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Stop Shopping: 9 Cool Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

This is no ordinary holiday gift list. This is a potent distillation of intoxicatingly clever gift ideas that will make you happy you haven’t completed your shopping yet. It’s derived from skilled curators noted for their keen eye like Aha Life, American Field, Cool Hunting, William Rogue and Bezar. Then it’s gently polished and refined down to a list of well-crafted items from passionate people that just might make you return some things you already bought.

For example, consider the advantages of a handmade slingshot and a bag of marshmallows. Or head outdoors for some real adventure with a sack of seed bombs. Crafted in San Francisco, the Hella Slingshot is not a toy.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen
This is a toy, however. It's also from San Fran from the clever minds at Crave. If you know someone who appreciates pleasure (who doesn't?), and sharp design, this may be right up her alley. Four speeds and USB rechargeable, the Vesper is an attractive piece of jewelry and metaphorically reminiscent of a spicy pickle.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

Speaking of pleasure, that’s the aim of the Fox Point Pickling Company. This is the story of a husband-and-wife’s love that turned a hobby into a successful business. Through their love and inspiration they’ve created an alternative pickle that the Ocean State calls its own.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

"Every time someone tries a Fox Point pickle for the first time, and I see that glimmer in their eye as they half-smile and nod, I know I need to keep doing what I’m doing," said founder Ziggy Goldfarb. Available anywhere, these perky pickles from Providence pack a pleasant punch. They may even be suitable as jewelry if updated regularly, I'd think.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

If clever design is your pleasure, then Tait Design Co. can make you soar. Their Turbo Flyers are the 21st century update on the old flimsy classic. This award-winning plane has thicker wood, better aerodynamics and smart packaging. Each one is printed and assembled by hand in Detroit.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

How about livestock? You can’t beat the craftsmanship that goes into a goat. Now, thanks to Heifer International it’s easy to give someone the gift that keeps on giving milk. It’s like setting someone up in a small business. It gives folks a big boost and provides families with greater access to medicine, school and food. As of this writing, you can’t send your uncle a goat but fortunately you can give one to a family who will truly appreciate it for $120 or less. Please visit Heifer International.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

If livestock isn’t practical, consider these Grow Bottles. Hand-crafted from recycled restaurant wine bottles, Grow Bottles combine smart design and simple hydroponics, these durable glass vessels grow fresh culinary herbs indoors year-round and are reusable.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen
If you really want to feel good, so good, get Papa a brand new bag. James Brown can testify to that.



From Switzerland, there’s a small company inspired by the city, transportation and human interaction. With backgrounds in architecture and design, these guys at Sputnik Zurich create handmade bags from recycled safety vests. It’s a new form of streetwear that we can relate to here at Cleverhood. From the city, for the city with form and function.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen
Up in Burlington, Vermont, the Hemetic Trading Co. creates products that not only carry an American heritage aesthetic, but are also manufactured in the United States. They feature high quality, durability, and reasonable prices -- backed by a lifetime warranty. These guys will customize bags too.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

From Boulder, there’s Green Guru Gear of course. These guys hand-build gear from upcycled materials like old bike tubes, climbing ropes, tents, and wetsuits. The transformation is amazing. Their products are rugged, stylish and well tested by people all over the world.

Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen

We’ll personally attest to Green Guru’s indomitable spirit and appreciation for mankind.

Green Guru ride Las Vegas Interbike
We'd be remiss if we didn't point out one other good deal for your consideration. It applies to the whole shebang of well crafted Cleverhood products. Happy hunting folks.


Stop Shopping: 9 Clever Gift Ideas from Clever Craftsmen