THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HIM

It’s our third holiday gift guide and this post is about special, unique artisanal gifts for HIM. There are so many considerate, distinctive and unique gifts to give that he will love. He will be flattered that you sought out such noteworthy gifts that not only will he cherish but will help out small local brands. We picked ten different gift suggestions in all categories and price ranges. Click onto the captions for the link to the online store (all suggestions also have an online store with shipping).

JOHN ROBSHAW - RALLI JACKET

Textile designer John Robshaw has a shop in Falls Village, CT that has a curated selection of John’s products plus his finds from his world travels. John had some extra Ralli blankets from India and had men’s jackets made of them with some beautiful embroidery on top. They are fun, colorful and unique. If you have an over the top man in your life who loves to be the life of the party, may we recommend the Ralli Jacket. Please email theshop@johnrobshaw.com or call 917-781-0130 to inquire about the jackets.

MICHAEL ANDREWS - LUCKY YOU CUFFLINKS

Ultra exclusive men’s atelier Michael Andrews not only offers bespoke suits and men’s accessories they also have great curated finds. We love the “Lucky You” silver cufflinks. The crossed fingers are a great gift to give good luck to any man on an important day. The silver makes it extra elegant. It’s a great accessory and a thoughtful gift for the special man in your life.

HIVE & COLONY - SARTOR EAU DE PARFUM

Hive & Colony, a men’s bespoke brand has a unique collection of men’s accessories. We selected a scent that was made for Hive & Colony and is simply sumptuous. It is guaranteed to be admired by the wearer and anyone in their vicinity. Made in Italy the scent connotes: “Experience the essence of craftsmanship with a captivating blend of spiced sandalwood, iris, and violet. Indulge in the luxurious heart of pure elegance, enhanced by rich notes of precious woods and musk for a seductive, powerful allure”.

RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE - THE COCKTAIL CABINET: TEQUILA: THE ESSENTIAL DRINKS EVERY TEQUILA & MEZCAL LOVER SHOULD KNOW

We love recommending books as gifts, especially when they come from independent bookstores or art book stores. Here not only are we recommending a book from Rizzoli with a subject that is near and dear to many, the joy of tequila and mezcal. After learning more about mezcal in Mexico earlier this year we fell in love with this book and its expertise on the subject. “The Cocktail Cabinet: Tequila distills the best of the spirits with 50 cards that feature recipes for any mood, whether you'd like to get smoky with a Oaxaca old fashioned or enjoy a lazy afternoon with a punchy siesta.”

With mid-century-inspired illustrations, easy-to-follow recipes, and guides to garnishes, glassware, ice, and syrups, this deck is the ideal pick for budding mixologists and bartending experts. So if you know a man that is starting a bar area in a corner of his home or has transformed his man’s cave into a sleek 20’s inspired speakeasy bar, this is the perfect gift.

DUNCAN QUINN - SAILING BAG

Duncan Quinn is a men’s bespoke boutique in Nolita, NYC that has been iconic for offering men bespoke outfits with an international twist. We feel every man needs a special carry on bag to match his adventurous spirit and desire for travel. This Sailing Bag is handmade in “Palma, Majorca by a small artisanal shop that specializes in bespoke fitted luggage for superyacht nooks and crannies. Made from carbon fiber sails used on racing yachts, then cut by hand and painted by hand using the same paint as used for markings on racing sails. Featuring the Duncan Quinn signature Smoking Skull and number print on opposite side (number may vary.) Shoulder strap and red hand carries on both ends. Complies with hand luggage carry-on sizing for once you get back into the air”.

MEERIN - SNUFF WAXY KUDU BOOTS

Meermin is a family owned & operated business based in the beautiful island of Mallorca in Spain. The brand is dedicated to produce & sell well made, quality Goodyear Welted shoes at a radical affordable price point. One of their newest styles is Snuff Waxy Kudu Boot. This boots is so special and well made that any fashion conscious man who still values comfort would love to own. The copy is long but does describe how special and well made this boot is. “The Waxy Kudu leather is a special one—waxed antelope leather from Southern regions of Africa. A striking & very unique leather which features all the natural blemishes, marks and scratches of a wild antelope that lived in the bushes. Blemishes & cuts are part of the interest of this leather and will be used on the production of the uppers. Please note that this leather does not look like smooth French calfskin at all, is a very rugged, mellow & very unique Antelope leather which accepts scars & marks as part of the uniqueness—which make every single pair truly unique. These boots feature our newest NEGON last, specifically designed to enhance the overall fit and comfort. The wider and flatter toe shape allows for ample room, preventing any discomfort or pinching. The supporting back area provides excellent stability and ensures a secure fit for all-day wear. The interior of the boots is where luxury meets functionality. The shaft is fully unlined and the vamp is lined with horsehide leather, offering a smooth and breathable environment for your feet. This natural material provides superior moisture management and enhances the overall comfort. To further enhance the fit and ease of wearing, the boots come with an extended bellows tongue, allowing for easy entry and a snug fit. These boots are Flex Goodyear Welted to ensure durability and flexibility, aside from being fully resoleable when the time comes. The thick veg-tan flat welts, leather insoles and midsoles provide exceptional support and adaptability, making every step comfortable and fatigue-free. Equipped with a convenient double city lug outsole, this boot is built to handle whatever comes your way”.

FALCONERI - ULTRASOFT CASHMERE CABLE-KNIT MOTIF TURTLENECT SWEATER

Italian luxury artisanal fashion brand is world renowned for their spectacular cashmere. Their secret is a magical combination of the finest natural fibers, Italian artisan skills and innovative production systems from the pastures of Mongolia to the special artisan craftsmanship in Italy. This sweater is so lovely, stylish and soft that any man would love to live in it. It comes in other colors besides Dark Green (also available in blue, natural and alabaster beige). Made from 100% cashmere: “A refined cable-knit motif characterizes this turtleneck sweater made of fine Ultrasoft Cashmere. The wrap-around effect and Nordic-inspired design are combined with a regular fit, making the piece ideal for all-day wear”.

MoMA - De Stijl Tumbling Tower

Boys and their toys! Well this isn’t a sports car but this game is a popular fun way to spend an evening and looks great in your home, like a Piet Mondrian sculpture. The MoMA De Stijl Tumbling Tower was designed by Monica Albornoz through MoMA's collaboration with the MFA Products of Design program at the School of Visual Arts. “MoMA Exclusive: This take on the classic game brings the aesthetics of the De Stijl movement—with its bright primary colors and geometric shapes—to life in 3D form. Think of it as an interactive Mondrian painting. To play, build a tower by stacking three side by side blocks in each row, alternating 90 degrees with each layer. Players take turns removing a block from the tower and placing it on top. The composition evolves as each player makes their mark. The last player to successfully remove and stack a block without the tower falling wins the game. The game ends when the tower falls. Made of sustainably harvested rubberwood. For two or more players. Measures 12”h x 3”w x 3”d.”

ORNAMENTS FOR ORPHANS - FELT WOOL GOLF BAG ORNAMENT

We found this sweet gift that is perfect for a host or office colleague that loves golf. Or any of your male friends that love golf. Your favorite golfer will love this golf bag filled with clubs. These ornaments are handmade by artisans in Nepal, Asia using colorful sheep wool. Best thing is that Ornament 4 Orphans is a fair trade, social business. They sell handmade products made by artisans in Kenya, Uganda, Peru and Nepal. All proceeds are invested back into the communities where they work to provide jobs, fight poverty, encourage sustainability, keep vulnerable children with their families and prevent them from becoming orphans. So when you buy this as a gift so many people around the world are winning.

BOY SMELLS - COWBOY KUSH CANDLE

A candle is always a good gift and we love BOY SMELLS candle company from Los Angeles. The company is dedicated to scents that go beyond the gender binary. Cowboy Kush is a spell-binding, masculine scent that would elevate any area of smells of well-worn leather of spiced patchouli with puffs of pot.. “Just like enjoying a joint at the rodeo, this tumbleweed of a scent is a rustic accumulation of soft suede and spiced saffron with puffs of pot leaf and patchouli floating through. Earthy, grounded, it is warm and well-worn like a saddle with notes of tonka bean and patchouli. A best seller and for good reason, enjoy riding off into your own olfactive sunset.”

We tried for the first time hosting an evening with men from all backgrounds to give us their opinions of the gift suggestions we had and these were the gifts that were 100% approved based on their uniqueness, craftsmanship and price points. Plus the added benefit that all the brands are small and specialize in artisanal products. A good feedback we received when presenting our picks were, “I would be so happy to receive these gifts and would appreciate the thought that went into getting me a gift that I would appreciate”. So if that is the feeling you want the man in your life to have we recommend our gift choices or as a suggestion so you can shop locally in your neighborhood for something as special. There is always a small, local artisanal brand near you hoping you will see beyond the Amazons of this world and large scale department stores to relish the specialness of beautifully crafted gift.

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