Everyone loves shopping local but local can mean lots of different things. I take local to mean the entirety of my home state of Kentucky. Artisans all over the Bluegrass State are producing the most amazingly special holiday gifts for you and yours and most of them make in abundantly easy to buy their wares on Etsy.

So, behold the best Kentucky Etsy Shops!

Gifts for your Girlfriends

Based in Louisville, Kluster Shop sells what they describe as "happy jewelry" and do they ever mean it. Custom designed with sterling silver and semi-precious stones, these necklaces and earrings would make even your cool and collected mother-in-law squeal with glee. How happy would your besty be if she opened these poppy read beads over Christmas coffee? Passing this site along to husbands or beaus also seems like a wise idea.

Gifts for the Man in your life

Out of Russellville, Sillyette Shop is doing some seriously cool things with old vinyl, including cutting the silhouette of the Queen on an old recording of The Royal Wedding or a band rocking out on a Journey Album. Show your guy (or impossible-to-buy-for younger brother) that you still think he's the coolest guy around with one of these "sillyettes" to hang on his wall.

Gifts for your Boss

The only thing better than a hot cup of coffee is drinking that cup of coffee from a work of art. Derby City Ceramics, from Louisville, have turned the ordinary mug into just that. Your boss (or Mom or favorite manicurist) doesn't drink coffee? No problem! They also sell gorgeous bowls and cups.

Gifts for your Mom or Dad

Whether it's for your mom that has lovingly tended her garden all year or your Dad whose model train hobby has reached new heights, back.yard.photo, based in Guthrie, has the perfect fine art print for you. The beautiful photographs would be the perfect addition to any wall.

Even if these gifts aren't a perfect fit, make sure and click the "Shop Local" button whenever you shop on Etsy to see if a Kentucky artist or crafter has just the gift for you!

~ Sarah Stewart Holland