The holiday season is all about giving, but you don't have to go far to find that perfect gift. Atlanta is full of artisans who create one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else, like the whimsical necklaces by Alpharetta-based Blo Vintage Jewelry.

For the soon-to-be college kid on your list, designer Allison Stackpole has created a line of custom, handcrafted necklaces that are both full of quirky charm and have a practical application as well. Each piece is adorned with a vintage or antique noisemaker, be it a whistle, a tiny harmonica or pitch pipe. Not only will your coed be in style but she will also be sporting a built-in safety precaution – a comforting thought for any parent with a child leaving the nest.

Allison created the line to honor her own family tradition: when she first went to college and out on her own, her mother gave her a small whistle to carry with to give her a sense of protection. The trinket was also a reminder of the bond she shared with her mom.

"My mom's whistle was a token of love from her to me. So it's this whistle that I carry with me to this day," says Allison. "And it's this whistle that my daughter will receive when she too ventures off to school."

Whether your kid is headed to Emory or UCLA, this is a great way to send them off with something special. The unique pieces range in price between $55 and $110 and are strung on a vintage chain.

To shop for unique handcrafted gifts and items, many by Atlanta artisans, visit Scoutmob.