It’s been, to say the least, a weird year. You might not celebrate the holidays the same way you always have, but if you’re still on the lookout for gifts, I’ve got you covered.
All the artists or brands featured on this list have online stores or offer contactless pick-up. Either way, mask up this holiday season. Let’s not add to the mounting Covid toll. Happy shopping.
Hand-Painted Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers by Frank Anthony – $250
Artist Frank Anthony works under the idea that anything is a canvas. These chrome-style Nike Air Force 1s are among several designs the artist has handpainted onto the classic Nike shoes. Men’s and women’s sizes available.
Decorative Painted Vinyl by Cadence Hodes – Prices Vary
The perfect gift for your favorite music lover. In an interview with Artitouille last spring, Cadence Hodes said she could spend over 20 hours meticulously hand painting records new and old. Pricing depends on size: 7″ records cost $125; 12″ records are $225. Contact Cadence on her Instagram for more details.
STLiens Tee by Black.Clothing – $25
Black.Clothing began in 2015 with a mission to preserve Blackness and community through clothing. Currently, the brand is raising money for Kidz of Joy, a childcare center in Ferguson. Check out Black.Clothing’s website for more T-shirt and hoodie options.
Incense Holder by Nova Vita – $35
Local artist Avery Callan began her business, Nova Vita, in 2015 as a sophomore in high school. The brand is more widely known for its clay jewelry, but the incense holders Avery designs are equally gorgeous.
A Photo Print by Artistic Visuals – $20
Few photographers have captured St. Louis the same way Artistic Visuals has. The photographer digitally edits stunning colors onto his photos of St. Louis. All of Artistic Visuals’ prints are printed on high gloss paper with archival pigment inks for vibrant colors. Framing options available.
St. Louis Sweatshirt by WORK/PLAY at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis – $45
WORK/PLAY is an interdisciplinary design studio in St. Louis founded by Kevin and Danielle McCoy. In their work, they combine minimal contemporary design with experimental printmaking techniques. This sweatshirt of their design comes in sizes XS to 2XL.
Britney Spears Ornament at Golden Gems – $16
Iconic.
‘Make Cool Shit Take No Shit’ Tee from Golden Gems – $32
The perfect gift for the artist in your life. This tee has a unisex fitting and comes in sizes small through 4XL.
RBG Tote by Onward! Designs at Union Studio – $24
This screen-printed portrait of the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg reads “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Long live the queen. Check out more feminist paraphernalia on Onward! Designs’ (Mary Grayson Batts) Etsy page.
Saint Louis Marauder’s Map by St. Louis Fantasy Maps at Union Studio – $20
This Harry Potter-inspired map plots all of St. Louis City’s neighborhoods, but unfortunately, it won’t magically show you where whom you seek to find is. The map features a hand-stamped wax seal and measures 8.5″x11″.
Coloring Therapy Book by Jasmine Raskas – $12
Abstract painter Jasmine Raskas wrote and illustrated this coloring book as a “guide to surviving the apocalypse.” The book contains 12 pages for coloring based on Jasmine’s original paintings, as well as other space dedicated for journal prompts.
Saint Louis Soul Variety Pack by STL Style – $14.95
Represent our city with pride. This five pack includes a Saint Louis pin, magnet, sticker, patch and keychain. STL Style (3159 Cherokee St.) is offering free shipping for all orders made now until Christmas Eve.
St. Louis Sewer Cover Doormat by STL Style – $34.95
STL Style’s sewer mat is machine washable and can be used in the kitchen or bathroom in addition to a doorstep. The store is offering free shipping for all orders now until Christmas Eve.
Hazey Dazey Earrings by MindFlowers – $32
Each of MindFlower’s bold, psychedlic designs will help any retro fashionista “flower their power” through the holidaze. Designer Oliva Cupp crafts each MindFlower piece in her home studio alongside husband and photographer, Jairo Villa. These Hazey Dazey Earrings come in a variety of colors and sizes.
St. Louis Cardinals Kids Tee by Cbabi Bayoc – $22.50
Designed by muralist and painter Cbabi Bayoc, this tee is the perfect fit for any little Cardinals fan.
“A Year in the City” St. Louis 2021 Calendar by Janet Muhm – $26
The fourth “A YEAR IN THE CITY” calendar designed by long-time St. Louisan Janet Muhm. “A YEAR IN THE CITY” is an annual celebration of St. Louis. Twelve “visual stories” of iconic St. Louis landmarks illustrate each month with Janet’s simple yet fully encapsulating style.
Blown Glass Ornament by Third Degree Glass Factory – $30
Third Degree Glass Factory (5200 Delmar Blvd.) is open 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for store pickup. The “Marine” ornament pictured above is among several of Third Degree Glass Factory’s studio ornaments all costing the same price.
‘Starry Night’ St. Louis Skyline Print by Laura Thomson – Prices Vary
If I were clever enough to think of a Van Gogh pun, I’d write it here. Gogh get this print? I think I’ll stop there. This “Starry Night”-inspired painting of St. Louis’ skyline is available in 8″x10″ paper prints ($15) or 16″x20″ canvas prints ($65).
A Photo Session with Naisha Bailey-Johnson – Prices Vary
You might recognize Naisha Bailey-Johnson’s name from the national news coverage she received earlier this year for her photo project on Black fatherhood. The photographer offers a variety of photoshoots from maternity to custom sessions. Fourty-five to 60 minute outdoor or indoor sessions start at $349.
A Print by KneeHigh Prints – $40-$50
Nick Nihira of KneeHigh Prints laces everyday objects or scenes with elements of the bizarre. “Shark Ramen” (pictured above) is 19″x25″ and costs $50.
Ibis Necklace from Civil Alchemy – $44
In Egyptian mythology, the Ibis bird symbolizes luck and good fortune–something one could use after the dumpster fire that was 2020. Civil Alchemy (8145 Big Bend Blvd.) offers delivery or curbside pickup.
Face Masks by Michael Drummond – Prices Vary
We’ve been in this pandemic for far too long to deny that facemasks are now a part of our everyday look. Masks fashioned by local designer Michael Drummond feature chic designs on moisture-wicking fabric. Price varies by design. The mask pictured above costs $34. Children’s sizes available.
10 Ounce Candle by Boda Clay – $36
This soy wax candle designed by Molly Svoboda of Boda Clay is available in two all-natural fragrances: palo santo and sage, oakmoss and cedar.
A Print by Mad Trip Designs – $15-$30
As Michael Doherty’s brand name suggests, the artist’s work under Mad Trip Designs are nothing short of trippy. Pictured above is “Reconnect,” screen-printed by Michael. Pickup options available.
Leather Journal by Soul Survivor – $75
Perfect or the writer or sketch artist in your life. Steve and Kay Rye have been fashioning artisan leatherworks in St. Louis since 1985. You can find these leather journals at their store, Soul Survivor (7401 Manchester Rd.).
Dad Cap by Arch Apparel – $25
Arguably the easiest option for that person who’s hard to shop for. These cotton hats come in 11 different colors and would make a good gift for pretty much anyone.
A Suggestion
This holiday season, think of where your help can be used the most and donate to a local charity or food bank. The St. Louis Area Foodbank allows donors to make donations in someone else’s name, as does Operation Food Search and several other local organizations.
Stay healthy, St. Louis. Happy holidays!
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