Beads make the best gifts. I’m not at all biased (teehee I am the owner of OC Beads after all), but in all seriousness, beads make the perfect holiday gifts. They are customizable, make a statement to the gift receiver, and most importantly, beautiful. Here are five beaded gift ideas that will certainly make any holiday sweeter.
1. Stretchy beaded bracelets
These can be as simple or creative as you desire. The beauty about these bracelets is how easy it is to make them. Cut the amount of the stretchy jewelry cord you want (we sell here at OC Beads), pre-stretch it, add the beads, then tie a simply knot and glue it. Voila! You have the perfect little stocking stuffer. These matching bracelets were made for a mom and her three daughters, ages 9, 7, and 3. The mom’s bracelet we added a toggle to, but the daughter’s bracelets are all stretchy bracelets. All of them have Dalmatian jasper, howlite, strawberry quartz, matte rose quartz, clear quartz and German gold potato chip spacer beads (the mom’s bracelet we used 14kt gold filled beads).
2. Beaded necklaces
This one requires a bit more skill in beading because we do not recommend using the stretchy cord for a necklace. Yet, this one will definitely make a big impact as a gift. A beaded necklace can be knotted with silk cord or made with strong jewelry cord. These are just a handful of necklaces I’ve made from beads at our store. The green necklace second from the right was my very first beaded necklace I ever made and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s actually what prompted me to want to buy the store earlier this year (but that’s a story for another blog post!).
3. Beaded Earrings
You won’t go wrong with a custom pair of earrings for the jewelry lover in your life. All you need are the findings (like the earring backs, jump rings, chain, or posts) and beads and you are good to go. Take a peek at these lovely sterling silver and lapis bead earrings our wonderful manager, Mishi, made for a client. If you’ve been to our store before, you know just how amazing Mishi is and how magical her creations are, and if you haven’t…well, consider this your reason to come visit us! Did I mention we do custom work for you? If you have an idea of what you want, we can make it. Perfect time to do this is right now for all your holiday gifts!
4. Charm bracelets and necklaces
Now I’m still listing this under beaded items because you can turn any bead into a charm! Yep, you read that right. We use headpins to turn any bead into a charm and that can turn into the cutest charm bracelet or necklace that’s perfect for gift giving. Charm necklaces are definitely having a moment and is perfect for a more personalized gift that makes a bigger statement. We have tons of charms to choose from (and of course, beads!) to customize your look. Take a peek at the two charming bracelets (no pun intended lol) these two college bound girls made together to honor their friendship and remember each other since they were headed to separate colleges.
5. Beaded purse charms or keychains
Now this one is definitely more out-of-the-box when it comes to gifting, but hear me out! Purse charms are having a big moment right now and they are just so darn cute. This is where the quirkier, funky, cutesy side of you can come out especially for a gift. Add some vintage art glass beads, bone beads, block letter beads, and you have one unique gift. It is something unexpected, yet highly desired. Here’s a purse charm I created for the incredible handbag designer, Tree Fairfax. I added quite a few personalized touches including her brand initials and a literal tree charm, but also I added some colors that would look fabulous with her rich toned handbags. (By the way, this is definitely not an ad, I’m just a fan of her handbags!)
Hope you enjoyed this gift guide! Also, right now through December 23, 2024, we are having 20% off all of our bead strands. Yep, even our precious stone strands! So make sure you come through to pick up some gifts…even if the gift is for you 😉
Ciao for now!
~Liana