Boise Made: Local Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is descending quickly in the Treasure Valley, and it’s time to start shopping for the family and friends on your list.

You don’t have to leave the Boise area to be Santa’s little helper this year; no matter who’s on your list, there are local makers and artists with items for everyone.

Here at We Know Boise, we’re all about shopping small and supporting local companies. When you buy from a local business, you’re not only putting something incredible under the tree—you’re also helping another Idaho family during the holidays.

Many Boise-based companies sell online, so you can even shop small from the comfort of your own home.

We’ve put together a guide with some of our favorite small shops, artists and makers to help you support local entrepreneurs and be a holiday hero at the same time.

This polar bear print is done on vellum paper with quality inks - Photo courtesy of Julia Moran Watercolor

For the Art Admirer: Whimsical Wildlife Prints from Julia Moran Watercolor $15

Watercolor art lovers of every age will appreciate these adorable prints. Julia Moran’s whimsical wildlife prints are available through her Etsy shop and at various pop-ups around Boise. Featuring walruses, mushrooms, and other nature-inspired scenes, Moran’s watercolors will add a touch of magic and inspiration to any room.

 

All products from this local maker are handmade right here in Boise using natural and organic ingredients - Photo courtesy of Better Man Beard

For the Manly Man: Better Man Beard $16-$20

Boise-based company Better Man Beard believes every beard can be better. With moisturizing oils and balms, these products are the perfect stocking stuffer or small gift for the bearded men in your life. Scents range from spruce to “hoppy beerd,” and they even have a full beard care gift kit available for $40. You can order Better Man Beard products online on their website.

 

These small-batch soy candles have been a local hit since 2012 - Photo courtesy of Lit&Co

For the Candle Lover: Lit&Co $16

There’s nothing cozier during the harsh winter months than a warming flame. Local company Lit&Co offers natural, soy-based candles in a variety of incredible scents. They’re stocked at several retail locations around Boise, as well as online. Choose your favorite scent or even create your own at their fragrance bar in the West End.

 

With sedums and sempervivums, these outdoor succulent wreaths are hardy enough to survive Idaho winters - Photo courtesy of A Succulent Day

For the Plant Person: A Succulent Day $15-$85

From geometric concrete planters filled with colorful succulents to enormous outdoor succulent wreaths, the products available through A Succulent Day are ideal gift options. Terrariums and giftable arrangements are available for local pickup or delivery and at several locations around Boise. Check out their website for more information and to order.

 

Handmade earrings with scrap chain and brass on nickel $32 - Photo courtesy of Grey Jays

For the Sustainable Fashionista: Grey Jays $12-$78

Local jewelry maker Lindsey Antram has a unique eye for beauty, and her jewelry tells a story. Crafted from found and foraged items, Antram’s rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets often feature creatively melted plastics or pieces found in nature. Grey Jays jewelry seeks to start a conversation about sustainability while creating something beautiful from cast-offs. Order online or find Grey Jays jewelry in downtown Boise at Mixed Greens and Maven.

 

'Black Mamba' is a bold, full-bodied red from the Snake River Valley - Photo courtesy of Coiled Wines

For the Wine Connoisseur: Coiled Wines $19-$30

Who doesn’t want to see a wine bottle-shaped bag under the tree? Coiled Wines is a great local option for Boise-made wine. Stop by their production room in Garden City or tasting bar downtown and grab a bottle (or two) for holiday host gifts.

 

This cozy, organic blanket is completely customized for your newest arrival - Photo courtesy of Growing Up Wild

For the Little Ones: Growing Up Wild $8-$55

The buttery-soft organic fabric used by Boise-based shop Growing Up Wild is a hit among little ones and their parents alike. Owner and maker Kelly Engel designs her own fabrics, many with Boise- and Idaho-inspired prints. Tiny shoes, hats, onesies, and blankets with brightly-colored patterns are sure to dazzle the kids on your list (and their parents). You can purchase Growing Up Wild products online on Engel’s Etsy shop or at Idaho Made downtown.

 

Every bag is locally roasted to order so you know it is fresh when it arrives - Photo courtesy of Hammer & Kettle

For the Caffeine Addict: Hammer & Kettle Coffee Subscription $16-$56

Boise coffee is booming, and now you can support local roasters without ever leaving your warm living room. Several local roasters, such as Hammer & Kettle Coffee, now offer “subscriptions”—much like a wine club for coffee. Give the gift of beans by mail and choose from subscription frequency options such as weekly, every other week, or monthly.

 

The 'Compass Explore Mug' to inspire your next adventure - Photo courtesy of lost little things

For the Wanderer: lost little things - Price Varies

Local maker Tara Dial has garnered a following in the Boise area with her laser-cut and screen-printed home goods, decor, games, gifts, and more. Her designs appeal to Northwest-lovers and adventurers in particular, since many of them feature Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as mountains and nature-inspired prints. Her Compass Goods line is the perfect place to find a gift for the camper, hiker, or adventurer on your list. Find lost little things at Idaho Made downtown, online, or through several other local stockists listed on their website.

 

Handcrafted soap and bath products inspired by the beauty of Idaho - Photo courtesy of Idaho Soap Company

For the One Who Needs Pampering: Idaho Soap Company $7-$20

Specialty soaps, skin care, bath bombs, and more are available through Idaho Soap Company for the person on your list who deserves a little pampering. Choose from gift sets and accessories to find a gift with just the right amount of local flair. Idaho Soap Company products are available online and in multiple Treasure Valley locations; see their website for the full list.

 

These 5x7 cards are perfect for a handwritten note to that special someone - Photo courtesy of The Dapper Jackalope

For the Kid at Heart: The Dapper Jackalope $12-$48

Local maker Kate Peterson considers herself a “professional doodler” and has made it her personal mission to bring out the inner kid in everyone. Her book, You’re Weird: A Creative Journal for Misfits, Oddballs, and Anyone Else Who’s Uniquely Awesome is a perfect gift for the doodlers in your life. Peterson’s products also include DIY Christmas ornament kits, funky prints, and more. Find Peterson’s work available online or at Idaho Made downtown.

 

Made from shade-grown green tea leaves, add macha to shakes, baked goods, and even cocktails - Photo courtesy of Wanna Matcha

For the Tea Drinker: Wanna Matcha $10-$50

Idaho’s first matcha shop, Wanna Matcha, has been slinging this highly nutritious, tasty green tea at the Boise Farmers Market and is now available at multiple Treasure Valley locations. Grab a bag of their premium organic matcha online or in a retail location, and pair it with a bamboo whisk to make a complete gift.

 

With so many talented entrepreneurs and artists in the Boise area, you’ll never have to leave your own backyard for gifts and treats. Don’t forget to grab something for yourself while you’re shopping small!

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