Shop local this holiday with these 13 outstanding Black Friday Etsy deals

If you’re looking for a gift that screams “OMG, so thoughtful!” look no further than Etsy, everyone’s favourite marketplace for unique pieces by skilled makers and artists. Personalized gifts? Check. Monogramming? Done. Small-business-supporting? Literally the entire site. It’s the ease of online shopping paired with the virtuous glow of shopping independent businesses, many of them Canadian.

It gets even better when you factor in the dealstravaganza that is Etsy’s Cyber Week Sales event, running now until December 1. Its version of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, makers participating in the sale are offering up to 60 per cent off the sort of items you’ve probably got on your wish list already, like dainty jewelry, wall art and alternative advent calendars. That said, scrolling the pages of listings can be overwhelming — the virtual version of IRL Black Friday in some ways — so we’ve whittled down the options and curated this list of the best Black Friday deals on Etsy. Happy shopping!

Sasha Samuel Jewelry locket, $286 (was $357), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE DAINTY LOCKET

This sweetly classic handmade heart locket in 14-carat-gold plate can be customized with either a freshwater pearl or a sparkling cubic zirconia — and because this is Etsy, you can also have it engraved.

Crochetmilie slippers, $74 (were $92), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE SNUGGLY SLIPPERS

These super-cosy slippers — or “house shoes” if you’re fancy — are hand-crocheted in Laval, Que., and cleverly fitted with a leather patch on the soles to avoid slipping. If you’ve got a specific colour in mind and don’t see it on the site, reach out to the seller and she’ll see what she can do.

Lucy Loves Paper custom family portrait, $163 (was $204), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE QUIRKY CUSTOM FAMILY PORTRAIT

Whether it’s you, your partner and the kids, you and your group of friends, or you, your cat and your plants, there’s never been a better time to immortalize those you love most in the world. Here’s how it works: You send the maker some photos, she’ll hand-draw each portrait (you even get to choose your outfits!), and in about two weeks you’ll get to review a first proof of your very own vintage-style group portrait.

Stray Faces pet portrait, from $45 (free shipping), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE ADORABLE PET PAINTING

While we’re on the subject of portraits: Etsy is a wonderland when it comes to commissioning a painting of the most adorable member of your household. We love the way Stray Faces combines the bold graphic text of their name and the soft illustrated style of the portrait. In lieu of a specific Black Friday discount for this one, they are offering free shipping.

CGLR personalized leather toiletry bag, from $68 (was from $170), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE MONOGRAMMED TOILETRY BAG

Not only is this full-grain leather wash bag something they will treasure for years as it gets softer and softer, the Canadian seller is currently offering a staggering 60 per cent discount. The monogram is nice, but we love the option to add a personalized message on a tag inside the bag, which could be something sentimental or, say, an exhortation to please stop using your really expensive face cream and stick to his own toiletry stash instead.

Furrlio custom song lyric print, $25 (was $31), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE UNIQUE CUSTOM LYRIC PRINT

In case you hadn’t noticed, Etsy is *the* place to commission unique and meaningful wall art. Like, say, these prints that allow you to select some lyrics — maybe your wedding song or just your favourite tune — and have them made into a one-of-a-kind bit of decor, ideal for hanging ever-so-slightly-pretentiously over your record player and vinyl collection.

Kind & Bloom Tropical spa gift box, $40 (was $50), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE CALM-INDUCING SPA BOX

All this scrolling got you stressed out? Add to cart this “self care set” from Victoria, B.C.-based Kind & Bloom, filled with tropical-scented bath bombs, coconut lip balm and Himalayan salt bath soak. Bliss in a box! It’s so giftable it practically wraps itself.

Hitree mushroom baby rattle, $69 (was $86), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE HANDMADE BABY RATTLE

Mushrooms are trending at the moment, so this hand-crocheted, fungus-inspired rattle is sure to make the baby in your life the coolest kid at song circle.

It’s Funny Howww 2022 calendar, $36 (was $45), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE LOVELY WALL CALENDAR

It’s never too early to get yourself ready for 2022(!), and if this very cool wall calendar is any indication, it’s going to be a very elegant year. Illustrated by Montreal-based artist Daniella Amyot, this calendar features 12 of her striking artworks — which, BTW, you can also buy as individual prints in her shop.

Make This Universe DIY candle kit, $28 (was $35), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE DIY CANDLE KIT

This could be the beginning of your own Etsy empire, or just a nice way to spend a winter afternoon. Either way, this DIY-candle-making kit from Toronto-based Make This Universe provides some sage-and-salt-scented time away from your screens — and it’s 20 per cent off!

Rulla Pulla DIY bread kit, $29 (was $36), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE DELICIOUS CRAFTING ACTIVITY

You’ll find everything you need to make the cardamom buns of your hygge dreams in this fun DIY baking kit, which promises that even the least-experienced bakers will have traditional Swedish baked goods ready in a few hours.

Ary Plants planter, $40 (was $50), etsy.com SHOP HERE

THE UNUSUAL PLANTER

If you think your air plants deserve more than being plonked in the top of your average planter, treat them to these fun pine wood figures, inspired by artist figure-drawing models. They’re endlessly adjustable, meaning your “Mini Man” can contort and pose to your heart’s content.

THE ITTY-BITTY SOAP SQUARES

House of Harlow 1960 Creator Collab x Soowoo soap bits, $25, etsy.com SHOP HERE

These watercolour-striped single-use squares of soap are such a neat idea: Take them with you to use your own soap in public washrooms; keep them on your bathroom counter instead of one big gloopy bar of soap. They’re all-natural, moisturizing with macadamia nut and sweet almond oil and scented with lavender, lemon, sage and geranium essential oils

When you make a purchase through the links in this article, we may earn a small commission. Our journalism is independent and not influenced by advertising. Learn more.

Sarah Laing is a Toronto-based freelance contributor for The Kit, writing about celebrity and culture. Follow her on Twitter: @sarahjanelaing