I can’t believe that tomorrow is December. I honestly don’t know where the time goes! If there are any of you out there looking for indie rock Christmas carols, I wholeheartedly suggest downloading Sufjan Stevens Christmas album here. Along with traditional favorites, you also get to rock out to songs like “Come On! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!” and “That was the Worst Christmas Ever!” Definitely better than 80s instrumental new age stuff like my family always has on repeat all month…

Friday means the start of a month of “Ethical Holiday Shopping” posts, which means 4 weekly lists of gifts you can buy for those on your lists that will are ethically sound as well as just good gift. Seeing that today is Wednesday, and I’m already feeling festive, here are some links to gifts that you can start making for the holidays instead of consuming. (And if by Friday, you’re just a tangled mess of glitter, yarn and construction paper, you can scrap it and get out your wallet instead of your glue gun…)

While it might seem weird for me to post such obvious product placements, this month is the one month of the year I get to acknowledge outright the amazing products that not provide me with much joy as well as the people who never fail to inspire and bring a smile to my face. I know that there are a bazillion gift guides online, but the ones today and for the next 4 Fridays are written in the spirit of community and ethical choices.

*What hipster doesn’t like the nostalgia of snow globes? And doesn’t secretly (or not-so-secretly) love Martha Stewart? Learn how to make snow globes with stuff around the house. I suggest ones that are reminiscent of Florida in the 50s, but that just might be a recent fixation talking.

*What could be more adorable than a small army of happy knitting bunnies? I love this free pattern from the knitting superstar and all-around nice girl, Jess Hutch.

*Why not make your holiday cards instead of buying them? Learn how here thanks to the super Susan!

*NotMartha’s tutorial on bathbombs makes me want to say screw taking a shower…hello to bright pink bath bombs with lavender everyday! Hurray!

*Like robots? Need some crafty robotic inspiration? Click here. So many robo-tastic possibilities!!

There will be a bigger list on Friday, this is just to get you in the mood for making things because it is honestly more amazing to give than receive. The only thing I haven’t been able to find is a knitted elf pattern for this holiday season, which is what i want the most. Elves rule!