Twas the weeks before Christmas, and the network across,
Coworkers in Workbar have themselves as a boss.
Their children and loved ones (the holiday’s essence,)
Hope against hope for some quality presents.
From network locations comes a unique gift guide:
Things you can write on, can wear, and can ride.
These locally-sourced, or member-made treasures,
Come from our network, and give genuine pleasures.
They’ll pique your interest, you sly, savvy shopper,
Outfitting your people for the holidays, proper.
This Workbar Network Gift Guide features a roundup of gifts that are either made by members, or by a small business in a Workbar neighborhood.
* As a special Workbar perk, the following vendors have offered a discount for online purchases with the code WORKBAR2015: Of Note Stationers, Zootility Tools, Erava Designs, Partner Projects Studio, Shara Porter, and Oofos. Look for the asterisk* below.
Workbar Boston:
Recently acquired by Elizabeth Arden, Manicube has revolutionized grooming and nail care, bringing manicure and barber services to your office. A Manicube gift card could transform a lunch break, and a look.
Aptly-named bike accessory manufacturers Fortified have applied their sturdy design philosophy to their new “Invincible” city bike. The Kickstarter is live, and looks amazing.
Workbar Cambridge:
The wallet-sized multi-tools from Cambridge Workbar members Zootility * are a slam-dunk of a present. “Incredibly useful, insanely thin, and made in the USA.”
The fun, stylish 3D-printed jewelry from Cambridge-based Erava Designs* is the perfect vessel for your creativity and expressions. Each printed bangle has a special space to hold writing, doodles or poems, making them the perfect gift. Each purchase comes with a set of water-resistant Life Paper.
Workbar Union:
Of note near Somerville is Workbar Union-based Of Note Stationers*, crafting cards that are “odes to those oft-overlooked moments.” Sincere and clever holiday, gift, and confetti cards can speak volumes.
On Sunday, December 13, Workbar Union will host a Pop-Up Holiday Market as part of Union Square Main Streets' Holiday Stroll. We'll have live music, awesome local vendors, and plenty of holiday treats and refreshments to welcome you in from the cold. Vendors include Ministry of Supply, Of Note Stationers, Artemis Design Co, Zootility Tools, and more.
Workbar Union member Chas Wagner has the perfect gift ideas for sports fans. "Rally creates products and experiences that celebrate the culture and history of Boston sports. Akin to knowing your local farmer, brewer or baker, we want to be your local sports producer. We’ll do our very best to make everything here in Boston and the state of Massachusetts, but we will not compromise on our Made in America standards."
Groundwork! New Bedford:
Local artist Timothy Ellis Cole is currently gracing the walls of Groundwork! with a beautiful mural. He sells great t-shirts, scarves, prints, and other cool stuff, with a Massachusetts/ maritime theme here, at Partner Projects Trading Post*.
Shara Porter* is a local New Bedford artist who makes beautiful purses, wallets, and card holders printed with unique animals, trees, and other motifs. Seriously cool accessories, with a wry dash of personality.
New Bedford's favorite holiday pop-up store is in its second season. Run by Groundwork! member Shelley Cardoos, Craftorama features a hand-curated selection of the best locally-made artisan gifts.
Work Station Cohasset:
The kind souls behind Oofos have engineered footwear that undoes gravity's daily beating. Based in Work Station, but available worldwide, the gift of Oofos can bring happiness to your (door)step.
UMass Lowell Innovation Hub:
Mill No. 5 is a hip collection of businesses (and frequent event collaborator) across the street from the Innovation Hub coworking space. Check out the commerce in this renovated former textile factory: music, style, art, food, music, design, apothecaries and more.
Another neighbor of UMass Lowell’s is Western Avenue Studios, the largest artist conclave under one roof in the Northeast. Find artists in the area for an inspired gift, or take advantage of the Open House December 12-13, with over 300 artists in one place.
Lowell’s national park was the first urban national park in the nation. Shop the online store for the tasteful ranger on your list.
About the Author: Dave Gentry is a fan of progress and recess. He believes in old English, new fortune cookies and he answers to #davertido.
