Gift Buying while on Vacation

A few years ago I had a Glass Butter Dish on my Christmas list. My wonderful sister purchased one for me, a white one. No more than 30days after opening the gift my husband opened the refrigerator and broke it. I can't say for sure but my guess is it was not made in the USA.

This year my sister was able to replace the broken butter dish with a beautiful unique one of a kind piece purchased while she was on vacation in Asheville, NC. She visited the Appalachian Craft Center . It was so unexpected, not only the thought that she remembered the broken one from years past, but also that she found one that was made in the USA by the hands of a local artist.

I guess my lesson from this is so often we look at the gift lists for Christmas, Anniversary, Birthday and say oh she wants a butter dish lets run to the Big Box Store, because it is easier. My sister thought ahead and as she enjoyed her vacation she supported a local artist. THANKS SIS

Habersham Candle Company Wax Pottery

I am afraid that this picture doesn't do the wax pottery bowl from Habersham Candle Company justice. I have actually purchased three of these in the last 30 days and if my little local gift shop is able to get more in I will probably make this my 2012gift of the year for all those who I purchase Birthday gifts.

They have a huge array of fragrances in gorgeous colors with different arrangements of flowers, leaves, twigs and a butterfly or two within the wax.

Best of all they are made in the USA, Georgia to be exact!!

The Ice Dozer

One of my most unusual Made in the USA Christmas Gifts was the "Ice Dozer" from my mom.

I am not sure what state they are manufactured but here is a bit about the history of the company.

There has not been any measurable snow or ice since Christmas here in the mitten, but I will give a review once I use it.