The holidays are just around the corner and our team here at Lakebound has been working hard on the Lakebound Holiday Gift Guide. This year, we're featuring eight wonderful, creative small businesses that celebrate the outdoors and a sense of place, just like we do.

We're thrilled to present the best sellers from American Skillet Company, Capeology, Kula Cloth, Lakebound Candle Co., Rainier Watch, Shore Society, True North Map Co., and Winnebago Paddles. Have a look. There's something here for everyone on your gift list. And you'll be supporting small businesses all over the country to boot!

 American Skillet Company is an artisan-run cast iron cookware company based in Madison, WI. Founded in 2012 by owners Alisa Toninato and Andrew McManigal, the company specializes in the design and production of state shaped cast iron skillets. Each skillet is proudly made in small batches at a local Wisconsin foundry with the touch of artisan hands all along the production chain; from casting to pre-seasoning, and fulfillment.

The state shaped skillets are as beautiful as they are functional. Serve up your state pride with a warm helping of dinner casserole, sweet cinnamon buns on Sunday, hot cheesy dip on game day, or finish things off with a dessert baked to perfection with friends. The pre-seasoned cast iron cookware will create all of your favorite regional dishes with a new tradition of serving it up inside something that makes you smile. Leave a lasting impression with guests and family members for years to come, and let the state shaped skillets adorn your kitchen walls as décor in between use.

- Alisa Toninato, founding owner & metal artist

Capeology was created to share the beauty of Cape Cod. Through our photos and jewelry, our business was designed to transport you to the Cape & the islands. Our social media platform is a place where we also advertise and help local small businesses grow their brand awareness & social presence.

- Samantha, Owner

Do you squat when you pee? Then Kula Cloth® is for you! This is more than just a cloth. This is the product of years of obsessing over a way to create a pee cloth that solves all of the problems of traditional pee cloth options. It is a real piece of gear (not an afterthought scrap or remnant of fabric) created out of a love for the community of people we serve and love for the wilderness experiences we seek. Kula is perfect for all of life's adventures... you can even use it at home as a zero waste alternative!

The Kula Cloth® has these unique features that make it an extremely intentional piece of gear:

• super absorbent (absorbs 10x its weight in water!) and soft

• advanced silver-infused, antimicrobial fabric

• eco-friendly non-toxic materials (Bamboo Viscose, Cotton, Organic Cotton, Polyester)

• durable and waterproof 'clean' side so your hand doesn't get wet

easily snaps to backpack using plastic snaps

• 'double snap' allows cloth to hang while folded in half (so it doesn't touch pack and/or get dirty on the trail

• easy to clean or rinse and quick to dry

• retro-reflective thread detail for locating it at night with your headlamp

• size is approximately 5.5x5.5 inches (note: the stock print Kulas are slightly smaller than the artist series/custom Kulas)

• weight per cloth is .5oz

• proudly made in the USA

- Anastasia Allison, Founder

Lakebound Candle Co. is an artisan candle studio in Sonoma County, California. Our hand-poured candles are creafted in small batches with simple ingredients: American grown soy wax, phthalate-free premium fragrance and essential oil blends and cotton wicks. We strive to create thoughtful, quality products that bring light and love into customers' homes.

I've always been drawn to the water, the love and beauty surrounding it and the people I've met there. Some of my most cherished childhood memories were created at the lake with my family. At twelve years old I met the man who would later become my husband at Lake Pillsbury—a place my parents have been going since they were dating in high school. Now, with a family of our own, we carry on our love for the lake by creating countless memories built around trips to different lakes throughout Northern California.

A sunset cruise along the glassy water, sitting around a campfire with friends, cocktails on the dock... our most treasured moments are tied to emotions that our sense of smell can help evoke. We hope our candles help to ignite a once forgotten memory while inspiring you to create new ones.

- Lea Cram, Owner

Rainier Watch makes quality mountain inspired goods (like hats, tees, shirts, & stickers) and spreads Mount Rainer love throughout the PNW and beyond! A portion of all purchases is donated to protecting the lands that inspire us, our National Parks. 

- David, Founder

Inspired by the rustbelt-nautical aesthetic of Ohio's shores, Shore Society seeks to reflect this unique lakefront lifestyle. Our products are hand-created for stylish lake lovers, boaters, and beach goers from coast to coast. Founded in 2012 by designer Rachael Koenig, the brand features a range of apparel, prints, and accessories that are perfectly giftable this holiday season.

- Rachael Koenig, owner + designer

True North Map Company offers navigational canoe maps crafted from sweat-wicking, UV-blocking, ultra soft fabric. Each map is 25"x24½" and can be worn, shoved in a pocket or tied on a pack. Built from the latest and most up to date GIS data from multiple sources, True North Maps are guide reviewed and field tested, made in Wisconsin.

Maps include Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Quetico National Park and more! Head to Truenorthmapco.com to find the perfect gift for map enthusiasts and adventurers alike! Wall maps, apparel and gift cards also available.

10% of all proceeds go to support Save the Boundary Waters in their efforts to spread awareness and ensure the legacy of BWCAW from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining on its borders.

- Jerod Arlich and Joe Spadino, Founders

Winnebago Paddles is a custom canoe and kayak paddle manufacturer that specializes in exotic wood species and unique paddle designs. In total, over 100 different wood types have been used, ranging from common domestic species like cherry, walnut, and maple to less common exotic species such as redheart, paela, and leopardwood. At Winnebago Paddles, wood sustainability is also a top priority; by adding some creativity to cutoff wood remnants, virtually no materials go to waste and some truly innovative designs are created. All paddles are 100% handcrafted and are equally at home on the water for paddling or in the home on display. 

- Kevin and Justin, Owners

Of course, the gift guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning a few of Lakebound's own products. We know our maps aren't a substitute for the lake, but maybe they'd bring a smile to the favorite lake lover in your life who couldn't take their usual vacation this year. We recently launched some fabulous new products that would make excellent gifts: pillows, blankets, and beach towels. All of our maps look beautiful on these home decor items and your friends and family are sure to be thankful when they find themselves the lucky recipients!

- Mary, Owner

While we've done our best to make sure the products we feature in this gift guide will arrive in time for Christmas, shipping times are especially uncertain this year. They can vary based on where you live, what you purchase, and how quickly you need the item(s). Please shop early and don't forget to double check the retailers' websites for detailed shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time!