American Made Totes! | Gift Guide

Another Christmas season is here, which seems odd. These years are flying by too fast. I don’t particularly remember the past two Christmas seasons, but I know they too came and went too fast. Today begins our annual American-Made Gift Guide season. A tradition we have done for twelve years. We begin this season with one of my perennial favorite categories….the tote.

I am a firm believer in the power of a well made tote. I almost always have one or two with me. Quick on the go bags for carrying everything or carrying things for a specific task. I have cheap bookstore totes for the gym, but for the other tasks in life I have a quality American made tote or twenty in my collection.

These are all brands I have loved for a very long time. I love their quality and their designs. Today’s gift guide is just the beginning of this season. We’ll go deeper with each brand as the season progresses on.

LOYAL STRICKLIN.

FOUNT LEATHER GOOD

FORESTBOUND BAGS

BRADLEY MOUNTAIN

RED HOUSE VERMONT

STURDY BROTHERS

The Gift Guide Wrap

The Gift Guide Wrap

And to all, a good night.

Wrapping up this gift guide series with some favorite brands and makers. Products and treats made to last or savor in the moments, so be sure to check them out for this giving season.

Girl Meets Dirt Website

The Cheese Board Companion Box

Girl Meets Dirt

A sampler pack of Girl Meets Dirt preserves to complement your charcuterie. Not sure how to build your board? Visit their website for best cheese pairings

Skippy Cotton Website

Party Bear, Lavender Ornament

Skippy Cotton

Add some embroidery to the tree this year. These scented tokens are such a sweet and unique touch for your holiday decor.

Teressa Foglia Instagram

Traveler’s Hat Box

Teressa Foglia

Gorgous design with luxury look and feel. Already in love with each Teressa Foglia hat and this traveler’s box is the greatest accessory.

Peg and Awl Website

The Harper Journal

Peg and Awl

I’ll always love the look of a leather bound journal. Hand stitched with quality hand-torn pages for a beautifully classic design.

French Press Candle Co. Website

Holiday Cheer Mini Collection

French Press Candle Co.

Another candle, another collection, another Christmas win. As a plus, French Press donates a portion of their proceeds to animal rescue organizations across the country. We love to see it.

Schoolhouse Website

Ion Lamp - Portland Edition

Schoolhouse

For your favorite little nook. Minimal style with an industrial feel, this Ion Lamp can pull together your coziest space.

To keep up with our stories follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

The Gift Guide Classic

The Gift Guide Classic

All things timeless.

The list to get you through. Classic gifts and sets to last from season to season. Happy Holidays from The Gift Guide Classic. May they be merry.

The Foundry Home Goods Instagram

Rustic Wool Blanket

The Foundry Home Goods

For nights you just need to cuddle up with a good book. Cozy and warm with that minimal aesthetic, perfect for home. Find your favorite style at The Foundry.

Jonathan Adler Instagram

Gilded I-Scream Vase

Jonathan Adler

Simple but statement. I’ve long loved the designs of Jonathan Adler, adding them to any gift list is a must. Beautifully unique, a little something for everyone.

Civil Alchemy Instagram

The Tan Tote Bag

Civil Alchemy

Everyone needs a classic tote. Sturdy, full-grain leather for a sleek and clean design. Made to last and complete your look.

SAULT New England Website

Wool Herringbone Overshirt

SAULT New England

Included in SAULT’s Gift Guide Vol. 2, along with other amazing products. Textured detail and versatile style to get you through the winter season.

Boston General Store Website

Holiday Spirit Gift Box

Boston General Store

A collection for your cocktails. Anything from Boston General Store is a yes but I love each gift box selection. Snag this one before it’s gone.

Lightwell Co. Instagram

Winter Tumbler

Lightwell Co.

Choose your tumbler, minimal black and white with fragrances fit for the season. Handmade for a design to love.

For more gift guides follow along with us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

The Lifestyle Gift Guide

The Lifestyle Gift Guide

For the everyday.

A little of everything for every area. This gift guide is all about function and style, the essentials that create your space. Here’s what we’re loving.

Vermont Linen Company Website

The Baker’s Bundle

Vermont Linen Company

Vermont Linen Company is all things lovely. Quality products and pairings to meet your lifestyle and home-making needs. Definitely gift their gorgeous bundles this year.

Bridge and Burn Instagram

Essential Button Down’s

Bridge & Burn

Essential anything really. Timeless wardrobe pieces to complete any closet no matter the season. Versatile and functional so you’re sure to love.

Firsthand Supply Website

Stock Up Set: All Purpose

Firsthand Supply

The All-Purpose Pomade is already a perfect stocking-stuffer but you can up the game with this stock up set. Can’t get enough of Firsthand Supply? This is the way to go.

Stoneware & Co Website

4-Piece Louisville Pottery Collection

Stoneware & Co

I love a clean, neutral, minimal look, especially in the kitchen. Functional products you can use as statement pieces and cozy up a little nook. Make it a set for easy giving.

Sunhouse Craft Website

Walnut End Grain Cutting Board

Sunhouse Craft

In the phase of my life where a beautifully made cutting board brings me such joy. Another kitchen essential that can bring out some personality and texture.

Sister Golden Website

Flower Art Prints

Sister Golden

Honestly, how do you choose? These floral prints from Sister Golden are so unique, each tells their own story. Gift to your loved ones who love statement artwork.

Clayton & Crume Instagram

Rocks Glass - Set of Two

Clayton & Crume

A very classic look. Handcrafted full-grain leather and complimentary monograms to keep it personal. Glasses aren’t your thing? Clayton & Crume has so many other amazing gift options to choose from. Check them out now.

Sign up for our newsletter and follow along on Instagram to stay up to date on more gift guides and stories.

The Gift Guide For Home

The Gift Guide For Home

Sounds like a night in.

A warm evening in on a cool winter night is one of my favorite things. And I love this list for that reason. It has something to help build a special space or bring some sweet “treat yourself” moments. Sometimes it’s the little things, friends.

Nade Website

Dune Pillow

Nade Studio

First, if you don’t know about Nade you should. Second, this season is the perfect time to learn. Ethically made and naturally dyed, Nade has a little bit of everything to gift beauty to home.

1767 Designs Instagram

Hand-crafted Artwork

1767 Designs

“Statement Pieces That Tell a Story.” Beautiful works to choose from or you can go custom to fit your home and style. I think I’ve fallen in love with every piece.

Greenhouse Mercantile Website

Everyday Oil - Mainstay

Greenhouse Mercantile

For anyone and for everywhere so you really can’t go wrong here. Calming and cleansing oils to love and complete your skincare.

The Halsey Homestead Etsy

Antique Lace Christmas Stocking Garland

The Halsey Homestead

Very sweet and special. Made from antique lace and red ticking stripe fabric, these mini stockings put me in the spirit and I’m really loving that.

Lineage Goods Instagram

Lineage Candles

Lineage Goods

A staple really. It’s not a warm and toasty night in without your go-to candle. So many amazing options and if you don’t love a candle, snag yourself some room spray.

Goods Apothecary Etsy

Natural Face Gift Box

Goods Apothecary

Can you tell I love a gift box? Such a great wrap up of popular goods to make it so easy and convenient to gift. Also, Goods Apothecary offers many other sets if the Natural Face isn’t your cup of tea.

Want more gift guides and stories? Follow us on Instagram for updates and sign up for our newsletter.

The Comfort Gift Guide

The Comfort Gift Guide

Yes, please.

For work-from-home or occasional outings, which, let’s be real, is all you need this year. This guide is bringing some comfort to the holiday season and you know your friends and family would love. Go ahead, get shopping.

Little Birdie Design Instagram

Design Knit Wear

Little Birdie Design

Very, very cozy feels right here. Knit wear gets me every time and I’m not even mad about it. Perfect to gift or treat yourself or, ya know, both.

Lostine Home Goods Instagram

Candle Holder and Tapers

Lostine Home Goods

Candles are some of my favorite decor pieces. They can really elevate your space and be such sweet gifts. Unique and personable to fit each style of your loved ones.

The Maple House Co Instagram

Antique Bread Boards

The Maple House Co

Calling out these gorgeous bread boards but so many amazing antique finds at The Maple House. Shop these or go more everyday. All a win if you ask me.

Elsie Green Instagram

Stoneware Tumbler Set

Elsie Green

Everything Elsie Green, please and thank you. How lovely is this set of stoneware tumblers? Truly, I could scroll through her page forever and never get enough.

Mark Albert Boots Instagram

American-Made Footwear

Mark Albert Boots

A personal forever favorite. Mark Albert boots are on my must-have list and I think you need them too. Gift to share the joy.

Farmhouse Pottery Instagram

Honey & Beehive Honey Pot Gift Set

Farmhouse Pottery

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything Farmhouse Pottery, but I’m in love with every gift set. Very perfect for the holidays. This honey and honey pot set screams homey, cozy which will always have my heart.

More gift guides coming soon so follow along on Instagram for updates and sign up for our newsletter.

The Must-Get Gift Guide

The Must-Get Gift Guide

Truly. Must get.

Very much so falling in love with everything on this list. Add them under the tree or just treat yourself (still a gift if you ask me), these items are needed for your must-get guide.

Song of a Sparrow Instagram

All Natural Orange Spice Soap

Song of a Sparrow

I can already smell the warm and cozy. Plant-based and all natural with an extra pep of energy. Gladly welcomed this time of year.

Great Bear Wax Co. Instagram

Campfire Candle

Great Bear Wax Co.

Take me to any campfire and I’ve found a happy place. Candles will always be a perfect piece to gift so share the love with this beauty.

Lady Lancaster Website

The Midi Duster

Lady Lancaster

I’ve fallen in love and it’s with this duster. A statement piece for sure but truly, you can never go wrong with Lady Lancaster.

Millstream Home Website

The Essential Pottery Collection

Millstream Home

Why choose when you can have it all? This essential pottery collection is exactly that. Something every home needs for that clean homey vibe.

Farmhouse Frocks Website

Lena’s Box

Farmhouse Frocks

A little of everything over here. I love the gift of Lena’s Box. Every Monday a new box is unveiled and is available while supplies last. Personalized and limited edition so get it while you can or wait for next week’s drop.

juNxtaposition Website

Silver Plate Handle Pendants

junXtaposition

Vintage feels forever please. Each pendant recycled and unique so we love to see it. Find one that fit’s your loved one’s style.

Follow along on Instagram or sign up for our newsletters to see more gift guides and stories.

The Gift Guide You Need

The Gift Guide You Need

All things fresh and cozy.

Back for round two and very happy to be here. Sharing all the things we love one gift guide at a time. Favorite brands we love to shop with some of their best sellers. It’s a Christmas win.

Tribe + True Instagram

Adobe XL // Handwoven Blanket

Tribe + True

If there’s anything I believe it’s that blankets are a love language. I love the look of this Tribe and True handwoven blanket and know the people in your life will too.

Beekman 1802 Instagram

Milk Bar Probiotic Facial Cleansing Bar

Beekman 1802

We all know skin care is so important and this 100% plant based soap is very recommended. Perfect as a stocking-stuffer so hit checkout.

Thankful Sage Farm School Website

Raw Beeswax Candle Bundle

Thankful Sage Farm School

I’ll never say no to a candle set. Each scent so different and unique to the other, perfect for switching up per season.

Fount Instagram

The Arlington Shoulder Bag

Fount

Classic. Chic. Comfortable. The handbag trifecta. This brand is a personal favorite and a shoulder bag is anyone’s style. A very easy yes.

Bradley Mountain Instagram

The Cabin Jacket

Bradley Mountain

Lined with 100% USA made wool blankets from The Faribault Woolen Mill Co. and I think I just fell in love. The cozy cool bar has been set.

Bel Monili Website

Miner Tag/Tool Tag Necklace

Bel Monili

Unique and vintage necklaces made with a piece of history. Made with miner tag’s from the early 1900’s, each style tells a story to share with friends and family.

The Gift Guide Starter

The Gift Guide Starter

Everything you want.

‘Tis the season, y’all. Our first gift guide of the holiday is here and I’m pretty in love with this list. Some favorite brands you need to know and all the best presents for 2020. Which ones are you adding to cart?

American Heirloom Instagram

Mini State Boards

American Heirloom

All I know is every gathering should include a cheese board. Such a fun and unique way to personalize your gifts this year.

Flores Lane Instagram

Astrology Collection Candles

Flores Lane

Another present you can personalize for friends and family. Plus, the perfect stocking stuffer which, let’s be honest, is one of the best traditions.

Loyal Stricklin Instagram

Johnny Wallet

Loyal Stricklin

Clean, minimal, so functional and it just gets better with age. Gift for brownie points or just because it’s so beautiful.

Dixie Reserve Instagram

Fleece Button Down

Dixie Reserve Co.

The gift that keeps on giving. As cozy as Christmas morning every time you put it on. Share the joy this year, friends.

Stash Style Instagram

5-Year Plan Tote

Stash Style

Because it’s 2020 and what other reason do you need. It’s been a long year and this tote is a fun little treat. We’ve all earned it.

Manready Mercantile

Mason Louis Marie - No.04 Perfume Oil - Bois de Balincourt

Manready Mercantile

I’ve always found perfume/cologne to be such a sweet and thoughtful gift. Something your loved one might not get themselves but you know they’ll love. And this perfume oil is no exception.

You can follow along for more gift guides and stories by signing up for our newsletter or following us on Instagram.

Bags! {Christmas Gift Guide}

I collect bags. I have my go to every day bag (the FOUNT bag), I have my utility bags for when I’m teaching classes (the Sturdy Brothers and the Artifact Tote), I have a travel tote (A JW Hulme), and I have ones for special occasions that I pull out when I’m going somewhere special. I also have a few that I believe in not only for their amazing quality but because I love the people making them. Today I wanted to share a list of my favorite bags for this Christmas season.

Each day is supposed to be nine goods, but for this one I had too many I loved…yet I know I still forgot a few. 18..and go….

1) FOUNT is my go to bag. Made in Cleveland with insanely good leather. They’re basically the Birkin of handmade.

2) I love Peg and Awl. They are one of the original makers to popularize waxed canvas. The PA based team is as genuine as they are creative.

3) J.W. Hulme is a classic American heritage brand. They’ve been creating luxury American made goods for decades. They still hold true with creating timeless pieces that last for decades.

4) Red House VT is a maker I’ve known for years. Watching them grow has been an honor. Their clean Vermont inspired designs are always a refreshing take using rugged materials.

5) Liz Riden is somewhat new to the scene. Specializing in women’s leather goods she is making top quality leather smalls the attic of her Lancaster, PA home.

6) I have had an Artifact tote for eight years. The thing looks as good today as it did nearly a decade ago. They bring midwest charm and midwest frontier level quality to each piece they make.

7) I have two Sturdy Bro. totes and they are indestructible. The waxed canvas is so sturdy I’m convinced it’d survive a hurricane. These are the totes you want if you know its going to get messy and needs to hold up.

8) J. Stark brings a timeless southern feel to their brand. Each piece reminds me of a throw back to earlier days of handmade. Their brand feels like it belong on Main Street in a cute southern town. The entire brand is so well tied together.

9) Forest Bound is one of the OG’s. Like Peg and Awl, Alice has been making top quality well built bags for nearly a decade outside Boston. Her Escape bag has become icon.

10) Farmhouse Frocks is entirely made by Amish makers in the heart of Ohio Amish country. Their designs are always inclusive of all body types and sizes. Their leather goods are festive reminders of their farming, rural, small town roots.

11) One of my favorite totes to carry in the city is a canvas tote by Lineage. Well lined, well structured, and well designed. They bring a bit of modernity to a classic style of bag making.

12) Bradley Mountain is one of the OG millennial makers. San Diego based but inspired by the rugged mountains each piece is a beautiful reminder of good design.

13) I’ve known General Knot for forever. Originally known for their ties and bow ties their well built zippered totes have certainly won my heart.

14) Millican backpacks are the kind you use when you know its going to be a journey. Perfect in airports or camping.

15) Tracey Tanner is a Brooklyn based bad ass who brings fun and bright colors and leathers to the game. Her simple yet very well built designs are perfect smalls to carry on their own or to throw inside a bigger bag.

16) Loyal Stricklin, like Bradley Mountain is one of the first millennial makers to hit it big on social media. Made by a husband and wife team in Nashville each piece is touched and created by them.

17) Artifact Goods is bringing slick modernity to the leather game. Made in central California these bags are they perfect city bags. Timeless yet modern.

18) Our vegan option by Sole Society is actually one of my favorites. I am stopped everywhere I go by folks telling me they love this bag. It pairs perfectly with the Fount bag if you don’t mind mixing vegan and leather.

There will likely be a second bag list as I’ve already remembered several friends I’ve forgotten. Stay tuned.

Candles! {Christmas Gift Guide}

I’m insanely lucky to be friends with so many amazing candle makers. Creating this list got incredibly hard when I realized I could only include nine, so I must start by saying there are so many other candle makers beyond these nine, these just happen to be the ones I picked for a variety of reasons. Others will be included in future lists.

1) I first met First Hand Supply Co at American Field in Boston. There is something about their scents and the price point that instantly set them apart from all the other candle makers there. They have clean scents that are equally inviting and warm as they are refreshing.

2) I’ve loved Sydney Hale candles since I first discovered them at Fable and Flame in Lexington. In those days it was a team of two hand pouring the luxury candles. Its been a joy to watch them grow over the years.

3) Harmony Farm candles are delightfully affordable and retain their scent for a very long time. These are the type of candles you fall in love with in small town shops and load up on for gifts all year long.

4) PF Candle is the classic and the original. The first candle to go viral on Etsy nearly a decade ago PF has become a standard in any millennial home. We love the team behind them just as much as we still love their classic packaging, their timeless scents, and the west coast minimal vibe they brought to the game.

5) Great Bear Wax Co is the lone man on the list. Based in Alabama these candles carry a bit of a masculine feel, a bit of a southern feel, and a bit of a rugged nature vibe.

6) Flores Lane are the candles I am most often burning. They last forever and have soft subtle scents. Made in West Hollywood by a small team and hand stamped and labeled.

7) I love Wax Buffalo for their packaging. Its bold, its timeless, its perfect. Her scents are amazing too, but that packaging, it just gets me.

8) Ethics Supply Co has a candle for everyone. The mission behind the brand is promoting nature and the outdoors. The candles carry themes dedicated to the national parks, the different regions of the US, and a spirit of nature. The quality is amazing. The packaging is amazing. The people behind the brand are amazing. (Hands down Starry Night is the candle you need for all summer long.)

9) While this one isn’t a candle it is my favorite Tatine product. Buy this one for yourself. There are plenty of other options for gifts. This one you deserve to treat yourself with.