Looking to buy well-designed presents while at the same time supporting the local creative industry? Look no further. Here, Life picks some of the best local products from up-and-coming designers showcased at this year’s Chiang Mai Design Week.

NAA Design

NAA Design Based in Chiang Mai, NAA Design works with mostly wood and ceramic, blending them in a way to create a simple yet pleasing aesthetic. The brand develops their designs with local craftsmen from the North, emphasising the handmade with noble and natural materials. The Totem Teak Turquoise plant pots constituted one of their first designs. Mixing ceramics, stainless steel and solid teak together, , the set would make a perfect gift to those looking to add a little colour to their home. Totem Series Teak Turquoise: 28,000 baht, limited edition, numbered from 1-100.

SLOWSTITCH STUDIO

Slowstitch Studio’s one-of-a-kind indigo dyes and patterns come from a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. Based in Chiang Mai and sourced from hand-spun and hand-woven materials, the unpredictable nature of natural dyeing creates unique and individual patterns not found elsewhere. Each piece of textile goes through a meticulous, time-consuming process and is made by hand. Slowstitch crafts accessories, clothes and interior goods — so shoppers have a multitude of gifts to choose from. Scarves start at around 2,500+ baht.

BAY ONE

BAY ONE Know someone who needs to jazz up their workspace? Bay One produces office accessories using their own handmade terrazzo. Having worked with local craftsmen and artists to develop their terrazzo-making technique, the brand is passionate in exploring and re-imagining its use while at the same time cultivating the skills of local craftsmen. Card Holder 900 baht; Pencil Holder 1,400 baht; Bookends 1,100 baht; Set of all three 3,250 baht.

Gleamwood

Gleamwood’s whimsical handcrafted wooden jewellery would make the perfect gift for a quirky loved one. The owners’ passion for the material results in stunningly detailed and finely polished rings, earrings and pendants for both men and women. Not using any colours or dyes, Gleamwood selects woods of different colours, scents and textures to create the best possible product. They have a ton of collections to choose from, like the cute Wood a Life collection, featuring forest animals and flora, and the Gems collection, which looks more classic in terms of jewellery. Prices start at around 600 baht.

Mood : Mind : Body

Mood : Mind : Body’s products are perfect for those who love natural, organic soaps. Created out of the owner’s need to soothe her dry and allergy-prone skin , Mood : Mind : Body uses a cold-process soap-making technique that requires only water, natural oils and lye. The beautifully patterned bar soaps have different benefits, depending on ingredients used. For example, the Jewel of the Ocean soap consists of a mixture of fleur de sel, coconut oil, rice bran oil, palm oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, perfect for improving oily skin, removing bacteria and healing joint pain when bathed in. One soap bar starts at around 200+ baht.

Source：Bangkok Post