Something you might not know about me, but my love language is gifts. Giving and receiving…which means I take gift giving very seriously. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to gift giving, I like to give thoughtful gifts with meaning, and not just a personal meaning, but thoughtful in the sense of other things to ponder like where does it come from? Is it hand-created by someone? Is it something special? What is it made of?
To me, gift giving feels so much better when it’s handmade, and if that’s not an option for you, then what’s better than purchasing something handmade by someone else? It ensures a truly unique gift in itself, and, in doing so, you’re supporting a small business and so, the gift of giving goes on and on! I so love the idea of supporting and giving back to local artists who give so much to their own local communities. It takes gift giving to the next level.
In support of the incredible makers I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know, I’ve put together a small list of amazing handmade items from some of the artists that have been featured on Maker Nation. All of the gifts on the list are under $50 and are one-of-a-kind items that are sure to make excellent and unique presents. I mean, c’mon, is there anyone you know who owns a pair of earrings made from an actual spider web? I think not, so let’s check it out!
Here are some great gift ideas from the artists that we have featured on Maker Nation.
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🎁 Any Day Brights Garland from The Paper Committee // $50
Amanda Witucki’s love of paper can be traced back to finding a stack of old National Geographic magazines. Based in Austin, Texas, Amanda creates incredible art from folded paper. She is also an expert at presents and hides them around Austin for others to discover.
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🎁 Party Pom Tinsel Earings from Fringe + co. // $28
Who says tinsel is just for trees? If you need a gift for someone who loves things that sparkle and shine, Fringe + co. has got you covered. Kelsey Campion, founder and Chief Sequin Officer of Fringe + co., describes her work as “wearable fun.” This is the best gift for that friend that lights up the room!
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🎁 Camera for kids from Meraki Montessori // $12
Selfies without the screen time. Say cheese! Ty and Radell Nared started making nontoxic toys for their daughter. They have expanded their craft into a business with a line of eco-friendly toys and puzzles. They even offer DIY kits so you can paint their toys at home. A perfect gift for new parents, or any parents for that matter!
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🎁 Holiday Ornament from Driftway Designs // $25
Inspired by the ocean, Jenna Sammartino of Driftway Designs makes home goods with resin art. What a unique gift idea for someone who loves the sea, you can literally see yourself and the ocean in this amazing mirrored ornament!
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🎁 Pasta Bowl from Pottery By Betsy // $30
Imagine the pastabilities of what you can serve in this bowl. Betsy Perez creates bowls, plates, mugs and other housewares in Omaha, Nebraska. This gift is perfect for someone who loves to cook or the “party planner” of the family, someone who knows how to create a great tablescape would appreciate a piece of art like this.
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🎁 Spider Web Necklace from Creative Cinderella // $32
Artist Laura Morriseau creates artwork from real spiderwebs she finds in her backyard. This necklace glows in the dark. In addition to jewelry, Laura also adorns furniture, frames, clocks, violins and more with spiderwebs she’s collected from multiple wooded areas in the northeast.
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Patina Circle Studs from Porcelain and Stone // $40
Artist Kimberly Huestis creates porcelain jewelry that look like stones. This is the perfect gift for someone who is simple, as her jewelry in and of itself is minimalist and chic.
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Railroad Spike Bottle Openers from The Barefoot Forge // $20
Craig Cowen is a blacksmith who loves working with metal and hates wearing shoes, hence the name The Barefoot Forge. All of the bottle openers are made by hand. Great gift for a brother, dad, uncle or anyone who loves to open a cold one! Want to try your hand at blacksmithing and make your own bottle opener? The Barefoot Forge offers blacksmithing classes too.
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Kinetic Kickers from CATSA // $7
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, CATSA makes a space-inspired cat house as well as other out of this world accessories for cats and the humans who love them. The Kinetic Kickers are made with locally grown catnip. This gift is so good for the cat lady in your life.
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Pure Beeswax Candle from It’s All About Bees // $14
Wendy Fletcher comes from a family of beekeepers. It’s All About Bees uses honey from their hives to make all kinds of food gifts. They also make candles from the beeswax. I actually took this home while I was in Nebraska as a gift…for myself! Now I’m wishing I’d have purchased a few more, they’re so stinking cute! Lucky for me (and you) they ship nationwide and can order from their website.
