Gift pick: L.A.-made Jen Kuroki ceramics

Los Angeles ceramist Jen Kuroki doesn’t want to see her handmade vessels sitting in a cabinet. “It’s important to me that people use my pieces,” she says. “I don’t want my pieces to be precious.”

That shouldn’t be a problem. Kuroki’s stoneware kitchen canisters, planters and jewelry are lovely and utilitarian, pieces that are meant to be used every day.

GIFTS PICKS: Handcrafted and cool

“I hope they add some fun and make people smile,” Kuroki says. “I just don’t want them sitting in the cabinet getting lonely.”

Kuroki’s ceramics are available at Yolk, Leif, West Elm South Coast Plaza and her Etsy site.