It’s our annual The Local Artisan Guide Father’s Day Gift Guide and we have had such a great time researching, shopping and following recommendations for gifts that will thrill your father and show him how exceptional you think he is with an equally exceptional gift.
We have gift recommendations for multiple categories and a variety of price points from very affordable gifts to extremely aspirational gifts. The brands are small, artisanal and have a story. There is something for every dad here that values craftsmanship, design, unique products, beauty and knowing you went the extra yard to show them how much you love, honor and care for your dad or dad figure. This is for you dad for being there and being the best dad you could be.
We have ten gift recommendations in no particular order. You can find the info by clicking onto the link in the captions. Although all are found at brick and mortal stores they can be purchased online.
OILOGY—a New York based fragrance brand founded by two immigrants, one Columbian, one Egyptian, created a brand inspired by the rich scents of the Middle East. We discovered a scent we know your dad would love, King Tut, one of their most popular scents for the fresh and clean aroma. The scents are long-lasting and alcohol-free made from high-quality essential oils. King Tut is a combination of sea notes, grapefruit, mandarin, orange, bay leaf, jasmine, ambergris, guaiac, wood, oakmoss and patchouli. This artisan fragrance brand is also very affordable for such a unique signature scent.
RECOLLECTIONS: THREE DECADES OF PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN SEXTON
If your father loves nature and appreciates fine art photography may we recommend Recollections: Three Decades of Photography by John Sexton. John Sexton is an acclaimed fine art photographer who specializes in nature photography. He studied photography with legendary American photographer Ansel Adams and shares the same aesthetic of capturing spectacular landscapes around the world. With Recollections we see stunning images of American national parks and vistas from Yosemite to the enigmatic rock forms of the Colorado Plateau. Your father will love going through these images and it also might inspire a trip to these incredible landmarks. You can even give the gift as a precursor to a road trip together for memories that will last forever.
This gift is the perfect gift for the dad who loves to make cocktails, the Rattan Cocktail Shaker from Feste, a brand that specializes in making entertainment beautiful and special. The cocktail shaker was “Designed in Canada and handcrafted by a network of global craftsmen, Artisan 85 serving utensils and accessories bring a unique flair to any gathering. The cocktail shaker brings a relaxed, coastal vibe to your next cocktail party with the Rattan bar accessories. The woven natural fibre adds texture and visual interest to bar essentials. The decorative natural rattan can be easily removed when cleaning. Handcrafted. Material: Stainless steel, natural rattan. So whether it’s a good old fashion Old Fashion or your dad likes to experiment in mixology, this cocktail shaker is not only a great gift but incredibly affordable too.
OFFICINE CREATIVE - JULES 006 BROWN LEATHER TRAVEL BAG
Officine Creative is a brand we love and have been following since they opened in Nolita, NYC. It was founded in the 90’s in Italy with a team “combining peerless craftsmanship with a distinctive creative flair to create something truly unique” which is one of the reasons we think this travel bag is an exceptional Father's Day gift. Officine Creative successfully mixes modernity and traditional artisan craftsmanship. Although this travel bag is definitely aspirational we feel it is one of those pieces that can be past down from generation to generation as a family heirloom. It resembles a traditional doctor’s satchel bag. The Jules 006 is handcrafted from beautiful Italian airbrushed brown leather. It’s a classic travel bag with top handles, removable shoulder strap and functional zip pockets inside and out. The dimensions are 48W x 30H x 22D Cm - (31,5 L). It also comes in the color black. Dad would definitely treasure this gift forever, he can use it visiting Yosemite on that road trip that the two of you have been talking about.
Is your dear old dad getting up there in age? Do you want to help his memory and coordination skills but can’t seem to get him to try new activities? Well then this is the game for your dad! Sweary Bingo is a cheeky gift that dad should love no matter the sharpness of his thinking skills. The tag line is “A Party Game for the Potty Mouthed” There is a selection 64 insulting and creative swear words to shout out, in this potty-mouthed version of the classic game. You can have up to 12 players, there is a master board, 64 tiles, 100 counters, and a glossary is included to explain some more unusual terms, lists the geographic origin, highlight creative variations and generally raise your swearing game. This is the most fun your dad will have while sharpening his memory skills. I would especially recommend this gift if your dad is not the swearing type as think how liberating it can be for him (and you!). Bookshop.org is where you can find Sweary Bingo, it’s an amazing site to buy books and games that donates money for local independent bookstores ($48,163,771.39 so far) to help them thrive. So win/win!
Men’s grooming products are always a good gift for dad, however we are particularly excited about Jackfir grooming products and the story of their creation. Jackfir’s founder, Charlie Razook, first created the brand in the midst of 3.5 years of leukemia treatment. After researching about the environment and the toxins we are exposed to in our wellness products, Charlie decided to come up with a certified-clean men's skincare brand offering trustworthy and effective personal care solutions inspired by nature. Jackfir offers clean grooming essentials, including facial cleansers, moisturizers, and shaving creams formulated with predominantly organic ingredients. The brand is vegan certified, GMO free, gluten free, contains natural ingredients is plastic neutral and is a member of ONE TREE PLANTED. They offer on their site a a bundle called The Facekit which includes their Classic Shave Cream, the Classic Daily Moisturizer, and the Classic Daily Cleanser. Combined these three products will help your dad’s dry skin, face wrinkles, redness and irritation and dark spots all while knowing your dad will not have any exposure to toxic chemicals and irritating ingredients. This can even become one of those great father/son gifts as it is a brand that any man in your life would be grateful to have. The brand is also available at Credo beauty boutiques.
One of the reasons there is The Local Artisan Guide is to help our audience find amazing heritage brands that can easily be overlooked if you don’t live in the area the product is created or the marketing is not overblown. Viberg is one such brand. Viberg is a Canadian heritage men’s footwear brand founded by Edwin Viberg in 1931. The brand is renowned for its high quality timeless shoes and boots. The brand can trace its shoemaking lineage back to the 1890’s in Sweden where the family learned how to make scrabble boots for farmers and workers. The brand has stayed in the family with Edwin’s grandson Brett Viberg at the helm now. Brett has continued on the family business and has added some more contemporary silhouettes to the collection which is why we recommend the Slip on - Bison Janus Calf Suede Shoe as we felt it was very “DAD”. Although this gift is on the more pricier of our gift guide, between the quality, the craftsmanship and the aesthetics of the brand, it is a gift that will be greatly appreciated and cherished. “Janus is a calf suede with a fine, even nap and a soft, open surface. It remains relaxed in structure while gaining depth with wear. Bison offers a cooler, lighter brown with a quiet, understated depth. Built on the 1005 last, a round-toe sneaker last with a minimal heel drop and flat removable footbed. Made on a full leather insole with solid leather toe and heel stiffeners, creating a stable internal structure that maintains shape and improves over time. Finished with a natural edge, maintaining a lighter contrast.” Handmade in Canada! If you want to go all out, this is the gift for dad.
FLYING SOLO NYC - AURJA - BLUE AUM CARDAMOM HINOKI MOSS CANDLE
We always like to have a candle in our Father’s Day Gift Guide and this year especially as we just came upon the brand AURJA. Aurja not only has a candle scent that dad will love, when it burns out there is a beautiful object left behind for dad to enjoy and be part of his decor. We found this candle brand at Flying Solo NYC, a boutique that sells and promotes independent, small brands. The candle comes in a beautiful blue ceramic vessel designed to stay on your dad’s shelf long after the wax is gone. “Aum” is named for the Sanskrit sound of universal alignment, the vibration beneath everything. The scent notes on the candle are Cardamom, Hinoki, and Wild Moss. It was custom-developed with French perfumers sourcing the finest ingredients from across the world. If you want your father to have a scent that will calm the mind this is the gift. Peace of mind is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others.
If your dad has exceptional sartorial style we have the polo for him! Malbon is a luxury golf sportswear brand founded in Los Angeles in 2017. Malbon’s mission is to make a product that is bold and unique in a world where there is too much conformity and they do this while also being elegant. That is why we love the Habana Polo, it is an updated classic. Crafted from a soft cotton blend with a refined v-neckline and ribbed trim for structure, it's finished with Malbon’s signature sugarcane stalk print—a motif woven throughout the season. They motto is “Malbon style from first tee to clubhouse.” however your dad does not even have to like golf to enjoy this refreshed polo look. With 92% cotton 8% nylon and relaxed fit, it is sure to become his favorite casual item to pull out of his closet.
ROWING BLAZERS - WINNIE-THE-POOH HUNNY POT DAD HAT
And last but certainly not least is the gift to get for the dad who is nearly impossible to get a gift for because he has everything already (including YOU!!), it’s a baseball cap! How can a dad not have enough baseball caps. It’s a fun, useful and affordable gift for dad on Father’s Day. We picked the brand Rowing Blazers, a brand created in 2017 by Renaissance man Jack Carlson who has been having fun with the look, traditions and quirks that come with being preppy. That is why we picked the Winnie-the-Pooh Hunny Pot Dad Hat which features the an embroidered Winnie-the-Pooh motif made out of 100% cotton-twill. The baseball cap is one size and adjustable and is the ultimate “dad” hat. It’s classic, it’s preppy, it’s funny, it’s love, just like Winnie. It’s perfect for dad.
That is our gift guide recommendations. Like we said, we included all different categories, all different price points and all made by small local brands made with craftsmanship for the father figure in your life. So show dad how unique he is just like the gift choices and that you have been thoughtful in finding a gift to express your love to him. Happy Father’s Day for all the great fathers and father figures in the world that showed up and did their best to love their children.
Although February is Black History Month, a month that celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans, I find when you organically seek to focus on the best small brands and artisans, Black artisans and people of all colors and genders will naturally be highlighted. That said it is exciting to spotlight Black Movers and Makers in America. Most of the brands we feature in this post are NYC centric however have online shops and very rousing stories and product. Click on the captions in the images for websites.
Gwen Beloti is a Brooklyn native jewelry designer who founded her eponymous brand in 2019 after years of falling in love and having a deep appreciation of jewelry as an accessory that can always make you feel great and stylish no matter your body shape. Beloti focuses her collection on gold jewelry with a fine jewelry collection and a more affordable gold jewelry line. We love the HER pendant. “The golden queen pendant hangs on a chunky elongated box chain. It's subtly bold and all about HER. The luster of the face and crown can be seen from across the room. A 20" inch style that looks amazing with any top.” The chain is Gold filled made to last. Not traditional plating, gold filled items have a thick layer of genuine gold bonded to them, high quality. Pendant -18kt gold plated. Not flash plating, our gold plated jewels are designed with a thick coating of over 2.5 microns of genuine gold equivalent to gold vermeil, over a brass metal base. Beloti’s motto is “Wear your jewels with confidence”.
BEM Bookstore is the nation’s first Black food bookstore, café, and culinary hub that highlights all things Black, culinary & literary. Founded by sisters Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport and named after their grandmothers, Bernice and Marjory, the sisters wanted to create a hub that gave tribute to the Black culinary traditions that shaped them. After witnessing cookbook stores popping up they decided to start the first Black only cookbook shop that not only celebrates Black food but Black culture. Besides having a rich collection of African American cookbooks the bookstore operates also as a bar, and café that hosts a variety of culinary programming including book talks, dinners, demos, and more. 373 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Norie Shoes is a footwear brand founded by Natasha Norte Standard, a former veteran who fell in love with fashion and design. Studying design in Italy after leaving the military she launched the Norie Shoe Company to create high-quality, comfortable, and wearable luxury shoes for women. The footwear is designed in New York City and handmade by artisans in Italy. Standard also founded EQWAL Footing, a brand focused on providing protective footwear for women in male-dominated professions like the military and engineering. We picked the Norie’s signature ballerina flats, made from soft black Nappa leather, are comfortable and supple enough to be worn all day long. With a touch of exotic snakeskin print at the heel, these flats were inspired by “Juana Arzuduy de Padilla, a revolutionary who fought to gain independence for her people in Upper Peru. This Bolivian guerrilla military leader joined the Chuquisaca Revolution in 1805 and eventually commanded a 6,000-strong military force.” We are delighted that female warriors and leaders are honored by Norie Shoes and focus on both style and wearability.
Denim Tears is a streetwear brand founded in 2019 by designer Tremaine Emory. He created the Made in the USA brand so the apparel functions as a "wearable archive" to explore and honor the African diaspora, and the history and strength of Black people in America. You can spot Denim Tears with their cotton wreath motif which was inspired by a visit to the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana. The cotton wreath symbolizes the pain of slavery and the triumph of Black life. Here we are featuring the Straight Cotton Wreath Denim Pant, a 13 oz denim, button fly with a back leather patch, five pocket construction and made from 100% cotton. It comes in dark wash, light wash and selvedge.
Brown Girl Jane is a fragrance house founded by entrepreneur Malaika Jones who decided to create a brand that conjures the essence of cultures around the world. Influenced by her global experiences. We decided to highlight “Chalet” with notes of dark cocoa, white truffle, champagne accord with essence of plum and vanilla. It is a popular scent due to it being rich yet airy and refreshing. Top notes: White Chocolate Truffle, Chalet Plum, Champagne Accord. Heart Notes: Dark Cacao, Winter White Jasmine, Snow Flower. Base Notes:Cashmere Vanilla, Santal Woods, Crystallized Patchouli.
peace + RIOT is a store established in 2013 by Brooklyn native Achuziam Maha-Sanchez. Sanchez offers a variety of gifts, home décor and an ethno-contemporary aesthetic with an intentional curated selection of international imported items plus items created from local artisans. There are a wide variety of categories, such as apparel for adults and children, accessories, home decor, games, housewares, stationary, beauty and wellness and more. It’s the sort of store you find yourself staying more longer than you anticipated.
We included Blooh, a brand that partners with artisans in Kenya, Africa and produces jewelry and handbags that are sustainable and fair-trade. Their jewelry is ethically sourced in Nairobi, Kenya and handmade by Kenyan artisans. Blooh prioritizes worker wellbeing, fair wages and being environmentally friendly. Blooh also produces handbags. We are featuring in this post the “Zuri Leather Large Tote Bag”. The tote is produced by ethical Kenyan artisans using 100% meticulously handcrafted vegetable tanned full grain leather of the highest quality. This beautiful caramel tote is perfect to go from day to night. It fits a 15.6" Laptop with a large zipper pocket that fits an iPhone Plus or similar. Blooh strives to reduce plastics from their shipping process and strive to source their raw materials locally. Most of their packaging is recyclable and compostable. Blooh’s artisans set their own rates and earn 3X above market rates of local workshops. Their mission is to empower local communities and partner with local non-profits that have been improving education outcomes for girls for over a decade in Kenya.
We couldn’t do a blog about Black Movers and Shakers without mentioning Cloudy Donut Co. Cloudy Donuts Co. is in our opinion one of the best gourmet donuts in the world (fighting words I know with the origin of the cronut just a few blocks away) and they are vegan!. Cloudy Donut Co. is the first Black Owned food and beverage business in Brooklyn Heights and Nolita. Founded by Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel, Cloudy Donut Co. offers some of the most delicious and original donut flavors. With over 50 flavors such as brown butter chocolate chip donuts, apple pie cinnamon rolls and sweet potato pound cake (traditional flavors are also offered); all donuts are small-batched and hand crafted. My personal favorite is the Bananas Foster. The donuts come in mini-sized and large (warning they are a little pricey compared to the average donut shop). They also make pound cakes and cinnamon rolls. There is a shop in Nolita opened on the weekends and a full time store in Brooklyn Heights. Cloudy Donut Co. offers catering and events which you can arrange online. Warning! You will find yourself heading back again and again to Cloudy Donut Co. with the goal of trying every flavor.
Lit Brooklyn is a Brooklyn based candle company founded in 2015 by maker Denequa. She sought to create a candle company with materials that are sustainably sourced, toxin free and phthalate-free. Lit Brooklyn has an unwavering commitment to make & introduce cruelty-free affordable luxury. They are remarkably affordable for the high quality candle Brooklyn Lit creates. They create limited edition candle scents and also collaborate with other brands. We selected here the “Muse” candle. It’s the verb muse instead of the noun (to reflect deeply on a subject). The scent consists of notes of kai & gardenia. It’s the perfect scent to reflect and meditate on. Lit Brooklyn offers a variety of other scents and the 12 oz size burns for approximately 80 hours. There is a smaller travel size offered by Lit Brooklyn which last approximately 25 hours. Lit Brooklyn is the candle all poured by a Black woman in Brooklyn and makes for the perfect gift for others and for you.
Finding a Black Mover and Maker is as easy as searching your neighborhood or just Googling to find and support Black businesses. While 14.4% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African American, only 3.3% of all employer businesses are owned by them. Let’s consciously help and prop up the Black Movers and Makers and not just in February.
On day five of our Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide we put a spotlight on five artisanal footwear brands that follow traditional craftsmanship for creating high quality footwear, yet incorporate contemporary aesthetics for a winning combination that make for exceptional gift giving. These brands are produced in England, Spain and the US and share a passion for creating sustainable practices all the while delivering a stylish product.
J. Fitzpatrick has a unique business model that is a little what you would call “old school” as their shoes are made-to-order (MTO). MTO program is the perfect option for those who wish to customize their shoes. MTO allows you to personally select the elements that make up a shoe, including the material, color, last shape, and sole choice. Your pricing varies with the selection of materials and styles. A nonrefundable 50% deposit must be made to commence production on a MTO order, with the outstanding balance being required before final delivery. Alternatively, paying the entire price up front will apply an automatic 10% discount off the total amount (base price + MTO surcharge).This program is available for all J. FitzPatrick models ever produced, and is not limited to those currently available in our boutique. MTO is not available for the JF Line.The shoe we picked, the Rugged Brown is an oil-tanned pull-up leather that will scuff and age beautifully over time. And it takes a killer shine too! But more importantly, is very durable and hard-wearing with their sleek Commando sole. What an amazing gift to give! A bespoke shoe experience that will be treasured always. $$$
Ariana Bohling is a collection of distinctive and directional footwear for the modern nomad. Ethically sourced and produced by master Peruvian craftspeople, Ariana has gained notoriety for her luxury Alpaca Fur Slippers. Her Clem clog bootie is made of super soft suede, hits just above the ankle and has a slouchy pull on style. It is lined in 100% leather, sits upon a genuine wood clog bottom, and has a rubber outsole. The boot features a memory foam footbed and 3" heel with 1" platform. Fits true to size. Ethically handmade in Brazil. $$-$$$
Alohas is a sustainable footwear brand that operates on a business model of “on demand shopping” which basically boils down to Alohas accepts pre orders so they know exactly how many units to order so there is not left over stock or production there fore avoiding waste. Our choice is their ballet flats, “Sway” featuring a stylish square toe. Flexible sole designed to offer greater comfort and a front string-bow for a special touch of ladies who lunch. All of their shoes are crafted out of Leather Working Group Certified Leather. This means, sustainable leathers, low impact dying thus less pollution. Made in Spain. $$
Fairfax & Favor, founded by brothers Marcus and Felix is an English brand, handmade in Spain that celebrates footwear that celebrates both city and country life. The Heeled Amira is a boot that oozes elegance and sophistication. Sitting beautifully over the knee, the Heeled Amira stands out from the crowd with a graceful 7cm block heel; the boot also features an elasticated spine for superior fit and a full-length zip to ensure a smooth, secure closure, tastefully finished with an interchangeable tassel. A stunning occasion boot, guaranteed to turn heads. $$-$$$
Leffot was founded in May 2008 in Manhattan’s West Village. Their goal is to be at the forefront — offering classic styles that represent quality, comfort, and value. Besides offering custom made shoes, Leffot also offers a selection of curated footwear and that includes our choice, the classic Military Foot Top made by US Rubber. Founded in 1892, US Rubber Company produced high-quality sneakers for many companies, including Keds and the US military, until 1917. 2019 saw the relaunch of the iconic brand with the reissue of the classic military sneaker. Made in one of the oldest rubber factories in Europe, the sneakers feature a vulcanised sole, which makes them extremely durable and flexible. Features for this sneaker include: navy Portugese wool felt, metal eyelets, Vulcanized sole and includes two sets of laces, one navy and one black. It’s an affordable way to gift the man in your life a pair of classic footwear from a heritage brand. $$-$$$
What makes these five footwear brands so great for gift giving is that all brands offer an artisanal experience and a story along with sustainable and slow fashion ideals. The footwear choices we made for our gift guide are gifts anyone would be proud to wear and cherish.
The Local Artisan Guide has come out with its annual Mother’s Day Gifts guide that will help you chose thoughtful, unique gifts that are made by artisans and small independent brands that care passionately about their work, their workers, their products and the earth. We have chosen an array of categories from fashion, accessories, perfumes, beauty, home decor, jewelry, flowers, footwear, sweets and more. If you want to show your mother that she is your hero and deserves a gift that shows how special she is to you, then this is the guide is for you. So click onto the caption and the link will bring you to the website. All recommendations are available online.
We know your mother will love anything you give her but she will definitely tell her friends you are her favorite if you chose any of the magnificent gifts recommended in our gift guide. However in the end, quality time and telling your mom you love her and she is the best mom in the world will always be on the top of her gift list.
