Gifts made in Queens: a guide to local artisan goods

There’s a lot of talk these days of buying local, for both environmental and economic reasons, plus the fun of giving or receiving something that’s not mass produced. Queens has its share of independent businesses coming out with items that are original enough to impress your pickiest gift recipients this year. We did some digging on Etsy and elsewhere, and were impressed with the local talent. Here are some of our picks from Queens artists:

Holiday Cards and Gift Packaging

Image source: Etsy – handmade cards by Cutiepie Company

Ordering handmade cards will reduce the chance of you sending the same cards as someone else in your social circle. Check out these “warm and cozy” patterned sheep cards by Sunnyside-based Cutiepie Company. Or this stenciled series of animals festively playing musical instruments by Jamaica’s Mayuko Fujino, who is donating all proceeds to WFMU, a radio station in Jersey City that was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Another option is this whimsical tree-and-reindeer card made by AvocadoChange of Astoria.

For those who prefer to participate in the creative process, Hunter’s Hideaway of Sunnyside is a good source for adorable packaging materials, DIY card-making kits, and versatile rubber stamps. If you’re making or baking gifts this year, you can acquire a “Hand made” stamp or  “From the kitchen of” stamp that gives you official credit.

NYC-Themed Gifts

The enthusiastic Queens residents in your life might like to receive clothing or jewelry that shows off their borough pride. LIC-based designer Queens77 sells hand-screen-printed T-shirts that depict the Queensboro Bridge. SITE in Astoria (GMAP) carries locally designed shirts and onesies with messages like “I [Heart] Astoria” and “It’s Always Awesome in Astoria,” or the letters “QNS” fashioned out of bicycle parts. SITE also has Queens-themed wire bracelets and vintage map pendant necklaces made by local artists exclusively for the store.

Image source: Etsy – Queens pillow by Hand Over Fist

Other NYC-themed gifts made here in Queens include borough pillows by HandOverFist (Marissa Corwin), who is currently donating 90% of profits to a printing business in Red Hook that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy; city skyline notecards by SMW Design & Photography of Astoria; NYC map magnets by Hunter’s Hideaway; and photographs such as this one taken from the 7 train platform by Who Is Charley? of Jackson Heights.

Kid-Friendly Gifts

Image source: Etsy – felted pastries by Dough & Batter

Handcrafted goods can work for the kids and babies in your life, too. Help decorate a baby’s nursery with a selection of animal-printed pillows and artwork by Queens-based Kate Durkin, or a monster-infused letter print by LIC-based ang&art. Supply a toddler’s tea party or imaginary bakery with these irresistible felt black and white cookies and other toy pastries by Dough & Batter of Astoria.

Older kids might appreciate a DIY notebook kit with geometric rubber stamps, put together by Hunter’s Hideaway. Those with pierced ears might go for these adorable flower button earrings made by Jackson Heights’ Knotted Ram. And teenagers with smartphones may like this knit gadget cozy by the Astoria-based knitter and crocheter bshorr.

Gifts for the Home

Image source: Etsy – pots by Romi Ceramics

Unique gifts can spice up anyone’s home life and everyday routines, and Queens artists have your back this holiday season. Love Toast of Astoria sells whimsical coffee mugs perfect for couples. Romi Ceramics in LIC spins beautiful planters/votives and bowls. You can also stop by Brickhouse in LIC (GMAP) for a greater variety of ceramic items. For dedicated pet parents, consider animal-friendly items that also look stylish, like this ikat cat scratcher by Kitty Jones of LIC.

Jewelry and Accessories

Image source: Etsy – bracelets from Garbarge of Eden

The shop at the Queens Museum of Art (GMAP) sells jewelry and accessories from several Queens artists, many of whom use recycled and salvaged materials in their products. Tianna Meilinger’s Vaya Bags are made from recycled bike tube, sailboat canvas, and other materials, and are ideal for biking. Stephanie Huffaker’s Garbage of Eden line includes bracelets and rings styled from recycled plastic bags and newspapers. And Irene Cheung of Irene C Studio designs modern metal jewelry using recycled materials when possible.

Besides the online and brick-and-mortar shops listed here, you can find plenty of Queens-made products at the holiday markets that are popping up around the borough. Where else do you like to shop for locally crafted gifts?