Choosing the Right Unique Gift for Everyone on Your List

Nothing says unique like a gift from the islands. Besides, can you think of anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a gift from Hawaii? The perfect present awaits you here at Whaler’s Locker.

From our gorgeous collection of scrimshaw knives and fish hook necklaces to our stunning selection of Baltic amber jewelry, we're here to help you fulfill your gift list with all the treasures Hawaii has to offer. Not only will you find many unique selections for your loved ones, but you will also be giving a gift with a fascinating story full of rich history from our islands.

When you walk through our doors, you’ll be welcomed with the marvels and natural history of Hawaii. Choosing the right gift for friends and family in your life can be difficult. Choosing unique gifts from Whaler’s Locker is only challenging because you won’t want to part with the items you pick! But not to worry — we’ll make sure you leave with plenty of collectibles for yourself while still checking each person off of your gift list.

Discover Meaningful and Beautiful Gifts From Hawaii 

So, how do you find just the right gift for each person on your list? When taking into account all the varying personalities, tastes, and styles, it can feel like a daunting task. While you know them best, we’d love to help guide you through your shopping experience and fill you with the knowledge behind each piece. Now, I bet you won’t find that opportunity at a department store!

We are proud to offer unique creations, such as our scrimshaw knives hand-carved by local Maui artists. We’re honored to display their creative work and intricate designs and relay the stories behind their masterpieces.

If you can’t visit us in person, our online store is the next best thing. We’ve put together a few of our favorite finds that will have your friends and family boasting about your gifts for years to come

The Appeal of Scrimshaw

Many of our visitors are immediately drawn to the collection of scrimshaw designs we carry. With such intriguing designs, fantastic history, and plenty of rare items to choose from, you’ll fill your gift needs in no time.

The History of Scrimshaw

Originating in the 18th century, scrimshaw is hailed as the oldest-known American folk art. It originated as the beautiful artwork created by whalers as they engraved designs onto natural materials like whale bone or ivory. As history tells it, sailors began the technique to pass the time while confined to New England whaling vessels on long voyages. 

Their craft involved engravings, scrollwork, and carvings that were done in ivory or bone (usually byproducts of whales). Many of these engravings were elaborate forms of lettering and pictures on the surfaces of teeth.

The sailors would be given a portion of whales’ teeth from each catch. They often used them to work on gifts for their loved ones. While some became quite skilled at the art — scribing detailed scenes from their days at sea — others created combs, clothespins, toys, and trinket boxes.

Scrimshaw Style Money Clips

As you browse through our collection of scrimshaw knives and other pieces, you may be a bit tempted to take them all! For the men on your list, consider one of our hand-carved money clips. Our Scrimshaw Style Round Money Clips come in four fascinating scenes, designed by artist Linda Layden.

If you prefer a traditional rectangular clip, ours are offered in seven wonderfully detailed designs. Each of these money clips measures two inches by one inch with different engraved images. The Scrimshaw Style Slim Money Clips are another traditional rectangular clip option, measuring two inches by three fourths an inch, for guys who prefer a slimmed-down version.

Potential Scrimshaw Money Clip Designs:

After selecting a type of scrimshaw money clip, choose the perfect design from top styles, including:

• Diamond Head
• Turtle
• Ship with Palm
• Hula Girl
• Ship with Humpback Whale
• Islands
• Hang Loose

Give the Gift of Scrimshaw Style Home Décor

For that special someone on your list who seems to have it all, something like a Ray Peters Scrimshaw figurine may appeal to you. With other style variations available, such as a whaling vessel design, these beautiful, traditional pieces can be displayed as home décor or as a paper weight in the office—the uses are endless. You can even buy someone a handmade scrimshaw magnifying glass with high-quality metals and a dainty etching at the bottom.

Invest in Scrimshaw Knives for All to Swoon Over

Now let’s talk scrimshaw knives. Many of our customers can’t seem to get enough of the gorgeous detail found on each of our scrimshaw pocketknives. With multiple design choices and knife styles, it’s no wonder so many are fans.

Feast your eyes on our endless assortment of scrimshaw knives. There are multiple different sizes and an array of designs featuring everything from a marlin to a ship with a humpback whale, turtle, tuna fish, and more.

Scrimshaw knives make excellent gifts for collectors and enthusiasts, and if you’re looking for a unique present, look no further than the pieces made by our favorite artists. One of our most beloved scrimshaw knives is the Scrimshaw Pocket Knife with Clip. This stunning gift features a stainless steel blade and clips closed, protecting the owner and folding small for on-the-go activities.

Styles of Scrimshaw Knifes

There are many different styles of pocketknives, and finding the perfect one to gift someone can be a challenge. Browse each design to find the right fit:

• Keychain
• Lock back
• Cutlery folder
• Straight razor
• Rigging tool

Hook Necklaces from Hawaii, With Love

Are you looking for gifts for the jewelry lovers on your gift list? Or an incredible present that makes a statement whether worn by men, women, or young ones? You will never go wrong with a beautifully hand-carved Hawaiian fish hook necklace by local Maui artist, Ray Peters.

Each of Ray’s eye-catching pieces are inspired by the fascinating history of Maui. His classic designs are based on traditional Hawaiian fishhooks. A brilliant and accomplished scrimshaw artist, Ray’s treasures have been a part of Whaler’s Locker for more than 30 years.

5 of Our Favorite Meaningful Hawaii Jewelry Pieces

Buy a present they’ll wear for years to come with a thoughtful and spiritually meaningful Maui hook necklace:

1. Axis Deer Antler Maui Fish Hook Necklace

This Maui Fish Hook Necklace is skillfully hand-carved from Maui axis deer antler and measures one and a half inches in height. This magnificent piece is then hand-wrapped with a black handmade Flemish twist Dacron cord. 

Fun fact: Brought to the islands in 1860, axis deer were native to India. Hong Kong gifted nine of them to King Kamehameha V, which he released on the island of Molokai. Between 1959 and 1960, nine deer were brought here to Maui, establishing a hunting population. 

2. Water Buffalo Bangle

What’s better than a timeless and stylish bracelet? A bangle made from hand-carved water buffalo horn! Our Water Buffalo Bangle is beloved for its natural pattern and colors. Wrap this up and gift it to any daring fashionista in your life.

Fun fact: Water buffalo are the most common domesticated animal in the world. They were used in both agriculture and as a food source. At least 130 million domestic water buffalo exist, while more people depend on them than any other domestic animal.

3. Colorful Gemstone Earrings

If anyone in your life believes in the spiritual healing properties of the earth’s crystals, then boy, do we have the perfect gift idea for you! While everyone knows the striking beauty of diamonds, the colorful gemstones found around the world have been a popular jewelry choice for centuries. Certain stones are said to have different benefits, such as boosting energy, soothing pains and aches, protecting auras, increasing good luck, and more.

Gemstone earrings remain one of our favorite things to keep on hand for grab-and-go gifting throughout the year. Whether you need a present for a close friend’s birthday party or matching gifts for your bridal party, the different gemstone earrings we have work for everyone. Take these designs one step further and investigate the believed healing benefits for each one to gift an intentional stone.

Different Gemstones and Their Meanings:

• Agate: agate gemstone earrings are worn for transforming negative energy into new, positive vibes.
• Rose quartz: rose quartz jewelry would be the perfect gift for anyone looking to invest in their self-love, as it’s known for healing emotional stability and relationships.
• Amethyst: buy a pair of amethyst earrings for any tightly wound loved one, as it’s believed to naturally relieve tension and stress.
• Moonstone: closely associated with passion, moonstone earrings harness balance, luck, and love for the wearer.
• Carnelian: if you know anyone in need of a confidence boost, these orange gems are believed to combat insecure feelings and help someone overcome their fears.
• Aventurine: gift green aventurine earrings to anyone who is constantly worried about money, as it’s thought to bring wealth and abundance into one’s life.
• Turquoise: this gorgeous blue-green stone protects against negative vibes and bring good luck, popular in both Native American and Hawaiian traditions.

4. Wooden Maui Fish Hook Necklaces

You’ll find many beautiful wood options to choose from while browsing our hook necklace selection. The Koa Wood Maui Fish Hook is expertly handcrafted by David Haake. The rich wood pairs perfectly with the adjustable leather cord and is accented by the sterling silver sliders. If a lighter finish catches your eye, you will adore the Mango Wood Maui Fish Hook necklace. 

5. Baltic Amber Jewelry

Yet another lovely choice for a rare gift is any one of our precious Baltic amber pieces. From our hand-carved Modern Baltic Amber Pendant to our Milky Amber Adjustable Ring, we know from experience you’ll have a tough time peeling your eyes away from this collection. But these aren't just pretty designs. Just like every other find in our store, these amber jewelry pieces have a story to tell.

Fun fact: Baltic amber dates back 44 million years, from the Eocene epoch. An organic material, it’s made from the resin of pine trees that grew in what we now know as northern Europe. Some believe that wearing Baltic amber brings soothing, healing, and even anti-inflammatory properties. 

For all your gift-giving needs, Whaler's Locker provides exceptional quality, precious finds, and unmatched customer service. When a rare gift is what you’re searching for, let us be the shop you turn to. Your loved ones will always remember the rich history and wonderful stories behind their gifts from Hawaii. Visit our online store today for all your gifting needs.