THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR CHILDREN & PETS

Last but definitely not least we have our holiday gift guide for the most important individuals during the holidays and that is the children and our fur babies (pets). Children and pets are what the holidays are made for as their innocence and joy during the holidays make all the preparation worthwhile. We have looked far and wide for gifts that we feel will actually be appreciated by children/pets and not be thrown aside after five minutes of playing with them. We also look for gifts that will not contribute plastic to all the future garbage landfills. We recommend gifts that will be lovingly cherished and passed down generation to generation, made by artisans with thoughtfulness and love. We have all different categories and price points and all the gifts can be ordered from the brand’s online store (click onto the caption to go to the store).

PLAYING MANTIS - FRENCH ALPHABET BLOCKS

This has been a personal favorite for years, I love getting these beautiful hand made in the USA alphabet blocks for children. Not only do young children love playing with them, they are educational and aesthetically pleasing. I have the French alphabet blocks here however Playing Mantis (my favorite toy shop in NYC) has the blocks in so many languages. So whether it is Chinese, Danish, French, Spanish, etc. it is a great and fun way to introduce language skills to young ones. Made from sustainable Michigan basswood with non-toxic inks, the 28 44cm blocks feature letters, numerals, and animal pictures. These blocks are guaranteed to become a family heirloom.

LITTLE MOONY - ORGANIC PIMA COTTON NEW YORK TAXI BODYSUIT WHITE LONG SLEEVE FOR BABIES

Little Moony is a beloved children’s boutique in Nolita, NYC that offers cool and chic clothing for your little ones. We love this NYC taxi cab one piece bodysuit for a newborn to 18 months. It’s the best way for a baby to show their love for NYC with the iconic taxi cab. With the soft pima cotton designed with three convenient snaps between the legs for easy dressing and diaper changes, ensuring practicality without compromising on style.

YOU, ME & OUR FAMILIES - BY KENNY AND ARMANDO

“You, Me & Our Families” by 90 Day Fiancé alumni Kenny and Armando is a children’s book celebrating the diversity of families structures today around the world. “Through engaging illustrations and relatable language, it introduces young readers to seven different family dynamics, including single-parent families, households led by grandparents, families with two dads, adopted families, traditional mom-and-dad families, and stepfamilies.” Books are always a great gift especially around the holidays and this book on the unconditional love of all different types of families is a great lesson to teach all children.

CUSTOM PORTRAIT OF A CHILD BY ETSY, HANHPORTRAITS

A great gift for a young child is a portrait of them when they were very young to have and to keep for generations to come. Etsy has a few artists available for portraits and we like HansHPortrait store on the site as the style of painting is quite figurative and gets the essence of the child they are painting. The sizes start at 8” x 10” to 24” x 36” and can have more subjects in the painting (for higher prices). It will be a great piece of art to have in the child’s room and to have in the future for their home.

KALA BRAND MUSIC CO. - RED SEA SOPRANO SHARK UKULELE

One of the best ways to help make children smarter is to introduce them to playing a musical instrument. It is also fun for them and helps build up self-esteem (besides musical talent). We love the ukulele as an intro instrument as it not too hard to learn to play (compared to say the piano). This Red Sea Soprano Shark Ukulele is well-suited for casual players looking for something colorful and fun to sink their teeth into. The Shark is a terrific deal that also looks and sounds great.

MoMA DESIGN STORE - TECHNICOLOR DOMINOES GAME

Here is a game for kids of all ages that helps your math skills at the same time. This multicolored domino game is a fun way to play. “This fun set of wooden game pieces in bright, saturated colors brings a tasteful, modern touch to this ancient Chinese game dating to the 12th century.” Even better for every purchase, manufacturer DesignWorks Ink plants a tree with the One Tree Planted initiative. That’s a win/win!!

SAVE THE CHILDREN - DONATION FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

What do you get the kid that has everything? How about a donation in their name to children around the world who are in desperate need of help, food, water, clothes, safety and a roof over their heads. With “Save the Children” a non-profit organization that has been helping children around the world for decades. Save the Children is extending their Giving Tuesday match so your gift today can double in value!

•$50 (becomes $100) - to help provide enough food to keep 10 children from going hungry for a month
•$150 (becomes $300)- to help provide warm, cozy blankets to 60 children affected by conflict
•$300 (becomes $600)- to help provide psychosocial support to 30 children

It’s a great lesson to teach children compassion, empathy and giving and that is what the holidays are for.

CLIC - Long Wool Rocking Sheep in Natural Gray, from Natures Collection

Introducing good home decor taste is the gift that will keep on giving. To make it fun for the kids (and aesthetically pleasing for the parent) we found this beautiful rocking sheep which is sure to be a toy they will not only love but will definitely will become a family heirloom. The copy is long but a well worth read: “The Original Rocking Lamb is a piece of furniture just as much as a toy. The frame is made of pinewood, and the head is carved by hand. The body is upholstered with foam and covered with sheepskin. Povl Kjer designed the first Rocking Sheep for his niece as a humorous reminder of her country roots in 1981. The Rocking Sheep has become well-known, first in Denmark, then followed by the rest of Scandinavia, and today the Danish design classic is sold all over the world. The wood used to make The Rocking Sheep is pine, which has traditionally been used for furniture in Scandinavia due to its good qualities. All the wood comes from Swedish or Finnish forests. The wood is FSC certified, and our supplier always informs us which sawmill has processed the wood for each batch. The sheepskins come from Iceland and Sweden, where the sheep roam freely with their lambs in a clean and unspoiled nature. Sheep are bred for meat production, so when a Rocking Sheep is upholstered with a sheepskin, it is a resource that is being exploited rather than wasted. The skins are tanned at the best and most controlled tannery in Europe. When it comes to sustainability, it probably matters most that our production is local and takes place in the countryside in the heart of Denmark. The Rocking Sheep is so durable that it can be used for generations to come. If a Rocking Sheep breaks, we repair it free of charge, no matter how old it is. Just as we want the child to feel safe and comfortable with the Rocking Sheep, we also hope that our customers will experience the joy of getting an honest product, that has been made with pride and care since 1981.” Dimensions L: 33 inch, W: 10 inch, H: 24 inch.

AND LET’S NOT FORGET OUR PETS!

CHILLY DOG SWEATER CO. - MALTESE DOG ORNAMENT

What better way to immortalize your dog than an ornament of their cuteness? Chilly Dog Sweater Co. offers 45 different breeds of dogs all made of original handcrafted wool. This darling Maltese ornament (in memory of my late dogs Powder Puff and Q-Ball) is 4” x 4”.

BARKIN - LAMB MIXED MEDLEY SINGLE INGREDIENT TREAT

Since our dogs are clueless about gift giving for the holidays (or so we think) they would especially appreciate treats. I am quite sure it will be number one on their lists of gifts if they could let us know. That brings us to Barkin Dog Treats and their Lamb Mixed Medley Single Ingredient Treat crafted with the finest quality lamb liver, lamb heart, lamb kidney, and lamb lung, these treats are a testament to our commitment to providing the highest standards of nutrition and taste for your furry friend. One of the benefits of Barkin is that a portion of their proceeds go to pet related causes and organizations that advocate for mental health and emotional wellness. A win/win for all!

OUR GREEN HOUSE - SCRATCHING BALL CAT TOY - SALMON

Let’s not forget cats (or other forms of pets). Our Green House ball toy will bring your cat hours of pouncing, swatting, and chasing fun with a rattle sound inside. 1.75” in diameter and made of sisal in the USA, it’s a gift your cat will love.

We hope you appreciate the gift suggestions for children and pets that are artisanal and chosen so they will love and appreciate and most of all cherish. We at The Local Artisan Guide wish you and yours a very happy holiday and remind you to please shop consciously, shop local, shop small and most of all shop artisan!

By Natalie Rivera

VALENTINES DAY GIFTS INSPIRED BY NY NOW WHOLESALE WINTER MARKET

This year for our Valentines Day blog we were inspired for Valentine Day gift recommendations from NY NOW, the wholesale market from Bullentin, a wholesale market that focuses on discovering up and coming brands with extraordinary products. The brands are small, local, independent and teeming with unique creators.

We picked ten products in different categories for men, women, children and your favorite pet in all price ranges. We hope you will be inspired by these up and coming brands that we are sure will provide Valentines Day gifts that are distinctive, quirky and lovely. Please click onto the images to be directed to the product online store.

COCO CHOCOLATIER

Chocolates are always the way to your love’s ones heart on Valentines Day. Make your gift more original with chocolate from chocolatier Coco. Coco is based in Edinburgh however they begin the making of their chocolate at origin before passionately transforming it in Edinburgh, Scotland. As a result, more wealth remains within developing economies. This beautiful heart shaped box of chocolate features modern artwork on the box by artist Stephen König. The chocolate from Colombia inside is described as “Indulgent truffles filled with an orange delicate filling and covered in fine single origin milk and white chocolate. A decadent treat, perfect for special occasions.”

GOLD+WATER CO.

GOLD+WATER CO. is a bath and body and home brand founded in 2019 in Philadelphia, PA by Chartel. The brand produce handcrafted soap, bath items, and home decor in small batches. They also support local anti-abuse organizations and those addressing mental health and hygiene needs in their community. GOLD+WATER CO. offers a 5 SOAP BUNDLE + SAVE. in their various 15 scents. Some of our favorites are ARDENT, SMOULDER, BARE and BARE.

MOSHIQA

Moshiqa, Mosh Mosh Bowls, $60

Many of us want to show all the people we love in our lives how much they mean to us on Valentines Day, however sometimes its the animals in our lives that give us the most love and support so for our pets we have these beautiful cat and dog Mosh Mosh bowls by Moshiqa. Moshiqa is a high-end lifestyle brand for pets and pet lovers; offering a unique selection of luxurious fashion wear, leather goods and accessories, established in Los Angeles by self-made woman entrepreneur Meryem Birsoz and her heroine life partner Moshi, the Shih Tzu, in 2017. The Mosh Mosh Bowls are best for both food & water. They are hand-crafted from the finest ceramics featuring gold accent patterns of kitties & puppies. Your fur babies will feel the love and food will taste better as well as make your home look quite lovely.

NO SIGN

NO SIGN, Red Wallet, ¥13,200

A thoughtful gift that can be unisex is this stunning red wallet (they will always think of you when they pull it out) by NO SIGN. The brand is a leather goods brand that uses natural leather from Wagyu beef from Miyazaki Prefecture. Using rare and valuable leather materials, the product is handmade by skilled Japanese craftsmen. From the raw material to the tanning process, the entire manufacturing process is produced in Japan. It is a brand that is particular about ALL MADE IN JAPAN. Based on free ideas based on the theme of "people"NO SIGN will blend into everyday life, proposing genderless leather goods that will make you feel at ease and attached to it every time you touch the leather. The wallet is described as, “A zip card case made of Miyazaki leather with a simple design. A slim card case that eliminates waste and is perfect for the cashless era. The zipper pocket has two partitions, allowing you to organize folded bills and coins. The outside pocket of the case can hold 4 cards, and the other side has a receipt storage space. The practical design stores only what you need, making it perfect for a minimalist lifestyle. The dimensions are 8cm / 14.5cm / 1cm.


GROUNDED CERAMICS

Grounded Ceramics, “love is complicated splattered heart stud earrings”, $29

Jewelry is always a beautiful and traditional way to show someone you love them on Valentines Day. That said, it doesn’t mean the jewelry needs to be traditional. We love these heart shape ceramic earrings by Grounded Ceramics as a gift. Grounded Ceramics has potters who thoughtfully create delicate porcelain jewelry and functional ceramics in her Oak Park, Illinois studio. She carefully crafts small batches of unique, one of a kind pieces using porcelain or stoneware clay. The earrings, “love is complicated splattered heart stud earrings” are splattered olive and peach underglaze on porcelain hearts. clear glossy glaze with a surgical steel, hypoallergenic post.

EMMOTIV

EMMOTIV, “Love Euphoric”, 50 ML, $84

Perfume is always a thoughtful Valentines Day gift as scent evokes memory and how lovely to remember the ones we love. The scent brand EMMOTIV has a scent perfect for Valentines Day called “Love Euphoric” which is a captivating cocktail of aphrodisiac florals – ylang-ylang, jasmine and rose absolutes – infused with lush notes of coconut, cashmeran and white amber. EMMOTIV is developed by some of the world's most talented luxury perfumers. Their fragrances fuse the mood-enhancing benefits discovered through aromachology and aromatherapy with the sophisticated and artfully layered composition of perfume. The result is an intimately delightful olfactive experience that proves the power of fragrance comes to life when we wear it for ourselves, not others. It is a brand that should be on your radar.


WATER BRUJA

WATER BRUJA, “Come to Me”, 8 oz, $15.50

An affordable gift for Valentines Day is a romantic candle. This candle recommendation however is more for you for self-love as the candle is created by Water Bruja (bruja is witch in Spanish) Water Bruja, founded by Melody. Water Bruja is a New York brand offering reiki-infused, vegan-friendly aromatherapy products for bath, body, and beauty. The brand focuses on relaxation, stress relief, and positive intention setting. Each product is thoughtfully crafted with gifting in mind, ideal for personal indulgence or thoughtful gifts. Water Bruja stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, blending physical wellness with spiritual enrichment. The brand's dedication to quality and care, particularly in its handcrafted soy candles, reflects its core values of holistic well-being and environmental responsibility. This eclectic candle is a stunningly beautiful love spell to attract someone to love in your life. Its called the “Come to Me” candle, its 8 oz, made from soy and smells like citrus and berries with a musk base. Remember self love is the most important love!

VOBELLE

VOBELLE, Handknit Merino Wool Dark Red Scarf, $60

It may seem like most of these recommendations are for women however this is certainly a gift for men (or any gender) that they will love and cherish. This hand knit red scarf in 100% merino wool, nice and cozy. It is light weight and non itchy so it won’t feel too bulky. Handmade in the USA. Dimensions: approx 7″ X 74″. The brand Vobelle is a small, female-owned and operated brand dedicated to creating exquisite knitted accessories. Every piece is designed and handmade in their studio in Killingly, CT, ensuring attention to detail and a personal touch. The merino wool is sourced from the USA not abroad to make the brand more sustainable.

BALIZEN HOME

BALIZEN, Balinese Umbrella | Prada Indigo, $380.

An unorthodox gift for yourself and your home and family is this beautiful outdoor Balinese umbrella by BaliZen. Anyone can have an outdoor umbrella but no one in your neighborhood will have this beautiful umbrella with golden heart shaped ornaments, brass bells and traditional tassels in their signature prada print in indigo blue. A perfect Valentines Day gift to enjoy everyday. Balizen Home for over two decades has been at the forefront of both the Fair Trade and sustainability movement. They create a unique line of ethical products for your home, garden and wardrobe. Their designs are inspired by nature and the Zen traditions of craftsmanship, simplicity, harmony and the use of natural and eco-friendly materials. 

TEAM SUPER CREW

TEAM SUPERCREW, Emotions and Powers, Book Set of 4, $30

Last but certainly not least is a gift for the children in your life for Valentines Day and we love this book set from Team Super Crew that helps your child grow their emotional IQ. The Team Super Crew box set helps kids recognize big feelings and learn the tools to regulate their emotions in a positive way. Different from other books on the market, this series is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a social-emotional therapy that focuses on the ways that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Our thoughts create our feelings! When we develop the tools to change our negative thoughts, we learn how to regulate our emotions in a positive way. Helping your child grow and connect in healthy ways to those around them is the best Valentines Day gift you can give them that will last the rest of their lives.

We hope you enjoyed the selections from NY Now. These are brands that are local and markets like NY Now help shine a spotlight on local brands that you may not know about to create greater audiences and help their businesses. Plus you and your loved ones benefit with unique and thoughtful gifts for Valentines Day.

By Natalie Rivera

LAST MINUTE ECO FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - BAGS FOR EVERYONE!

If you are still looking for last minute holiday gift ideas may we recommend BAGS! Handbags, camera bags, cosmetic bags, garment bags, cell phone bags, totes, cross body bags, all types of bags! We have chosen from small independent artisanal and heritage brands that make some of our favorite bags for everyone. Best of all is that the brands below are eco friendly, sustainable who believe in giving back to society and the earth. Please click onto the captions for more info.

STRATHBERRY, THE STRATHBERRY NANO TOTE

Strathberry is an English heritage brand designs elegant handbags made from the finest materials with creative hardware. We recommend the Strathberry Nano Mini Tote that can also work as a crossbody with a long chain. It comes in a array of colors but we chose this pretty Bandana style pattern that will stand out for the right reasons in any crowd.

KEMPTON & CO. , METALLIC CAMO LARGE CANVAS CROSSBODY

Kempton & Co. is a handbag and accessory brand founded by Fiona Kempton, an English designer who is based in New York City. As a designer and world traveler, Kempton started designing handbags that are not only convenient and stylish but held all your devices safely. We love Kempton & Co.’s signature camo and multi stripe large canvas crossbody. It will fit your devices and belongings with plenty of space yet still look fashionable and not clunky.

PATENT OF HEART, GRACE PHONE BAG

Patent of Heart is a handbags and small leather goods accessories brand founded by Elif Akaydin, a New York based designer of Turkish decent who creates chic handbag and accessories made by artisans, mostly women artisan from around the world. Patent of Heart works to keep centuries old skills passed down generation by generation in their product all the while giving back their proceeds to help girls achieve their educational goals. It’s a win/win holiday gift to give! We love the Grace Phone Bag as it has enough room to just carry your bare essentials (cell phone, credit cards, etc.) in a small cross body. It also comes in beautiful bold colors that stand out as a lovely accessory.

POLENE, Numéro Dix

Polène is a relatively new handbag brand, founded in Paris in 2016 by three siblings who had a vision of creating elegant handbags in a multitude of silhouettes, many in petite sizes. Using the best leathers from Italian and Spanish tanneries, all production is entrusted to the craftsmen of Ubrique, a Spanish town specialized in luxury leather goods. One of our favorite bags is “Numéro Dix”. With its rounded shape, foam padding, and hand-stitching, the “Numéro Dix” is a nod to the equestrian codes of saddlery. Its half-moon design highlights juxtaposing curves. It’s a handbag sure to be cherished and treasured for its workmanship and beauty.

MOI&ASS, BUBBLE BAG

One of our favorite new handbag brands is MOI&ASS, a Madrid based brand created by Moira Laporta, and Alessandra de Osma. MOI&ASS focus on delivering long lasting investment pieces, briging minimalism with functionality. Inspired by exceptional materials, the brand is marked by traditional craftsmanship, and its timeless designs made from sustainable leather. We love the signature Bubble Bag. Made of timeless calfskin leather with a cotton canvas interior, tastefully enhanced by its handcrafted handles and leather loops. Its flexible side panels feature leather cords that can be tightened or loosened to customize the bag's shape. Boasting multiple uses, this compact bag can be carried as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or top handle. 

CLARE V, MAMAN JE T'AIME

Another brand created from feeling an absence of stylish bags for your computer and devices, French journalist turned handbag designer Clare V. decided to create a handbag brand that makes stylish handbags for your devices but with the stylish French twist. We love the quirkiness of the brand plus their fun sense of humor and color. One of our favorite bags is the MAMAN JE T'AIME, translation: I love you Mom, this is a canvas bag made in collaboration Every Mother Counts. 30% of the purchase price will be donated to Every Mother Counts so you get a fun beautiful canvas tote and give back to a worthy cause.

AMPERSAND AS APOSTROPHE, MICRO-TOTE / NEON PINK PYTHON

AMPERSAND AS APOSTROPHE was founded by Detroit native and now New York City-based designer, Jessica Park, a former architect whose preferred method of solving design challenges is to refine what's there instead of focusing on what's not. One of their best sellers which we recommend is their Micro Tote. The style is the mini key for a hands-free, sophisticated fun bag with pops of color to jump start your wardrobe yet it fits your keys, wallet, cell, etc. It’s fashionable yet fully functional.

BAGGU, CAMERA CROSSBODY

BAGGU, CAMERA CROSSBODY, $48

BAGGU is an eco-friendly bag and accessory brand known for colorful patterns, brings their playful energy onto their social media channels. This fun yet affordable brand has a fun unisex camera bag that we just love (although it can be more than a camera bag). It comes in a multitude of colors and a silhouette that is sporty and made from a slightly structured recycled heavyweight nylon, recycled ripstop nylon lining with an adjustable strap. Also machine washable so great for kids too!

BAG-ALL, MEN'S SUIT GARMENT BAG WITH POCKET, CREAM

Bag-all is a New York City based brand founded by Swedish stylist Jennifer Wesslau who embarked on a mission to make a positive impact on the environment. Fueled by an unwavering passion for design, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, she aimed to raise awareness about the vital concept of reuse, marrying enduring quality with timeless aesthetics. A perfect gift for the man in your life is the Men's Suits garment bag! Protect your suit from dust or other closet debris with their cotton Garment bag which will keep your suit clean while letting it breathe, which is good for both cotton and wool fabrics. This travel organizing bag has two handles, one at the top and one at the bottom, which makes it easy to carry. The bag is closed with a durable metal zipper and comes with a zipper pocket in the back to store ties, accessories, and other items. It has a fun, sleek print, making it both stylish and functional. The perfect gift any groom or man for any occasion. You can also personalize your garment bag by adding a monogram of your name or initials! They will LOVE this gift!

PARAVEL, CABANA SEE-ALL SET

Paravel is one of our most recent favorite travel brand we have come upon for its beautiful, colorful and elegant designs. However you could have knocked us over with a feather when we learned how sustainable and eco friendly the brand is. They use post-consumer plastic water bottles by recycling them into longer-lasting products–like their Negative Nylon® and Ecocraft Canvas® styles. An excellent and creative way to reduce plastic pollution. Paravel uses upcycled and recycled materials in 100% of their products. Not many brands can say that. WE picked from their collection of travel bags the Cabana See-All Set. Their signature-striped Cabana Vanity Case Set is spacious enough to pack all your toiletries, lightweight enough to never weigh you down, and strong enough to take on any in-transit messes (it can easily be wiped down). Stow it in your carry-on, set it out in your hotel room, or use it as your vanity case right at home. Individually sized to hold it all and see it all. It comes with a mini version to make traveling even easier or for shorter trips. We love the transparent aspect of the design so you can actually see what you have and don’t have in your set (Yikes! Where is the deodorant??). We expect to hear more from this brand in the future and know when you give it as a gift (even to yourself) the bearer of the gift will be just as impressed with the sustainability of the brand as we are.

So that is our holiday gift suggestions for bags. We have bags for all and behind every brand here is supporting local, small independent brands that use artisan skills and eco friendly practices that give back to the earth.

Happy Holidays!

By Natalie Rivera

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE!

Every year The Local Artisan Guide offers a Holiday Gift Guide and this year is no different. If you read our previous blog on Olfactory ideas for holiday gifts this blog is some of our most favorite gift ideas in multiple categories. As usual the gifts are from brands that are artisanal, small business and local (even if they are available around the world). If we can help guide you to more unique, artisanal gifts then we have done our job. We are featuring here gifts from American, Spain, Italy, Paris and Mexico because that is how we roll. Just click on the captions below for more info on the item.

Khushi Spa, Healing Balm

Khushi Spa is a beauty brand that has focused since in inception as a brand that eschews chemicals and additives in their products and rely on natural ingredients used for centuries for the treatment and healing of your skin. We love their bestseller Healing Balm, which is described as “A simply divine balm made from a lanolin base with shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil and essential oils of geranium and lavender. The Khushi Healing Balm is thick going on but has nice absorption if given a moment.  Use on; dry hands and feet, dry patches of skin, chapped baby cheeks (on the face or the bum), or any part of the skin that needs a bit of extra attention.” The ingredients are lanolin, shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil, beeswax, glycerin, rosemary oil extract, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil and come in a 4 oz jar making for a much needed and affordable holiday gift.

Maria De La Orden, Tree Cashmere Sweater for Women

Maria De La Orden is a boutique brand based in Madrid that is a very whimsical, color and pattern oriented collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and now home decor. We love the quality of their Mongolian based cashmere, our favorite is Tree Cashmere Sweater in Green is fitted close to the body and has a turtleneck. Composed of 100% 2-ply ultra-soft cashmere, this luxurious green sweater has a stripe detail along the arms sleeves, in natural color.

Inphorm NYC, Girls Strappy Flounce Tennis Dress

Inphorm NYC is a luxury atleisure wear brand founded by designer Saad Hajidin who from the onset of his brand was focusing on creating fashionable activewear as eco friendly as possible and fair trade for his workers. Inphorm NYC has a reputation for activewear so fashionable that you don’t want to wear it just for sports. Inphorm NYC has lately added men’s and girls and boys activewear to their brand and we are spotlighting the Girls Strappy Tennis Flounce Dress which we feel young ladies will not only adore but likely will want to play tennis more! Sophisticated and playful is how we would describe this dress. We recommend pairing this with their classic compression short as an underpinning. Built in shelf bra eliminates see through on the upper body. The fabric is UV Protective with Moisture wicking and quick dry with Four-way stretch. Also Machine Washable.

Desideri Design, Fukui Organic Silver Ring

Desideri Design is a jewelry brand created and designed by Roman Claudia Desideri (now based in NYC) who initially became known for her Swarovski Crystal designs and has now evolved into other media which included this beautiful solid silver ring inspired by her travels in Hawaii and the Kukui seeds she found on the beach. This incredible ring was created by nature and sculpted by the ocean. The organic solid ring has a nice weight bringing lux and uniqueness to this beautiful wearable art.

Mondelliani Eyewear, Wissing Eye Glasses

Mondelliani Eyewear is an independent Roman eyewear brand (their eyewear boutique also offers a highly curated selection of smaller independent brands) as well as accessories and art) that has out of the box designs for their eyewear and sunglasses. Their fun play with color is apparent with their Wissing Eyewear, a classic model but with unexpected colors, for a look that is always joyful and never predictable. The combination of colors was created ad hoc for Mondelliani, making the object one of a kind.

Baboushkini, Oso + Me, Green Missy Baby Sleepsuit

Baboushkini is born from this - a UK based shopping destination designed to inspire, bringing to life a curation of the nicest, most high-quality and elegant children’s clothes made by an array of carefully chosen independent brands from around the world, all of which are founded and run by women, all of whom champion the magic of artisanal, thoughtful, ethical design and production when it comes to babies and children. With that we love the Oso + Me brand and their baby sleep suit which is the Green Missy Baby 100% organic double cotton gauze, with velvet trim and runs true to size. Your adorable baby will look even more adorable if that was already possible.

John Robshaw, Aditya Robe

John Robshaw is well known textile designer mostly known in home decor circles with a stunning collection of east/west patterns and color inspiration designs for his bed and tableware. Mostly handmade in India John Robshaw also has other categories in his design world which included accessories, furniture, stationary and apparel. We chose his Aaditya Robe which is unisex and like his other textiles is also hand blocked by meticulous artisans. Relax in style in this wonderful batik style robe. Incredibly soft and light, these cotton voile robes are perfect for any season. 100% Cotton voile and with pockets. Available in s/m and l/xl.

Long Wharf Supply Co., Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater

The Long Wharf Supply Co., is an eco friendly apparel brand that creates their clothing from recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottle and cotton. We highly recommend as a gift for the men in your life the Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater. The first fisherman's sweaters made from a soft blend of recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottles, and cotton. Inspired by vintage style and classic comfort, these garments boast ribbed cuffs and collars to promote thermal regulation and lightweight layers for windy days among the great outdoors. This sweater is inspired by the Prince of Pirates, Samuel Bellamy sailed from Cape Cod to become one of the wealthiest pirates in the world. During his time, he was known as a "Robin Hood of the Seas" treating both his crew and prisoners well until he ran aground and perished off Wellfleet, Massachusetts in 1717. Donning his famous ensign, our Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater provides the perfect versatile layer for year-round use.

McNally Jackson, Slim Aarons, “Style”

Independent book store McNally Jackson has an amazing collection of books and to support independent book stores in an Amazon age helps make sure they survive. That said we want to recommend a classic book on style, Slim Aarons, “Style”, a book on glamorous fashions, personalities, and places captured by iconic photographer Slim Aarons in this collection from curator Shawn Waldron and author Kate Betts. McNally Jackson’s description on the book is as follows: “Slim Aarons, at least according to the man himself, did not photograph fashion: “I didn’t do fashion. I did the people in their clothes that became the fashion.” But despite what he claimed, Aarons’s work is indelibly tied to fashion. Aarons’s incredibly influential photographs of high society and socialites being unambiguously themselves are still a source of inspiration for modern day style icons. Slim Aarons: Style showcases the photographs that both recorded and influenced the luminaries of the fashion world. This volume features early black-and-white fashion photography, as well as portraits of the fashionable elite—like Jacqueline de Ribes, C.Z. Guest, Nan Kempner, and Marisa Berenson—and those that designed the clothes, such as Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Mary McFadden, and Lilly Pulitzer. Featuring some never-before-seen images and detailed captions written by fashion historians, Slim Aarons: Style is a collection of the photographer’s most stylish work.”

AYU New York, Handmade Stuffed Toys from Oaxaca, Mexico

AYU New York is known for home decor from around the world and in the store we found these adorable and beautiful handmade stuffed toys from Oaxaca, Mexico. These are perfect gifts for a child that has parents that are style and eco friendly conscious as the child gets a fun and colorful toy to play with and the parents have a toy that actually adds to the style of their home decor. No plastic, messy and loud toys here. Made out of cotton, price upon request.

So there you go, ten gift ideas for the holidays that will satisfy everyone on your gift giving list. They are artisanal, eco friendly and help small local brands thrive. Plus your loved ones will appreciate how you went the extra mile to find a gift as unique as they are.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY EIGHT: KIDS TOYS & FASHIon

We have reached the eighth day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we put the spotlight on kids; their fashion, their toys, their books. We are highlighting three brands, one bookstore and one toy store that offer unique, playful, colorful, eco-friendly, relevant products for children. If you think your child is a one-of-a-kind then these choices should make you happy and even more important your babies happy.

LUCKY WANG, “KAMALA INFANT TEE”, $24

Lucky Wang is a kids clothing store that is for the cool kids in the know (or their parents at least). Known for their beautiful baby kimonos, rock tees and playful clothing and toys, we chose a Kamala Infant Tee as Lucky Wang likes their babies and kids to be political aware from the cradle to the single size bed. RBG and Obama tees are also available.

MAKIE, “SOPHIE DIGARD PARIS, ‘DONKEY & DOG’”, SMALL $220, LARGE $300

Makie is a highly curated children’s boutique in the Historical District of Soho (although they do carry some women’s apparel and home decor), The aesthetic is mainly minimal,with soft muted colors and luscious textures. However we picked one of their plush toys that they feature for babies made by French based knitwear designer, Sophie Digard. Since 1999, Sophie Digard has been designing models for fashion accessories and textile objects in her Paris workshop. Every object is then crafted entirely by hand in natural materials after a long process of preparation. Work on color is of prime importance. Inspired by the infinite variation of natural elements, Sophie Digard process creations that defy the dictates of time.” The small Donkey and Dog is 6 inches and the large is 9 3/4 inches. Made of 60% Merino wool, 40% Cotton. All process are made by hand in Madagascar. Its such a beautiful stuffed toy, you may want it on your bed.

BOOKS ARE MAGIC, “EVERYONE’S AWAKE” BY COLIN MELOY, ILLUSTRATED BY SHAWN HARRIS, $16.55

A simple goodnight routine turns marvelously madcap in this cleverly rhymed picture book. Instead of settling down to sleep, Dad bakes bread, Mom fixes the roof, and Grandma plays cards with a ghost. And between the dog, the cat, Sister, and Brother, there's at least three different wars being waged! A modern classic perfect for read-aloud fun and bedtime alike.

AN.ME “HEART SLIPPER SOCK SHOES”, $38

Made in France, a new generation of slipper-socks has a feeling of barefoot plus support! Micro-ventilated, they are super comfortable and have anti-slip spikes. Socks are designed with a white heart print on the front. 86% Cotton 12% Polyamide. Machine wash cold. Comes in multiple sizes.

PLAYING MANTIS, “WILD HORSE MARIONETTE - BROWN”, $38.95

Playing Mantis is one of The Local Artisan Guide’s favorite toy stores with all its charming handcrafted wooden toys, costumes and beautifully curated book shop. Its hard to pick just one item from this store but for affordability we chose this charming horse marionette which acts as handsome decor when resting, but its real purpose is to delight, entertain, and amuse when animated. Sturdily constructed of hardwood, felt, fabric, and leather, this sculpture can achieve magically realistic movement with simple, one-hand operation. Should strings ever become tangled, you’ll be able to remedy the problem in a snap thanks to a unique, tangleproof string design.

We all know Christmas and the holidays are for children so hopefully we guided you to some children’s gifts that show them how special and unique they are to you and the world around them.

By Natalie Rivera