Made by DWC – A Place for the Perfect Holiday Present

For the past few years when it came to Christmas shopping I fell into the Amazon trap. It’s so quick and convenient and cheap! How could I not take advantage of it? But then my thoughts started to change. What about the little guy? What about the local business that I love so much and cross my fingers hoping it won’t close? Why don’t I support them instead? So that’s just what I’ve started to do. Don’t get me wrong, I still shop on Amazon but let’s just say I’ve diversified. It’s no longer my one stop shop and now my Christmas shopping includes visits to some of my favorite area stores. And one of those places is Made by DWC.

In the early days of this blog I wrote about grabbing a drink at the original Made by DWC. Since then, they’ve opened a second location in Downtown Los Angeles that’s strictly a resale boutique. In it you’ll find a curated selection of gently used clothing and accessories and an array of new gift items – many of which were made by the ladies of the DWC.

The DWC is the Downtown Women’s Center which provides permanent housing, health assistance, meals, job training, and other support to the women of Skid Row. I was recently lucky enough to tour the Los Angeles Street home and it is an amazing entity for the women. Bright and cheery inside it provides a true home for these ladies. And it truly makes a difference – an astounding 95% of women housed in the DWC do not return to the streets. Amazing. Simply amazing.

Needless to say, this is an organization close to my heart. So naturally, it’s one of my top choices for Christmas shopping.

On my recent visit I couldn’t help but pick up (quite a) few items – some for gifts for my family and friends and some for me. Here’s a selection of my favorites – all were handmade by the ladies of the DWC (the first two items were generously given to me by the DWC).

This soap smells amazing!

I love this candle so much! Not only is it beautiful but it has a lovely lavender scent.

This is such a fabulous hand-sewn pouch. I put my favorite Besame Cosmetics in as an example but you could use it for anything – craft items, pens, candy, change…the possibilities are endless.

Now don’t go thinking this is a used book. Looks can be deceiving. This is actually a journal re-purposed from an out of circulation library book. Destined for the scrap heap this book was given a new life. Just look at it now.

These are just a few of the many fantastic items available at Made by DWC. Seriously, I was able to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done here. And the possibilities are endless – birthdays, housewarming, treats for yourself…Stop by and enjoy!

Made by DWC Resale Boutique           Made by DWC

325 Los Angeles Street                          438 S. San Pedro Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013                          Los Angeles, CA  90013