2020 Gift Guide
You’ll be hearing this a lot this holiday season, probably from every direction, but don’t let it desensitize you: shop small. The smaller the better. Learn about the owners of the small businesses—what inspired them to take the leap into an often uncertain path, but one flowing with care and creativity? Ask them how it’s going, where they hope to take their business one day. There’s a person or small team behind each brand that has been working tirelessly this year to stay afloat amidst all the challenges 2020 has served. Your curiosity, your purchases, your support go a long way!
To do our part for other small Maine businesses this year, we decided to curate a gift guide of an assortment of BIPOC, female-owned, and Maine artisans and creatives. May this list inspire you to check out these businesses, discover new brands, and find special gifts for the special people in your life. Regardless of whether you shop from this selection or add some of these items to your wish list, we encourage you to give these brands a follow and share their work with your friends — that makes a great difference too!
01. Allagash Brewing Co. website | instagram | featuring Together in Spirit
In these wild times, sometimes the only way to get through is with a wild beer. Together in Spirit melds those roasty, cosy flavors in a barrel aged concoction to tide you over until the whole gang can get back together.
02. Benoit Design Co. website | instagram | featuring wood engraved Penobscot Bay and ornaments
Benoit Design Co. does a beautiful job of bringing new context to familiar places. From their uniquely illustrated ski maps to city grids, as well as the coastline, featured here. Their designs extend far beyond Maine! Also, can you spot the blue lobster ornament — it’s their fun rendition on the pickle!
03. Daniel Minter website | instagram | featuring Going Down Home with Daddy
Going Down Home with Daddy is a beautiful story of what it means to be together as a family, weaving all parts of our lives together as we grow. This children's book, illustrated by Maine's Daniel Minter, is the recipient of the 2020 Caldecott Honor. .
04. East Pine Plant Shop website | instagram | featuring string of pearls
To grow organic houseplants in Maine takes not only great skill and knowledge, but especially a passion and patience for the process. East Pine Plant Shop has an ever-rotating selection of succulents that make wonderful gifts!
05. Ebenezer Akakpo website | instagram | featuring unity bracelets
With a background in architecture, each piece is made by Ebenezer with incredible precision. His jewelry brings symbols of bravery, strength, and abundance to life. These “UNITY” bracelets are a reminder of human relations, responsibility, and interdependence.
06. Gray Fox Co. website | instagram | featuring spruce and shearling loafers
Are your little babies learning to walk this winter? They might enjoy some soft leather slippers to scoot around in, like these from Gray Fox Co.
07. Island Apothecary website | instagram | featuring an assortment of serums and oils
It sure feels like 2020 is the year of self care and, in particular, honing in on a skin care routine. This line of serums and oils is the ultimate induldgence — all made on the island of North Haven!
08. Kettle Cove Enterprises website | instagram | featuring bird feeder
Repurposed from the iconic lobster trap, Kettle Cove Enterprises has found new ways to take advantage of this sturdy material. Whether to keep squirrels out like in the bird feeder pictured here or in their bike carriers, we love the spin they've put on Maine materials.
09. Lobster Treats website | featuring lobster treats
If you love lobster so much, don't you think your four-legged friend would too? Talk about a treat for your salty dog.
10. Loquat Shop website | instagram | featuring crossbody piñita
What is pineapple leather? It is a zero-waste, plant based leather alternative. Enjoy fanny packs, cross body bags, and much more of this sustainable material by Loquat Shop.
11. Maine the Way website | instagram | featuring the Bicentennial Edition
For your curious friend, for your history buff relative, for your loved ones that didn't make it to Maine this year, send them a copy of our Bicentennial Edition and circle back in January for some bookclub-esque conversations!
12. Michelle Estelle website | featuring earrings and necklace
Hand hammered brass, copper, and sterling silver jewelry are Michelle’s specialties. Her delicately dangling necklaces and earrings catch the light wonderfully on all who adorn them!
13. Mulxiply website | instagram | featuring elephants and slippers
Designed in Maine, created in Nepal, Mulxiply has a beautiful collection of original pieces celebrating the power of human connection around the world. There's something for everyone, from jewelry to garments and everything in between -- like these sweet elephants and slippers!
14. Near and Native website | instagram | featuring candle
If you’re like us and don’t have a fireplace at home, the wood wick of Near and Native’s candles are a nice alternative. Between the crackle as they burn and the beautiful scent they diffuse, you’ll enjoy the hygge they bring to your home all winter long.
15. Portland Trading Co website | instagram | featuring sweater, jacket, and hat
Featured in Issue 08: Forests, we loved getting a closer look at Kazeem's design process and always love the garments he releases. This new collection is no exception. Or visit his store to pick up the essentials, with a luxury spin.
16. Sara Fitz website | instagram | featuring lobster and blue fish wrapping paper
You might recognize these beautiful watercolor illustrations from the inside covers of our publication. Sara Fitz's studio has a beautiful collection of pillows, note cards, art prints, and much more. Consider wrapping your presents in this hand-painted paper.
17. Sarah Madiera Day website | instagram | featuring coloring kit
I have always envied the way Sarah Madiera Day interprets Maine landscapes, but since I'm not a painter, I'm thrilled she created cute coloring books this season.
18. Scout & Bean website | instagram | featuring dog leash
A classy accessory for your four-legged friend by the folks known for beautiful rope baskets. Using the same materials, they've sewn their ropes together into a dog leash to keep your companions nearby!
19. Smith's All Natural website | instagram | featuring leather balm and brushes
I'll be honest — I'm not always the best at caring for my things. One year, my dad got me shoe shine for Christmas because all my leather needed it badly. He noticed I hadn't touched it, so for my birthday, he varnished my shoes. It was a real treat to have freshly polished shoes, but when I came across Smith's All Natural, I couldn't wait to dig my hands in and lather up my shoes myself. Their handmade blend — of cocoa butter, beeswax, and almond oil — is easy to apply and includes no harmful chemicals so I like working the excess into my own hands. I'm still working through my first tin, which has lasted me two years so far, and shined many shoes along the way!
20. Treeline Floral website | instagram | featuring wooden candle holders
Known for their gorgeous cutting boards and wooden spatulas, Treeline Floral has just launched a line of candle holders to adorn your fireplace or bring light to any nook in your home!
