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ORIGINAL GIFTS FOR FATHER'S DAY

I don’t know if your father is easy to shop for. My father, who is an amazing father and father figure to many is quite impossible. So many people love him and want to honor him with a gift that shows how special he is to them but in the end he puts in all into his “magic armoire”. That’s what we call the armoire where our gifts go into and we never see again because he is quite a humble man. Honestly he really just wants J.Crew underwear and socks and that makes him happy (oh and any Yankee paraphernalia he appreciates too).

That is why when shopping for dad on Father’s Day it’s important to make sure that you gift your father something that is original to him that he will appreciate and shows him how unique and special he is to you.

The Local Artisan Guide has picked a few gift ideas for dear old dad (or any father figure in your life) that your father will see immediately how exceptional they are and hopefully will not go into the magic armoire. For information just click onto the captions as all gifts can be sent from the brand’s online store. As usual The Local Artisan Guide provides gift suggestions of all price ranges. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to make dad feel special (but it definitely can go that way too).


RES IPSA - MEN’S KILIM LOAFER

Res Ipsa is a brand that makes artisanal products from Marrakesh. These one of a kind Kilim loafers for dad are not only comfortable but quite stylish. “This signature pair of loafers are made by hand at their Marrakech atelier from a vintage, 50-to-100-year-old handwoven Kilim rug. No two pairs are alike, making each a rare expression of craftsmanship and individuality. The shape is inspired by a classic British loafer, but the use of vintage Kilim fabrics gives them a distinct East-meets-West appeal—timeless, wearable, and made to last. Life’s too short for boring stuff—these are shoes with a story.”


FRAGRANCE SHOP NEW YORK - CUSTOM FRAGRANCE

For over 33 years Fragrance Shop New York has been providing an exceptional selection of rare fragrance oils, bath and body items, and aromatherapy products For Father’s Day we recommend creating a custom fragrance just for dad. Create a signature scent for dad so he can smell like no one else. Just contact Fragrance Shop New York for an appointment to create the scent. Nothing brings back memories more than the sense of smell so this is a gift that will live on and on.



ROYCE - MANICURE GROOMING SET

Since the 1880’s the Bauer family have created leather goods that focus on functional design. Royce remains true to their artisanal roots, creating highly practical travel accessories that promote a seamless journey. Their manicure grooming set will keep your father’s grooming essentials neatly organized with their leather covered frame manicure grooming case, a sophisticated and travel-friendly solution for personal care. Made with top grain nappa the set includes: scissors, tweezers, a covered nail file, a cuticle trimmer, a fingernail clipper, and a knife, all securely held in place for easy access.

MONSIEUR BRUNOLD - CUSTOM MADE SUIT

What’s the most custom gift you can give your dad? How about a custom made suit? Whether it is for business or special occasions (family weddings, christenings, graduations, promotions, birthdays, etc.) it’s a gift your father will be proud to own. So if your dad is a dandy and loves fashion and being in style, this is the gift of a lifetime. Monsieur Brunold, whose heraldry serves as the atelier’s distinguished logo, is more than 500 years old, with origins in St. Gallenkirch. Charles Brunold combines his understanding of fashion and etiquette with a signature sartorial style developed from a life abroad - bringing all clients an invaluably unique perspective to accompany their timeless look. Made to measure has never looked so good (just like your dad).

LAZARO SOHO - ROMAN EMPEROR SILVER CUFFLINKS

They say the modern man thinks of the Holy Roman Empire from multiple times a day to multiple times a month (let’s just say much more than women do). So if your dad is a history buff who loves the Holy Roman Empire these Roman Empire Silver Cufflinks are the perfect gift for dad! Since 1981, jewelry designer Lazaro Diaz has been creating what can best be described as "wearable art". His work reflects a rare connection to history and craftsmanship. These cufflinks are made out of solid sterling silver and feature a roman emperor in profile. Plus they are made to order and expertly handcrafted in NYC, each piece is engineered for strength and timeless style.



KATZ’S DELICATESSEN - FATHER’S DAY TRIPLE CLASSIC PACKAGE

Is your dad and foodie and a gift of food will go straight to his heart? Well, provided his cholesterol levels are good and he has good heart health we recommend the very popular Father’s Day Triple Classic Package from the world renowned Katz’s Delicatessen in NYC. In this package dad will get: a full pound of each of their most popular meats: house-cured corned beef, tender slow-cooked brisket, and of course their legendary pastrami! Plus a loaf of seedless rye, deli mustard, and one quart of each type of our famous pickles so Dad can recreate the classic Katz's deli experience at home. And to top that off they will throw in either Katz's t-shirt or hat so Dad can remember this epic meal that will disappear quite soon after he receives it.


STRAND’S BOOKS - “ANOTHER PERFECT DAY!: EVERY DAY IS FATHER’S DAY”

For the dad that loves to read and has young children, this is the perfect gift for dad from the independent book store Strand Books. “Another Perfect Day!: Every Day is Father’s day” by Andrew S. Taylor with illustrations by James G. Martin is a book about creating memories that will last a lifetime with dad. It’s a gift that will not only make dad happy, but will definitely bring a tear to his eye. Both dad and his kiddies can read this special book to each other creating special memories to last a lifetime.

We know mothers are important and make the world go around but a special father or father figure should be celebrated, honored and much loved. Happy Father’s Day from The Local Artisan Guide!

By Natalie Rivera

affordable gifts, artisanal chocolate, artisans, blog, chocolate, christmas gifts, christmas shopping, fair trade, gift guide, gifts, handcrafted, handmade, holiday gift guide, hostess gifts, locally produced, New York City, salt, shop local, shop small, shop small business, shopping, shopping guide, spices, Souvenir shopping, sustainable shopping, tea, The Local Artisan Guide, upstate ny, foodies, food blog

AFFORDABLE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH ARTISANAL FOODS

When it comes to finding affordable ways to shop with artisans for the holidays one of the best ways to support artisans and give special unique gifts is through artisanal foods.

In every city and most small towns there are food markets and speciality food shops that carry small brands of delicacies that make great gifts on their own or in carefully curated gift baskets. On a recent trip to upstate NY, The Local Artisan Guide stopped in the small, charming town of Chatham, NY and took a nice leisurely stroll down their main street and looked into their local shops of small fashion brands, toy stores, wine and cheese shops, jewelry boutiques, gift shops, yarn, linen and a few more food stores, bakeries and much more to get ideas for holiday gift giving.

We are focusing on one shop in particular, Bimi’s Cheese Shop, which besides its moniker is so much more. Bimi’s provides quality, delicious cheeses from both near and far, however Bimi’s also has an in house bakery creating artisanal bread, beverages and gourmet grill cheese sandwiches (I had the sourdough blue cheese and drunken onion grill cheese sandwich which was mouth watering). The shop also sells a well curated assortment of other brands which includes; spices, olive oils, chocolates, jams, jellies, cookies, maple syrup and more. Most of these items are made locally usually by hand or through skills passed along for multiple generations. Some of the items are very traditional, such as a local maple syrup or more gourmet such as a jelly that has been elevated with exotic spices.

Separately these items make beautiful, affordable gifts. An artisanal chocolate from France made with ingredients from around the world with stunning packaging would make anyone happy to receive this holiday (or any day). To give multiple items in a small or large gift basket is even more special. Your food gifts would not only be unique, special and greatly appreciated but also help small makers around the world. I have to add that day trips driving to these smaller charming towns and speciality markets in the city are actually a pleasurable experience (where you will end up going home with your own carefully curated gift basket).

Whilst perusing Bimi’s Cheese Shop we highlighted a few items we felt would make great gifts on their own or make a spectacular gift basket. Click on the caption to follow the link to their websites to order or learn about their products and their stories. All offer shipping for the holidays with beautiful gift packaging for your holiday gifts.

We hope that we inspired you and your gift giving for the holidays in case you were having trouble coming up with unique and affordable gifts. Best is that we know you will be gifting yourself with these items far after the holidays are done.

Happy Shopping!

Natalie Rivera

affordable gifts, blog, christmas shopping, fair trade, food, gift guide, gifts, handmade, hostess gifts, locally produced, New York City, Shop local, shop small, shopping, shopping guide, Souvenir shopping, sustainable shopping, the local artisan guide, salt, artisanal chocolate, balsamic vinegar, tea, spices

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY ELEVEN: FOOD

It’s the eleventh day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we focus on a gift category that every loves and can use and that is food. Whether you are gifting a seasoned gourmand or a beginner, we have five artisanal food gifts that will help built any chef’s kitchen whilst making for unique, affordable and useful gifts.

SULLIVAN STREET TEA & SPICE COMPANY, “DOUBLE HAPPINESS FLOWERING TEA”, $26

Just one of Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company’s hand-sewn Double Happiness flowering tea balls will brighten any pot. A long leaf green tea, which has been delicately hand-tied with chrysanthemum, amaranth and jasmine flowers, will unfurl into a beautiful floral display. Use a glass tea pot or small glass bowl for a perfect visual centerpiece. Steep one tea ball in 16 oz. of water at approximately 170 degrees. Each ball makes 2-3 cups. Nine tea balls are packaged in a beautiful recycled glass cork jar. Region: Yunnan, China.

THE MEADOW, “HOME SET ESSENTIALS SALT KIT”, $75

Bitterman's Home Chef Essentials Salt Kit includes everything an aspiring or seasoned home chef needs to season to perfection. These salts are truly the foundation of good cooking, and will last you a full four seasons of cooking. You can use these salts everyday, they include:

Bitterman's Fleur de Sel is hand harvested from solar-evaporated salt ponds by skimming just the finest crystals from the surface. This Fleur de Sel is made in Guatemala from salt pans in an area famed for supplying the Mayan Empire at the height of its power. The salt has delicate crystals, luscious moisture, satisfying crunch, and a rich, balanced mineral taste. It's our go-to cooking, baking, brining and all-around finishing salt.

Biiterman’s Flake Salt is the snow of the sea, with a soft, crispy texture and a salinity so other-worldly it will transport any dish it touches. This salt loves spring and summer. Gently scatter the flakes on lightly dressed green salads, raw or freshly grilled vegetables, fish and other seafoods.

Bitterman's Sel Gris is a classic French gros sel (coarse salt) and makes an tremendous replacement for all coarse industrial kosher and sea salts. The culmination of two millennia of salt making experience on the exquisitely pristine coastal waters Île de Noirmoutier, this gros sel gris is truly historic. Use mostly for all-around cooking and finishing hearty foods, like steaks, roasts, beans, soups and stews. This salt has coarse, moist crystals with impeccable balance and surprising suppleness given their heft!

Himalayan Pink Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt found deep inside the pristine foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. This 250 million year old, Jurassic era pink sea salt is known for its healing properties and is used as an all-around cooking salt. Sprinkle generously on popcorn, use in brines and pickles, frying potato chips, French fries and fritters, or when making homemade baked goods.

Biiterman’s Grinding Salt is a course, mineral-rich sea salt from fresh seawater off the coast of New Zealand. This pantry staple is the ideal grinding salt for everyday cooking. Fill your salt mill and grind this over everything from sauteed vegetables to lean, gamey meats. If you're feeling bold, leave this salt whole and sprinkle over the bold and powerful foods, think tomahawk steak over a firepit in the heat of the summer with herbaceous roasted potatoes and a rich hunters sauce.

EATALY, “TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR OF MODENA DOP AGED 25+ YEARS GOLD 3.4 OZ” $169

The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP Aged 25+ years Gold from Acetomodena is obtained from cooked grape must of selected Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes from the countryside of Modena. This extraordinary product is slowly aged for more than 25 years decanting and refilling six antique series of old barrels in various wood: cherry, mulberry, juniper, oak, ash, or chestnut. This product has a glossy, dark brown color and an intense full-body flavor.
Flavor: rich and full in taste, sweet and with impressive strength and persistent ending. Harmonious with a nice and balanced sweet bitterness.
Pairings: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, steaks, fish, gelato and strawberries.
Ingredients: cooked grape must.
Amid the mists of the fascinating Modena countryside, icy in the winter months and very hot in the summer months, you will find the Società Agricola Aceto Modena - the Modena Vinegar Agricultural Company. The company has been producing the exquisite Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP for years, the truly excellent balsamic vinegar that most characterizes the traditions of the Emilia region of Italy. Hard work and dedication has led to the passing on of the traditional recipe for a condiment loved and appreciated worldwide. Available at Eataly.

MARIEBELLE, “16PC HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE GANACHE RED BOX” $54

Sixteen signature MarieBelle New York chocolate ganaches artfully arranged in an elegant box. Each ganache combines the finest single-origin chocolate with eclectic ingredients and artisanal techniques. A memorable gift for any occasion.

SPICES AND TEASE “THE MOROCCAN SET”, $16.95

Best Gift for Moroccan Culture Lover; The Spices and Tease set features their 5 best Moroccan Spices which include:

-Tajine Mix

-Cumin Mint mix

-Spicy Sausage:Merguez blend

-Ras El Hanout

-Couscous Mix

These foodie holiday gifts are so first rate you will end up gifting yourself for your kitchen. We recommend exploring these artisanal brands to fill up your kitchen supplies. They also make for tasty affordable and thoughtful holiday gifts that will be greatly appreciated.

By Natalie Rivera