Leather Passport Book
In 2013, Jordan Lee quit his day job to focus full-time on his side business making quality handcrafted goods. He appears regularly at the Cleveland Flea, selling his leather products — wallets, key chains, notebook cases, etc. — all of which can be additionally purchased online at wrightandrede.com. For the world traveler in your life, a Wright & Rede passport case clocks in at $59 and begins life, like all Jordan's products, as undyed vegetable-tanned leather. It is then cut, shaped and dyed by hand. The passport case is equipped with a slot for a passport or small Scout notebook, and has an additional pocket for tickets and cards. Travel in style with this puppy.
Indians Dog Jersey
You're still reeling from the rollercoaster of emotions we all experienced during the World Series. Wasn't it an incredible ride, though? Think of all the memories: You probably watched the games with your dog by your side, encouraging him to keep growling at Aroldis Chapman's sneer. Give your pal some new threads this Christmas with CLEpets' adorable Indians dog jersey. It's officially licensed by the MLB, so your friend can rest assured that it's the real deal. Spring training is right around the corner; you don't want your pup to be unprepared!
Leather Tote
You saw them on Cleveland Hustles. Now, be the hero of Christmas with these fine leather totes from Fount, based right here in Cleveland's wonderful Detroit-Shoreway. A staple at the Cleveland Flea for years, Fount recently set up shop in a gorgeous Gordon Square storefront (shared with Old City Libations) that perfectly showcases their fine American-made leather goods. Stop in and peruse the variety of style products, and pay close attention to the totes on the back wall (featured prominently along locally crafted shelves). "What we're trying to do is bring back the American-made fashion movement," co-owner Jackie Wachter says as her husband, Phillip, arranges their new holiday line of totes.
6706 Detroit Ave., fountusa.com
The Gift of a Better Haircut
If a loved one could use a little better treatment on the salad they call a hairdo, grab a gift certificate to Top of the Line barbershop on Pearl Road and send them to Jose Vazquez. He specializes in unique haircuts but can take care of any style. The upscale grooming experience is light years better than whatever you'd find at Best Cuts or wherever your pal is getting a $7 cut right now.
4191 Pearl Rd., 216-459-2887
The Gift of Better Lashes
Formerly a hair salon in Lakewood for 16 years, Roman Ricci Professionals now focuses on lashes. Owner Litha Macon aims to make every person who walks through the door feel empowered and pampered. In a professional and private atmosphere, Roman Ricci provides something a little different for its clients. Grab a gift certificate and send a loved one their way.
11810 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-225-6695
A Little Something from Ake'demik
Located next to Civilization coffee shop and Lincoln Park in Tremont, Ake'demik is the place to find some of the other gifts on this list and many more. Which is to say, the eclectic inventory ranges from socks to jewelry to watches to bags to bikes to grooming products to ... well, you get the point. The lifestyle boutique has the kind of taste that you wish you had. Take a gander and we guarantee you'll find something for almost everyone on your list.
2360 West 11th St., akedemiktremont.com
WhatKnot Bow Tie
The most subtle additions to an outfit can make a world of difference, which is why the WhatKnot Bow Tie Company makes the list. Once a stuffy accessory you'd more likely see on someone's grandfather, the company's bow ties come in a variety of sophisticated designs and styles that lend a little boost to your closet. If you're not sure if your giftee will even know what to do with a bow tie, fret not: Their website includes a tutorial for the newbies.
530 Euclid Ave., Suite 18, 216-409-0358, thewhatknot.com
Adult Coloring Book
Get distracted — on purpose — with the adult coloring books and packs from Free Period Press. Why, you say? Because sometimes a mental vacation is in order. There are several styles available, as well as loose coloring sheets in case you want to be a little more discreet during that staff meeting at work. The books and sheets are available online, or at Lovely Somethings in Akron, Fireside Bookshop in Chagrin Falls, Native Cleveland in Cleveland, Mac's Backs in Cleveland Heights and at the Kent University Bookstore. Know a teacher or librarian? You can also sign them up online to receive free coloring pages for their class and groups.
Cleveland Against the World T-shirt
We believe in ourselves when no one else does, and this is the perfect time to show it off. The Cleveland Against the World t-shirt is part of iLYTHY's Essential Collection, and comes in black and white or wine and gold (we prefer the wine and gold for obvious reasons). In case you're wondering what iLTHY stands for, it's "I Love the Hype," and a perfect way to welcome 2017 in our city.
Crescent Watch
If you're willing to splurge on something unique, the steam punk-y, adventure-inspiring time pieces from Exquisite Corpse Boutique could be the gift you're looking for this season. The Crescent Watch in particular is probably something you've never seen before and is sure to draw the eye of, and compliments from, your envious friends and neighbors. The Crescent Watch is the boutique's very first timepiece creation and is only available in limited runs, so if you've got your eye on it, you may want to act quickly.
'Baseball Jerks' Print
We might be biased, but that doesn't mean we're not right. Oliver Barrett is pumping out some of the best illustrations around. You might have seen his work on the cover of Scene, on ESPN, on Bandcamp, or any other number of places. Drop by his online store and support a great local artist. One of our favorites: his "Baseball Jerks" series, which includes Albert Belle and Julio Franco and Roberto Alomar and gives them, and others, a comic-book, monsteresque treatment.
Vintage Paper Art
If your walls are looking a little bare, head over to the Etsy store for Paper Cutz Vintage Paper Art, a locally based company that specializes in quirky and eye-catching paper art. Shari Escott and Cathy Strauss, two moms, hunt for the perfect pieces from old magazines and books and turn them into one-of-a-kind works of art. There's plenty of local flare, including works referencing the Guardians of Transportation, Ohio State and more, as well as works that have no local references at all but serve up fun treatments of dogs and flowers and, well, you get the point.
A Class at Praxis Fiber Workshop
The Praxis Fiber Workshop was born after the Cleveland Institute of Art announced that it would be downsizing the fiber department. The equipment was shuffled over to Collinwood and the non-profit center opened, offering classes and workshops as well as gallery space and studio space for artists working in fiber. You can join them to learn a bit about how fiber art is produced and take something home for yourself. Take the painted and sewn tote bag class, for example. Learn immersion dyeing technique, hand paint fabric, cut and collage it and walk away with your own totebag. That class runs $225; schedules for that and other workshops are available on their website.
15301 Waterloo Rd., praxisfiberworkshop.com
Perfume
Yeah, we know what you're thinking: You can just go to the mall and snag a bottle of whatever it is that you remember your girlfriend or wife using before. That's nice, and they'd like that. What they probably would love more is something a bit different and new. Stop by Indigo Perfumery in Lakewood — the only perfumery in Ohio, if you didn't know — and shop their well-curated stock of dozens of brands. Sample and ask questions of the knowledgeable staff, and if you're still left unsure what to get, simply get a gift certificate and let your significant other attend one of their mix-your-own scent workshops. Which is a whole lot cooler than a bottle of whatever from Macy's.
12011 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, indigoperfumery.com
Christina Sadowski's CLE-inspired Gifts
Local photographer and co-founder of 78th Street Studios' E11even 2 gallery, Christina Sadowski is turning her love for photographing Cleveland into a business. Available both on Etsy and at her gallery (which she co-owns with fellow artists Rich Cihlar and Billy Nainiger), Sadowski's wares include a curved Cleveland skyline necklace ($25 each, available in white, black or mirrored gold, as well as now in new cherry and maple woods), metal skyline ornaments ($12 each or 2 for $20, available in red or blue), metal skyline business card holder ($12 each), City of Champions professional bottle opener ($20), LED plexiglass nightlights ($25 each), championship trophy keychains ($6 each or 2 for $10), Cleveland Against the World skull-and-bones keychains ($6 each or 2 for $10), Guardians of Transportation duvet covers ($175 and up) and much more.
1300 West 78th St., etsy.com/shop/ChristinaSadowski/
Plush Monsters by C.M. Manfredi
Local artist C.M. Manfredi creates some of the most unique plush toys in town. Created completely by hand, each creature is made with polymer clay and high-end faux furs. Each is hand-stitched from unique, hand-cut patterns, without the use of molds or sewing machines. Each element is unique and one of a kind. This holiday season, you can meet the artist and see her work during several holiday markets: the 26th Cleveland Bazaar Winterfest at 5th Street Arcades (10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26), the Cleveland Bazaar at Lake Effect Studio (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 3) and OddMall in Canton (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11). Additionally, Manfredi's creations are available 24/7 through her Etsy shop.
Faces of CLE by Laura Wimbels
For the past two years, local photographer Laura Wimbels has been documenting Cleveland through portraits of its people. Through these faces, Wimbels showcases the character of our city. Her new book, Faces of Cleveland, collects these portraits, many of "famous" Clevelanders in their work or living spaces. Wimbels' book includes about 120 portraits, but the project continues with Wimbels already planning a second volume. To date, she's photographed over 180 "faces of Cleveland." For the book's introduction, Wimbels asked seven of Cleveland's most prominent and active "faces" to write page-long essays on the project and their city. Contributing "voices of Cleveland" include Matthew Chojnacki, John Dudas, Laura Kubinski, Mike Polk Jr., Ramon Rivas II, Aaron Sechrist and Eric Williams. Faces of Cleveland is available for $35 at Canopy Collective, Mac's Backs, CLE Clothing Company, Appletree Books and more, as well as shipped anywhere from the web.
100 Things To Do In Cleveland Before You Die by Nikki Delamotte
As a former contributor to Scene, we consider Nikki Delamotte an authority on Cleveland and local culture. Therefore, we're very excited for the release of her first book, 100 Things To Do In Cleveland Before You Die. Described as a bucket list for any Clevelander, the book is the latest addition to the city series by Reedy Press. In each of her entries, Delamotte's years of expertise and personal experiences help guide readers through both the "famous" landmarks and hidden treasures. Whether you're visiting from out of town or are a lifelong Clevelander, this book is sure to offer some people, places and things you've never even heard of. 100 Things To Do In Cleveland Before You Die is available for $15 at Mac's Backs, Loganberry Books, Learned Owl, Carol & John's Comic Book Shop, In the 216 and Canopy Collective (and Amazon). Additionally, Delamotte will be at Loganberry Books for Indies First on Saturday, Nov. 26, from noon to 1 p.m.