The holidays are approaching more quickly than I would like to admit, and this year I'd like to use my shopping dollars to support small businesses and handmade artisans as much as possible. Being an artist or maker is a notoriously difficult way to make a living, and many rely on the surge from holiday shopping to tide them over during leaner times. Plus, handmade wares are simply beautiful! 

Many small shops are featuring sales this week, so it's a good time to buy. And since these are small businesses (read: there could be just one person filling all orders!) it's smart to get your order in early, so you can be assured of a prompt delivery.

Pin the image above to save this list for later, or scroll down for details on all 27 finds...

Top row: Hooded baby alpaca sweater from Ingugu; Linen pinafore apron from Not Perfect Linen; candle holder from Snug Studio.

Middle row: Striped infinity scarf from Ingugu; Cat Cave from Agnes Felt; Knitting bag from Aika Felt Works.

Bottom row: Baby bonnet and mittens set from Ingugu; Lunch Tote from Artifact Bags; Cat Lambswool Scarf from Sara Carr.

Top row: Baby bunny doll from Timo Handmade; Bear Breadboard from Snug Studio; Rag Doll from Simpli Jessi. 

Middle row: Bearded sailor backpack tote from Depeapa; Plywood Dollhouse from Milky Wood; Go Bananas Sweater from Paul and Paula.

Bottom row: Nursing necklace from Freja Toys; Bunny by Oh, Albatross; Winter Garden Dollhouse Furniture Set from Milky Wood.

Top row: Bamboo Weaving Loom Kit from The Unusual Pear; Linen Apron from Not Perfect Linen; Felted House Shoes from Agnes Felt.

Middle row: Heart Coffee Cozy from The Cozy Project; Joshua Tree Neck Tie from Amelie Mancini; Fox Tote Bag from Gingiber.

Bottom row: Your Child's Drawing on Cuff Links from Mu Urban Jewelry; Cream and Sugar Set with Wooden Spoon from Julia Paul Pottery; Crochet Circle Scarf from iDNi.

I had such fun pulling together this collection; the whole process reminded me of the early days of blogging, and the joy of discovering all of the beauty Etsy has to offer...I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! :-)