There’s still time to finish your holiday shopping and you don’t have to go scouring the sold-out aisles of big-box retailers to find the right gifts. Whether you’re still stumped on what to get your loved ones or have been on the hunt for something locally made, Cleveland’s artisan scene is constantly blooming with new and interesting handmade items for everyone. From sweet-smelling soaps to one-of-a-kind candle holders, we found 10 gifts that should be on your radar this holiday season.
Coleoptera Craftworks’ Live Edge Tealight Candle Holders ($75-$90)
Husband-and-wife duo Landon and Tery Young started their woodworking and leather-making business as a way to have a calming hobby. Crafted with urban-milled wood, their elegant tea holder is especially perfect for those wanting something organic and naturally inspired that can create a beautiful ambiance in the home. coleopteracraft.works
Creative Squared’s Friends Engraved Pencils ($10)
Show them you’ll be there for them. Whether your loved one is a busy student or just started a new job, they’ll need these pencils to give them a grin once in a while. Engraved on classic No. 2 pencils, each of the 10 pencils feature different famous quotes from the hit TV show Friends, such as “We Were On a Break!” and “Smelly Cat.” creativesquaredart.com
Crooked River Soaps’ Rose-yogurt Complexion Bar ($7.75)
Hand soap is something that’s on everyone’s Christmas list this year, so why not go the extra mile and opt for a luxurious bar from owner Reta Sober. These 3.2-ounce bars are handmade with Greek yogurt, organic rose-infused olive oil, rosehip seed oil with a soft fragrance of rosemary and lavender essential oils. Hand-washing has never been so glamorous. instagram.com/crookedriversoaps
Elizabracelets’ Friendship Bracelets ($18)
We’ve all enjoyed making friendship bracelets throughout our childhood or during summer camp, but Shaker Heights High School sophomore Elizabeth Hillman makes intricate, handmade bracelets, key chains and other accessories that are both stylish and show someone how much you care. Made with brightly colored string, we love how she combines three colors to create a mesmerizing pattern that pops with color on the wrist. etsy.com/shop/elizabraceletsshop
Ink. Paper. Passion’s CLE On The Rocks Swizzle Sticks ($15)
No stocking is complete without a couple of knickknacks that also have a dose of Cleveland pride. These swizzle sticks are great for an aspiring home bartender or cocktail connoisseur. Each one comes in a different color and has CLE-inspired themes such as the Free Stamp, the Terminal Tower, the Guardians of Traffic and others. store.typetwentyseven.com
Jennifer Lee Studios’ Ruffle Bowls ($34-$84)
The soft, yet graceful shape of Lake Erie’s waves are transferred into Jennifer Lee’s pottery by creating pieces that have an abstract style and practical use. Her ruffle bowls, which come in deep glazed tones of blues, teals and grays, not only resemble a series of water ripples frozen in time, but also have driftwood incorporated into the pieces. “I have found people use these for everything from putting a small one by the kitchen sink or they use it as something to throw their jewelry in,” Lee says. jenniferleestudios.net
Lauren Heuer’s Animal Portraits ($150)
Every member of the family deserves to feel special, even the furry ones. Local artist Lauren Heuer makes highly detailed hand-painted portraits of your canine or feline family members on wooden round canvases. Using a mix of paints, Heuer produces masterpieces that are as vibrant as they are realistic and can have different backgrounds and textures to make for a perfect mantle centerpiece. laurenheuerdesign.com
LolaLuCreations’ Lambs Ear Wreath ($50)
Whether you’re a fan of decorating your front door with a lush wreath during the holiday season or want to try it out year-round, LolaLuCreations makes artificial evergreen hoop designs for any occasion. Owner Jackie Krabach, who makes each wreath at home, says the simple, yet vibrant green leaves are on point in most homes. “I feel like right now the modern farmhouse vibe is really popular and that fits right into that style,” she says. etsy.com/shop/lolalucreations
Promises to Care’s Healing Serum ($18-$40)
Alicia Cleveland started making skin care products after struggling to find organic and natural items for her skin. Cleveland’s healing serum, which uses freshly grown herbs from a nearby farm, can work as a makeup primer, moisturizer and even hair oil. “I wanted a product that can be very therapeutic, and that can be made holistically,” she says. promisestocare.com
Seams to Bee’s Coin Purse ($24.99)
Seams to Bee’s owner Michelle Nemunaitis has been sewing for more than 30 years and uses colorful, vintage-inspired patterns to make a variety of quirky purses and clutches. You’ll find us sporting her wristlet coin purse, which comes in fun fabrics such as a black-and-white paw print pattern or one sporting Ohio State University’s Brutus. etsy.com/shop/seamstobee1
