Awesome Gifts from Artisan and Maker Brands

Sometimes finding that extra-special gift requires a hands-on approach. Specifically, the hands of artisans and makers who craft high-quality, long-lasting, and stylish pieces. So if you’re after holiday gifts that will stand out, you’ll find them in our artisan and maker gift guide…

Bexar Goods Co. Gorilla Keeper (US$32)

Carry your keys and other keychain essentials in undisputed style with the Gorilla Keeper. Crafted in Texas, this sturdy keychain blends great looks with a burly build for years of trusty use. It features a spring-loaded clip, quality USA-sourced leather, and solid copper rivets.

RUKI-KRYKI Classic Wallet With Suede Effect (around US$45)

RUKI-KRYKI is a one-man workshop based in Barnaul, Russia, that offers a range of beautiful handcrafted leather goods. One such piece is this Classic Wallet which is meticulously made by hand. It features Russian leather, waxed thread, and edge firing done by hand. The wallet has a slot for flat bills, along with two slots for cards, and fits up to 10 cards.

Ezra Arthur No. 3 Wallet (US$60)

Clean and elegant in style, the No. 3 Wallet is a chic minimalist choice for daily pocket carry. It offers three pockets for storing cards and cash, with a tapered shape allowing the middle pocket to expand and access to contents with a pinch. The handcrafted, USA-made wallet uses top-quality Horween Chromexcel leather.

Grovemade Black Pen (US$60)

Looking for a practical EDC pen that’s eye-catching and built to last? The Grovemade Black Pen is a fine choice. It has a single-piece body precision machined in the USA from solid aluminum, with a ceramic coating for a matte black finish. Three facets prevent the pen from rolling on flat surfaces, while also providing a comfortable grip for easy use.

NOAHZAGOR x 1733 Zip Pouch (US$65)

This collaborative NOAHZAGOR x 1733 Zip Pouch blends modern and traditional, featuring a mix of Japanese shibori cotton and X-PAC materials. The shibori cotton was created in the mid-20th century and creates an eye-catching contrast with the X-Pac. Versatile for standalone use or as an organizational pouch in a bag, this maker gift is sure to please.

Slightly Alabama Hip Flask (US$65)

Give the gift of carrying and enjoying your favorite tipple in style with this Hip Flask from Slightly Alabama. The 6 oz polished stainless steel flask features a handcrafted case using premium leather and a durable saddle stitch. The leather has dyed, waxed, and burnished edges and comes in a range of colorways.

Leather Works Minnesota Dad’s Billfold (US$70)

Looking for a wallet that’s slim enough to slip in a suit pocket, tough enough for a world of adventures, and practical enough for everyday use? The Dad’s Billfold ticks all the boxes. The wallet is handcrafted in Minnesota for a lifetime of reliable use. Its clean and stylish design looks good in any setting, with a “Coral” pattern by WKRMN adding a pop of fun to daily pocket EDC. It features two inward-facing card slots for secure card carry, along with storage for flat bills.

Teranishi Half Canyon (US$75)

The Teranishi Half Canyon features a single card slot for a clean look and slim profile. The card slot faces inwards to keep cards secure, while the half bill slot makes it easy to access and sort through flat bills. This elegant maker gift is carefully stitched by hand in the USA. It features beautiful and hard-wearing Horween Chromexcel leather.

Makr Eyewear Sleeve (US$100)

Why choose style or protection for eyewear carry when you can get both courtesy of this Makr Eyewear Sleeve? It’s sewn by hand in the USA and uses durable Horween suede in a choice of colorways. A simple brass button stud closure provides easy access and closure, keeping your eyewear readily accessible but protected from scuffs and scratches.

High Above Venture (from US$105)

High Above is based in Bellingham, WA, and focuses on handcrafting hard-wearing hip packs that will take on the cycling trails or city streets in equal measure. The Venture is a weather-resistant X-Pac hip pack that’s ideal for adventuring with the essentials. It features easy one-handed access and closure courtesy of a Fidlock buckle opening, along with a bottle holder for convenient access to hydration. Want to tailor the hip pack to your preferences? High Above offers a choice of buckles for the waist strap and the option to add an extra bottle holder.

Tanner Goods Canyon Crossbody Pack (US$115)

The Canyon Crossbody Pack holds all the essentials you need for exploring about town or on the trails. Yet it retains a slim profile that fits underneath a jacket if desired. The bag incorporates design and construction influences from around the world. It’s designed in Portland, Oregon and crafted in Leon, Mexico. It uses durable yet lightweight Konbu® fabric featuring military-grade Cordura® fibers with a rich and natural finish obtained through a proprietary technique in an Osaka-based mill.

Trakke Arkaig Backpack (US$132)

A re-release of an original Trakke design, the Arkaig is a great pack for people with smaller frames or when you’re roaming with smaller loads. Trakke handcrafts the 12L pack in Scotland using premium dry-finish waxed canvas. A 13″ laptop sleeve, A4 document sleeve, and zipped interior pocket organize daily items to keep gear easily accessible and secure on the move.

Tailfeather Mallard (US$165.69)

The Tailfeather Mallard is a versatile open-top tote carefully crafted in Australia with high-quality materials. The tote features a combination of tough 320 GSM canvas and Horween leather, with four interior pockets and two external pockets. Simple and adaptable, it moves from the daily commute to weekend explorations with ease.

The Brown Buffalo Concealsling (US$175)

Rugged in build, sleek and compact in style, and versatile in use, the Brown Buffalo Concealsling is a great carry option for smaller loads. The California-made sling comes in a choice of durable, weather-resistant materials. Ideal for keeping the elements at bay while standing up to everyday use. An interior padded sleeve fits a tablet, while a Velcro looped panel enables customizable organization. Plus with front and rear pockets, quick-access items are easy to retrieve and store too.

dyborg gear Dyneema Tote Bag (around US$214)

Seeking a sleek and minimalist maker gift? Tough, clean, and lightweight, this Dyneema Tote Bag comes in a choice of black or white 2.92 oz Dyneema Composite Hybrid fabric as well as a 5.0 oz option. The tote is made to order in Germany and focuses on minimalist versatility and simplicity. It has an open-top design and an interior carabiner for securing keys, pouches, or other accessories.

Makr Fold Weekender Revised (US$225)

Makr crafts their goods in the USA with a commitment to long-lasting, functional, and continually refined design and construction. The Fold Weekender Revised showcases this commitment in action. It features a revised construction and design that utilizes custom USA-made heavy cotton duck. Straightforward and practical, the bag has a fold-over top and a selection of interior and exterior pockets for smaller items.

Forestbound WWII era Salvaged Camo Tote Bag (US$325)

Forestbound is a small studio based in Massachusetts that gives new life to found and salvaged textiles by making unique bags. The brand does all aspects of bag creation in-house. This multifunctional tote features frog skin camouflage fabric salvaged from a WWII era USMC shelter half tent. The bag also features top-grain leather detailing, with an interior and exterior pocket to stash small essentials. A great maker gift for anyone who appreciates upcycled and functional design.

Vermilyea Pelle Standard Briefcase in Dry Wax Black Twill/Glazed Amber Harness (US$375)

Vermilyea Pelle handcrafts heritage-inspired goods in the USA, built to last a lifetime of use and then some. The Standard Briefcase in Dry Wax Black Twill/Glazed Amber Harness is a handsome bag with timeless style, premium materials, and rugged construction. It features Wickett and Craig leathers, British-made 18oz dry wax water-resistant twill, brass hardware, and a #10 solid brass YKK zipper.

Azo Equipment Custom Dejen Expeditionary #1411 (around US$470)

The Custom Dejen Expeditionary #1411 is a burly pack ready for adventure in urban and outdoor settings alike. The panel-loading design provides access throughout the pack, while a range of pockets organize your everyday or weekend essentials. Azo Equipment produces all their gear in-house in the UK, allowing them to customize their bags so you can put your own spin on an existing design or create your dream bag from scratch.

Francli x Dixza Daypack (around US$570)

The collaborative Francli x Dixza Daypack merges British and Mexican craftsmanship, along with traditional woven Mexican fabric and British waxed cotton twill. The pack features original Zapotec rug fabric from Dixza Rugs Organic Farm in Oaxaca, Mexico. Vegetable-tanned leather and repurposed climbing ropes complement the fabrics. The pack is handcrafted in Francli’s Cornwall-based workshop. A unique and premium maker gift for those who appreciate handcrafted carry.