Symbolic Gift Guide: Choosing a Charm or Totem

Charms are all the rage again, and while the European style bracelets are all incredibly popular, you can also get your charms made up as necklaces and earrings... the trick is to find the most meaningful charms for your personality. Choosing a charm is like choosing a personal totem. I thought I'd run through the magic of some charms you might choose and what they say about you.



TEAPOTS my top image is pair of teapot earrings from my madeit store, the teapot is the source point for inspiration and wisdom. Through the ages many great ideas have had their origin or their salvation from a quiet moment's retreat from the pressures of the day. The great zen minds have all had their say on the value of serenity and ritual attached to drinking tea.



PARASOLS the parasol is a protective and loving symbol, traditionally the guardian of a woman's beauty and virtue.



CAROUSEL a symbol of the circle of life, this is a youthful, inspirational and uplifting choice of charm, good for healing your inner child.



FERRIS WHEEL another symbol of the circle of life, but the view from the top of the wheel reminds us of the value of perspective and wisdom gained from our life journey. A good choice for someone who has a positive attitude to ageing and values the life they have lived.



ROLLER SKATES are a fun and happy charm, linked to children a good charm for the young, but perhaps also a loving grandparent who wishes to remember and appreciate their own childhood.



ICE SKATES are more elegant and graceful than the roller skate and suits a classically beautiful woman. The ice skates gives us the ability to glide across frozen water, suggesting our triumph over the trials and obstacles of life.



BICYLES represent independence, joy, innoncence, and health.



SCISSORS are a great charm for women, people who sew or craft, and the charm represents diligence, industry, and are sharp denoting mental clarity. Good for the memory and those who don't like to be idle.



KEYS represent safety and opprtunity - perhaps the key to a new idea. Keys are also traditional for coming of age gifts at the 21st birthday.



LANTERNS represent faith, vigilance, and inspiration. The sight of a lit lantern upon a late night homecoming is most welcoming, probably the reason why lanterns evoke a subconscious feeling of wellbeing.

HUMMINGBIRDS (pictured above stock from my etsy store) mean hope and joy and help restore the energy you may have left behind in your youth, I'd choose this charm to feel happier, stronger, and more healed.

SWANS are symbolic of purity, innocence, and are considered very lucky.

BLUEBIRDS are for happiness, contentment, and valuing the small treasures in your life (observing the daily causes for gratitude) therefore not missing the bigger picture in life.

WOODPECKER is linked to psychic ability and enhances communication, a great charm for helping you bring out your hidden talents.

PELICANS a hopeful and triumphant choice after all its a peli-CAN not a peli-CAN'T! Very cheery and clever birds, a good totem for a survivor.

OWLS are symbolic of wisdom and mysticism. Night creatures are a great choice of charm because they can guard us while we sleep.

DEER and REINDEER are both a symbol of prosperity. The deer is linked to eternal youth probably because of their amazing athleticism and joyful leaping. Lighten your heart and show affection with this choice of charm.

CAMELS the ship of the desert, this animal proves the saying 'where there's a will there's a way'.

FOX this creature has keen senses, and an ingenious ability to escape trouble. In Japan the fox denotes longevity and protection.

LIONS denote personal honour and nobility, a heroic choice of charm and is also linked to royalty.

SNAKES this is the wisest animal in Chinese astrology. The iconic image of a snake eating itself is symbolic of eternal life. Choosing a snake makes a distinctive statement and will add power to a collection of charms that embraces a lot of the softer, more adorable animals and birds.

LIGHTHOUSE the image above is stock from my madeit store. The lighthouse is a great charm for protection, safe journey, inspiration, and homecoming.

There are many more (possibly unlimited) charms I could have mentioned here, if you are interested you might check my blog archive for other symbolic gift posts, and watch out for my future posts.

I have many more pieces of jewelry featuring a wide range of charms and symbolic meanings in both my stores http://www.starzyia.etsy.com/ and www.madeit.com.au/Starzyia

I collect charms from new and vintage sources around the world to continue to provide meaningful and unique creations and have many stored waiting to become a beautiful creation. It is possible for me to create a meaningful item for you for any occasion.