Zesty's Indie Gift Guide for 2015!

It's holiday time and that means giving!

Zesty loves to support independent creatives and craftspeople, and we think you do, too. Because the internet, we're thinking #localisglobal. We've curated a group of grassroots up and coming designers and craftspeople who can send your gifts anywhere in the world!

When you purchase their original creative work, you are supporting entrepreneurs, artists and gamechangers. Feel good about where you drop your dollars this holiday season - take a click!

CC Star

CC Star is in love with color! The enamel work is flawless and the designs make you smile. Artist and jewelry maker Celeste Christie is behind this shop and her sense of joy and attention to detail are in every handmade piece - she makes perfection look easy! This year CC Star has Christmas ornaments for your tree, too!

From December 1-25, check in daily for CC Star's ADVENT SALE! Each day, one item will be discounted 25%! Like the CC Star Facebook Page to get notified of sale items.

On Etsy: CC Star


FreezeRay Press

The brainchild of poet-preneur Rob Sturma, FreezeRay Press is the place to go for all your pop culture poetry needs. St. Vincent-inspired poems - they got you. Latest release - Again I Wait to Pull Apart - is edited by the brilliant Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib.

First 100 orders get a custom FreezeRay Press guitar pick! Be quick about it!

Books are forever gifts that grow and get better with time - put some on your list!

FreezeRay Press website



House of Divinity

Longtime one of my favorite jewelry makers, Araceli Silva combines an elegant design sense with a holistic approach to life. Her jewelry is eloquent - it perfectly describes its wearer. I get compliments every time I wear one of her designs. The new lotus necklace is on my list!

If you are SoCal local, HoD is taking part in this open studios event in Boyle Heights the 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd. You can try things on and meet her!

On Etsy: House of Divinity 


Planet Lucid 

Designer Ryan Spence has been raising his game for a while now. The Brooklyn Faces collection is it for me -- great design fueled by a grounded sense of community. For the guys on your list, the camo t is what to give. I'm all about the pencil skirt, and I'm sure no one on your list can resist a tote bag.

Planet Lucid website



Upper Metal Class

Upper Metal Class knows sleek is sexy. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed with intention and beautifully crafted in your choice of metals. This great lookbook gives you a sense of designer T. Ngu's inspirations and style - her designs accent you, they let you come through, they don't demand who you are.

Last day for holiday orders to get there by Christmas is December 15th.

For Zesty readers!!!!! 25% off coupon code: ZESTY25
Upper Metal Class website


We hope you find the great and personal gifts you are looking for and wish you peaceful holidays and a beautiful 2016.

The Alternative to Corporate Black Friday Shopping Guide (Part 2 - Sounds)

Wondering how to avoid the machine on Black Friday weekend?

Go indie.

SOUNDS

Soundcloud.  Bandcamp.  LastFm.  All of these and, yes, even iTunes, will get you plugged in to distinctly un-corporate music.  It's great to listen to up and coming acts on Spotify or Pandora, but take the extra step and support the artists by putting money in their wallets!  Some of my favorites...

KAL LAVELLE - Fantastic voice and songwriting, the aptly-named Shivers EP gives a hint of things to come from the wonderful Kal.

ELEVATERS - I.  Just.  Love.  This.  Band.  

KEVIN SANDBLOOM - The tireless troubadour has just recreated Joni Mitchell's Blue album - cover to cover - for its 40th anniversary.

ALI WHITTON - Ali's gorgeous new EP Ruapehu is available now.  Here's a sneak peak:

DEF SOUND - Don't sleep on Def Sound.  You may wake up wondering what happened.

KCRW  is just perfect.  LA's local NPR station has an awesome line-up of DJ's, as well as provocative and fun cultural programming.  Membership is inexpensive, comes with a load of levels and benefits, and even if you're not an Angeleno, you can get everything KCRW has to offer live streaming and archived on their website! Not to mention Eclectic 24 a separate 24-hour streaming music channel!  G'won!