My heart breaks daily as I read more and more war updates about the Russian-Ukraine war so here’s something we don’t usually write about on Merry for Money. (No side hustle news today! Only today!) Since it’s the holidays, let’s make a gift guide that could benefit the citizens suffering in Ukraine due to the war. The Ukrainians are the bravest people on the planet to me right now. I can’t imagine having to shelter underground with my children as missiles fly ahead, for absolutely no reason except Putin is a certifiable insane, idiotic, dickbag.
I have personally purchased a few items from Etsy as a way to directly support Etsy sellers from Ukraine. For example, this seller is selling a hand-knitted, hero Volodymyr Zelenskyy doll and even more importantly…a VOODOO Putin doll! Oh yes!!! Let’s band together and send bad juju Putin’s way please! This seller is amazing and super talented. Our delivery came pretty quickly considering..it’s WAR and Wintertime in Ukraine! What’s really even more amazing was knowing we directly supported this Ukrainian Etsy seller by buying directly from Etsy!
Why shop on Etsy when you have Amazon and Walmart? Because nothing feels more special than knowing that a local artist made that beautiful handpainted ombre mug you’re holding in your hands. The same local artist that probably shops at the same neighborhood Trader Joe’s as you! The same local artist you are supporting can make their craft and put food on their table because patrons like you! It is a beautiful feeling! Second, only to that voodoo Putin doll, that you will buy and stab with a thousand needles! 😉
Support these Ukrainian artists directly by clicking the links, and definitely take a look around their beautiful Etsy shops. Note: they are at war, so just give them extra patience waiting for the arrival of your goods.
Our orders from Ukraine took almost 3 weeks (some over 1 month) – which is still within the shipping estimate since we are located in the USA, not nearby, like Europe. Your miles may vary depending on where you live! Most of these stores have free shipping or a $35 shipping minimum for EU residents. Shipping to the USA was not very expensive for us though – if I recall – we paid $8-$11 for shipping from Ukraine to Washington, USA. Check out Etsy’s Editor’s Pick of the best sellers in Ukraine!
Table of Contents
1. Digital Downloads
Shipping can eat away at profits for Ukrainian sellers. Oftentimes it is inconvenient to go to the postal office to send off a package as well, especially during wartime so if you are looking to directly support Ukraine and like digital goods then this digital artist is perfect for you. Are you interested in Ukrainian food? There are also amazingly delicious digital downloadable Ukrainian cuisine recipes! We bought some of these digital recipes, the recipes look easy to follow (though we haven’t had the time to whip up anything yet!
2. Wear your PRIDE!
I purchased a Ukrainian pride shirt for my husband this holiday season – now you will find a lot of cool-looking shirts with the Ukrainian trident symbol on them from sellers everywhere…but if you want to make an impact with your money – look to directly buying from Ukrainian sellers as we did! I found there were even some that have the official trident symbol embroidered on them! I purchased this embroidered T-shirt from this seller in military green. It’s a beautiful shade, soft, and fits true to size. The sewing is beautiful too, and will definitely last longer than Putin’s stupid war.
3. Leather Goods
Do you love a good handbag? Did you know one of the many things Ukraine is known for is its quality crochets and leather? You don’t need Michael Kors or any of those big brands – go local – support a wartime artist and karma will take you further than Kors ever will. Check out Old Town Leather on Etsy and shop its stunning leather totes at half of the cost as a Coach bag!
4. Adorable Name Puzzle for Toddlers
This seller located in Zhytomyr, Ukraine specializes in handmade, bright, cute wooden name puzzles! My husband and I are buying one for our new baby nephew (who is only 3 months old!). We are so excited to get it. I know it will be a beautiful gift and last generations. Unfortunately, we just ordered it a few days ago so we can’t comment on the shipping time yet. It will not get here by Christmas but it’s OK, he’s only 3 months old haha. Baby has plenty of time to play with his gift when he’s a little older.
5. Digital Embroidery Patterns
Oh my goodness, these are so whimsical! Embroidery is something I have always wanted to learn because it’s such a classy hobby. If you want to learn or gift someone the knowledge of embroidery you should check out VividStitchShop in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
6. Nursery Wall Art
Want to make a big impact on your nursery? This custom safari nursery print (comes in a set of 6!) and it’s a perfect way to support this Ukrainian artist! They put in a lot of love, technical, and artistic skills from their digital photo studio to bring you these adorable animal prints, and they’re digital!
7. Say Yes to the dress
Are you on a wedding dress budget but don’t want to compromise on style or quality? Do you want to have your money go to doing the most public good? Then this Etsy shop is just what you have been looking for. This casual wedding dress is available as a bridal skirt of an A-line silhouette and a wedding top with long sleeves. This wedding set is made of crepe, top on its back is decorated with crepe buttons. It is the perfect choice for a small wedding ceremony or backyard wedding.
8. Patron of the Arts
If you are not interested in digital downloads but do want to support local Ukrainian artists then check out these artistic originals from Dasshart, located in Cherkasy Ukraine.
The particular piece of art you see below (they have many others) is first carved out of a linoleum block, then individually hand-pressed using quality color oil on relief paper. All items have small variations of print. But that is what makes them all original and individual! You get the original, NOT a digitally reproduced print.
9. Let Your Jewelry Tell The Story
From Chernihiv, Ukraine is one of my favorite sellers who make beautiful, high-quality wired jewelry. This Etsy store is not your typical costume jewelry, only $15 from Amazon, a mass-produced piece of cheap metal. These are handmade rings, pendant earrings, bracelets, and brooches that are perfect for the 2022 holiday season! Gift them that special someone while doing some good to support the humble artists of Ukraine through this hellish winter! Perfect unique jewelry for nature lovers and made with eco-friendly materials!
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