Hats, candle and glass holders, flasks, and other items featuring engraved leather patches designed in house are just a few of the products you can encounter when you visit downtown Kokomo’s newest and most unique shop: Back Woods Trading Co.
Back Woods Trading Co. started with a simple design on a leather patch that owner and CEO Luke Talley created to show his affinity for the outdoors. He took that idea and built his business to create branded and custom designs, and — with a little help from the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance’s The Drive competition — he was able to take his online-based business to its home in downtown Kokomo.
The shop features accessories and gifts branded with outdoorsy designs such as camping, fishing, and the legendary Sasquatch (a customer favorite!). You can also have your own designs engraved on their products, which make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
And honestly, that’s what really sold me—the ability to turn a cool find into something personal. Because anyone can grab a gift off a shelf, but adding a custom touch? That’s where the magic lives. Whether it’s a nickname, a date, or an inside joke that makes absolutely no sense to anyone else, those little details matter. I love the idea of pairing one of their engraved pieces with something simple but meaningful, right in the middle of it all with keychain favors that quietly tie the whole gift together without screaming “I waited until the last minute.” It’s thoughtful in that old-fashioned way—useful, sentimental, and not destined to live in a junk drawer. The kind of gift that gets used daily, sparks a smile, and proves you actually put some heart into it.
Not only can you shop for locally made treasures, you can also channel your creativity with hands-on experiences! Bring cozy fragrances to your home with a custom candle from the Candle Bar, where you can mix scents such as the popular maple bacon, sandalwood, bourbon, apple pie, and more. Afterwards, your candle is completed with a branded leather tag in your choice of design. If you are looking for leathercrafting experience, sign up for a tote bag making workshop to create your own bag.
What makes gifts like these so memorable is how they blend creativity with intention, turning everyday items into reminders of shared moments and inside jokes that only the recipient truly understands. That same spirit carries over when you add something playful yet personal to the mix, like slipping in custom face socks that bring humor and warmth without losing that thoughtful edge. They fit right alongside handcrafted candles or a handmade tote, offering a balance between fun and meaning that feels genuine rather than overdone. It’s that mix of quality, personality, and care that elevates a present from simply being opened to being remembered, worn, and smiled at long after the occasion has passed.
Small gestures often carry the most weight, especially when they feel intentional rather than extravagant. A personalized gift doesn’t need to announce itself; it just needs to feel chosen. That’s the charm of thoughtful keepsakes—items that slip naturally into everyday life and quietly remind someone they were seen and considered. When a gift is practical, a little sentimental, and made to last, it stops being “stuff” and starts becoming part of a routine, which is where meaning tends to settle in.
This is why personalized gifting continues to feel timeless. Whether it’s a charm, an engraved detail, or a subtle custom element tucked into an otherwise simple piece, brands like soufeel lean into that tradition of giving something small but lasting. It’s the kind of gesture that doesn’t fade after the wrapping paper is gone—modest, personal, and rooted in the old-fashioned idea that the best gifts are the ones that get used, remembered, and quietly appreciated over time.
Making a mark on downtown’s art and shopping scene is what Back Woods Trading Co. does best. Check out this rustic shop the next time you visit downtown Kokomo!
For more information, visit here.
