Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

Amanda’s 13th Annual                  Made in the USA Holiday Gift Guide

Today I saw a few snowflakes while I was walking across Central Park, so it must be time for my annual holiday gift guide.  Believe me, I know that sometimes people on your list just want what they want… but some people like to be surprised. So why not surprise them with something made locally and beautifully? Gift giving can be meaningful in so many ways.

Over the years I’ve started collecting ideas for this newsletter wherever I find something interesting and locally made. In September I was at the Museum of the City of New York and found a wonderful pair of earrings by Brooklyn glass-artist Roxann Slate. In fact, I talked about them so much that two different people gave them to me for my birthday! Luckily she makes necklaces too!

As usual, my first stop after Thanksgiving was the Columbus Avenue Holiday Market. There I met a wonderful couple from Greensboro, North Carolina who started their skincare line, Cocolene, because their daughter had sensitive skin. The products look and smell great, and I’m definitely going to ask Santa for some of their anti-aging serum in my stocking.

If there is a skateboarder on your list, check out Snow Milk, a fashion line where every piece is unique, and many are upcycled. Maybe your son will wear a blazer if it has a peace sign on it! Grandma might not approve, but I think they’re cool.

This year I also went to a wonderful holiday craft market at St. John the Divine. I adore the gorgeous beaded necklaces at JJ Attic, where I met the wonderful artist, Jacqueline Johnson, who works out of her home in Yonkers.

At St. John’s I also fell in love with the incredible crystalline glaze on the vases and teapots at Boswell Studios. Just stunning… why shouldn’t you drink your morning coffee out of art?

At the Holiday Market at Grand Central, I found ekologic, a wonderful company from Troy, New York that makes all of their pieces out of recycled cashmere, proving that you can have your luxury and be environmental too!

This year, try to slow down and make it meaningful by supporting local craftspeople and delighting your friends and family at the same time.