I have the pleasure of working with hundreds of fantastically talented makers and product designers. Because I’m always on the hunt for new ways to share their work with you, this year I thought it would be fun to curate a 10-day gift guide featuring some of my most beloved finds. I’ve been quietly shopping form my cient list for months and it’s ime for the big reveal. From furry friends to your favorite gentlemen, I’ve got you covered with 75+ ideas. Up first? Beauty stocking stuffers!
BEAUTY STOCKING STUFFERS
Sigil Scent Sampler
Sigil Scent creates unisex fragrances infused with the energy of real flowers and plants. Each long-wearing perfume is hand blended and poured in small batches. Take all six of their signature aromas out for a spin for just $50.
Waxing Kara “Sweet Lips” Honey Lip Balm
Waxing Kara’s Sweet Lips Trio is delivered in a gift-able tube. Inside: three lip balms, each made with organic plant oils and honey to soften the lips while providing a sheer dose of color from mineral pigments. $24.
Stewart & Claire Lip Balm Cocktail Trio
My all-time-favorite lip balm is the Negroni from Stewart & Claire. Try the Cocktail Trio and score 3 balms in an embossed tube for $23. Their Mint Julep Lip Scrub is the perfect remedy for dry winter lips at $20!
Bonblissity Body Truffles
I’m obsessed with body scrubs and Bonblissity never disappoints! These individually wrapped, single-serve body scrubs are perfect for gym bags + weekenders, too. Pick up a box of 6 “body truffles” for $25.
Osmia Organics Facial Soap
Osmia Organics luxurious facial bar blends organic pumpkin, honey, and camellia seed oil to create a gentle enzymatic exfoliation. I love the gold embossing on the textured linen box *almost* as much as I love the bar. $24.
Handcrafted HoneyBee MiniPits Travel Size Deodorants
Handcrafted Honeybee offers aluminum-free deodorants in fun aromas! Find your new favorite with a four-pack of mini’s for just $15. Pro tip: Eucalyptus Spearmint. Just trust me…
Barnwell Co. Rock Rose / Neroli Facial Oil
Barnwell Soap Co. creates small-batch, cold-process soap and body care in Portland. The Rock Rose & Neroli Facial Oil is the loveliest thing I put on my face in 2017! The entire collection is divine, with prices ranging from $5-36.
Kopa Kauai Small Soaps and REDBUDSUDS Shower Bars
Kopa Kauai handcrafts adorable mini-bars ($6) in her lush Hawaiian studio. The guava is a personal favorite. Meanwhile, REDBUDSUDS’s earth-friendly shower bars wash + condition the hair and are great for the body, too. $14.
Prairie Dust Wyatt Herb Soap
Know a soap lover with a sense of humor? Treat them to Prairie Dust’s “Wyatt Herb” bar. It’s a delightful (and pun-ny) blend of leather, mahogany, lemongrass, and basil. Close runner-up? Mint Condition. $8 a bar.
GIFTS FOR YOUR BFF
Tal Angel Silk Scarves
Israeli-based designer Tal Angel designs limited edition silk scarves that make a bold statement of color. Only 15 of the “Deep Blue Dragonfly” scarf were produced and I appear to have snagged the last one! Find your new favorite from amongst her gorgeous collection. $150 and up.
Marja Germans Gard Earrings
Jeweler Marja Germans Gard is having a serious love affair with geometrics… and I’m having a serious love affair with all things Marja. These earrings feature a dark patina and meticulously hand-wrapped 14k gold fill wire. Her packaging is some of the best I’ve ever seen, too. Think: Gold stamped gift boxes, embossed enclosure cards, and more. Absolutely gift-worthy at $80.
The Rosé Collection from Stewart & Claire
I included Stewart & Claire in yesterday’s “beauty stocking stuffers” guide, but I couldn’t resist! Related: Your Rosé-loving BFF will appreciate this chic tube of rose-tinted lip balms. Each is created with organic coconut and sunflower seed oils and a subtle rose scent. $30 for the trio.
Charliemadison Originals Alchemist Bracelet
Charliemadison Originals designs stackable bracelets with natural stones + woods. My favorite? The “Alchemist” featuring rose quartz, olive wood, and turquoise… natural materials revered for their power to promote peace + remove negativity. I love to rub my favorite essential oil blend into the olive wood beads to create a natural diffuser that carries the oil with me all day. $37.
Todos Organics Infused Coconut Oil
Coconut oil fans rejoice! Todos Organics infuses natural coconut oil with vanilla beans, rose absolute, lavender, and chai spices. Each jar is created in small batches and beautifully packaged. Angel- the mastermind behind Todos- is taking a small break at the moment, but I recommend stalking her IG and waiting for her triumphant return!
Handstamped Jewelry from Zenned Out
Cassie and her team at Zenned Out handstamp magical sayings into modern metal jewelry. I love creating mixed metals stacks of 3 with hidden messages. My current favorite? “You’re stronger than you think and braver than you know.” The perfect sentiment for your BFF, no? $65 and up.
GIFTS FOR YOUR HONEY
Small Company Artworks Couples Sculptures
Melissa of Small Company Artworks creates cast-stone sculpture gifts, each one handmade in Los Angeles. Each limited-edition sculpture is beautifully gift boxed and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity. Find your new favorite, beginning at $99.
Couples’ Initial Bar Necklace from MKW Design Co.
I love these personalized necklaces from MKW Design Co. Each one is hand stamped and available in a variety of lengths. Mary would love to whip up one for you in her Texas studio! $26.
Tropical Floral Friend Art Print by Pen + Pillar
Pen + Pillar designs “paper goods with a purpose.” I love that 10% of their proceeds are donated to local refugee resettlement in North Carolina. And I love this print, too. 8×10” and printed on sturdy white cardstock, I have little doubt that your better half would cherish a framed copy. $20.
Unique PL8Z
Unique PL8Z collects discarded licenses plates and refashions them into customized works of art. I have these fantastic visions of Nicole using power tools with sparks flying all around her! She created this “Lucy Girl” sign for me and I’m positive that she’d be up for creating something special for you, too. Anniversary date? Nickname? A location that’s special to the two of you? $30 and up.
Married & Bright Lingerie
Annika Chaloff may have the greatest job on planet Earth. She creates sexy lingerie for women of all sizes in her Nashville studio. She has a fantastic eye for design and a knack for making women feel sexy as hell. This “Knotty or Nice” bralette + panty set is a special kind of saucy. $88.
Grown By Faith Succulent Arrangements
Amber recently graduated from BHB and she’s planning for a 2018 launch of her care-free succulent arrangements. Spell out words, initials, or phrases on your wall without any worry about your perpetual black thumb. While she hasn’t yet swung open her doors, I recommend stalking the “Grown by Faith” Facebook page while we anxiously anticipate the company launch!
GIFTS FOR YOUR KIDDOS
Hi Tree! Tiny Log Zipper Pouch and Maple Tree Friend Plush Toy
Hi Tree! creates felt goodies for wee ones that are inspired by the woodlands. My niece will soon be unwrapping this cool log-inspired zippered pouch + huggable tree plush. Each design is cut by hand and sewn in Tina’s LA studio. $24-42.
Wee Rascals Tees
Conscious mamas + papas love Wee Rascals because this apparel company believes that “real heroes are the best heroes.” I snagged this awesome shirt for my nephew Drew and my daughter Celie has been rocking a “Fierce Like Frieda” shirt for several months now. $32.
Unicorn Crafts Earrings in a Bottle
My niece Kate is also getting her ears pierced for Christmas and I’m excited to start her collection with these 22k gold earrings from Faheema at Unicorn Crafts. Fun designs include unicorns, ice cream cones, and rainbows. Each arrives in a neat glass bottle topped with a gold lid. $16 each.
Because of Zoe Designs Hair Bows and Hi Tree! Oak Leaf Hair Clips
Kate is sort of obsessed with her hair and she rocks a mean hair bow. On Christmas morning, I’m gifting her a collection of headbands and bows in chic prints from BOZ Designs and a fun felt leaf hair clip from Hi Tree. $8 and up.
Sasa Loo Kokeshi Doll
Monica of Sasa Loo creates modern kokeshi dolls in her Okinawa workshop. Each heirloom-worthy piece features a mini snow lion pup, hand-felted details, and vintage Japanese textiles that have been thoughtfully reinvented. Contact her for a custom commission! $195 and up.
Curiosity Packs Educational Kits
Curiosity Packs deliver educational kits direct to your doorstep, and they’re so ridiculously fun that your wee one might not even realize that they’re learning! From letters to feelings, each kit includes several brightly-colored games and activities designed by Lily, who’s a mom and an elementary educator, too. $40.
Goobie Baby Bandana Drool Bibs and Naomi Teething Necklace
Baby products have come a loooong way since I had my kiddos! I find myself a bit jealous of all the great design and Goobie Baby is the perfect example. Easy, snap-on bandana bibs and modern teething necklaces are both functional and adorable. Now that’s a combination that I can get behind! $17-20.
GIFTS FOR YOUR SWEET MAMA
Laurmé Skincare’s Anti-Aging Travel Set
Laurmé Skincare’s Anti-Aging Travel Set offers mom an opportunity to create a spa day at home, every single day. Seven artfully formulated products (cleanser, toner, serum, cream and more) are beautifully presented in a drawstring bag, accompanied by a detailed booklet. $65.
“Love” Necklaces from Freshie and Zero
Freshie & Zero’s delicate “Love” necklace can be customized to reflect your family. “Mom” is represented by a gold-filled circle, and you can add smaller sterling rings, each representing one of her children. Presented in an embossed gift box, beginning at $58.
Southern Elegance Candle Co. Holiday Candle Collection
My mom can NEVER have enough candles and this one is a personal favorite! Southern Elegance Candle Co.’s Pumpkin Souffle is a blend of warm pumpkin, cinnamon, crushed clove with hints of butter + brown sugar. It’s swoon-worthy and mom can enjoy 50-55 hours of burn time for just $28.
Cultural Detour Kimono Scarves and Accessories
The irresistibly chic Dyan of Cultural Detour deconstructs antique kimono and Japanese boro textiles, refashioning them into one-of-a-kind scarves and accessories. She has more style in her pinky finger than I have in my whole body. My boro scarf prompts compliments everywhere I go! Beginning at $52.
Ardent Hands Therapy Pack and Migraine Relief Eye Mask
Ardent Hands Designs creates neck wraps and migraine eye pillows filled with lentils and lavender. Each one can be heated or cooled to provide instant comfort. The fabrics are beautiful, and quality of the construction is impressive. $24 for the neck wrap, $15 for the migraine mask.
Mommin’ Mug by Paper Berry Press and Plum Deluxe’s “Easy to be Green” Tea
Mommin’ Ain’t Easy… can I get an “amen?” This mug from Paper Berry Press makes me smile every time I see it. It’s even better when filled “Easy to be Green Tea,” a blend of blueberry and hibiscus from Plum Deluxe. Mug is $14.95, tea begins at $7.
Customized Stationery from PIXELIMPRESS
Personalized stationery is an affordable luxury that always make me feel special. This set from Pixel Impress features gorgeous handmade marble paper in shades of cream, gold, grey, and black. The entire presentation is deliciously swanky! Set of 10 cards + envelopes for $22.50.
GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE MEN
Pork BBQ Dry Rub and Grilling Spices Gift Set from Dell Cove Spices
If your man is the grilling type, then I humbly suggest a spice kit from Dell Cove Spice Co. Nicely presented in a gift-worthy box, you’ll find: Fiery Sriracha Seasoning, Garlic & Pepper Herb Rub, Memphis BBQ Rib Rub, and Tuscan Herb & Garlic Seasoning. Let him man the grill why you man the wine opener for a lovely evening in. $29.50.
Black Ship Grooming Co.’s Wassail Shaving Soap, Aftershave, and Shaving Brush
My Mister’s beard will be in tip-top shape this holiday season thanks to Black Ship Grooming Co. Their Limited Edition “Wassail” line features a special holiday blend of apple cider, nutmeg, cinnamon, and oranges. Available in both a creamy shaving soap + an aftershave splash. Pair it with a vintage-inspired shaving brush and you’re off at the races! $15-45.
Cedarwood Soap and Cork Toiletry Bag from Etta + Billie
Alana of Etta + Billie easily ranks among my top 5 favorite soapmakers of all-time. Her gender-neutral products are hip, elevated, and decadent all at once. Created with olive oil, cocoa butter, Moroccan lava clay and a blend of five essential oils, Alana’s Cedarwood soap lathers beautifully. Pair it with a cork toiletry bag for a smart gift for the modern man. $34 for the bag; $14 for the soap.
Blazing Saddles Solid Cologne + Body Wash from Outlaw Soaps
How could you resist anything that’s been dubbed “the sexiest cologne ever”? Good question, friends. I’ll let Danielle and the team at Outlaw Soaps describe the aroma of her Blazing Saddles collection: “…smells like leather, sandalwood, gunpowder, sage, two kinds of campfire, and a little dirt. An outlaw smells like the sexiest g*ddamn thing you can imagine, and then about 12 times sexier than that.” If that doesn’t sell it, then I’m not sure how to help. Solid cologne at $22; Body wash for $14.
Whiskey + Fig Diffuser from Standard Wax
Standard Wax creates modern home fragrance in beautiful, ceramic vessels. New to the collection: reed diffusers. I love Whiskey + Fig for the gentlemen. With notes of aged whiskey, teakwood, black tea, and fig, this scent is the quintessential combination of earthy, dark and sweet. $42.
GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS
Best Day Ever Letterpress Notebook + Daily Scheduler Notepad
Anne-Marie of Best Day Ever creates practical cools that help people live their best day ever, every single day. Her gorgeous notebook features a geometric-inspired letterpress design (*swoon*) and gold foil (*double swoon*) and her Daily Scheduler pad is one of my personal lifesavers. $25 for the notebook; $5.75 for the pad.
Elizabeth Benotti Herringbone Patterned Mug and Plum Deluxe Loose Leaf Teas
Ceramicist Elizabeth Benotti makes a mean mug. Handthrown on the wheel from porcelain, each mug features a design which is etched by hand and finished in a satin matte glaze in her New Hampshire workshop. It’s my favorite way to start the morning. $54. Even better? Fill it up with delicious loose-leaf teas from Plum Deluxe.
Essential Oil Rollers from Print Therapy
When Melissa isn’t keeping balls in the air as Lucky Break’s Operations Manager, she’s building a “feel good apothecary” over at Print Therapy. She recently launched new essential oil rollers and I’m utterly obsessed with the “Rest” blend. Think: neroli, frankincense, ylang ylang, and chamomile essential oils in an organic jojoba oil base. Imagine: Your favorite teacher smoothing frazzled nerves after a long day. Beautifully presented + totally gift-worthy at $18.
Hettie Joan Perfect Pouches + Favorite Notebooks
Melissa isn’t the only Lucky Break teammate building an empire! Shannon, our Creative Director, recently launched Hettie Joan. She creates smart accessories that make you feel pulled together in an instant. Her zippered pouches hold anything and everything. Each fully-lined pouch features her original surface designs and is finished with a gold zipper. Pair it with a coordinating jotter notebook and pencil and your favorite teacher will love you for it. $3-$36.
“I Liked Books Best” Art Print by Little Truths Studio
Last but not least, Lori from Little Truths Studios is a self-taught painter who spends her days creating magical art in a studio that’s tucked into the woods just outside Portland. This print is oh-so-perfect for educators. It’s an archival reproduction on a deliciously heavy stock. $24.
GIFTS FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS
Big Daddy Biscuits
Treat your favorite pup to fresh, farm-to-table biscuits made in small batches right here in Atlanta, GA. The peeps over at Big Daddy Biscuits made Turkey Bacon Treats that always make my dog Emerson sit up a little straighter. $5.50 and up.
Charlie Cushion from Janery
Jane Pearson of Janery makes the prettiest dog beds this side of the Mississippi! Each one features a hidden zipper, washable canvas cover, and a waterproof insert that ensures that keeps things tidy and odors at bay. And the chic fabrics blend beautifully with modern décor. Pictured here: Sawyer, beloved pup of Lucky Break’s Operations Manager, lounging on his Janery bed. From $104.
Nose Butter + Aromatherapy Spray from The Blissful Dog
Kathy from Blissful Dog Co. has more energy in her pinky than I have in my whole body! A former breeder and champion of the dog show world, today she spends her time creating artisanal batches of products to soothe your dog’s discomfort. Nose Butter protects chapped noses and what spastic pup wouldn’t benefit from her Focus aromatherapy spray? *Ahem* Emerson? $10 and up
Siamese Social Club Magnetic Fishing Cat Toy
Feline friends rejoice! Siamese Social Club (one of my favorite brand names in the history of ever!) creates this clever fishing toy. A solid wood fishing pole catches felt fish embedded with magnetics for hours of amusement with your favorite kitty. A huge upgrade from the brightly colored, cheap plastic toys in your local pet store! $45.
Treats for Chickens Chicken Crack
Dawn Russell knows a thing or two about chickens. She creates ultra-fancy, certified organic chicken treats… and she does it all with a sense of humor. Exhibit A: Chicken Crack. Organic grains, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, mealworms and river shrimp. I sincerely want chickens, if for no other reason than to feed them Chicken Crack. $16.99 for a generously-sized bag of chicken heaven!
GIFTS FOR FANCY FOODIES
Waxing Kara Eastern Shore Honey
Waxing Kara produces my absolute favorite honey treats! Kara Brook Brown raises bees on her farm along the Eastern Shore and she transforms their honey into a line of body care, alongside gourmet honey treats. Try a generously-sized jar of varietal honey for $18, a beautifully boxed honey sampler for $50, or a bag of 9 cinnamon honey lollipops for just $10.
Drops of Honey Pot from Apricity Ceramics
Need somewhere to store all that honey? I humbly suggest this handmade pot from Sophia at Apricity Ceramics. It’s adorned with 22 k gold honeybees and a gorgeous two-toned glaze. It holds wo full cups and features a hand-carved porcelain dipper. It’s my favorite thing in my new kitchen! $76.
Pecans & Chocolate Granola from Hudson Henry Baking Co.
My go-to snack is gourmet granola from Hudson Henry Baking Co. This stuff is a-m-a-z-i-n-g… think: pumpkin and sunflower seeds, pecans, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and dark chocolate chips. Made fresh in small batches, you can snag a bag for just $7.99.
“Bon Appetit” Recipe Notebook from Primp Prints
I adore this sunny journal from Blair of Primp Prints. Its 50 lined pages are perfect for storing your favorite recipes, jotting down details for your food diary, or capturing the little things you’re grateful for each day. It makes for a fab stocking stuffer at $25.
Fresh Out of Ink’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Tea Towel
The crew from Fresh Out Of Ink wants to ensure sure that your favorite recipes are always at hand. Whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies via this 100% cotton tea towel. Each one is made in the USA and individually screen printed. At $18, it would also make a fun way to wrap up a present for your favorite foodie!
ULTIMATE WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY GIFTS
Boob Rubber Stamp Set from Native Bear
Leela (with two E’s!) is the mastermind behind Native Bear. She creates magical paper goods with a deliciously vintage flair. And boob stamps. No, seriously. This set of four is mounted on white maple and presented in a smart kraft box. $22.
Rosé Mug by Primp Prints
Rosé is all the rage right now, and this mug will be coveted by Rosé lovers the world over. Generously sized at 15 ounces, it’s microwave and dishwasher-safe. From my fiend Blair at Primp Prints. $16.
Paper Boat Origami Notepad by Smudge Ink
April and her crew at Smudge Ink have reinvented the humble note pad. This version contains 60 sheets which feature a grid on one side and a fun pattern and folding instructions on back. Transform class notes, meeting notes, and old grocery lists into a paper boat in ten easy steps. $8.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Favors from The Pursuit of Cocktails
Have you met my friend Jaime? She’s cute as a button and a true lover of cocktails. She launched an entire company dedicated to snarky travel mugs, tumblers, and straws that feature clever turns of phrase. Her “Let’s get elfed up” straws and “Drink up Grinches” cup might cause a fist fight at your holiday party. But, man… they’d totally be worth it! $7.50-11.
Kale Tea Towel from Paper Berry Press
Thank heavens that Paper Berry Press shares my disdain for kale. I know it’s good for me… and yet I still don’t care. Kale Loathers Unite! This flour sack tea towel makes me giggle every time I see it. It might not elicit a fist fight, but perhaps a hair pull? And arm wrestle? My husband is certainly going to have to wrestle it out of my arms if we plan to gift it to anyone. That’s $16 well spent.
Naughty & Nice Holiday Pencils from Fresh Out of Ink
If you’re making a list and checking it twice, then you need this clever pencil set from our friends at Fresh Out of Ink. Naughty? Nice? Perhaps a bit of both, depending on the day? A set of 4 could be yours for a mere $6 and they arrive in a cute gift box, too!
Whew! And there you have it. My hat is off to these entrepreneurs and all of the others that I had the pleasure of working with in 2017. I hope you’ll drop your favorite atisan shop in the comments below so I can polish off the last of my shopping!