Giving presents from local creators provides twice the benefit. They let you show appreciation to your co-workers, family members and the rest of the people on your list, while supporting makers in your own community. These local wares provide a personal touch this holiday season.
Charlotte Smith Studios
Charlotte Smith focuses on such usable ceramics as cups, mugs and dining sets. With minimalist design, Smith uses neutral base hues with black and grayscale patterns and the occasional pop of red, pink or blue. Each cup fits comfortably within your fingers, just waiting to be filled up with your morning coffee or eggnog on Christmas day. The porcelain dining sets include a plate, bowl and placemat — all glazed with a food-safe white gloss. You can also pick up individual handmade ceramic dining plates for $50. Cups and mugs start at $40 each with porcelain place settings at $150, ideal for that friend who loves to host a feast during the holidays.
Available at Young Blood Boutique, 632 N. Highland Ave. 404-358-1286. youngbloodboutique.com; and online at charlottesmithstudios.com
Neva Opet
With circle bags, tote bags, wallets and even fanny packs, Rachael Riedinger brings her modern, chic style to her leather creations. A former seamstress turned leather goods maker, Riedinger personally sews each bag by hand. She concentrates on geometric shapes and bold lines, and uses leather materials that only get better with time. One of her favorite creations is the Marina circle bag — perfect for on-the-go with enough space for your wallet, keys and cellphone. Thinking of treating your pup for Christmas? Neva Opet also offers customizable dog collars in beautiful leather to give your four-legged friend a little bit more swag. Cardholders, keychains, small coin purses and other stocking stuffers start at $20.
Available at Coco + Mischa, 245 E. Trinity Place, Suite 1212. 470-875-5717. cocoandmischa.com; and online at nevaopet.com
Paper Raven Co.
If you’re looking for the perfect card, consider Paper Raven Co.’s whimsical, floral stationery. Drawing inspiration from nature, illustrator Erin McManness offers office supplies like notebooks and notepads as well as illustrated holiday cards and art prints to share with your family and friends. Plus, her unique wrapping paper is sure to make your presents stand out. And Paper Raven recently switched up its entire card inventory to 100 percent recycled paper for guilt-free purchasing.
Available at Citizen Supply, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 208. 678-705-9145. citizen.supply; and online at shoppaperravenco.com
Lindbergh Candles Co.
With scents like December Morning, Lumberjack, Cabin and Wonderland, Lindbergh Candles Co. cultivates an atmosphere of coziness and warmth that suits winter and the holiday season. Each candle is made in small batches at the owner’s kitchen in Atlanta while using U.S. grown, all-natural soy wax, fine fragrances and cotton-core wicks. Candles start at $18 and come in 4-ounce tins and 8-ounce jars.
Available at Citizen Supply, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., Suite 208. 678-705-9145. citizen.supply; and online at lindberghcandleco.com
Proof Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Created by the bartenders behind Decatur’s The Pinewood, Proof helps amateur mixologists to create their favorite old fashioned at home. An essential addition to any home bar, Proof’s high-quality cocktail syrups are made from organic cane sugar along with added bitters — no extra chemicals or artificial flavoring. Available flavors include traditional, maple bacon and pecan, with each bottle making about 32 cocktails. At $25 each, this cocktail syrup will have you toasting the holidays.
Available online at proofsyrup.com
Little Barn Apothecary
If you’re looking for organic, gentle skincare products, Little Barn Apothecary’s natural ingredients have you covered. The team behind the brand has extensive experience in the spa industry and in botanicals. Their products include face mists, cleansing oils, face serums and body oils with naturally occurring scents and ingredients like citrus, mint, aloe, coconut and eucalyptus. Little Barn’s products are unisex, with beard oil and aftershave also available.
Available at Made Again, 299 N. Highland Ave. 404-893-0300. madeagainatl.com; and online at littlebarnapothecary.com
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