THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S GALENTINE & VALENTINE DAY GIFT SUGGESTION - 2025

For the first time The Local Artisan Guide is posting a gift giving guide for both Valentines and Galentines Day (you know that day ladies, that you celebrate with your female besties the day before Valentines Day). We have gifts for both her AND him in all categories and price ranges. The gifts are artisanal and come from small brands that really think about the unique twists that make a conventional Valentines Day gift more special and personal to you or the one you love. So click onto the captions for the store link as all gifts can also be sent via their online store.

DESIDERI DESIGNS - CHAIN LINK HEART NECKLACE

Be bold this Valentines Day with your jewelry choices and show your special someone how much you care with an oversized Austrian crystal clear heart that has magical rainbow prisms when exposed to different lights. Austrian crystals are synonymous with the highest quality glass crystals today. The necklace is sterling silver and hangs slightly longer than a choker. Desideri Designs was founded by New York based Roman designer Claudia Desideri who has a long history working with Austrian crystals in her jewelry collection that is handcrafted and made in New York.

THE CALM JOY CANDLE CO. - SELF LOVE VALENTINES GIFT SET

The Calm Candle Co., is a small artisanal candle brand founded by Simone Smith, a licensed mental health therapist who has witnessed the power of self-care and with that came her creation of The Calm Candle Co. For Valentines Day, The Calm Candle Co. is collaborating with Cynplicity soap brand to offer a handmade candle and soap set. The candle is a luxurious rose bud and vanilla scented candle made with coconut wax (much healthier to burn) and the soap is a gentle rose and tussah silk soap. Together this is a great gift for encouraging calmness and self-care for those you love.

STRAND BOOK STORE - THE POETRY OF EDGAR ALLAN POE

When looking for an affordable Valentines Day gift for the one you love, you can’t go wrong with romantic poetry and for that we are recommending “The Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe,” who writes romantic poetry besides his well known thriller verses. This book is second hand from second hand bookstore Strand Books (they also sell new editions) and in very good condition. Once you gift the book you can read romantic verses and truly impress your loved one with their imaginative (and affordable) Valentines Day gift. A recycled book is a very sustainable way of celebrating Valentines Day.

PATENT OF HEART - HEART OR PASSPORT?, PASSPORT HOLDER

If you are planning to travel abroad this Valentines or are planning a trip in the future with your loved one, the “Heart or Passport, Which to Follow” passport from Patent of Heart is a great way to start the trip. This beautiful wine colored passport holder can also hold besides your passport a folded boarding pass,  cards, cash, and receipts. The premium leather construction ensures longevity and it makes for a great unisex gift too. The dimensions are: 5.5"H x 4.2"W x 0.5"D and are handmade in Turkey. Proceeds from sales go to help educate young girls and women in Turkey so this is a gift with a win/win for all.

MIZENSIR PARFUMS - LEGEND LEATHER EAU DE PARFUM

Although perfume can be considered a traditional Valentines Day gift, this parfum from Mizensir, the small Swiss parfum brand created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas in Geneva, Switzerland is guaranteed to be a much desired scent for both men and women. “Legend Leather” was inspired by a drive in a dream car in Madrid, Spain. Its olfactory pyramid features top notes of guaiac wood and aldehydes, a heart of raspberry and saffron-infused iris, and a base of immortelle and styrax, creating a powerful yet refined composition. We love recommending scents that bring back a beautiful memory and “Legend Leather” is the perfect scent with its mixture of leather from a car and the flowery scents you experience along the way.

VENCHI CHOCOLATE - ROSE, RASPBERRY & ALMOND BRUTTO & BUONO

Chocolates are a no-brainer gift for Valentines Day for both our Valentines and Galentines loved ones. We always encourage small batch chocolates and chocolates with a special and unique twist. With that in mind we love Venchi’s “Rose, Raspberry & Almond Brutto & Buono”. So imagine the Venchi high quality, delicious chocolate with crunchy almonds and raspberry nibs scattered into a rose-flavored white chocolate heart. It not only is delicious, it looks unlike any box of chocolate you have ever received with a rose colored heart to which has been combined with care and passion, using traditional methods, to create a work of art to be enjoyed. If you ever wanted to give away a piece of your heart, this is the chocolate made to win over loved ones.

EATALY - TOMATOES TAGLIOLINI PASTA

I know both men and women are frantically searching for a Valentines Day dinner at a restaurant they hope will be romantic enough for their loved one yet not drain their wallet. We say, “Why not make a romantic meal at home?” A meal cooked for a loved one is one of the most caring, nurturing and creative gifts you can give someone. It requires time, thought and great care to make a meal and the appreciation you will received is a gift back to you. We found this tomato based pasta at Eataly, tagliolini are long, thin strands of egg pasta from the northern region of Piemonte. Enriched with savory tomatoes, this twist on the classic tagliolini is perfect to pair with a light, buttery sauce. Sure to make for a memorable, hands on and affordable Valentines Day Dinner in your exclusive restaurant for two (or great for a Galentines Day get together).

JULIA TESTA - JEWEL TONES DESIGNER’S CHOICE FLOWERS

Flowers are always an amazing Valentines Day gift. That is if you have a remarkable bouquet of flowers delivered to your loved ones and with that we recommend going to your local florist who can create a bouquet that you know your loved one will adore. That is why we suggested Julia Testa, a well renowned florist based in Soho, NYC who offers amazing affordable bouquet for Valentines Day. We fell in love with the “Jeweled Toned Designer’s Choice” where you could have tones of reds, pinks, purples, or whites. The arrangement will have a romantic feel and arrangements are priced from $125 to $650.

BOWN OF LONDON - VELVET LOAFER/SLIPPER SHOE, WINE & CHEESE

If you think your man is not open to sexy underwear for Valentines Day, may we recommend this elegant set of velvet slippers with wine and cheese motif? Bown of London, a small luxury British nightwear brand has a playful set of velvet slippers. The slippers are the finest quality luxury velvet fabric in a rich burgundy hue and are the epitome of softness, sheen, and unmatched elegance. The shoes feature a breathable 100% leather lining which will not retain odor in the same manner of a fabric / satin lined shoe. Ideal for indoor home use (romantic night in) or at social events. Includes a breathable leather sole with non slip rubber heel. Also available in different colors, sizes 6 to 15.5 and different more playful motifs. It’s a gift they will treasure forever.

ONLY HEARTS - WHISPER COUCOU UNDERWIRE BRA & PANTIES

Valentines Day lingerie is one of the most sexiest gifts you can give your loved one as it screams, “I WANT YOU NOW!” Small lingerie brand, Only Hearts offer the “Whisper Coucou Underwire Bra”, a sheer, sexy piece of luxury lingerie features peek-a-boo cups for an alluring sensuality, while the underwire offers hold and support. Made from fine Italian netting, this bra feels light and airy to the touch. What a wonderful souvenir of a passion night to live with.

That is our Valentines and Galentines Day gift guide and like our past posts, we focus on highlighting small, local artisanal brands as know as with all our gift guides, the receiver wants a gift that is thoughtful and unique. No cookie cutter gift recommendations here! So whether you are celebrating Galentines Day with a bunch of friends, having a heart to heart on Valentines Day or giving yourself a much needed gift of love, we wish you a Happy Valentines Day and hope our suggestions have made you think about that one love language we all have, GIFTS!.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE 2022 FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

This year our annual Father’s Day Gift Guide is just as thoughtful, artisanal and sustainable as ever! We at The Local Artisan Guide take enormous pleasure in highlighting the small brands that create amazing and unique gifts for your one of a kind dad (or dad figure in your life). This year we have ten suggestions that cover all categories and price points. There is bound to be one that your dad will truly appreciate. Just click onto the captions which will provide you the links to go and show your father (or father-figure) how much you love and cherish him!

MISTER MARVELOUS EAU DE PARFUM, BYREDO

Your dad will love the limited edition fragrance, “Mister Marvelous” by Byredo. Mister Marvelous turns the classic men’s cologne on its head with a modern, citrus-led twist. Brimming with charisma and exuding the scent of a confident character, the sweet opening of mandarin leaves and neroli flower leads to a fresh heart of bamboo and green lavender. Like the ideal gentleman, full of gestures that delight, spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood provide a final dash of intrigue. A fragrance that surprises and delights as it unfurls, much like the experience of knowing a Marvelous man.

MAP DESIGN BACKGAMMON SET - 18" with Screen Printed Points, CHESS FORUM

What better gift to dad than your company playing a competitive game of Backgammon? Chess Forum, a much beloved game store in Greenwich Village offers a map theme Backgammon board game that your father would be proud to own .The set is a generously sized 18 inch backgammon set with a vintage map design! This set, is adored for its map design case and the non-stitched, screen printed points that make it easy for pieces to glide over the board's surface. Tan Case Measures 18 inches. Case is Constructed of Vinyl - Wipes Clean with Ease. Includes Chips with diameter 1.243 in., Dice and Felt-lined Cups

MEN’S STRETCHABLE SILK PAJAMA SET, LILYSILK

What a way to add a touch of luxury to your dad’s life. These stretchable, breathable silk pajamas are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Made to move with you, the Men's Striped Silk Stretch Pajama set has been created using an innovative technique that combines silk with spandex for a more comfortable fit. These pajamas are also super stylish, with a self-colored stripe running through the shirt and matching pants. Buy two pairs to wear with your significant other, who knew dressing up to stay in could feel so good. Also the silk used in Lilysilk is a more sustainable silk because the silk worms are fed with the more eco friendly Mulberry bush.

MEN’S NEGRONI SMOKING SLIPPER, SOLUDOS

It’s always five o’clock somewhere! Treat your dad to these ultra hip slippers with one of his favorite cocktails embroidered on the front toes. Soludos, a sustainable footwear brand with a marvelous sense of wit and humor make their slippers with organic cotton for the upper canvas and are working on creating a low carbon footprint for their brand. Besides comfort and style, your dad also gets to show off his part time hobby of mixologist through his footwear. Win/Win!

CORNELL WOOLRICH, “DEAD AT DAWN”, THE MYSTERIOUS BOOKSHOP

One great and affordable Father’s Day gift is the gift of reading and books. If your dad is a book worm and loves sitting down to a good read may we recommend The Mysterious Bookshop, a bookstore that specializes in mysteries. Our choice is Cornell Woolrich’s “Deadline at Dawn”. The synopsis of the books is as follows: When Quinn first meets Bricky, she’s working as a partner-for-hire at a dancehall and he’s struggling to shake the anxiety of his guilty conscience. Earlier that day, the young man took advantage of a found key and used it to rob a stranger’s home. Now, with the purloined money in his pocket, Quinn is unable to escape the memory of his wrongdoing―and not even a night spent dancing is enough to silence his nagging thoughts. 

When the dancehall closes, he and Bricky―linked, after many intimate hours, by a budding romance―return to the scene of the crime intending to restore the stolen fortune and begin a new life together, only to discover, upon arrival, that the owner of the property has been murdered. There’s evidence present that easily links Quinn to the crime, and he expects that, as soon as day breaks and the authorities learn of the gruesome scene, he will be arrested straight away. Which means that he and Bricky have only a few short hours to find the true killer and clear Quinn’s name for good.

Wow! I think even mom or you may borrow this book when dad is done!

POSTMAN ECLAIR BAG, NAVY, BLEU DE CHAUFFE AT KAI D UTILITY

A stylsih and utilitarian bag for dad is always a good choice of gift for Father’s Day and we love the Postman Eclair in navy (comes in other colors too). This classic French postman bag from Bleu de Chauffe is avaialble at sustainable design brand Kai D Utility and is 100% made of organic leather. Removable leather strap and comfortable leather shoulder pad lined with natural felt. Two side pockets and one pocket in the front. 11 and 13 " padded inside laptop pocket. The Inside cotton pocket is the support of the Bleu de Chauffe label, signed and dated by the artisan. Patina handmade. 100% made in France. Size: 15" x 11" x 3.93"

CLASSIC FEDORA, THE HAT SHOP NYC

A classic fedora is a piece of slow fashion your father is sure to not only appreciate and wear but hand down as a family heirloom. We are big fans of The Hat Shop NYC where they offer a classic fedora made from Panama straw and a variety of trims to choose from. Just give them your dad’s head measurements (how you choose to get those measurements without surprising him is your dilemma) and he will receive a bespoke fedora, perfect to protect him from summer rays in stylish form. Crown: 4” fedora. Brim: 2” brim.

JEFF KOONS X IKEPOD HORIZON “CANNONBALLS” MODEL HHTJK IN TITANIUM AT ROWING BLAZERS

This gift is a bit pricey and aspirational but if you have the dash, may we recommend a vintage, limited edition watch by renowned artist Jeff Koons? Available at Rowing Blazers, this collaboration between Ikepod and Koons was inspired by Koon’s 2006-2010 exhibition piece “Cannonballs”. The work takes inspiration from the Marvel comic character, The Hulk, in molecular form. Koons described his sculpture by stating: “This stack of cannonballs is actually The Hulk. If you would take the Hulk and break him down, in a molecular-like structure, this would be the proportions. Of his greens, his violet and his black. This piece is having a dialogue with minimalism and making a reference to Sol Le Witt.”

The watch’s introduction in 2009 served to make an impact on the lives of others with the proceeds directly going towards the Koons Family Institute to help missing and exploited children. This example is being offered in new and unworn condition, with the stickers on the front and back of the case remaining in place and untouched. It also includes the original leather case and outer cardboard box. The strap design was used by Apple on the Apple Watch. Curated by Wind Vintage.

BRAVE BROTHER - URBAN MONK BALM CANDLE

If your budget for Father’s Day is not an expensive vintage watch may we suggest a candle made in the Bronx by Urban Monk Balm Candle that is masculine yet not overpowering. The scent is “Brave Brother” and it has notes of Vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, clara sage, bergamot, Egyptian amber, cardimon and star anise. Ingredients feature natural essential oils, organic soy wax, organic cotton wicks, designed for enhanced release of essential oil fragrances. Scent brings up our memories so have your father always remember you when he lights this calming candle.

SHAVING BRUSH WITH SILVER BADGER AND BRASS HANDLE, SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Out of all our Father’s Day gift recommendations this may be the one he actually would use the most. If your dad shaves, have him do it in style with one of the oldest grooming brands around Costella 1828 from Genoa, Italy and available at Santa Maria Novella. Costella 1828 offers a shaving brush made from the finest materials. This shaving brush is pure silver badger-hair with a brass handle. Turned from untreated brass, then painted with nanotechnology products to protect from oxidation without modifying the natural finish. Your father will be sure to treasure this unique piece of grooming equipment for years to come.

Well those are our recommendations for an artisanal, unique and thoughtful Father’s Day. Being a father (or father figure) is an important task of love and labor and if done well should be recognized and rewarded. Your presence and time with your father would perhaps be what they want the most but these gifts we feel will be a close second.

Happy Father’s Day from The Local Artisan Guide!

By Natalie Rivera