Have you heard of this “shop local” thing? Sure you have. But if you need a reminder: Supporting local businesses and makers is something you should and probably already do all year, but the holiday season is one of those times when it makes extra sense for both parties. Instead of delivering a sale-rack something or other from Target to your loved one, you can deliver something unique to make your loved one feel, well, loved. On the other side of the token, those holiday dollars you’re spending go directly toward the livelihoods of artisans and owners who are doing business right here in Northeast Ohio.
In that vein, we’ve rounded up a whole mess of our favorite local wares and services and experiences to help you deliver something righteous during the holidays. And there’s more where that came from: Check out the Dining section for 25 more gift ideas, all food or drink related. Enjoy.
By Scene Staff
Ricky Vaughn T-shirt – $18.95
There are plenty of terrific ways to express Cleveland sports pride. (Whether you really want to is another conversation entirely.) We suggest, however, that you go a bit off-kilter for your Tribe-loving family members. Go way back, to a fictional time when a haphazard Indians team rose above the odds and changed the way the game was played. At the heart of that little tale? One Ricky Vaughn. Wild Thing. Sheen. Cafe Press is slinging a great tee that features Vaughn’s iconic skull-and-crossbones-adorned glasses. Get yourself one while you’re at it, and go sing the Tribe’s praises this summer. tinyurl.com/rvaughncleDistressed blue tote – $250
Local furniture builder Freddy Hill came to the realization that his handcrafted furniture that regularly retails for $10,000 and up wasn’t something his friends and family could routinely afford. So he started making handbags. Assembled with the same care and dedication, they’re really sharp looking and combine function and fashion. Made out of “antiqued” blue leather, the standard tote features cotton lining with one zippered pocket, two pouches, oil-tanned black leather straps and a matching leather keychain. It also comes with antique brass hardware. He sells them online and at his space in the Screw Factory but you can also find them at Lingg in Chagrin, Noto in Akron and Blackbird Fly in Ohio City. Freddyhill1976.comGlenn Petranek print – $25 (11×14)
In late November, a photo of the Cleveland skyline worked its way around Facebook and Imgur. It was a stunning, colorful shot of our iconic buildings and an imposing full moon. The lights reflected hallucinogenically off a calm Lake Erie. Listen, it was the best photo we’d ever seen of our city’s wonderful skyline. Glenn Petranek, the photographer who snapped the shot on Nov. 25, immediately began receiving praise from around town. “I took that [photo] at the full moon rise the Wednesday before last Thanksgiving,” Petranek tells us. “There was an organized shoot that evening with nearly 100 photographers on the upper part of Edgewater Park. I decided not to be a part of that crowd and went to the far west edge of Edgewater, down a set of stairs to Perkins Beach. There the city lights reflected off a glass-like lake, enabling me to get the shot.” glennpics.comWelshly Arms self-titled on vinyl – $20
Without a doubt, 2015 was the Year of Welshly Arms in Cleveland’s music scene. The band took their Positively Cleveland spot from last year and built off that local renown with alacrity. In May, they released a formidable self-titled album that laid the groundwork for months of shows and a growing fan base. And sure, you can stream the thing on your Macbook at work and make instant friends, but — for your loved ones — you’re gonna want to order a copy on vinyl. That’s how you listen to rock ’n’ roll. welshlyarms.comHolden Arboretum membership – $55 and up
With the advent of winter, it can be bittersweet to think of warmer days; summer is so far away! But that’s no excuse not to be outside. The Holden Arboretum is one of Northeast Ohio’s outdoor gems — and the grounds are open year-round! The recent expansions from last fall make this a must-visit for your 2016; the new Judith and Maynard H. Murch IV Canopy Walk and the Kalberer Family Emergent Tower should be enough to lure longtime “Holden Arb” devotees and the uninitiated alike. What better way to get up in the trees than with a membership right at the start of the year? The pass will pay for itself after five visits, which is a simple task when you consider how much there is to see and take in at the place. The “Member Plus” rate ($75) lets you bring guests.
holdenarb.org (Photo by Lisa DeJong)Meditation course – $50
If you dabble at all in the art of mindfulness or self-improvement, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the importance of meditation in daily life. Even 10 minutes of zazen will center a person, allowing him or her to more clearly see their place in a society wracked with suffering. But meditation ain’t easy, to say nothing of even the half-lotus sitting position. Cleveland Shambhala can help out. Do you know someone who’s interested in delving into a Buddhist perspective? Sign them up for Cleveland Shambhala’s five-week “Contentment in Everyday Life” course (Jan. 14 to Feb. 11) or any other program they might be running in 2016. cleveland.shambhala.org
17309 Madison Ave., LakewoodCool gear for your home bar – Various (low) prices
One of the best uses of your “home amenities and decor” budget is to funnel that cash toward a dynamic home bar. Stock your bar with fine spirits and bottles, and you’ll never find yourself lacking when guests stop by for a pre- or post-dinner beverage. But before you go a-boozin’, you’re going to need the requisite glasses, decanters, juicers, shakers, and everything in between. That’s where Dean Supply comes in. This place is a veritable wonderland of kitchen accoutrements. It’s where local chefs like Dante Boccuzzi get their gear. And while it’s certainly the best place in town to buy cooking ware, let’s get back to the bar talk: They’ve got you covered. Go forth, pick out some nice items for your friends — friends who will later invite you over for cocktails — and revel in your newfound behind-the-bar acumen. deansupplyco.com
3500 Woodland Ave. (Screenshot)Broccoli Samurai “Evolution” T-shirt – $20
Listen, there’s a hell of a lot of cool band merch around Cleveland. But Broccoli Samurai’s “Evolution” T-shirt — the one with the broccoli stalk literally morphing into a samurai — is our favorite example. You can pick up one for your jam-band-loving cousin on their website or, better yet, you can check out the Very Broccoli Christmas Show at Beachland Ballroom on Dec. 26 and grab some threads in-person after dosing your ears on sweet, sweet music. There are a lot of ways to rep Cleveland on your chest — shirts that say “I Heart the Land” or something — but this one will invite curious conversations and subsequent high-fiving Cleveland pride. brocsam.comCleveland Drinks – $20
The brainchild of local comedian Mike Polk Jr. and noted “Angry Browns Fan” Brad Brown, Cleveland Drinks is the most efficient way to get wastey while fumbling through Cleveland references and tongue-in-cheek misery. For example, the player who picks up “The Fumble” can’t use his or her hands until the next turn. And “10-Cent Beer Night”: Whoever has the cheapest beverage at the table must drink. We all pre-game before hitting the West 25th craft beer circuit, and we all enjoy a game during that pre-gaming. Get a deck of Cleveland Drinks cards for your buddy, and suddenly he’ll find himself forced into hosting the party. Listen, as a rule we Clevelanders don’t require much structure to imbibe on any given night — but it sure helps! cledrinks.comJohannes Brahms Cycle DVD – $60
A local treasure, the Cleveland Orchestra isn’t just the best orchestra in the country; it’s one of the best in the world. Just this month, it has released the Johannes Brahms Cycle DVD set that’s exclusively available here in town. The collection features the four Symphonies, both Piano Concertos, the Violin Concerto and three other orchestral works. That’s plenty of Brahms for the buck. Some of the performances were recorded here at Severance Hall. Come January, you’ll be able to buy the set on Amazon, but it’s currently only available at the Cleveland Orchestra Store. clevelandorchestra.com
1001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-7478Souldier guitar straps – $30-$60
Back in the days when we had bonafide guitar heroes, guys like Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon used to wear colorful guitar straps. You can relive those glory days with Souldier guitar straps, custom, handmade guitar straps that evoke rock ’n’ roll’s heyday. The straps are available locally at Guitar Riot, a guitar shop that carries a big selection of hard-to-find guitars and accessories. If you’re looking for a replica of that guitar strap that Hendrix wore at Woodstock or the one that Lennon used at the Beatles’ rooftop concert, you’ll find it here. www.guitarriot.com
2530 Superior Ave., 216-291-7172Great Lakes growler carrier – $15.95
One of the best local success stories, Great Lakes Brewing Company has steadily expanded since opening in 1988 and regularly wins national awards for its finely crafted beers. So when it comes to representing the place, we like the idea of toting around a growler carrier embossed with its humongous logo. Located in the same Ohio City building where you’ll find the brewpub and restaurant, the gift store is well stocked with insulated growler carriers that feature a strap so you can wrap the thing around yourself. Perfect for carrying that growler to and from the car or to your favorite BYOB restaurant or party. greatlakesbrewing.com
2516 Market Ave., 216-771-4404Forest City Portage T-shirt – $28
You’ve surely seen the Forest City Portage courier bags and backpacks popular among the city’s bike commuters and indie-craft enthusiasts. They are durable, customizable and made from quality materials in a Lakewood studio. The bigger custom packs require 3 to 5 weeks before shipment (a little late for Christmas), but you can find smaller musette bags (an urban lifestyle pack good for a computer and a book) for $148 and tote bags for $138 at the Cleveland Bazaar. New this year, and a great last-minute gift idea, is the FCP T-shirt designed by Land Studio’s Joe Lanzilotta. “It’s more an ode to the city than a brand tee,” says FCP founder and owner Michael Hudecek. The $28 tee is available in S-XL on American Apparel raglan baseball tees with navy sleeves and a black heather body. forestcityportage.comGo Ape Treetop Adventure – $57 per individual adult; various prices
Earlier this year, a national treetop and outdoor adventure course company landed in Northeast Ohio and brought the curious among us into the canopy. Here’s the gist, according to Go Ape: The outdoor experience provides participants two to three hours of outdoor fun and exercise, allowing participants to “explore the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while navigating through the treetops using zip lines, obstacles and Tarzan swings.” Sounds pretty awesome. You can pick up a stash of Go Ape gift certificates in various amounts and use the holidays to plan a springtime adventure. The park opens back up in April. goape.com
Mill Stream Run Recreation Area
16200 Valley Pkwy., StrongsvilleJobu figurine – $34.99
Created by two huge fans of the Cleveland Indians’ classic film Major League, replica Jobu figurines (3D-scanned from the film’s original) are now on sale at bobblehead emporium/sports memorabilia superstore clarktoys.com. The figurines sell for $34.99 and make for a terrific locally flavored cubicle or mantle decoration. Originally sold exclusively at jobulifestyle.com, the replica figurines are now part of a Major League product line that includes Jobu Rum and Jobu (and Wild Thing) ugly Christmas sweaters. The sweaters are a hefty $64.99, but are guaranteed to win any ugly sweater office competition next year. clarktoys.com/jobulifestyle.comMace pepper spray – $16.99
Despite the ill-advised pepper-spraying of gathered crowds by a GCRTA police officer over the summer, don’t forget that pepper spray remains the surest bet for warding off attackers. And the company that makes the most well-known spray — like Kleenex, so identified with its product that the brand name has been substituted for the product itself — is headquartered right here in Cleveland. Mace makes a vast assortment of personal defense products, but a keychain pepper spray (a perfect stocking stuffer) will set you back only $16.99. They’re good for roughly six bursts, which when directed at an attacker’s eyes will cause coughing, an intense burning sensation, and temporary blindness. Merry Christmas! mace.comApama: The Undiscovered Animal Anthology
Cleveland comic book nerds might be the only subset to have heard of Apama, the Undiscovered Animal, but Cleveland’s resident superhero (who took off at Comic Con with the release of the film Hero Tomorrow by local filmmakers Ted Sikora and Milo Miller) has now been anthologized. In the comic book, Hungarian ice cream truck driver Ilyia Zjarsky goes hiking and finds the ancient Native American scroll that reveals the key to enabling the Apama’s spirit in a human. (The Apama is an animal so stealth that it has yet to be discoverd by modern man). You can get the first five volumes of the comic book in one edition at Apamanation.com. Comic book lovers might also appreciate the newest Apama volumes, or the Blu Ray of the original film. Good news: Scene readers get $5 off anything purchased on the site by entering the promo code “SCENE.” apamanation.comCIFF membership pass – various prices
The Cleveland International Film Festival has grown into one of the region’s premier annual events. In 2016, CIFF will take over Tower City from March 30 to April 10, showing over 190 feature films and 235 shorts from all over the world. For your film-loving family member or bosom buddy, a membership pass (at various levels) makes an excellent, and generous, holiday gift. For $160, a Film Fanatic pass comes with six vouchers for CIFF tickets, 2 passes to Cleveland Cinemas screenings, discounts on all CIFF products and additional tickets, plus exclusive events throughout the year. The Director level ($600) comes with an all-access CIFF pass (no need to buy tickets), a spot at the opening night gala and access to the CIFF hospitality headquarters in Tower City with nonstop food and drink during the festival. It’s an investment, but there’s nothing better for the movie buffs in your life. clevelandfilm.orgGizmo audio player – $250 and up
Perfect for the music enthusiast with a bone for social responsibility, these up-cycled audio devices are both stylish and locally sourced. Made from vintage suitcases and parts supplied by Ohio businesses, these speakers pack a punch with anywhere from 30 to 100 watts of ground-shaking power, as well as a re-chargeable battery, aux input, woofers, and even Bluetooth for an additional charge. Choose a small or large model, or dust off one of your own suitcases for a customized look. Personalize the finished product with the recipient’s initials or some original artwork featured on the switch plate. gizmocle.comValerie Tyler chevron statement necklace – $96
Self-taught jewelry artist Valerie Tyler describes her accessories as “geometric” and “bohemian,” but we just call them “must-haves.” Made from distressed, oxidized brass, her large chevron statement necklace is one of many unique items in her collection that can be easily dressed up or down for everyday wear. The pendant on this particular piece has been riveted by hand, giving off an industrial flare, and hangs from a lovely disc chain garnished with labradorite gems. Tyler says no two versions of this necklace are the same, so you’ll win points for originality this holiday season. valerietylerdesigns.comAir plant from Buy the Bead – $10
Have a friend who’s not quite up for the responsibility of caring for a new cat or dog? Give them an air plant, a hassle-free, dirt-free piece of greenery that’s really darn hard to kill. Home grown by Clevelander Linda Wagner, the tillandsia plant is a member of the pineapple family and is native to Latin America where it’s often found growing on rocks and trees. Nestled in a glass terrarium atop a mini mountain of lava rock, these air plants double in size every year and produce off-shoots which can survive with or without the mother plant. For $10 a pop, this is an adorable and affordable gift for anyone on your list. buythebead.comBarr’s bar soaps – $8
Soap makers Anthony and Rebecca Barchanowicz have created a line of vegan, all-natural, cold-pressed soaps perfect for stuffing stockings this holiday season. The husband/wife duo hand picks harvest from their family garden to create scents, such as French lavender and Egyptian geranium rose, which they say helps infuse the oils and waters, leaving the body both hydrated and invigorated after use. They’ve also got a line of organic lip balms in peppermint and cinnamon-ginger varieties that’ll leave lips feeling cool and tingly all winter long. barrsbarsltd.comBeard balm from the Beerded Beard Company – $15.99
For the bearded man with a passion for beer, the Beerded Beard Company is this year’s favorite stocking stuffer. With real hops tucked inside, this beer-infused hair care accessory promises to render even the manliest of beards tame and soft. The Cleveland brand makes everything locally, from wax to oil and balm. Offering a variety of fragrances, the all-natural product lets your man’s chin smell like his favorite beer all day long. Plus, with only seven plant-based ingredients, fluffing up a facial mane is guilt-free. The Beerded Beard Company’s products start around $16, but for a beard care addict, the company offers bundles in the $35 range. beerdedbeard.comVintage Cleveland Browns apparel from Capsule Clothing – $15 and up
This year, try gifting a Cleveland sports lover some of the most unique football gear this side of Lake Erie. Cleveland’s Capsule Clothing specializes in vintage and rare designs, from hats to sweatshirts and ponchos. Spanning the decades, the company’s online store is chock-full of clothing for fans of any level. Scoop up a jacket from the glory days of the Dawg Pound, or look out for one of Bernie Kosar’s old school jerseys. Each piece is one of a kind with new items being added constantly. Who needs Johnny Football sweaters when Capsule Clothing shows off gear from a simpler season, a better season, a winning season? capsule-clothing.comLeather passport book – $57
In 2013, Jordan Lee quit his day job to focus 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 purchased online at wrightandrede.com. For the world traveler in your life, a Wright & Rede passport case clocks in at $57 and, like all Jordan’s products, is made from undyed vegetable-tanned leather 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. wrightandrede.comPoster from the Bubble Process – $20 and up
Diehard music fans can be pretty frustrating to buy for. Always looking for the rarest demos and matchless merch, they have high expectations when it comes to rocking the holidays. Fear not, the Bubble Process’s one-of-a-kind posters are just the thing. The vibrant screen-printed artwork stands out against the flurry of mass-marketed band posters that big retailers hawk. Each poster is curated with a local venue in mind, plus with dozens of designs up for grabs, like Chvrches’ House of Blues performance or Neil Young’s appearance at the Wolstein Center, no fan (or band) is neglected. thebubbleprocess.comBaseball Jerks prints – $50
The intro will go the same way it goes for lots of talented people in Cleveland: If you don’t know Oliver Barrett, you probably know his work. Barrett’s an immensely talented illustrator who’s pulling in major work orders from the likes of ESPN and national brands now, but he’s posted up in Cleveland and has plenty of work that’s a) affordable and b) would look great in your home. Take the zombie Baseball Jerks series, which reimagines some famous ballplayers like Julio Franco and John Kruk and Randy Johnson in, well, interesting fashion. Grab a random bunch of three for just $50. oliverbarrett.bigcartel.comCoventry Bucket Bag – $249
Phillip and Jackie Wachter launched Fount just a few years ago, but already this husband/wife duo has made a name for itself in Cleveland’s leather-crafting industry. Each piece of inventory is hand-designed, cut, sewn, and ultimately transformed into stunning hair-on-hide bags ($429), yoga slings ($219) and penny-pouch necklaces ($44), the likes of which we have yet to find anywhere else. Browse their current selection online, and give them a good old-fashioned Instagram follow (@fountleathergoods) to keep up with their current stock. We like the Coventry Bucket Bag: “With its spacious interior, draw string closure, and a pocket for convenience, the Coventry Bucket Bag is a go-to mid-sized carry-all, that easily compliments your daily outfit with its timeless charm.” www.fountleather.comCandles named after Cleveland streets – $10
You might have come upon Relics of the Rust Belt at one of this year’s fleas or bazaars, but if you failed to scoop up anything when you did, just head over to their site and grab one of their delightful candles named after Cleveland streets — Franklin, Professor, Euclid, etc. Keep in mind the candles don’t smell like those streets, which might be a good thing in certain cases (and in Professor’s case, a bad thing, because we want a candle that smells like Edison’s pizza), but they smell damn great. relicsoftherustbelt.comSomething from Canopy Collective – $15 and up
Founded this spring in Ohio City’s Lorain Avenue antiques district, Canopy Collective is an antique and regional art consignment boutique, gallery, classroom and more. As co-founders Erika Durham and Anthony Koch explain, the space is really whatever you wish it to be. “I think what makes us different is most easily understood by being in the space,” explains Durham. “There are many great shops in Cleveland where you can buy handmade art, crafts, vintage items and antiques, but what sets us apart is our ability to morph the space into just about anything.” Browse through the site and enjoy offerings from dozens of artists ranging from prints to paintings to jewelry and more. Stop by in person and we guarantee you’ll find something special for a loved one and probably one or two things you’ll be bringing home for yourself. canopy-collective.com
