What makes a gift special? For us, it’s the story that makes something meaningful– who made this? How was it crafted? What is it made from? This time of a year is season of giving, whether for Christmas presents or souvenirs when visiting friends and family, and to help readers find something truly special NOW! Jakarta has curated a selection of brands and items that will make for a most meaningful gift.
All of these featured items are made in Indonesia: creations shaped by human hands, steeped in culture and made to last. From handcrafted jewellery to homewares spun from natural fibres and bags brewed from coffee waste, these are the gifts wrapped in meaning. Thoughtful, tactile, and quietly luxurious, they remind us that the best presents aren’t about luxury and excess, but intention.
Retota
Retota was founded to preserve and reintroduce Indonesia’s weaving heritage in a form that speaks to the modern world. Each textile is crafted by hand on traditional looms, a meticulous process that can take up to two months, ensuring every piece carries the depth and character of true craftsmanship. Inspired by the classic lurik weave, Retota reimagines traditional patterns into bold, contemporary designs defined by clean lines and modern colour palettes. The result is a collection that gracefully bridges heritage and modernity, where age-old artistry finds its way into today’s homes. From napkins and coasters to cushion covers and table runners, each item embodies the artisanal elegance of handmade work.
Made by Margaret Yap
Made by Margaret Yap Pottery-Ceramic Art Studio brings together the creative minds of Margaret Yap and Steven The, whose shared philosophy is rooted in treating clay as a living medium that can tell stories through form, glaze, and function. Margaret’s signature “bakmi swirls” capture her Chinese-Indonesian heritage and playful spirit, transforming everyday vessels into meaningful keepsakes. Meanwhile, Steven’s background as a chef informs his precision-driven craftsmanship, evident in his geometric patterns and rich glazes. Together, they create pottery that balances expression and utility.
La Vida HOME
A great gift is a thoughtful one. Something that is personal and lasting. La Vida’s handcrafted homeware embodies this spirit beautifully. Each piece is shaped from natural materials, from wood to seashells, and brought to life by the steady hands of artisans. Their Capiz & Bamboo Homeware Collection captures the serene allure of coastal living. Handcrafted using natural capiz shell and bamboo, materials prized for their subtle lustre and strength— the collection makes a truly elegant and practical present. From serving bowls to coasters and trays, every item is designed to delight, blending form and function with ease.
@lavidaindonesia | lavidaindonesiasatu@yahoo.com
Sancraft
Founded in 2010 by artist Sanjung, the brand began as a small home project powered by her mother’s sewing machine and has since grown into a beloved label with shops in Jakarta and Bali. Sancraft’s mission to celebrate Indonesia’s rich stories through illustration is reflected in each design. From the flutter of the Jalak Bali bird to the swirl of a Jakarta ondel-ondel, they all capture a piece of the archipelago’s soul with colour and wit. Every product is whimsical and crafted for daily use, not to mention that they’re also made with eco-conscious materials and designed to last far beyond the festive season. For those impossible-to-shop-for friends, Sancraft’s collection is a gallery of gems filled with ready-to-wrap delights from silky scarves to whimsical postcards.
Sepiring Indonesia
It’s Indonesia on a plate, literally. The vibrant, decorative crockery of this artistic brand brings the culture, colour and characters of the archipelago onto the dining room table. Founded by illustrator Eridanie Zulviana, or Erin, Sepiring Indonesia highlights the cultural diversity of the archipelago through the unique imagery chosen to reflect different regions. The uniqueness of each piece, be it plates, cups or trays, can intrigue family members to open conversations about culture and can be a cultural ambassador by introducing Indonesia to the world. These plates have actually been in high demand by expatriates as unique mementos and as symbols of emotional ties to their time in the country.
@sepiringindonesia | sepiringindonesia.com
Paisley Things
Established in Jakarta back in 2011, Paisley Things celebrates the mastery of local artisans through an eclectic collection of beautifully-handcrafted home décor. The mission behind Paisely Things is to help artisans remain in their respective villages where they can perpetuate their traditional skills, helping them buy becoming their access to buyers in Jakarta. This helps to reduce migration to large cities, and promote fair trade practices. Artisanal items range from delicately decorated glassware, ornaments and decor pieces, to hand-embroidered towels
At their shop or online, ceramic earrings.
@paisleythingsjakarta | paisleythings.com
Subeng Klasik
Founded by Diatri Mitha and Valeri Putri at the height of the pandemic, this Kemang-based brand was born from a love of Indonesian heritage and a desire to keep local craftsmanship alive. Inspired by the subeng, a traditional earring once exchanged as a secret token of affection, each piece revives stories of culture and connection. What began as Mitha’s private collection soon blossomed into a movement, championing artisans who turn metal into meaning. In a world where luxury often forgets its roots, Subeng Klasik remains timeless and anchored in tradition, but styled for today. Their pieces range from brooches, earrings, to even headpieces.
@subengklasik | @subengklasik.catalog
Studio Dapur
With a mission to regenerate the bamboo craftsmanship in Singaparna, a small village on the foothills of Mt. Galunggung, West Java, Studio Dapur presents a unique series of woven bamboo crafts. Utilising sustainable bamboo and inspired by local values and culture, the studio has revived an artisanal industry, bringing a craft economy back to the village. The brand is designed as a tribute to the women artisans who keep the tradition of bamboo weaving alive.
@studio.dapur | studiodapur.com
Bell Living Lab
Founded by biologists Semeru Gita Lestari and Arka Irfani in Bandung, this forward-thinking label transforms discarded coffee waste into sleek, sustainable materials that look and feel like premium leather, minus the guilt. Their collection of eco-conscious bags proves that sustainability can be quietly stylish, crafted with clean lines and understated sophistication. Each piece is made from Bell’s signature material derived from upcycled coffee pulp that creates a new generation of accessories that pair conscience with craftsmanship.
@bell_livinglab | belllivinglab.com
Wisma Cheshire
Yayasan Cheshire Indonesia is a home for differently-abled adults aimed at providing a safe and caring environment in which to live. Wisma Cheshire empowers their predominantly paraplegic residents by teaching practical skills that they can apply to make a living. With these skills the residents produce beautiful batik handcrafts and accessories, from bread baskets to wine bottle sleeves, aprons to oven gloves. Often bought as souvenirs or gifts, they add a sophisticated Indonesian touch to every household, whilst simultaneously providing income and employment opportunities for the Wisma residents.
@wismacheshire | wismacheshire.com
