It’s no secret: dads and dudes are notoriously hard to shop for. We get it, and we’re here to help. Here are some ideas anybody would love — including the “he/him” on your list.
Ren of Ren Butler Design creates art and gifts inspired by nature, camping, the Appalachian Mountains, roadside motels, and more. Class up a home office with one of her bold prints, and may we suggest a striking t-shirt featuring a fungi for a fun guy? (Sorry!)
(Virtual and in-person markets)
William Jackson of Jackson Creations combines themes of graffiti, science fiction, and Chinese and Japanese art forms to create functional pots with a sculptural/industrial vibe. Peruse out-of-this-world flasks, mugs, and more for the pickiest person on your list.
(Virtual and in-person markets)
Ricardo Solis of Costa Ricart is passionate about the planet, which inspired him to create art and gifts from reused and reclaimed materials, including bottle caps and bike maps! You’ll love his upcycled wallets, stickers, keychains and more.
(Virtual and in-person markets)
Speaking of upcycled, BicycleTrash is a treasure. This DC-based brand uses parts collected from local bicycle repair shops to create handcrafted durable goods and accessories. You’ll be boggled by to see former innertubes, recycled and living their best lives as high-quality shaving/toiletry bags, belts, and 6-pack carriers.
(Virtual market only)
As one of their t-shirt designs proclaims, Etna Print Circus is NOT SUBTLE, and that’s just what you’re going to love about them. They’re a local trans- and queer-owned garage-based print shop serving up clothing, paintings, comics, and visual art, with themes that include queer identity, animals, cult icons, “non-sports Pittsburgh pride” and more. After all, yinz is a gender-neutral pronoun. (They offer that line on a shirt, too!)
(Virtual and in-person markets)
Thank you to Handmade Arcade Winter Market sponsor ORIGINS.
ORIGINS supports and celebrates Black makers, designers, artists, and craftspeople starting and sustaining creative businesses in the Pittsburgh area.
