The North Pole has nothing on the makers of the North Coast. This town is filled with all kinds of tinkering elves working hard in their workshops for the holidays. Although most of them don’t make actual toys, they do have a wide range of handmade goods that are fun for kids of all ages — even the grownup ones.
Using the new Maker Town app to find ideas, I took a look around and made a list of six clever creations you can only find in Cleveland.
Build your own list by downloading the app on your mobile phone from Apple or Google, and then add any maker you like to your favorites page.
1. Robbie The Robot
This upcycled bookshelf buddy is Cleveland’s version of “Elf on the Shelf.” Made from repurposed wood scraps and leather discards from a purse maker, wooden robots by Shannon Marie Makes are available as sitting sculptures, ornaments, bottle toppers and keychains.
2. Petite Bows for Little Ones
Born from a desire to dress up their newest family member, a mother and daughter duo began sewing understated, classic bows for all occasions. Now, Ever Iris Designs has taken off and offers a wide collection of accessories, including bow ties for boys!
3. Orange Nugget Stuffed Animal
Hand-sewn furry little friends can go anywhere you go when you roam The Land. Colorful plush toys by Cool Critters are lovable couch companions that are always ready for adventure. Let your special critter show off its unique personality by adding your own clips and caps.
4. Knitted Pillow Covers
Sustainable home textiles in bold, playful patterns are the perfect choice for anyone with babies! The Growl Pillow cover by Ditto House is not too scary and just fun enough for your family room. Even better to know that every one of this maker’s products are created with recycled, re-fiberized cotton that would’ve ended up in a landfill otherwise.
5. The Cut-Off Hoodie
Super-comfy everyday kids wear is coming out of Cleveland by the makers at Mrly. With 19 years of fashion retail experience at Abercrombie & Fitch, these founders launched a full collection of home grown, high-quality kid clothing born out of their passion for family.
6. What A Mess! A Pop-Up Misadventure Book
Foster a love of reading AND art when you give a book with a bang on every page. Professional illustrator and paper engineer, Keith Allen, spent 15 years in product design at American Greetings, and then ventured into self-publishing to bring an exciting collection of stories to Cleveland and beyond.