Liv Tyler wasn't always an elf.  Robin Tunney wasn't always a witch.  Renee Zellweger wasn't always Bridget Jones.  Once, they worked at a record store together in that hazy fun that was the 90's.  

I came of age during the 90's.  I remember when my parents would leave my sister and I home alone we would listen to their records, lying on the floor on our tummies for hours, singing along until we heard the garage door open and we would put everything away quickly so our parents wouldn't get the wrong idea that they could ever possibly own anything that would be considered cool to us.

There aren't as many record stores now.  Or music stores for the matter.  We can bemoan what was or accept that things have changed.  It's a different world now for retailers.  But just because we shop more in our pajamas at home sipping on St. Germain (just me?  Okay.) doesn't mean that we shouldn't still support our independent business owners during the holidaze.

It's easy to give into the seductive lure of Super Saver Shipping and say that you don't know where to start when shopping independently for difficult lovers, friends and family.  Etsy can be large and overwhelming.  

Here are some suggested shops for you to check out in your Cyber Monday travels:

CD Baby: CDs and Downloads from Independent Musical Artists.  I recommend Kwannon, she has a gorgeous mellow sound.

Bust Boobtique: Ironic cross stitch, jewelry and other goods for the hipster in your life.

Woot: T Shirts for your adorable geek.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab: Luxe perfumes oils for beauty addicts.

Parrish Relics: Gorgeous stained glass inspired jewelry.

AntB: Beautiful pottery for every day and magical needs.

Succulent Designs: Terrarium kits for the garden in your life.

Marshmallows by Mia: Gourmet marshmallows for the foodie on your list

Urban Brewery: Beer brewing kits for urban spaces for your would-be brewer.

Lulu: Books and eBooks by independent authors

Moonstone Design: Adorable customizable animal themed hats for adults and kids

Little Picklepotamus: Felt food for small children

Little Alouette: Organic wooden baby toys

Two Tails Dog Bakery: Baked doggie treats

Wags and Wiggles: Handmade dog and cat toys

 

And finally, if you are in search of luxuriously soft handspun yarn, hand cold pressed ritual oils, eco friendly felted dryer balls, beeswax mason jar candles, Dream Ambassadors (tiny sheep to help you sleep!), lavender pillow spray, natural facial toner, felted soaps, mojo hands, house cleansing incense or fixed candles, please check out my shops La Sirene et Le Corbeau and The Glamoury Apothecary.  Get 15% off your orders with my shops between now and 11/27/12 with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY.