Unexpected Gifts from Boutique Brands Around the Globe

G. Viteri is a milliner from Ecuador devoted to sustainability, fair trade, and a unique handmade process. Their hats are made by local artisans using tropical rainforest plants and weaving techniques from ancient times.

Many options include whimsical embroidery (a cactus, chili peppers, an outline of the constellations) or embellishments (pom poms, ikat bands, grosgrain ribbon). The Havana Hat is a beautiful, minimal Panama hat, which despite its name is a style that comes from Ecuador.

To buy: $110; gviteri.com

If you close your eyes and breathe in one of Julian Bedel’s perfumes, it’s sure to transport you to the wild Argentinian landscapes from where each of the scent’s ingredients came. Fuegia was founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires, where Bedel was born and raised.

The land near the city and extending far into the different terrains of South America are fruitful sources of inspiration for each new fragrance. Cactus Azul is made of cactus flower, cedarwood, and Nanah mint. “In a garden facing the sea of Uruguay, a Cactus Flower discovers a corner to feel the soft coat of a sunbeam,” explains it’s description.

To buy: $315; fueguia.com

A globe-trotter founded Turkish brand Sanayi 313, with each shoe she creates containing the spirit of the world within it. While her factory sits just outside of Florence, and all embroidery and beading is done in Jaipur and Mumbai, the traditional design of Turkish slippers inspired each shoe.

To put on a pair of Sanayi shoes is to find yourself deep in the industrial neighborhoods of Istanbul, which are filled with shoe repair shops and dealerships. The Need Houndstooth Pointed Loafers feature an elegantly layered block heel, houndstooth print fabric, and colored spade embroidery.

To buy: $1,462; farfetch.com

Claus Porto is Portugal’s oldest luxury beauty brand, known for unique designs, gorgeous scents, and old-world craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted, wrapped in beautifully illustrated packaging and infused with fragrances that draw on the ingredients of local flora.

The Smart Rosa Classico soap is done in a rich pistachio oil and features scents from four different types of rose petals combined with peony, amber, and ambergris.

To buy: $24; clausporto.com

The Croft House creates high-quality knitwear in rural Aberdeenshire in the North East of Scotland. Each sweater is made of luxurious natural fibers and fabrics inspired by the heritage and colors of Scotland. The Men’s Fair Isle Brodgar Yoke Jumper is made of 100% wool, knitted in a chunky gauge with ribbed cuffs, hem, and low turtleneck.

To buy: € 110; thecrofthouse.com

Unique handbags make great unexpected gifts, but finding something that feels special without breaking the bank can be a tricky task. Georgian based brand 0711 has made this much more accessible. Each bag is handcrafted by artisans in Tbilisi using ancient Georgian knitting techniques and new modern materials.

The Copacabana bag, which is a structured top handle, has become a signature style for the two founders who launched the company in 2012 with a collection of mid-price pieces. The medium Copa features an acrylic construction with beige and brown yarn and a tan front tassel.

To buy: $660; farfetch.com

Stories of Italy is a Milan-based design studio, which focuses on self-handling pieces created using traditional Italian techniques and materials.

These mouth-blown Murano glasses were crafted by one master and two assistants, taking four hours to be made. The surface is decorated by applying several layers of colorful pigments and patterns of spots. They punctuate everyday tableware with vibrant color.

To buy: $170; artemest.com

The bulk of Swedish brand Iris Hantverk’s business is brush binding manufacturing. It is done in Sandsborgsvägen, Enskede where 6 visually impaired craftsmen from different cultures make brushes according to old Swedish traditions.

The face brush is done in an oiled walnut with dark horse hair. It is meant to be used with water and soaps to clean and exfoliate the skin with soft circular movements. Dry and wet brushes are the perfect unexpected beauty gift to give. They improve skin tone by removing dead skin, increase circulation and produce soft, healthy skin with reduced wrinkles.

To buy: $25; irishantverk.se

Lithuanian brand Linen Tales takes inspiration from daily life in the ancient Lithuanian countryside and old folktales centered on flax cultivation. Keeping true to old traditions, each piece is made modern with soft textures and unique colors and prints.

The bed sheets are hypoallergenic with incredible thermo-regulation and breathability. While gifting bed sheets is seemingly ordinary, Linen Tales are guaranteed to bring inspiration, charm and a bit of unique Lithuanian heritage.

To buy: $108; linentales.com

House slippers for the holidays aren’t a novel idea, but when they’re made in Kyrgyzstan by female artisans paid a fair wage they’re sure to feel special. Kyrgies are handmade using centuries-old felting techniques.

All the artisans are part of woman-run art collective and use only natural, locally sourced wool felt.

To buy: $49; kyrgies.com