This holiday season, skip the gift cards and Amazon wish lists and elevate your gifting game with a creative item from one of our 10Best Readers' Choice-winning American makers. Below you'll find 50 gift ideas divided into five categories – Food & Drink, Home & Garden, Clothing & Accessories, Children & Families and Arts & Crafts – at a variety of price points.
You're sure to find something special for everyone on your gift list.
Food & Drink
These handmade gifts are perfect for the foodies on your gift list — Photo courtesy of makers listed below
1. Tennessee Moonshine Cakes: $13
Make from scratch in a Chattanooga bakery, Tennessee Moonshine Cakes have a shelf life of five months (longer in the freezer) and come in several different flavors, including lemon, chocolate chip and pumpkin caramel.
2. Oklahoma Whiskey Set from Terrane Glass Designs: $40 - $290
This handblown glass whiskey set from Terrane Glass Designs is available by the piece or as a full set with a decanter and four glasses.
3. Cocktail Bitters Sampler Set from Strongwater Mountain Elixirs: $29.95
This sample set includes five of Strongwater's award-winning bitters, each inspired by 16th-century "strongwater shops" and expertly crafted to heal the soul and spruce your cocktails.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off your holiday order with code USAToday17
4. Popcorn Tin from Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn: $19.50 - $59.75
This Asheville-based maker crafts delightfully snackable popcorn in a huge variety of flavors, including seasonal options like Reindeer Crunch, Gingerbread and Chocolate Peppermint Bark.
Cyber Monday Deal: $2 from every tin will be donated to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico
5. Create Your Own Gift Set from Jamnation: $26.95
These jam gift sets are jam-packed with flavor, and you can select three 5 oz. jars of your choice from options like Cardamom Knows Jest, Razzle Bazzle, To Peach His Own or Plum and Get It.
Cyber Monday Deal: 10% off with code USATODAY
6. The Copper Coffee Scoop from Black Swan Handmade: $28
This copper coffee scoop, hand-forged from pure copper sheets in Alexandria, Va., makes a simple and beautiful addition to any morning routine.
Cyber Monday Deal: Free shipping through November 27
7. Classic Collection from Charles Chocolates: $44
The Classic Collection chocolate box from Charles Chocolates includes 6.4 oz. of handmade chocolates and fresh cream truffles, with fillings like Meyer lemon marmalade, passion fruit puree and dark Jamaican rum.
8. Hand-Forged Kitchen Knife from Shira Forge: $165
Handcrafted from carbon steel and reclaimed cherry wood, this 5.5" kitchen knife comes with a vegetable tanned leather sheath and is perfect for everyday kitchen use.
9. Chunky Snack Granola from Bert's Bites: $12 - $36
Handmade in small batches in San Francisco, Bert's Bites Chunky Snack Granola is a deliciously addictive sweet treat that comes in four sizes.
Cyber Monday Deal: 10% off your order with code USATODAY
10. Carry On Cocktail Kit from W&P Design: $24
Give the gift of two cocktails at 30,000 feet with the Carry On Cocktail Kit. Whether you opt for an Old Fashioned, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule or Bloody Mary, the kit includes everything you need.
Home & Garden
Add a personal touch with a creative gift for the home or garden — Photo courtesy of makers listed below
1. Ceramic Mountain Mug from Coco Chispa: $38
Handcrafted in Santa Cruz, Calif., these ceramic mugs feature a mountain landscape motif made with three shades of colored glaze. Each mug is individually crafted and unique.
2. Cactus + Handmade Planter from Tierra Sol Studio: $20 - $40
Each of these cactus and planter sets from Tierra Sol Studio is designed with the worst plant killers in mind and includes a hardy, low maintenance cactus (with its own name), a handmade planter and foolproof care instructions.
3. Sequoia Serving Bowl from Black Rhino Ceramics: $200
Perfect for that friend who loves to entertain, this ceramic serving bowl makes a stunning centerpiece, whether filled with fresh fruit or floating candles.
Cyber Monday Deal: 30% off with code USATODAY
4. Holidazed Geodesic Candle from Johnathon Q Swanson: $40
Illuminate the holidays with this seasonally scented candle, hand-poured in a concrete vessel with silver accents and a wooden wick.
Cyber Monday Deal: 17% off
5. Serving Platter from Box Sparrow Studio: $130
This hand-thrown ceramic serving platter is accented with 24-karat gold and finished with food-safe glaze and locally sourced leather handles.
6. Walden Woods Candle from Blackjack Wax Co.: $19 - $35
The scent of fresh-cut Fraser Fir in this Walden Woods soy candle is reminiscent of forest hikes, campfires and cool weather. Get it in 9- or 14-oz. sizes.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off with code USATODAY
7. Ceramic Mug from Jessica Wertz Ceramics: $45
Handcrafted in Portland, Ore., Jessica Wertz's line of functional pottery includes several one-of-a-kind ceramic mugs, perfect for taking the chill out of winter with a favorite warm beverage.
8. Footed Planter by Mary Tawfall: $56
These fantastic footed planters are hand-painted with a matte glaze, the designs inspired by the urban and wild landscapes that have long influenced artist Mary Tawfall.
9. Cone Vase from Willowvane: $52
Made from speckled clay, this 6-inch cone vase is food, microwave and dishwasher safe, and it comes in several color combinations, including white and teal or pink and deep yellow.
10. Coconut Wax Candle from Basik Candle Co.: $26
Hand fragranced, hand poured and hand packaged in San Francisco, Basik coconut wax candles come in scents like Oakmoss + Amber, Mediterranean Fig Tree, Teakwood + Leather and Grapefruit + Mangosteen.
Clothing & Accessories
Give the gift of style with these American-made clothes and accessories — Photo courtesy of makers listed below
1. Terra Leather Bucket Bag from Lyonhart Bag Company: $228
This classic bucket bag made from matte black oil-tanned leather features an interior slip pocket, antiqued solid brass hardware and a simple leather drawstring.
2. Gemstone Ring from HAWKHOUSE: $45 - $97
These raw crystal and electroformed mineral rings make a bold statement. Choose from materials like raw amber, amethyst, apatite, Tibetan crystal, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, emerald and raw diamond.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off
3. One Many Much Scarf from Jamie Bourgeois: $80
Naturally dyed and printed, these silk scarves are inspired by nature with a mission to inspire a deeper environmental consciousness.
4. The Noir Collection from Original Hardware: $56 - $214
The Noir Collection, Original Hardware's latest line for the holidays, features black spinel, pyrite and mixed metal elements, all made in Colorado.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off with code 10best
5. Hero Dress Sock from Boldfoot Socks: $15
Made in North Carolina, Boldfoot's line of Hero socks pays tribute to our country's heroes with patriotic prints and by donating 5 percent of profits to programs assisting military veterans in need.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off with code USATODAY15
6. Pouch from Woolly: $38
Laser cut and hand sewn in Portland, Ore. from U.S. vegetable-tanned leather, this pouch carries cash, coins and up to 12 cards – ideal for traveling light. Get it in natural, brown or black.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off with code WOOLLY15
7. Mist on the Water Infinity Scarf from Responsive Textiles: $95
Inspired by cold, grey mornings and mist rising from the water, this infinity scarf is hand-knit with a mohair-silk blend with lace detailing throughout – total snuggle perfection.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off with code HANDMADEUSA17
8. Classic Belt Bag from HFS Collective: $295
This classic belt bag from HFS Collective – short for Hipsters for Sisters – is crafted locally in Los Angeles from pineapple leaves, a sustainable leather alternative.
Cyber Monday Deal: 25% off with code 10BEST
9. No. 8 Wallet from Ezra Arthur: $175
The four brothers behind the Ezra Arthur name craft these premium American leather wallets, available in almost a dozen colors, with an interlocking pocket design to carry more while remaining slim.
10. Double Weave Vintage Two Pocket from Buck Mason: $105
Made from soft, gauzy cotton fabric, this two pocket shirt is the perfect any-weather button-down, thanks to its easy-breathing fabric and vintage design.
Children & Families
These American makers craft gift-able items for kids and families — Photo courtesy of makers listed below
1. Pacifier Clip from Templeton Silver: $24 - $40
Each keepsake pacifier clip from Templeton Silver is made from naturally antimicrobial sterling silver, with 85 percent less bacteria than plastic or cloth clips.
2. Bunny Bonnet from Joretta Knits: $38
Sized for newborns to 5T, these adorable floral bunny bonnets from Joretta Knits are both durable and comfortable – a perfect gift for the hard-playing child on your gift list.
3. Ollie Bandana Bib from Hemming Birds: $16.50
Made from super-soft cotton double gauze muslin, the Ollie Bandana Bib is cute, comfortable, absorbent and machine washable. It's designed to grow with your little one.
4. Organic Harem-Style Halter Romper from Cherry Brick Road: $36
This romper is a halter top one-piece that's so versatile and comfy – wear it alone or with a sweater, dress it up or down all while keeping your little one super stylish.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off with code MAKERS15
5. Yummy Tubby Baby Shampoo & Body Wash from Wash with Water: $14
This two-in-one shampoo and body wash is formulated especially for the sensitive skin of infants using natural fruity scents and soothing botanicals.
6. Kimono Jacket from Big Kiss Little Kiss: $78
A favorite piece for winter, this Japanese-inspired children's jacket is made with lined, quilted fabric. They're reversible and designed to accommodate a growing child.
Cyber Monday Deal: 30% off with code BIGKISSBLACKFRIDAY
7. Baby Blanket from Crook and Savvy: $52 - $59
This modern circular baby blanket can go everywhere – from the nursery to the car to the crib. It's reversible and double-sided with super soft faux fur on one side and cotton on the other.
8. Handcrafted Collar from Bela & Blue: $50 - $70
Our furry friends are part of the family too! Gift them with a comfortable handcrafted collar made from leather, wool and a lot of love.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off purchases of $30 or more with code HOLIDAY2017
9. Circuit Cubes from Tenka Labs: $59.95
Kids learn the basics of circuitry while playing with Circuit Cubes. This STEM toy comes in three kits that teach young scientists to light an LED or power a geared motor.
10. Felted Animals from Woolbuddy: $16 - $85
These whimsical felted animal toys are made with 100 percent natural wool using a needle felting technique. They're perfect for inspiring the imaginations of youngsters, or for use as ornaments or home decorations.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off with code BEST10
Arts & Crafts
Celebrate art and creativity with these 10 unique gift ideas — Photo courtesy of makers listed below
1. Small Scale Weaving from Barton Craft & Design: $45 - $75
Handwoven on brass hoops, these landscape wall hangings are each unique, inspired by the architecture, textiles and color palettes from around the globe.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off with code CYBERMONDAY
2. Wooden Wall Hanging from Aleksandra Zee: $450
Each of these 2x2 foot wooden wall hangings is handmade from redwood and completely unique. Choose between a natural center and white border or an inverse color palette.
3. Watercolor Print from Winsome Easel: $18
Original watercolors digitally printed locally in Tennessee on high-quality matte paper, these whimsical prints from Winsome Easel feature colorful city maps and inspirational quotes.
4. Macrame Wood Art Hanging from Roaming Roots: $75 - $245
This Southwest-inspired wooden wall hanging incorporates geometric patterning, bohemian aesthetics and natural elements of wood and cotton rope designed to fit in your favorite space.
5. Custom Pop and Shine from Modern South: $40 - $89
Customize your own unique acrylic painting from Cory McBee's popular "Pop and Shine" collection by choosing your desired color palette, available with or without a mat in a variety of sizes.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off all orders over $40
6. Samantha Bouquet from Amaranthus Paper & Flora: $80
This 5-stem paper flower bouquet features a cream magnolia, crimson ranunculus, red berries, tan pod and forest green leaves – no water, no wilting, no allergens.
Cyber Monday Deal: 15% off the entire shop
7. 3D Wooden Map from Tahoe Wood Maps: $85 - $345
Locally made in the Reno/Tahoe area, each Tahoe Wood Map includes incredible detail, whether of the Tahoe area or other inspiring destinations like the Grand Canyon, Hawaii or San Francisco.
8. Relief Print from The Diggingest Girl: $15 - $40
Each relief print from The Diggingest Girl is printed from a hand-carved block with oil-based relief ink on paper. Choose between quotes, animal motifs or prints inspired by figures from history and literature.
9. Felted Fiber Art from Once Again Sam: $5 - $140
Once Again Sam's felted curiosities include cactus, gourds, baby birds, snails, penguins and even an anatomical heart.
Cyber Monday Deal: 20% off with code USATODAY20
10. Macrame Wall Hanging from MyMacramania: $38.50 - $185
Each wall hanging from Macramania is hand-woven and 100 percent unique, made with a dip-dyeing technique to add a pop of color.
