If it’s the thought that counts, then the handmade, local gift has got to count for more, since it considers the whole community. This small sampling of gifts highlights the many materials beautifully transformed by artisans in the Seacoast.
Ceramic & Wood
Chases Garage has opened a new store alongside its gallery and studios, and it’s the spot to find unique mugs, vases, and sculpture, and other goods using natural materials. For the romantic and her wildflowers, Mary Sweeney’s bud vases are a coveted size. For the realists with tipsy houseguests, Ryan Laprise’s coasters are a good-looking and affordable way to protect surfaces. It’s all at 16 Main St. in York, Maine.
Bud vases: from $18
Wood coasters with cork base: $3.75 each
Yarn & Felt
Hand-crocheted hats at Pear Tree Gifts in Dover.
Pear Tree actually might have something for everyone, including the smallest ones on your list. Jessica Lane makes felt crowns for pretend play inside, while Angela Estes knits scarves, hats, and mittens for going outside. And both are based right in Dover. The softest, tiniest hats are topped with a fluffy pompom by Nancy Keleher of upstate New York. The gift store is located at 449 Central Ave. in Dover.
Hand-crocheted newborn hat: $22
Gold & Silver
Bracelets, made by Julie Nolan in Northampton, Mass., map out constellations that correspond with the 12 signs of the zodiac. It might just be the way to combine a birthday and holiday gift, while still making a girl feel like a bright star. Nahcotta also has ideas for the creative type, contemporary housewares for the host, and, of course, an enormous selection of tiny works of art, at 110 Congress St., Portsmouth.
Gold flash on brass: $52
Silver plated brass: $72
Bracelets made by Julie Nolan of Northampton, Mass., map out constellations that correspond with the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Ink & Paper
Prints by Brainstorm.
Dover’s own Brainstorm creates prints based on the world around us, and they are popular the world over. The science-based designs can make children’s spaces more fun and educational, but they’re ideal for anyone with a curious mind or adventurous spirit. Find them at Gus & Ruby, along with wrapping paper and letterpressed cards, at 29 Congress St. in Portsmouth.
Digital print, 8” x 10” : $24
Glass
Tattoo someone’s view with Ink Stained Glass. Local artist and musician Matt Serven learned the stained glass trade years ago in Boston, and recently got back into it after seeing a connection between stained glass and other imagery in his life, such as his stenciled paintings and tattoos. “Tattoo flash especially lends itself to being easily and seamlessly interpreted into glass. The bright colors and bold outlines complement each other just as beautifully in glass as they do in skin,” he said. Available at Off Piste, 37 Congress St., Portsmouth.
Stained glass: $30 to $100-plus
Stained glass by artist and musician Matt Serven.
Leather
Bifold wallet and money clip by Amanda Roseberry of Nomad Leatherwork, on sale at Folk in Kittery, Maine.
Nomad Leatherwork by Amanda Roseberry is made to last in Kittery, Maine, where it’s also sold at Folk in Wallingford Square. An heirloom quality wallet provides an extra special way to give cash to that hard-to-buy-for guy.
Bifold wallet with money clip: $48