly activities and green products, but green doesn't necessarily mean something is sustainable.
For example, a product made from renewable resources is considered "green." Yet if you analyze the product's life-cycle and turns out that:
- it required a lot of energy to manufacture it
- it required a lot of energy and processes to ship it to you
- there is not a proper way to dispose of it
Then that product cannot be considered sustainable. It might, however, be "eco-friendly" if it does not harm the environment or "green" if it was crafted through environmentally-conscious practices.
It is important to note that most of the terms we talked about throughout this article do not have a strict legal definition or usage requirement. In consequence, any brand or company could throw them around without any proof of green business practices.
Hence, if you truly want to make an environmentally conscious purchase, make sure you inquire about the product's life cycle and the company's sourcing process.
At Sunday and Lola, we promote a wide range of products. Some of these are eco-friendly, some are green, others are sustainable... We even have goods that are all three!
For example, our Kata Colorblock Jute Storage Basket is made out of only natural and green materials through small batch production that is also eco-friendly. And our Bamboo Pad Laundry Bag and Bamboo Pad Nest are 100% handmade out of bamboo that has been locally sourced and deemed sustainable.
Discover everything we have to offer! And remember every purchase you make at Sunday and Lola comes with a promise: that it's good for you, the makers, and the planet.
Why buy handmade products?
The handmade industry is booming! Handmade goods (also referred to as handcrafted or homemade items) have seized the attention of millions of people worldwide — becoming a phenomenon on its own known as the "handmade effect."
So, what makes handcrafted products so special? Why buy handmade goods?
We can't name just one reason why someone will be more inclined to buy handcrafted items. Nonetheless, these products usually convey a sense of uniqueness, higher quality, and creativity.
But it doesn't stop there! There are many other added advantages to buying handmade goods. At Sunday and Lola, we believe that handmade items are synonym of:
• Authenticity & Uniqueness
One of the most prevalent reasons to buy handcrafted is that no two handmade products are the same. Unlike mass-produces items, you often find exceptional differences in each handmade good. Handmade pieces vary in shading, color, shape, and texture — rendering the item unique.
As a result, no one in the world will have exactly the same item. It is that uniqueness that makes buying handmade items so much more special than machine-made products.
Additionally, given the nature of these goods, there are fewer of them. Hence, whatever you buy will be more authentic.
• High-quality
For the vast majority of people, handmade also means well-made. Why? Simple. Each handmade product undergoes genuine craftsmanship and stringent quality checks.
In other words, given the level of precision and care that goes into creating each handmade item, these products are more likely to stand the test of time and offer true value.
Whether the product is sewn, painted, knitted, or molded, there is a real person behind each piece. Consequently, the creator is empowered to form a feeling of pride that translates to higher quality and more attention to detail.
• Sustainability
The main difference between machine-made and handmade products is that handcrafted items are sustainable.
Large corporations own giant factories with high carbon emissions that pollute the environment. Plus, to ensure lower costs, companies selling mass-produced pieces usually buy raw materials in bulk (even if this means that most of it will go to waste.)
On the contrary, handcrafted products are usually made in small studios or homes that have virtually no effect on the environment. More so, because fewer products are being made at a time, there is a zero-to-less waste when it comes to raw materials.
Lastly, handmade goods often involve local producers, green suppliers, and ethical sourcing, making them eco-friendly and more sustainable.
• Social responsibility
When you buy handmade products, you support artists and crafters, local communities, and your local economy.
As we mentioned before, behind every hand-produced piece, there is a real person. Hence, when you purchase a handcrafted product, you help a person, a family, or even an entire village.
Buying homemade items also maintains individuals or groups working and earning money. The money received pays tax, supporting local economies. Moreover, the price you pay for it is exactly what you see, with no hidden costs or fees.
• Tradition
Each handcrafted piece has a story to tell. It reflects the hours, days, or weeks of hard work that goes into making each piece and the years of experience and learning of a specific trait. It also showcases the artisan's talents and creativity.
When you buy handcrafted products, every design, color, texture, material, and size has a reason for being; nothing is left to chance.
Unlike in mass production where one-size-fits-all, craftsmanship honors unique cultures, creativity, skill, effort, and time.
• Love & Care
Last but not least, handmade equals love. It is also a symbol of responsibility.
When you buy a handmade good, it shows you care. It means you:
- Support local economies
- Honor hard work
- Care for the environment
- Value high-quality
- Choose creativity over banality
- And much more
With every purchase of a handcrafted item, you are buying products that will not only benefit you. You are buying products that will positively impact the world that surrounds us, making you a more educated and conscious consumer.
But do you want to know the best part of all the reasons mentioned above? There are all great reasons why buying handmade products is better than buying mass-produced items. Plus, no one reason is more right (or wrong) than another.
Hence, we stand by what we said at the beginning of this piece. There is no one definitive reason why we should buy handmade goods. There are plenty of reasons and motivators!
Hence, next time you are buying a gift or thinking of purchasing something for yourself or your home, consider buying a handcrafted item. Homemade goods are more durable, more authentic/original, have higher quality, support real people, are more sustainable, embrace traditions, and show you care.
But, most importantly, they will make you feel even better about yourself!
Where can I buy handmade gifts?
The holidays are just around the corner! And if you are looking to buy handmade gifts, you have come to the right place.
We love gifting handmade goods. Handmade gifts offer personality, individuality, and something truly authentic to the mix that mass-produced items can't.
But, as you might already know, it is not always easy to find high-quality handcrafted items. Even more so when you want to buy handmade gifts online.
Hence, to make your quest for the perfect handcrafted pieces easier, we have come up with a list of websites for handcrafted items. All of these sites offer exceptional and beautiful products so your presents this holiday season can feel extra special!
Brands & Shops
1. Sunday and Lola
At Sunday and Lola, you can shop handmade goods from all over the world. The site features only handcrafted items made exclusively by small women-owned businesses with the highest standards for quality, eco-friendliness, and social responsibility.
Here, each purchase comes with a promise: whatever you gift is good for the body, the makers, and the environment!
Plus, Sunday and Lola collections include carefully curated items ranging from tabletop decor, pillow, and home fragrances to bath/body products and accessories.
Some holiday favorites include their essential oil candles, pom pom throws, and jute baskets.
2. Lush
If you are looking to gift high-quality cosmetics that are handmade, Lush is the best place to do so!
This brand sells delicious soaps, bath salts, body scrubs, and hair products that are 100% vegetarian, eco-friendly, and completely handmade. Plus, they are against animal product testing.
And if you want to customize your gift, at Lush, you can make your own box/gift bag to fit every budget, personality, and taste.
3. Bella Luna Toys
Bella Luna Toys has an entire line of handmade toys for children between 1-12 years old. These range from stuffed animals and wooden toys to hacky sacks and arts and crafts kits. Thus, you are sure to find great gifts that the little ones will love!
Plus, all Bella Luna toys are made with outstanding attention to detail and organic/natural materials.
The company believes in fair-trade and socially responsible manufacturing. Therefore, every gift you buy supports small businesses and artisanal communities from all over the world.
www.bellalunatoys.com/collections/handmade-toys
4. Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn, the famous American upscale home and furniture chain store, also offers a wide range of handcrafted products.
When visiting their website, just type "handcrafted" on the search bar, and all the handmade goods will show. Expect to find beautiful decorative pieces such as baskets, lanterns, and candle holders, as well as a great variety of quilts, shams, placemats, and rugs.
5. Feit
Feit is a well-known brand founded by two Australian brothers that manufacture shoes. Thus, if you have a shoe lover in your life, this site is a great option!
Feit offers clean, minimalist, and high-quality shoes that promote environmental awareness in very different styles and materials. But, where the brand truly excels is in its sneakers.
They even have a model called the "biotrainer," which is the first 100%biological handmade trainer handcrafted from cordovan, giving the sneaker a supremely luxurious finish.
6. Thos Moser
Thos Moser is a brand that produces furniture handmade in the USA, restoring the lost art of making sturdy, reliable furniture.
The brand uses sustainable North American hardwoods and relies on traditional joinery executed by hand and individual workmanship.
You can find everything from dining tables, mirrors, and dressers to serving trays and clocks on their site. Plus, they have a section dedicated only to gifting to order custom pieces or buy a gift certificate.
Online Marketplaces
1. Etsy
If you want to buy handmade gifts, Etsy is an excellent place to start your search. The site is the world's number one site for buying and selling handcrafted items.
This marketplace features over 400,000 shops worldwide, offering a wide range of handmade goods, custom made pieces, vintage items, and more.
2. ICraft
ICraft is the Canadian version of Etsy, featuring a global marketplace for all things handmade. The great thing about this site is that it boasts items from professional and recreational artisans, designers, artists, and craftspeople.
ICraft is one of the best sites if you are looking to buy handmade jewelry, paper crafts, or artwork to gift this holiday season.
3. ArtFire
Another great alternative to Etsy and ICraft, ArtFire is a Tucson, Arizona-based online marketplace that features over 66,000 artisans from the United States and the world.
If you cannot find what you are looking for on the site, you can always post a wanted ad in the "Forge" section.
4. Foodzie
Foodzie is a fantastic site if you are looking for homemade goods. This online marketplace offers artisan food from across the United States with an emphasis on regions. Hence, you can see who is selling/making delicious goods near you.
And the best part is, every item comes with mouthwatering pictures, so you know exactly what your gift will look like before purchasing it!
5. UNICEF’s Market
Last but not least, we have UNICEF’s Market, a site featuring beautiful handcrafted gifts. Every purchase helps save children's lives and supports talented artisans across the globe.
More so, you can filter items by region (i.e., Latin America, Indonesia, West Africa, Thailand), theme (i.e., eco-friendly, fair-trade), occasion (i.e., holiday decor, housewarming, wedding, good luck), and more.
What is the difference between handmade and handcrafted?
In the last decade, there has been a shift from mass-produced or machine-made goods to handmade and handcrafted products. This change has evolved into a movement known as the "handmade effect," which has impacted virtually every industry worldwide.
Today, countless products ranging from luxury goods, clothing, accessories, and even cars to everyday items, cosmetics, and furniture are handmade.
Popular and well-known brands such as Hermes, Goyard, Bentley, Lush, Anthropology, Aesop, Theory, and many more promote their products as handmade or handcrafted.
But, what does handcrafted mean? What is the definition of handmade? While these two terms are closely related, and most people use them interchangeably, there are slight differences or distinctions worth mentioning.
Handmade vs. Handcrafted
Generally speaking, when a company, brand, or person refers to handmade or handcrafted, it usually means the same: that the product or piece was crafted by hand and not by a machine.
Nonetheless, technically speaking, these two terms are not the same. The significant difference between "handmade" and "handcrafted" is how involved the crafter or artisan is in the product-making process.
Both techniques indeed demand the use of hands for their creation. But, handmade is frequently understood to mean that machine production may have contributed to the production of raw materials or parts but that the assemblage was made by hand.
When something is labeled or said to be "handcrafted," on the other hand, it means it was made entirely by hand or with the use of simple tools (e.g., knife, needle, paintbrush.) Hence, there was no machine involvement in the creation of the goods.
In case you still have doubts, let's illustrate the difference between the two words with a few examples. A bracelet could be handmade even if the artisan did not craft from scratch the beads or materials used to make it. Or a skirt can be handmade if it was sewed by a person even if the raw material (i.e., sequins, fabrics, zipper) were not made by hand.
Is buying handcrafted better than buying handmade?
When deciding to buy products or items made by hand, it is not a matter of whether handcrafted is better than handmade or vice versa.
In other words, you should not base your decision on whether it was made entirely by hand or if a machine was used in the process. In the end, it all comes down to a few things:
-
The product
Certain products can't be handcrafted as they entail a degree of sophistication or precision that requires the use of machinery. For instance, leather and genuine wood are lavished on the interiors and seats of Bentley cars. And while much of the work is done by hand, machines are always involved in the assemblage.
-
The artisan
Depending on the artisan's skills and experience making the product, a handcrafted good can be superior to a handmade item.
Expert crafters usually are very detailed-oriented and will thoroughly examine each piece for quality assurance. Furthermore, handcrafting has its roots in rural arts, and many specific crafts have been practiced for centuries.
Nonetheless, amateur crafters or artisans who are just starting might not have mastered the tasks at hand, affecting the result of the product or piece they create.
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The quality of the raw materials
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the materials being used to create the goods. Handcrafted products usually use natural, locally-sourced materials. As a result, we have more environmentally friendly practices and processes, which in most cases also translate into higher quality materials.
For instance, when you buy a jute handbag crafted by skilled artisans from Bali, Indonesia, you can be sure that the raw material is 100% natural and locally sourced. Thus, the bag's quality will be much higher than a piece made by hand, but that used synthetic nylon that resembles jute.
As you can see, there is no definitive answer! Some products are better off handmade, while many others will have higher quality if handcrafted.
Let's get shopping!
Now that you understand the subtle differences between handcrafted and handmade goods, you are ready to start shopping for unique and beautiful pieces made by hand.
Look for items that have descriptions that outline the level of involvement the crafter had, the materials used in the process, and even where the product was made.
And remember, while one is not inherently better than the other, both will support small businesses, artisans, and artists.
We invite you to browse our vast collection of handmade and handcrafted goods ranging from baskets and tabletop decor to accessories, fragrances, and pillows. All ethically crafted through small-batch production with all-natural ingredients and materials.
At Sunday and Lola, everything you buy comes with a promise: that is good for your body and soul, the makers, and ultimately the environment!
15 Benefits of Buying Handmade Gifts
Buying handmade gifts comes with a long list of advantages! And although we will not attempt to list all of them, below the top 15 benefits of buying handcrafted and handmade gifts from Sunday and Lola:
1. Originality
All of our items are handmade through small-batch production. In doing so, we guarantee that everything you purchase is authentic and special.
Unlike buying mass-produced items accessible to millions of people worldwide, handmade gifts are synonymous with originality.
A great example is our Handmade Evie Cane-style Rattan Clutch. Given the elaborate technique and skills required to make them, only a few pieces end-up for sale.
2. Uniqueness
Another great advantage of buying handcrafted goods is that no two pieces are the same. Handmade items always have subtle differences that render them unique, even when made by the same person.
Take our Hand Carved Teak Tong Set as an example. Each piece of this tong set is hand-carved by a skilled artisan from natural teak wood. But, due to this product's raw material and nature, there are not two equal sets.
3. High-Quality
Handmade items are high-quality, especially when carefully curated, like all the pieces we offer on our site.
Each of our handmade goods is subject to the highest quality standards and undergoes genuine craftsmanship. As a result, our products are more likely to stand the test of time and offer real value.
For instance, our Pom-Pom Throws are handmade in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco out of 100% fade-resistant soft cotton.
4. Eco-friendly & Sustainable
What separates mass-produced and handmade gifts is that handcrafted items are sustainable. And this is another excellent benefit of buying handmade goods!
Handcrafted products are made in small studios or homes that have virtually no effect on the environment. As a result, handmade products are more environmentally friendly.
Plus, in many cases, due to its small-batch production, handcrafted items are also zero-waste.
5. Artisan Support
When you buy handmade gifts, you are supporting artisans and crafters from all over the world. In doing so, you promote local economies and encourage small communities to continue working, setting an excellent example for young generations.
6. Ethically Conscious
At Sunday and Lola, every handmade gift you buy has been ethically-sourced and honors fair-trade and social responsibility values.
For instance, our beautiful Boro Merino Throw ethically handwoven by artisans in Nepal through small-batch productions.
7. Love for tradition
Unlike in mass production where one-size-fits-all, when you buy handmade, you are honoring cultures and traditions.
For instance, our stunning jute storage baskets are handwoven by second-and third-generation artisans in Bangladesh.
8. Fair Trade
Handmade goods also offer the opportunity to be more socially responsible. When shopping for handcrafted products, you can buy fair trade.
In doing so, you are making sure that all artisans are paid well-above fair wages.
9. Natural/Organic Ingredients
Another fantastic benefit of handmade gifts is that they are usually made out of natural or organic ingredients that have been locally sourced.
At Sunday and Lola, we have a long list of items made will all-natural ingredients! These include delicious home fragrances, bath and body products, accessories, and more.
10. Woman-Owned Businesses Support
Not all handmade gifts will offer this benefit. Still, you can rest assured that all the pieces presented at Sunday and Lola are made exclusively by small, women-owned brands with high-quality standards.
11. Promotion of local economy
Promoting the local economy is another tremendous advantage of buying handmade goods.
When you buy handmade, you are purchasing from small businesses instead of purchasing mass-produced items from giant off-shore corporations with dubious employee and trade practices.
12. Storytelling
Each handcrafted gift has a story to tell. It reflects the hours, days, or weeks of hard work that goes into making that one item and the years of experience and learning of a specific trait.
Plus, there is also the story of the artisan behind the piece. The person or artist that made your present possible — making the item much more memorable.
Discover our Weesie Cane Bag, for instance. It is 100% handmade in Bali by skilled artisans who have been practicing their weaving trade for generations.
13. Celebrates people
We have mentioned it before, and we will repeat it, handmade goods celebrate people! They glorify creativity, craftsmanship, and originality — three attributes that render your presents an inherent advantage.
14. No-hidden fees
Buying homemade items comes with another significant advantage: it maintains small communities of crafters working and earning money. And the price you pay for it is precisely what you see, with no hidden costs or fees.
15. High Value-added
Lastly, one of the most significant motivators and benefits to buying handmade gifts is that it comes with a high incalculable value. When you buy a handmade good, it shows you care. It means you are thoughtful, committed to people and the planet, value creativity and authenticity, and encourage healthy and socially responsible practices.
Each purchase at Sunday & Lola comes with a promise: that it's right for you, the makers, and the planet. Thus, check out our online store and find the perfect gifts to give your loved ones this holiday season.