Christmas is right around the corner! Have you started shopping yet? My husband just started the other day when he bought the materials to build the kids a special table/toy box for Christmas. There is just something so special about a handmade gift. It really says “I love you!”

This Christmas it’s my goal to purchase almost all my gifts from small business owners or moms in direct sales (and more specifically the ones in our gift guide–but more on that later). The sluggish economy has hurt them the worst and these are our friends and neighbors! I have come to the decision that everyone I know–especially my family–really already has more than enough stuff. I would much rather get the kids one or two really high quality toys and books than fill up their already full nursery with 10 more cheap plastic toys that play annoying music and require those nasty round batteries.

I have take the pledge to buy handmade–and would love it if you would too! Go Here to pledge to buy at least just one handmade/local item for Christmas this year! I took the pledge as part of American Craft Week but you can still take it!

Wondering where to buy from or how to find great quality handmade items? Our main website Christian Moms Business Resource, Mommy Bag Marketing, along with Mommy Perks, and Living My Moment all have great directories full of wonderful businesses!!! I have purchased from and worked with many of them! Plus we’ll all be hosting great Holiday Gift Guides soon that will be your one stop shopping destination for everything you need this Christmas! I already know that I’ll be purchasing Bubble Mugs from Peacock Pottery and a Domino Necklace from always B designs for sure! So be sure to check them out and support Christian moms this Christmas! You’ll bless both your family and another family all at the same time!