"One of my most toxic traits is that I’m a bit of a hipster. Not in that I enjoy alt music no one’s ever heard of or that I wear cuffed chinos every day, but rather in that I have a real thing for unique material items. Once everyone gets their hands on something, my interest dwindles. And of course, exceptions are to be made. I’ll shout from the rooftops that everyone in the world deserves a pair of Spanx Leather Leggings, and I stan Glossier, one of the biggest beauty companies in the world. But for the most part, I’m significantly more interested in something if it means I’m the first to know about it. Lately, I’ve been going to Etsy as much as possible to find unique items from decor to beauty products to sweatshirts and more. Not only does it mean I’m getting fun, new items, but I get to support a small business, which means everything to me!
This Baggy Dad style from Levi’s is a tried-and-true favorite our team swears by, made famous by an effortlessly cool fit and PJ-like comfort.
So, you should know making this list and giving up my secrets was a little difficult, but if it means all of these amazing shops get a little more support, I’m all for it! Here are all the fun things I’ve eyed (and purchased!) on Etsy lately—and don’t worry, they’re all extra-affordable.
An example page of the coloring book from Maddie—as if we needed any other reason to fall in love with this 🙂
Pop Culture
Our editors raved about this coloring book in the early months of quarantine, and now that I've finally given into the RHONY hype, I'm here for it.
This is about to be my home's signature scent. I ordered this a few weeks ago, and the second it becomes mine will be a glorious moment. Trying to decide if I'll welcome it into my home with "Four" or "Midnight Memories."
#TeamPeterK always and forever. Putting this on when I watch "To All the Boys" for the hundredth time this quarantine.
Masks
One of the best places to pick up face masks is from small sellers on Etsy. They’re likely handmade and comfortable, and you’re supporting a small business—what’s not to love! Here are a few of our editors’ favorites that they’ve purchased.
These earrings are great for a gift, or for yourself because who doesn’t deserve it right now?
Fashion + Beauty
Our lovely Abigail got these for me for Christmas for our TEG Secret Santa, and I am completely and utterly obsessed with them. Anytime I wear them, I show them off to basically everyone Im with. "See, look, they say my name!" comes out of my mouth at least three times. I used my full name (Elizabeth), and I love the way cover my entire earlobe, but I think they would be equally as cute with a shorter name too.
I actually got these for our editor Maddie's birthday because she has teensy-tiny ears. They're handmade and look gorgeous IRL, but they cost a fraction of what you'd expect.
One of the best things to find on Etsy is jewelry. The items are often unique and one-of-a-kind while keeping a pretty low price point. These tortoise hoop earrings are a perfect example, costing just under what you'd spend on takeout for two for a super cute pair of earrings to wear on all your Zoom calls.
This tee has both a cute decision and a great message, with tons of positive reviews about the quality, the fit, and the graphic. Show your support for Black Lives Matter with this T-Shirt. This Black-owned shop also offers puzzles, backpacks, yard signs, sweatshirts, and more with tons of really cool designs.
Show off your love for your Zodiac sign with this tee. Most graphic tees can look cheesy, but this one looks like it should cost over double the price for how cute it is. Pop this under blazers and cardigans this fall, or wear with your favorite sweatpants.
I got this at the beginning of summer, and it is tres magnifique! I figured if I was going to buy a perfume without smelling it, I might as well choose something inexpensive and unrecognizable, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. It has that summertime sunscreen scent I love, mixed with a little bit of ~waves and saltwater~. Likely, that means nothing to you, so just trust me that it smells like summertime. I wear this basically every day now, and I can’t wait to get a fall scent from this line. In my order, I got a sample of the Chill Mood Perfume, and it is SO GOOD also.
I’m sorry to subject you to this body butter porn, but give me a break—it is the most glorious texture.
Will I ever stop talking about this? No, I will not. I've raved about this in articles previously as one of the best products I've tried in 2020. It's the smoothest, softest, most nourishing body butter I've ever used, and the scents just make it even better. I think everyone should have a tub of the Lavender Vanilla in their possession at all times.
Inspire those around you to engage in their community politics and be an active member of their democracy! (Oh, and the hat is just really cute too.) Keep voter registration information handy when you wear this to make sure you can inform everyone you meet.
These bath salts are made with peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus, so you know it's about to be relaxing as all hell.
Another really great thing to pick up on Etsy is tea. You can find really unique and interesting blends for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere. Tea lovers, don't sleep on this one! ?
We all probably know that regular body towels aren't the best thing to use on your hair, and it's especially true for those with curly, coily, or kinky hair types. This towel wrap is made of a really soft T-shirt material that stays on your head to dry and smooth hair after your shower. Say goodbye to frizzy ends and hello to pillow-soft hair.
Candle for scale—I love how small it is because it fits on my studio-apartment-sized coffee table!
Home Decor + Art Prints
I'd seen gorgeous pillar candles all over Instagram that were way too expensive for a decor piece I likely won't even light. I searched on Etsy one night, and I ordered this on a whim after looking at it briefly. It's a great modern addition to a coffee table, a shelf, a side table—wherever! It's a little smaller in real life than I was expecting, but this actually makes it easier to place and adds to the cutesy factor. Why are all small things just so darn cute?
THE SZN IS HERE, PEOPLE. Just because you don't have a Starbucks fall-themed cup in your hand doesn't mean you can't rep your favorite drink this year. I’m also a huge fan of this absolutely adorable ghost mug(I mean, come on), and who doesn’t need a Sanderson sisters mug from “Hocus Pocus” too? Fall mugs for all.
This gorgeous candle is basically a decor piece all in itself. Made by DorothyB herself, this Black-owned candle line has tons of scents to choose from that can all go inside this unqiue, gold candle. I'm eyeing "Peach Nectar"—sounds like the perfect all-seasons sweet scent.
Keep your WFH-self organized with this notepad from this Black-owned Etsy shop. This would look super cute on a desk, but it also looks functional for list-making, to-do lists, appointments, and more.
TBH, I bought this print because it looked like me! I had seen tons of pretty line art drawings of nude women, and I love them all, but I wanted to represent some body positivity in my home, and this beautiful gal did the job.
Add this print to your space for a little extra motivation. I envision this placed beautifully on a desk or entryway or even in a gallery wall.
Live vicariously through this gorgeous travel print of Italy while you're stuck at home!
Blanche's bedroom called, and it says this banana leaf print is everything.
For the minimalist, this gorgeous black-and-white print will absolutely turn heads.
Summer never has to end with this print in your home. Pretend you took this on your glorious vacation through the South of France last fall.
