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Artisan Gifts: Handmade for the Holidays

As you scramble for last-minute gifts, your thoughts may turn to those of the artisan and handmade variety. And that’s a worthy place for them to go; nothing says, “I put a lot of care and thought into this gift” (even if you buy it at the 11th hour) like something handmade.

Knitty City

Knitty City

If the hands making the gift might be your own, head over to Knitty City. (Their motto: “We’ll keep you in stiches”). You can sign up for classes in knitting, crocheting, spinning or weaving, or better yet, give someone a gift card so you can take a class together.

Earthworks Pottery

Earthworks Pottery (via Facebook)

If you want something you can actually present to someone, Earthworks Pottery offers classes as well, but they also have a retail section of ceramics in the front of the store for buying and “inspiration.”

If you’re looking to go where the trendy set purchases their chic furnishings, look no further than Still House, which carries minimalistic jewelry and home goods. A matte ceramic pink Yves bowl would work well to hold small items like keys, or you can follow the website's suggestion and use it for spices or to burn incense as well. The Circle Bahia Candle holder is made in Brooklyn out of water jet- cut granite with a hand-stamped leather bottom; it’s both elegant and simple. And of course, you’ll want some hand-dipped beeswax candles to go along with that; luckily, they can be found here as well.

The name An American Craftsman pretty much says it all—they carry wooden jewelry boxes and glass objects ranging from paperweights to perfume bottles to “creatures" (glass frogs, octopi, even dragons.) Check out the kaleidoscopes made of mottled glass and the mirrors.

You can also head to one of the winter holiday markets. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market has dozens of vendors, including Saskia de Vries; her jewelry often includes beads from many different cultures. Carolyn’s Christmas features bread-dough ornaments from Ecuador—a cheery little gingerbread figure would look nice on anyone’s tree.

At Soapology, we like the handmade soaps, such as citrus or apple, as well as the handmade bath bombs (try lavender de provence); they even have gifts sets. Just say “Auntie Kate like rose” and they’ll have something for you.

Orwashers Bakery

Orwashers

If “artisanal” means “food” to you (or your recipient), Orwashers bills themselves as “New York’s original artisan baker,” so you know you’re in good hands--they’ve been around since 1916. You can’t go wrong with rye or pumpernickel, but they also have a line of wine breads, like the cabernet rustica, made with a cabernet starter from a vineyard on Long Island.

Further uptown, Silver Moon Bakery turns out impeccable chocolate orange rolls (only on the weekends) as well as lovely fruit tarts. Put everything in a nice basket from Chelsea Market Baskets (check out the hand-woven red apple basket) and you'll be invited back for New Year’s. 

About the Author

Evan Levy runs fable & lark, which offers interactive museum tours inspired by great stories. See fableandlark.com for all the details. In addition, she's the author of two children's picture books. She loves stories in any form, and lives in New York with her family.

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