For my fourth annual holiday gift guide, I decided to expand my search beyond the Carolinas to include the whole US of A. I scoured Etsy to come up with a curated list of unique, finely crafted pieces made by American artisans. My criteria were loosely based on a “know it when I see it” approach: items that caught my eye had to be stylish, functional, genius or some combination of all the above. Just in time for Small Business Saturday, I hope you’ll see something for that special someone on your list! Click each photo to link to the seller’s Etsy shop.
This chic snakeskin print leather journal would work equally well for the refined lady or gent. $45. Click the photo above to see this item plus wallets, key fobs and other leather accessories by AnchorRoad of Texas.
This bowl has me craving mint chocolate chip! Ice cream is twice as delicious in one of these faceted pastel bowls, $30 each. By Beanandbailey of Tennessee.
For the cat owner with discriminating taste (which, let’s face it, is all of them): an Eames-inspired lounger. Also could function as a mod footrest! $395 from CANOPYstudio of Louisiana.
Highly elegant, these carved marble tealight holders will add a graceful accent to any home. Set of two, $58 from Brooksbarrow of Alabama.
These colorful acrylic hairsticks make me yearn for the sort of thick tresses that could pull off a messy bun. A good gift for the tress-advantaged, these start at $16 apiece from EaduardHairsticks of Oregon.
This multi-tasker organizes phone, keys and glasses while keeping track of the date and time. Perfect for an entrance. home office or dressing area. $119 from Micklish of California.
ElfiRoose is one of those jewelry artists who makes me want to buy one of everything she makes! This pretty pyrite-accented necklace is hand-cast and carved, $49. ElfiRoose is based in California.
Does the small person in your life have the wiggles? Of course they do. This genius box is filled with wooden activity chips designed to release youthful energy. $17.99 from IheIdeaBoxKids of Oregon.
Geek chic: keychain adorned with the molecular structure for dopamine (you know, the chemical that’s released when we experience feelings of LOVE). $65. See also: Caffeine, Chocolate, and Red Wine by Etsy shop MolecularMuse of Hawaii.
Etsy seller WoodToyShop of Oregon points out that this catapult is not just for kids. Also fun for launching MM’s at a cubicle-mate or sending dog treats airborne. The possibilities, oh, they are endless. $22.
I’m pretty sure Jenna Lyons would totally want one of these. Super chic little envelope clutch for the preppy hipster, $24, from Thislovesthat of Illinois.
These geometric luminaries look just as good lit as they do unlit. Please note, they take a battery-powered tealight, not a real candle. From $8, by SocietyNatlIndustry of Washington.
Coolest growth chart ever! Life-sized wood ruler is hand routed and can be personalized. Starting at $110 from HalfpintInkStudio of Delaware.
The wax-coated canvas bins, bags and baskets from RedHouseInc of Vermont exude rugged style. Egg collecting basket/ milk jug holder is $54.
Perfect for a playroom or “camping” in the yard, kids will enjoy hanging out in this teepee. $215, from Theteepeeguy of Ohio.
For the individual or family with multiple devices, this universal charging station puts cords in order with style. $24, from UndulatingContours of Louisiana.
Cute and cozy! This soft cotton infinity scarf is accented with removable leather rosette, $50. See other color combinations and prints at Flytrap of North Carolina.
I’ve long loved Uncommons’ clocks (I have two in my house). Now they’ve expanded their product line to include these laser-cut “doily” coasters. Modern, functional and totally cute. $14.40 for set of 4. From Uncommon of Indiana.
Hope this list gives you some ideas for holiday shopping and inspires you to support the many wonderful American artisans on Etsy. Happy black Friday and Small Business Saturday!
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Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.