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2017 Gift Guide: Handmade

We’re kicking the upcoming holiday season off with the first of many gift guides, where we scoured the internet to look for a collection of gifts that were handmade. When you purchase a handmade item, you’re not only supporting someone’s craft, you’re giving a gift with tons of thought and love behind it. Each item is a little bit different, as an actual human brought it to life, making the gift that much more special. Take a look at 10 handmade items just about anyone on your holiday list would probably love to receive.

Crosswalk Clutch by Ellen Julia Brown \\\ $58
An everyday clutch featuring a curved line pattern that was inspired by the troweled cement from a street in Toulouse, France.

Handcrafted Wood Bowls from Food54 \\\ From $64-$674 (set of 4)
Sourced from Farmhouse Pottery, these wooden bowls are hand-carved from New England ash wood and then finished with a food safe teak oil. They’re available in four sizes – 9″, 12″, 15″, or 17″ – or as a set of four.

Blush Golden Angle Mug by LUX/EROS \\\ Espresso $45, Mug $55
Part of the Golden Angle collection, this hand-carved, hand-glazed mug partners a soft blush pink on speckled clay with a gold angled handle that’s bound to make mornings a little easier.

Small Black and White Splattered Denim and Leather Desk Tray by Graf Lantz \\\ $85
Each tray is one-of-a-kind and made by bonding denim to vegetable tanned leather with a splattered pattern of black and white. Perfect desk or dresser accessory to hold jewelry, keys, or office supplies.

Long Block Pouch in Moonstone by Heath Sews Studio \\\ $39
Heath Sews Studio is a new offshoot of Heath Ceramics and their new collection of bags and pouches are practical, handy, and well-made, helping to keep anyone organized on the go.

Small Black+White Kiondo Basket by Mifuko \\\ $24
Merging a traditional Kenyan craft with a modern Scandinavian aesthetic, this handwoven, color block basket is made from a mix of Kenyan sisal and 80% food grade plastic.

PAPER 1 by Gentner Design \\\ $150
From their Paper Series, this tarnished brass bowl is hand-sculpted into its unique form to resemble the appearance of crumpled paper.

Kreten Candelabra – Red from Souda \\\ $250
Each candelabra is cast in concrete within a rubberized-fabric mold that slightly stretches to create a unique piece. A modern approach to a classic object, which makes it a fun and unexpected gift.

‘Rust’ Cachepot, Mini by Prin London \\\ $98
Part of the ‘Rust’ collection from designer Ariane Prin, this beautiful mini cachepot would look beautiful on anyone’s shelf as a decor piece or used to hold little trinkets on a vanity.

Zig Zag Tea Towel from Cotton & Flax \\\ $24
A terrific addition to anyone’s kitchen, this flax linen tea towel features a hand-printed geometric zig zag pattern.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.