Think outside the gift box!

Unique handmade gifts help demonstrate how much you care about your loved ones, while offering a chance to give something with a personal touch.

There can be nearly countless possibilities, however, so you may find it difficult to narrow it down. Here’s a deeper look at a few handmade items that each make the best gift for the right person:

Locally sourced

Aside from boasting loads of charm and a very special point of view, handmade gifts often incorporate locally sourced products or materials. In this way, every one-of-a-kind item brings happiness to the recipients while also supporting multiple layers of local makers and growers. What better way to celebrate the holiday season?

Candles

Illuminate the season with the cozy glow of homemade candles. Many use beeswax that’s sourced locally. That adds a delightful fragrance and supports local beekeepers. Look for scented candles made with essential oils, or makers who experiment with different molds and colors. Each hand-poured candle will end up as its own celebration of the local makers’ community.

Journals

Preserve cherished memories, family traditions, creative writing or timeless recipes by seeking out journals with creatively crafted covers. The best employ designs that reflect the artist’s unique point of view; others might be inspired by your local area. You’ll often find these special books at local markets and hometown bookshops.

There’s almost no end to the number of ways the cover of a journal can be adorned. Once it’s been gifted, the book becomes even more precious as it’s filled. Pair the new journal with other small locally purchased items to add even more regional flavor to the gift.

Bath and body

Local makers continue to create a remarkable array of luxurious handcrafted bath and body products. Head to local boutiques, farmer’s markets and specialty stores to find invigorating scrubs, soothing bath salts, healing balms and aromatic lotions. They can create a blissful spalike experience in any home. Be on the lookout for items with a local flair, such as those that have been infused with regionally grown herbs. You’ll be honoring the area’s contributions to agriculture while tapping into the calming powers of nature.