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2020 Gift Guide: Handmade

We are grateful to Zimarty for supporting this gift guide. Our partners are hand picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

11.04.20 | By
2020 Gift Guide: Handmade

Handmade items always make for an extra special gift – whether you make them, someone else makes them or it’s a kit they can make themselves! During a winter that’s sure to be unlike others, any and all of the above are sure to mean even more than usual. We’ve pulled together a list of handmade gifts at a range of price points that will standout for their thoughtfulness and creativity.

planter

Succulent House Planter by Ohio Workshop \\\ $30
This small, house-shaped planter would make the perfect gift for your favorite full-time or aspiring plant lover. Include a small succulent for a thoughtfully executed pairing that will help keep the winter blues at bay all the way through March.

keepsake box

Terrazzo Dome Keepsake Box by Capra Designs \\\ $45
Handcrafted in small batches, this sweet keepsake box is sure to be loved. Keep small pieces of jewelry, interesting findings or whatever else feels worthy of such a special spot underneath its domed lid. Thanks to the handmade process, no two will ever be alike.

face mask

zMask by Zimarty \\\ $45
Inspired by origami design, the zMask folds nicely to keep dust particles out and can easily fit inside a pocket. Its 3D folded structure creates more space for breathing and talking, making it a great gift for anyone who can’t seem to find a face mask they’re comfortable wearing. Washable and made of lightweight, biodegradable natural fiber, zMask has three filler holes on each side made of three layers of breathable non-woven fabric cloth.

dog leash

Ash Rope Leash with Wooden Handle by band&roll \\\ $95
For the dog lover, this eco-friendly leash features a wooden ring handle and sustainable jute rope with leather details and solid brass hardware. Each ring is carved and polished to a soft touch by hand. Tie a knot at any length to easily pull up your pup when needed, such as crowded sidewalks. This leash can also be worn over the shoulder by attaching the carabiner to the O-ring.

embroidery

Tattooed Shoulders Modern Embroidery Kit by Stitch Happy UK \\\ $34
If you have any DIYers on your gift list, this modern embroidery kit is great for beginners as well as those with some experience. An instruction booklet with the pattern and stitches will act as a guide, while everything else needed for the project – including eco-friendly and sustainable fabric and hoop – is included in recycled packaging.

bowl

Terrazzo Concrete Bowl by Les Pieds de Biche \\\ $65
This pretty concrete bowl would make a wonderful gift for that person whose taste is difficult to nail down. Available in a range of colors with an eye-catching terrazzo pattern, they can put it to use in a dozen different ways – fruit bowl, catchall, jewelry… you get the idea!

throw blanket

Sliding Stripes Throw by Happy Habitat \\\ $165
For that someone who is chilly as soon as the temperature drops below boiling, this throw is just the thing. Its summery palette, designed in warm soft pink, gold and light grey, exudes warmth that will keep them cozy underneath it for the foreseeable future.

Ceramic Bird House by Gidon Bing Ceramics \\\ $97
A ceramic birdhouse that’s just the right size for hanging outside a window, ready and waiting for winged visitors to arrive. It’s also well-suited to the garden, where it can be secured from below on a stake. The lucky recipient is sure to spend winter figuring out the best spot for it come spring.

latch hook art

Unfolding Latch Hook Kit by we are knitters \\\ $80
This DIY kit ends with the creation of a bold, dynamic piece of latch hook art. Choose a trio of their favorite colors to add a personal touch to it all, then rest easy knowing that the canvas, yarn, latch hook, pattern and more are included. Once finished, friends will be asking the lucky recipient where they found such a unique piece!

jewelry ring

Arc Stone Ring by Artifacts \\\ $174
Architecturally inspired, this striking ring gives new meaning to the phrase “statement piece”. With them in mind, choose from a lapis, malachite, red jasper, labradorite, moonstone or tiger’s eye stone. This piece is sure to be cherished for years to come.

If you’re still undecided or haven’t found the right gift, there’s one universal gift that is well-liked by friends, family, colleagues and kids alike: the Design Milk gift card. Let your recipient pick out something for themselves from our shop. We’re sure that they’ll find something they didn’t even know they wanted.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.