The Akron Eight: Our Picks for the Coolest Gifts

EQD pedal

EarthQuaker Devices makes quality effects pedals, one-at-a-time, by hand right here in Akron. Even if you aren’t a musician, you can still rock some sweet EQD hoodies, T-shirts and coffee mugs, which you’ll find in their online store.

COST: varies

AVAILABLE: In real life at Replay Music, Guitar Department, Woodsy’s Music and Wadsworth Music and online at earthquakerdevices.com

Jaswig standing desk

Sitting is the new smoking, and if you’re going for a standing desk, don’t settle for something ugly. Jaswig was conceived by a biomimicry student at UA and has been seen in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, which sounds weird when you put it that way.

COST: $449 for the Nomad

AVAILABLE: Only online via their store at jaswig.com



Event 38 drones

Yeah, these Akron-made beauties are the big-time industrial strength unmanned flying systems that the folks in precision agriculture, construction, environmental conservation and mining use, but that doesn’t we wouldn’t want one for ourselves.

COST: $1,799 and up, up, up…

AVAILABLE: There are probably drone stores somewhere, but it’d be easier if you ordered from their website at event38.com

Whiskertin Lighting

Handcrafted from various sheet metal parts, these new styles of light fixtures put a hip bend on the blue collar, factory town vibe that gave Akron its reputation.

COST: starts at $100

AVAILABLE: You can find their lights at Hazel Tree Interiors or online at whiskertinlight.com.

Blimp City Bike and Hike

There are lots of bike shops around Northeast Ohio so we’re liable to upset someone by picking a favorite, but the heart wants what it wants. If you’re in the market for a bike, you can rent one and take it out on the towpath for a test before buying it.

COST: from $499

AVAILABLE: You can learn more about them online at blimpcitybikeandhike.com but you’ll need to mosey into the store to get your new set of wheels.

Renaissance Artisan Distillers

A cousin to the great Grape and Granary, where you can buy DIY beer kits and take classes in brewing, RAD is Akron’s first distillery. When you give the gift of booze, it’s like you’re giving a bottle of parties.

COST: $30+

AVAILABLE: You can buy direct from Grape and Granary, or at Giant Eagle. Details about the spirits at renartisan.com.