WORDS Anna Lowder & Tiffany Bell
A call to put our collective money where our mouth is, the MADE Holiday Gift Guide highlights this year's very special, and very local, gift ideas. Selected from makers, artisans and small businesses, this bunch features unique finds that honor the spirit of thoughtful gift giving.
With three types of guides, we've included goods and makers working throughout the Southeast (and mainly in Alabama) that will thrill your friends and family who support creative goods. For good measure - and to level out the commercial mayhem the holidays can brew up - we've highlighted charities and organizations that need support and can offer great gift ideas too. Happy Holidays!
FOR THE STYLISH GENTS
Billy Reid Organic Cotton Socks by Zkano
Nothing says warm, fuzzy and stylish from head to toe like a pair of Billy Reid socks by Zkano. The two Alabama-based makers joined forces this season to bring stylish gents a limited-edition collection of organic socks knitted in Fort Payne, Alabama. Knot your average socks. $18; www.billyreid.com.
Stills Crossroads ‘Shine
Alabama’s first legal moonshine since Prohibition hit the stores this Fall and is flying off the shelves like White Lightning. Master distiller Jamie Ray (previously of Back Forty Beer Co. legend) has turned his chemistry skills to moonshine in Union Springs, famous for its secret stills and pure water. Jamie’s pure rye formula has lovely flavor and depth - ideally suited for bloody mary’s or hot cider toddies for the holidays. Hurry, this is almost impossible to find due to demand. Visit Montgomery area ABC Stores.
Wood Studio Lookout Mountain Rocker
This custom crafted woodwork studio was named Garden & Gun’s Made in the South Awards 2013 Overall Winner for its Lookout Mountain Rocker. Hand made with native woods such as walnut and cherry, the curving frame and hand-dyed leather hint at 50’s minimalism and sleek refinement made right here in Arley, AL. Made with integrity by Randy and his sons, Keith and Dylan. From $3,950; www.woodstudio.com.
Yellowhammer Creative
This Birmingham outfit creates inspired, often tongue-in-cheek printed matter spanning from t-shirts to posters. Give the guys you know a bit of street cred while sporting these hand-printed threads. For Birmingham or vintage lovers, there are fantastic industrial-aesthetic pieces that set Yellowhammer apart from the crowd. From $10 posters or $20 t-shirts; www.yellowhammer.org.
River Region Alternative Gift Fair
If you’re lucky enough to know some selfless men - or those who have all they need - honor them with a gift from the first annual Alternative Gift Fair. Saturday, December 7 at Huntingdon College’s Cloverdale Campus, 24 charities and organizations will assemble so “shoppers” can buy “gifts” from these groups to give to their friends and families. Instead of another item for the shelf, these gifts will fund specific needs of the nonprofit—for example, the shingles for a Habitat for Humanity home or one night’s shelter for a homeless family. Your beloved gent will receive a card recognizing the donation in his honor. Gifts from $5; Fair is Saturday, December 7 from 10am - 2pm. www.givehoperiverregion.org.
PHOTOS: Contributed Billy Reid, High Ridge Spirits, Wood Studio
FOR THE SOUTHERN TRENDSETTER
Alabama Chanin Organic Cotton Scarf
Alabama Chanin founder, Natalie Chanin, designs world-renowned textiles from small town Florence, Alabama. All of Natalie’s pieces are hand-sewn by local artisans using recycled or organic fabric and materials, including this 100% organic cotton jersey scarf. Choose from one of 45 colors options and the perfect length (short 72” or long 108”) for countless ways to wear and layer for $40. Or give the gift of Handmade Holiday with the DIY Anna’s Garden Tree Skirt. $168; www.alabamachanin.com.
Cotton + Quill Coco Pillow and Holiday Collection Flat Notes
Birmingham-based collection of stationery, papers and textiles designed and custom-made by Mary Catherine Folmar. With punchy colors, bold designs and a variety of fabrics, her textile collection features great gifts like this Coco 22” Pillow in Emerald color way for $166. Also worth noting: Cotton + Quill’s hand-illustrated stationery. The Holiday Collection comes complete with 8 flat notes and equally artful hand-lined envelopes. $33; www.cottonandquill.com
Anchor & Daisy Statement Necklace
A Martha Stewart Living 2013 American Made Award nominee, Andrea Marty makes and sells her one-of-a-kind pieces right here in Montgomery (look for her pieces at Hue Studio, Welle Studio, ML Bailey Clothing & Accessories and Naked Art Gallery.) Her eco-friendly jewelry line of cuffs, necklaces and earrings is created from found branches and salvaged wood. She’ll love this statement necklace in pine green, berry red and emerald. $36. Also available this month, limited-edition wooden gift tags and handmade Christmas tree ornaments. www.anchoranddaisy.etsy.com
Catherine Brawner Handcrafted Jewelry
Take a little piece of home with you everywhere you go. Catherine Brawner hand-forms each “Alabama” charm necklace right here in Montgomery (now available as a sterling silver holiday ornament.) Necklace $30; ornament $15. Find these and this season’s new designs at Hue Studio, Goathill Museum Shop or www.catherinebrawner.com
Aid to Inmate Mothers Donation
Help comfort and reunite children with their incarcerated mothers in her honor with a donation to Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM.) AIM non-profit provides incredible services to Alabama’s incarcerated women and their children through monthly visitations, storybook tapings, reentry programs, family outreach and child sponsorship programs - all to enhance personal growth, provide much-needed support and strengthen family bonds. Make a donation in her name online or donate staple items for children from the AIM wish list. Visit inmatemoms.org for details and easy donations.
PHOTOS: Contributed Alabama Chanin (Robert Rausch) and Cotton + Quill
FOR THE SERIOUS FOODIE
McEwen & Sons
Located in the quaint community of Wilsonville, AL, Frank McEwen founded his corn-grinding business to embark on a healthy diet of organic foods and whole grains. The stone burr grist mill churns organic corn into delicious cornmeal, grits, and polenta that’s touted on the menus of the Southeast’s most gourmet restaurants. Order a bag of yellow grits or popcorn - perfect for stringing around the Christmas tree. From $3.95; www.mcewenandsons.com
Phickles Pickles
This Athens, GA company pickles local carrots, asparagus, jalapeños, green tomatoes, beans, and the ever popular - okra. The secret is in their “liquid gold” pickling juice - spiked with dill, garlic and jalapeño for a flavor that is out of this world. Sold in specialty shops throughout the Southeast, or can grab your jar online including mix-and-match sampler packages. Perfect for your friends who love a good martini. From $42; www.phickles.com
Belle Chèvre DIY Cheese Kit
Screw the gift box: give a gift that is literally a box. A do-it-yourself box with all the how-to on making your own cheese from scratch. This is possibly the least intimidating way you could ever make cheese; simply add milk to the kit and 10 minutes of active kitchen time. They also sell a Kid Kit! Delight your food-curious friends who’ve always told you how much they want to live on a farm. From $27.95; www.bellechevre.com
The Bang Candy Company Marshmallows & Syrups
Give the gift of fluff this season from this artisan, all-natural marshmallow company “specializing in candy for the discerning palette.” We’re talking Rose Cardamom and Chocolate Chili flavors, with reviews that the confections taste like “swallowing God in velvet pants!” New in for the holidays: hot chocolate on a stick, holiday simple syrups, and Sparkle Bark - pink and dark Belgian chocolate with sparkles and pop rocks. From $3.50; www.bangcandycompany.com
Montgomery Area Food Bank
While the cult of handmade jams and heirloom pork rinds is great and all, there are many in our community who do not have enough to eat. In our area, 22% of all individuals live in poverty. Worse, 30% of children - 1 in 3 - live in poverty. Help our fellow neighbors living meal-to-meal by donating to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. They serve over 300,000 in need and donate over 20 million pounds of food annually - to children, seniors, emergency food pantries, and mobile operations. Give online at www.montgomeryareafoodbank.org.
PHOTOS: Contributed McEwen & Sons, Phickles Pickles (Terry Evans), Belle Chevre, Bang Candy Company (Brett Warren
