Edgy Mama: Buying local for your kids

If someone asked me what Asheville’s mantra is, I’d say, “Buy local.” It’s one of the many things I love about this town—the tremendous support for local businesses and locally made products. It isn’t always the easiest mantra to live by, but I think it’s worth the time to search out the unique and special goods and services produced in our community.

Recently, I’ve been looking for locally made gifts for kids for the fast-approaching holidays, and I want to share my finds with you. I’m sure there are folks I’ve missed, so if you know of others, add them in the comments section under this column at www.mountainx.com.

Here are a few locals who are living the craft dream and offering quality gifts for your little ones:

Crankypants: Amy Kett creates comfy kid clothes for her small online business, Crankypants. She says her most fabulous gift for kids this year is the new Crankypants Lounge Set. The pants are made from cotton flannel in three prints: Sage Skully, Sea Monkey and Super Stripey. An ultra-soft thermal T-shirt accompanies each pair of pants. The long-sleeved tees are hand-appliquéd with the same flannel print as the pants in fun shapes. Cost is $30-32. Sizes run from 2/3 to 6/7. Kett also makes one-of-a-kind sock monsters, fun bibs, and boo-boo beasties. Available from her Etsy shop at www.crankypantsknits.etsy.com and the main Crankypants site at www.crankypantshome.com.

Spotted Dog Farm: Sumner Smith not only lives and works on an organic berry and flower farm, but in her spare time, she makes crocheted animals that are a big hit with kids. She says, “They’ve got attitude and whimsy that attract kids, heirloom quality that adults appreciate, and they’re sturdy enough to stand up to the abuse kids hand out.” Her favorite for gifting is the dragon, made of 100-percent wool yarn and recycled felted sweaters. Each one is unique. Cost is $48 per dragon. You can purchase dragons, iguanas and more from her Web site at www.spotteddogfarm.net, or visit her at The City Market Holiday Bash on Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you’re there, you can purchase one of Sumner’s gorgeous handmade organic flower and grass wreaths.

The Modern Baby Company: Jesseca Bellemare uses bright contemporary fabrics to make baby bedding and accessories, which she now sells all over the world. For the baby in your life, you can mix and match crib sets, plush blankets, bibs, onesies, mobiles, quilts and pillows from Jesseca’s company. She suggests the plush blanket for holiday gift giving. “They are affordable, incredibly soft, and durable,” Jesseca says. Plush blankets cost $42 each and are available at through the business’ Web site at www.themodernbabyco.com.

Cozyblue: Liz Stiglets knits kids’ hats from super-soft merino wool in fun stripes, bold colors, and with a little “sprout” on top that “gives them an extra dose of cuteness.” The hats cost $25. Liz also makes dress-up crowns, which are made from 100-percent wool felt, which are then hand-appliquéd, embellished, and embroidered with a variety of fabulous designs. She says they’re great for birthdays, special occasions and everyday imaginative play. The crowns cost $30. She welcomes custom orders. Find Liz’ creations at www.cozyblue.etsy.com.

Scrumdidlyump: Katie Elkins, a potter and child educator, says her best present for kids is a DIY terrarium kit. “It’s great because the kids get to set it up however they like; it’s environmentally friendly, ever-changing, and low-maintenance,” she says. It costs $40, and includes a handmade clay animal—either a whale or a bird. Katie also makes lovely ceramic spoons, so if your kid’s old enough not to throw his utensils, check them out. They run $12-$16. Find Katie’s unique stuff at www.scrumdidlyump.etsy.com.

Happy local shopping!

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Edgy Mama: Buying local for your kids

  1. dave

    Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s kid-hop album “Easy” with accompanying coloring book by local artist David Hale is a great gift for the kiddies that parents can enjoy.

  2. meegan nolan cuzick

    Check out http://circlesandsquares.biz/ for adorable clothing for the kiddos and big people, too. It is hand screenprinted and designed by local artists David and Meegan Nolan Cuzick. This little mom and pop shop uses only sweatshop free 100% cotton blanks and all their designs are available on organic cotton, too. David and Meegan are inspired by their children, their childhood and recent dreams, and the oddities of nature. Check out their etsy site for gifts that are sure to become instant favorites!
    http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5037148

  3. Thanks, Meegan, for introducing us to your biz. Dave, great idea! Also, Billy Jonas’ new family friendly CD, “Happy Accidents,” hits local toy stores today (article in next week’s Mt. X).

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.