Americana Christmas 2022 Gift Guide
Ben Ashby
I haven’t done a Christmas gift guide in years, usually someone else from the team does them…I give a list of brands I like and topics to hit and a series of gift guides is created from there, but this year I wanted it to be more personal. I wanted it to be goods and items that I really do love and use and for the most part already own. A couple of the items on this list are dream goods, but hey, without dreams we tend to become a bit Scrooge like.
This year the main theme is simple…an Americana Christmas. It has been a long year here at the farm and I am really having to force the Christmas spirit, but hey, fake it til you make it…but I do have a love of American made, so in many ways this is a bit cathartic.
The rules for this gift guide are simple…nine of my favorite goods that I own or dream of owning (the motorcycle) and are made in the U.S. I did try to make a point to include brands we’ve done stories on in the past as we continue our 10 years of FOLK.
1) Escape Weekender by Forestbound
I have carried this weekend for the past year and lusted after it since we first fell in love with Forestbound a decade ago. The bag, made by hand in New England is one that just always looks effortlessly good in photo and is the perfect size for a weekend road trip or to throw in the car. Cabin vibes not included, but will inspire you to escape. So long Daisy Mae. | ORDER HERE
2) Country Boot by Mark Albert Boots
I have worn Mark Albert Boots for years, since I first was introduced to them at an American Field trade show. This final collection of boots features boots that were made in Italy, but for years the Mark Albert mission has been to produce top quality boots in rural Western Pennsylvania. While I will miss the brand I am glad that I have collected so many pairs over the years and I can assure you that you need a pair of these boots for yourself. | ORDER HERE
3) Halcyon 250 by Janus Motorcycles
To be totally fair I would settle for any of these motorcycles. I have lusted after everything Janus makes for years. Each bike is made by hand in Indiana. The brand is known for their attention to detail and their classic feel. For me each motorcycle has such a timeless look and feel that I dream daily of having one on a beautiful oversized rug in my studio. | ORDER HERE
4) Suede Jacket by Todd Snyder
Okay it isn’t made in America, it is made in Italy, but when you want an incredibly well made suede jacket Italy is where you go. If you know me you know I have a full on obsession with Todd Snyder. I love everything the brand releases, I love their shops, I love their style and quality, and I love the classic Americana feel the brand carries in such an effortless way. I wear something by Todd Snyder almost daily. | ORDER HERE (or better, visit one of their stores)
5) Roll Neck Sweater by Whalerknits
A few weeks ago I was walking out of Sault in Boston and one of these sweaters caught my eye. I fell in love and have dreamt of it daily. The sweaters are made in New England by Whalerknits, a brand that has been creating quality sweaters in the US for over 100 years. It feels and looks endlessly and iconically Americana. | ORDER HERE
6) Laurel Crocks by Farmhouse Pottery
For years I have loved Farmhouse Pottery and I do have a good bit of it around the farmhouse. I love the luxury feel of each piece. I also love that we know it is all made by hand in America. Each piece feels like a piece you will carry from generation to generation. I typically go for the more homespun feel of their classic pieces, the ones thrown by hand in their Woodstock, VT studio, but this Christmas I am in love with these crocks that feel like ones I have been collecting in antique stores for years. | ORDER HERE
7) The Bellfield Tote in Pine by FOUNT
If you’ve been around me you know I always have my FOUNT tote close. Since I first saw one of their pieces at a Country Living Far nearly a decade ago I have been blown away by their commitment to making the very best American made bags. This new pine color is a fun change of tradition for the Christmas season. | ORDER HERE
8) Baskets by Longaberger
Longaberger baskets are an institution that just about any child of the 90s grew up surrounded by. To me they represent the perfect throwback to 90s country culture in the very best way. Each basket is handmade in central Ohio like they have been for decades. | ORDER HERE
9) Tents by Stout
I have had two of these tents standing in my garden all year and had one in my yard until December’s tornado took it away. I love these tents, not just because they’re fun additions to any yard, but because they’re aesthetically pleasing and add unexpected flair to your yard, farm, forest, or garden. | ORDER HERE
This is just the beginning. Each day will bring a new gift guide for the Christmas season. Merry Christmas and please remember to shop small!