It goes without saying that anything you pick up from Louisiana craftsmen’s galleries or museums is special. These can be your go-to shops, not just for those who have everything, but for those you care about the most. These are gifts uniquely created by local artisans admired for their superior skills and are at the height of their craft, and their creations are always welcomed.
For original gifts you won’t find anywhere else, enjoy browsing our gift guide below to find authentic Louisiana creations.
Louisiana Crafts Galleries
Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery
219 E. Vermilion Street
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
(337) 266-7999
333 Canal Street Store 206
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 592-7633
Call or check their website for gallery hours and description.
Wood Designs
For a truly one-of-a-kind piece for your home, what could be more original than a handcrafted accent formed out of salvaged wood from, of all places, “overflowing dumpsters of lumber” in and around New Orleans?
Depending on your heritage and style, this is one case where the origin of the materials may just be more meaningful than the finished product itself. Whether you choose an item that has been repurposed as a frame, storage container, side table or an irresistible statement of table or wall art, you can be certain that your new treasure was constructed from locally salvaged lumber that was once a physical part of southeastern Louisiana’s heritage.
Ceramics
If you love ceramics, or know someone who does, you know this is an art with endless possibilities for creativity. Whatever your (or your recipient’s) taste, you will find it at the crafts galleries.
Whether it’s a surprisingly bold or whisper soft color, the subtle or “out there” statement it exudes, it’s all about the personality, sense of humor, and knowledge of the designer. From its use as a fruit bowl, wall art, mug, table accent, conversation piece or a thousand other possibilities, a gift of ceramics is a personal statement that you or the person you’re gifting will likely keep for a lifetime.
Earth-Inspired/Metal Jewelry
There’s nothing like the look or feel of a special piece of organic jewelry, inspired by nature.
After carefully designing the look of each individual piece, jewelry artisans may start with raw stones to be affixed to metal settings of sterling silver, brass, copper, gold, platinum or rhodium (for rings or earrings) or, in the case of a necklace or bracelet, paired with a leather cord. After the stone or stones are placed, the whole piece is polished and aged for a natural look.
Wildly popular and beautiful to wear, It is the believed healing power of these organic crystals and stones—and the satisfaction of metal working—that brings a deeper measure of satisfaction to artisans, hoping that each and every piece is genuinely a work of inspiration for its owner.
Clay Artists
Clay sculpting requires the multidimensional talents of a keen vision to imagine a finished piece, along with carving, shaping, and molding skills, not to mention a great deal of patience. Add an excellent eye for color and a “feeling” for glazing, and the possibilities are endless.
Louisiana’s crafts shops offer three-dimensional clay pieces that inspire, catch your eye and are not only beautiful artwork, but serve functional roles all around your home. Discover a multitude of colorful pieces guaranteed to make you smile, including vases, mugs, cups, mixing bowls, serving bowls, spoon rests, salt and pepper shakers, bird feeders, and even happy faces, all wheel-thrown and hand carved, then finished with colorful glazes.
1850 House Museum Store
523 St. Ann Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
The store is open daily 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Friends of the Cabildo operates the 1850 House Museum Store, the official gift shop for the Louisiana State Museum properties in New Orleans. Here you’ll find handmade art, jewelry, pottery, and crafts by local artists, along with books, exhibit-related merchandise, and more.
The store boasts seven gift collections of unique offerings you won’t find together anywhere else. Click on each one to discover an extraordinary assortment of all things New Orleans.
Book Collection
Capture the spirit of New Orleans through these books, dubbed as “The best collection of New Orleans books in the French Quarter.” Choose from titles that celebrate the remarkable history of this area, including places to eat, the Creole culture, the bar scene, legends and lore, Hurricane Katrina, ghost stories, architecture, and much more.
Lagniappe Collection
“A little something extra” is always welcomed, and this collection features unique gifts, apparel, home goods, tote bags, ornaments, maps of old Louisiana, architectural prints, and more.
New Orleans Architecture Collection
Collect all nine volumes of the New Orleans Architecture Series, published by the Friends of Cabildo and more than 25 years in the making.
Jewelry Collection
New items are added daily to this fine collection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cuffs, and pins handmade by 11 local artists, three others across the United States, and one from Mexico.
Children’s Collection
Choose from Louisiana-themed books (about sports, history, language, ghost stories, etc.) by local authors, souvenir-type toys, socks, and more.
Sterling Silver Collection
New York native William Spratling came to New Orleans in the 1920s to begin a new position as an architecture instructor for Tulane University, and wound up as a renowned jewelry designer when he went to the Mexican village of Taxco to work with artisans to create a glittering collection of jewelry. Today you can purchase his jewelry designs still handmade using his original tools, molds, and methods.
Discount Collection
This collection includes books discounted because of older versions, damaged covers or those that have come from other shops or libraries that are no longer open. All sale items are new and never used before. All sales are final.
Hilliard Art Museum
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
710 East St. Mary Boulevard
Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
(337) 482‐2278
The Hilliard Museum Store offers a great selection of toys, art activity sets, stationery, sketchbooks, jewelry, and home decor. You’ll also find unique handcrafted gifts and consignment pieces from artists from around Louisiana, as well as educational publications related to exhibitions and collections on display.
The children’s section offers hands-on activities that inspire creativity, a perfect space for kids to relax and play while adults shop.
Alexandria Museum of Art
933 Second Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
(318) 443-3458
If you love museums and shopping, remember to visit the gift shop at the Alexandria Museum of Art, where you can take home unique handmade art and specialty products crafted by local and regional artists.
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