Looking for a great gift?

Everyone is.

Here's my latest from The Vine: an article all about the joy of gift-giving. People often think that giving gifts is more about the sentiment rather than the gift itself. That's not true. I don't really care half as much about the peron's intentions as I do about what's actually given to me. You may call this selfish, but I'm sure you'll find that most people feel the same. Giving shit gifts is no excuse. So, here are some good ones.

Crafty Gift Guide

Being a creative present buyer doesn't come easy. Time, money and a general lack of good ideas often lead the best of us to the sock counter at Myer ... which can often leave the gift receiver a little more than wanting.

To save you unnecessary embarrassment, we’ve come up with a list of innovative arty and crafty gifts that will soon put you at the top of everyone’s party invitee list.

TABITHA EMMA

This 22-year-old designed lives in the outskirts of Sydney and works as a casual ice-cream shop assistant in-between designing novelty bags, purses, tea cosies, art prints and pocket mirrors. Inspired by childhood memories, Tabitha's creations are girly, young and innovative, with a touch of humour that makes these beauties perfect for the young at heart.

After studying fashion at the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Tabitha set up her own business online at Etsy.com, a site for selling and buying handmade things. Her products range from $5 to $40 and her customers come from all over the world.

"I sell wholesale and consignment to other shops around the world, both online and physical stores. I also do custom orders - I have made my purses in alternative colours and even made my designs into cushions for customers. I mail off most orders the day after purchase where possible, if not within 3 days."

Web: tabidesigns.etsy.com

KATE BANAZI

Born in London "long enough ago to have seen Star Wars when it first came out," Kate grew up in a studio environment courtesy of her artist parents. After a fashion degree and a job in textiles, she began working as a screen-print artist with her friend before moving to Sydney a year ago to get married. Kate now works from home creating custom-made silkscreened prints for just about anyone.

“I've done quite a few custom portraits and they've always been really interesting projects,” Kate says. “I try and get the idea of someone’s character often by not having met them personally or even having heard their voice. I usually send out a questionnaire, with somewhat inane questions, but these help establish personality when all I have to work with are photographs.”

Kate has worked on commissions for the music and entertainment industry, books, restaurants and tourist attractions. She uses professional water-based inks and tries to use as much recycled board and paper as she can. Her prints range in price from $50 to $2000.

“My screenprints and portraits would be the perfect gift for someone who’s looking for something a little different, and who appreciates the imperfections of something handmade.”

To order a custom-made portrait, contact Kate’s agent Jeremy, at www.jackywinter.com.

Web: www.katebanazi.com

BETSY BLONDE

Growing up in Victoria, Betsy started making jewellery for her family and friends when she was very young. After following the love of her life to Queensland, Betsy began making jewellery to pay the bills and, with no formal training under her belt, quickly quit her job to pursue her creative habit.

After a few months of selling to work colleagues and friends, Betsy Blonde was in full swing. Heavily influenced by pop culture, Betsy’s perspex shapes are quirky and fun, selling to anyone of any age, sex or taste.

“I sell to people who want something different, something that they will not see anyone else wearing. My jewellery starts conversations,” she says.

Betsy currently sells online (her own website is under construction) and her products range in price from $10 to $50. She takes custom orders and usually ships within 24 hours after receipt of payment.

Web: www.stores.ebay.com.au/betsy-blonde

SHERBET BIRDIE

Sherbet Birdie, aka Sasha Dobies, moved to Brisbane six months ago to start her own boutique old-school glamour photography studio. Catering for the 40s, 50s and 60s pin-up girl look, Sherbet Birdie is aimed at bringing out every girl’s inner sass.

“I had been art directing photography magazines in Sydney when I realised how many women I knew compared themselves with the models on the pages,” Sasha says. “I began shooting my friends for fun and that’s how it all began.”

After spending the better part of two years sourcing the right clothes, lingerie, props and costumes, Sherbet Birdie opened last month. Each photo shoot last for four hours - including hair, make-up, home-made snacks, champagne and pink cupcakes – and Sherbet Birdie caters to every girl’s fantasy (just tell them what you want).

“It’s all about a personally-tailored experience,” says Sasha.

A basic package for a half day session costs $900, including two prints. Sherbet Birdie is touring the country with stops in Sydney and Melbourne late October.

Web: www.sherbetbirdie.com