What do I Give My Reenactor or Interpreter for the Holidays???

Years ago, my What Do I Get My Wife for Christmas post was a big hit. Actually, it got spike in views for years after writing it.

Time for an update!

There are some great craftspeople creating wonderful items to give as gifts. This is a short list of some of my favorites. I am trying to include newest products or at least new to me. Each (non-consumable) item I’ve included is well researched by the makers and made to last.

Fits in a Stocking (under $30)

Reproduction Handkerchiefs based on originals from the Susan Greene collection at GCVM available exclusively from Burnley & Trowbridge. I literally squeeled and jumped out of my chair when I saw these beautiful pieces announced. B&T added these 3 new handkerchiefs, each suitable for a different span of decades to their already excellent line of handkerchiefs.

How about a little gift that is super useful? The Reproduction Safety Pins from Wicked Stepsister is just the gift for the later Victorian reenactor or interpreter.

I am late on the up-take with this next one.i finally tried LBCC Historical Apothecary‘s products this summer. They instantly won me over. They offer period cosmetics and fragrances. They detail their offerings with era and ingredients.

Tea can be a favorite gift for some. In recent years, there has been an increase in small shops offering loose tea. Most offer an assortment of period correct varieties. I pick my tea up from TeaLicious Trendz. You may have a shop local to you. (ps – Tea ships well because it is light weight.)

I wasn’t going to include anything from a previous list. But, I love Delp’s silk stockings too much not to recommend them. Their silk stockings are a great gift idea. They come plain and clocked, in a few different colors. Blue has been on my personal wishlist. I find them to be an excellent summer stocking, staying comfortable all day. They fit comfortably on my 18 inch calves. (ps – I also recommend several of their other stockings. Their speckled blue/white ones used to fit my mountain of a Dad.)

Wraps up nice

Family Heirloom Weavers Fabrics available through the Button Baron. I’ve been swooning over these fabrics for months. Each one is based on an original textile or garment. The wider width means you only need 5 yards (6 to be extra safe) for a dress length. A single yard will make an apron or a sunbonnet.

SJ Pottery. I’ve become a big fan of this potter over tha last couple years. (It takes a lot to distract me from my fabulous local potters who I also highly recommend. Find the GCVM pottery in the Flint Hill Store..)

Do you have someone who likes to bake? I stumbled onto SR White Carver when looking for a friend. These are handmade cookie molds. How cool is that? (I have not yet personally bought from this artisan. GCVM also offers beautiful Springerle molds in their Flint Hill Store.)

Shaker, or Shaker style boxes are useful for holding sewing tools, hair pins, or even jewelry on the go. They come in many sizes from a couple inches to about the size of a serving bowl. While I get my personal Shaker style boxes from a local artisan, here are two online options to choose from: the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and C Mack Shaker Box. (PS – You can put more gifts inside when you wrap this one.)

There May Be Tears

Looking for a drool worthy gift for the late 18th to early 19th century? Check out the millinery offerings of Kitty Calash. Her work is excellent with high attention to accuracy.

Beth Miller Hall’s Reproduction Gutta Percha and More. Beth is recreating a fine selection of broaches, earrings, necklaces, and even haircombs to mimic gutta percha, horn, and bog oak. Her pieces are thoroughly researched and carefully crafted.

May I selfishly recommend one of my own Gift Filled Pockets or Filled Sewing Pockets? While most of the gift filled tie on pockets are sold out, I do have two left at this writing and am working on making some additional sewing work pockets. Either of these can be a very useful gift, being used again and again throughout the years.

I am having a difficult time deciding whether to recommend a reproduction Jenny Lind Fan or a knit purse from Ruede La Paux Repros. So, I will recommend both. These are both detail pieces, amplifying an impression. Either will make a delightful gift.

What’s in My Etsy Shop?

I have an assortment of select items in my shop this year., including Gift Filled Pockets, Pen-Wipers, and sewing accessories. I will be adding a limited number of straw millinery during Thanksgiving week (as I complete each piece.)

❄Please remember to order early. This increases the likelihood of safe and timely shipping. It also helps the artisan or craftsperson you are ordering from. ❄