It feels early but the Amazon catalogue just came so here's this year's list.
In a season full of compelling marketing and mass-market choices, it’s easy to lose sight of the joy and impact of shopping local and supporting independent creators. When we choose gifts from small makers, artists, or niche suppliers, we help nurture creativity, sustain local economies, and make gifts with more heart behind them. So go to markets in your town and pop into little shops before filling up an Amazon cart (that guy's doing just fine).
Below are some of our favorite ideas: distinctive, artful, playful — gifts you won’t find everywhere, but that carry a story and joy.
Gift Ideas
Local Honey
This is hands down my favorite gift to give because everyone loves honey and you can add some specialty teas or if you're an artist a cute bee themed drawing on a card. My sister is a bee keeper (among many other hobbies) and when she gifts us honey it's so thoughtful because it was made with time and love. Go to the National Honey Locator to find someone near you or ask an old church lady, they always know who has bees.
Mini Pottery Wheel + torch (for home firing small clay pieces)
It’s rare, but this gives someone the thrill of “throwing” clay right at home. We got this for our daughter and now make mini pots ourselves all the time. Small Ceramics, offers a Small Pottery Wheel that allows working with miniature ceramics without needing a full studio Small Ceramics. You can combine this with a small handheld blow torch (like you use for creme brulee) for low-temperature firing or use air-dry clays depending on the wheel’s specs. This wheel is about $200 but there are wheels for $30 from Vector that will do the trick. Also, a chunk of clay is about $15 from Michael's.
Art Dice – Inspiration for Drawing & Painting + quality colored pencils + sketchbook
These art dice come with prompts across medium, style, subject, mood, texture, etc., to help spark creative ideas. They’re perfect for artists who sometimes hit a blank page or kids. The set above is sold via Uncommon Goods (not Amazon! those are cheeper).
Pair it with a high-quality colored pencil set (e.g. Prismacolor or Faber-Castell) and a nice sketchbook to round out the gift. it's $20 on Etsy for the dice and Prismacolors you can get for $24 or go big and get a $200 set.
Buddha Board (for younger children)
This was our goto gift when all our friends were having kids. The Buddha Board is a water-drawing board: paint on it with water, and the image fades after a while. It encourages drawing without permanence, making it great for kids to experiment freely. You can find it via the maker’s "Buddha Board" or specialty art shops for about $35.
Where’s Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection
I almost didn't include this because it's not "art" per-se but then when I started looking at the images, I realized it's a creative masterpiece. I just love giving this gift, especially to video game kids. Even if you already own the classic Waldo books, this slim "travel collection" is ideal for trips, waiting rooms, or to tuck in a bag. It's basically all the books in one, plus a bunch of extra challenges. It’s compact, fun, and full of hours of search-and-find challenges. You can find it on Thrift books for under $10 or new for $15 from Barnes & Nobles.
Original art piece
I'm bias but this is the way to go. This one is personal, and you get to pick something that resonates. For example: One of Nathan Durfee's 3.5" x 5.5" oil on vintage Charleston Postcards. Or consider local artists in your region; commissions or small works can be meaningful. It doesn't have to be expensive - I once bought an art piece from a high school student for maybe $100 and it hangs next to one of the most expensive works in our house.
Pottery Experience
If you’re local, I can’t recommend this potter enough—his work carries a kindness and intention that feels truly special. Many of our own dishes come from him, and beyond his beautiful pieces, he also offers private lessons. If you and your partner have ever wanted to try your hand at pottery, his studio is the perfect place to start. A private session for two is around $300, and absolutely worth every bit. Trimpottery.com
MOVA Globe (Earth with Clouds)
This globe spins gracefully using hidden magnets and ambient light — no batteries or wires. Our is on our kitchen window and has been slowly spinning for over 10 years. It’s a decorative, calming object for a desk or shelf. This is our wedding gift go-to! It's great for someone that wants to travel or someone with a bit of class but has everything. They are about $250 from MOVA Globes and if you've never seen one they are really mesmerizing. movaglobes.com
Flyte Buda Ball Levitating SphereIf you've been in the gallery you've likely played with this. This is a magnetic levitation sphere (“Buda Ball”) that floats in mid-air above its base, creating a mesmerizing visual. For about $130, it’s part sculpture, part mediation tool; it reminds us to slow down and observe calmness. Flyte+2DesignWanted+2
Ok, that's the list for now. Let me know if there is something I need to checkout that has been a great gift to give.
