Handmade Goodies for your Favorite Longhorn

With the holidays just around the corner (and the ever lurking Black Friday) many people are already thinking about what gifts to get for everyone on their shopping list. If that special someone happens to be a Texas Longhorn fan, this post is for you.

If you're looking for something original and fun, check out Etsy.com, a unique shopping website that is a cross between eBay and a traditional craft fair. With its motto of "Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade" the Etsy website is dedicated to connecting artists, designers and crafters who make original creations with the people who want to buy them.

Along with handmade products, people on Etsy sell vintage items, homemade sweets, and craft supplies. Etsy offers multiple options for paying for items, including credit card, money order, and PayPal (which is a service of eBay).

I've chosen a few of my favorite Longhorn items (hint hint) for the holiday season that I think a variety of Texas fans would enjoy. Here are a few of the best:

Texas Longhorn Cufflinks



These longhorn cufflinks would be a great gift for a dad, brother, uncle or boyfriend who wants to show off his 'horns with style. From CufflinkConnection's Shop, these are just one of many unique pieces available.

Tutu

Any little princess would love this UT tutu and bow set from PolkaDotPrincess. I have a few cousins that would adore this sweet set.
photo: http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.100143733.jpg


Apron

Do you have an aspiring chef on your gift list? This reversible longhorn apron from RockyTopBakery would be a perfect present. Even if all they do is burn hot dogs at the tailgate, they will feel like a culinary star wearing this.
photo:

Headband

This sparkly longhorn headband is my absolute favorite. I think I might have to rush order one from EllieKatt myself, so that I can wear it to the national championship game! :)

Embroidered Pillow

I think that this pillow is quirky and fun, and would be a great gift for a mom, grandma, or sister, or even look great in a dorm room. It's from AuntBs' shop, where there are several other designs available as well.

Typewriter Necklace

Another unique piece that I really like is this typewriter necklace from JenniferPerezDesigns. It would be great game day jewelry for any longhorn fan who wants to wear something a little different.

Christmas Ornaments

These ornaments from StickyTatts would be a great gift for just about anyone on your list, including a boss or neighbor. Or if you participate in an ornament exchange, these would be the first to go!


Well those are just a few of the many splendid things on Etsy.com. Take a look for yourself, and I'm sure you can find something out of the ordinary (and usually pretty affordable) for just about anyone. (As a side note- I believe that they do sell some Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other school's items on the site, but if you have any Aggies or Red Raiders on your gift list, they probably just deserve coal.)

Don't Mess With Texas

This bold statement can be found all over the Lone Star state- on t-shirts, shot glasses, and on the bumpers of our Ford trucks. While many believe that this threatening sentiment is intended to let the rest of the states know how hardcore we are (and perhaps to some it is) the saying actually started in 1986 as a public service and advertising campaign. About trash.

This anti-littering campaign is sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and works to educate Texans about the high cost of litter and promote litter prevention. The campaigns advertisements (like the one featured below) have starred famous Texans, have won numerous awards, and are based on research on littering trends in Texas.

...And you have big hair

This summer I lived and worked in Los Angeles with co-eds from all over the country. We spent the first few days getting to know each other and talking about what life was like in our respective states and colleges (what football season is like in Michigan, how summers are in Minnesota, the best thing about growing up in Ohio). I think that most of us were pleasantly surprised to find out that no matter where we came from or where we went to school, we all had similar stories about the party that went all wrong, the mysterious roommate, or the guy/girl we wish we could forget.

During this story-telling/getting-to-know-you phase, a co-worker from Minnesota told me, "You know, you're exactly what I think of when I think of a Texas girl." We were a few beers in, so I didn't know whether to be flattered or insulted. I asked, on the defensive, "And what is that supposed to mean?" "I mean... You're part Mexican, have that Southern hospitality...and you have big hair."

Well...

All of those things are true... and they are quite Texan... and I am proud to be a Texan... so I decided to take it as a compliment. (Even if you didn't mean it that way, Claire.)

All in all, I had the time of my life in California this summer. The weather was amazing, the beaches were beautiful, and the people reminded me of the easy-going atmosphere of Austin. I had to dispel quite a few rumors about gun totin' tots and George Bush fan clubs while I was there, yet somehow at the end of the summer, I found my heart aching for the Lone Star State. Sure, Cali's great, but I'll go right out and say it: I love Texas. And that's where my idea for this blog came from: we're good people here- how about I show you a Texas perspective?

Can I explain all the crazy things that Texans do? Hardly. But I can at least attempt to show you that we're not quite as backwards as some believe. We are a people deeply rooted in tradition because many of us have families that have lived and worked on this land for generations. Texans know how to work hard and play hard, and still do it with a smile. We love good food, good friends, and boy do we love football.

So if you've always had a pressing question about Texas (why do y'all talk that way?) or want to put in your two cents about this lovely state or yours, feel free to leave a friendly comment. I'll be sure to return the favor.