Happy Small Business Saturday!
In honor of the day, I thought I’d share a roundup of gift ideas from right here at home in North Carolina. We’re pretty spoiled here in The Old North State, as there are so many amazing local makers right in this pocket of the country.
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In keeping with the theme of selecting gifts that are comforting, cozy, and beautiful I narrowed my (very long) list to a few items at varying price points that are sure to bring delight.
So, come tour my home state through the hands of local makers!:
HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA
1. Travel Essentials Kit, Juju’s Basics. From Raleigh, this kit contains TSA-friendly soap smidges, a lip balm, and a mini salve. Since all of these products are technically solids, they won’t take up any space in your quart bag!
2. Garden Kneeling Pad, Echoview Fiber Mill. (now closed) I keep hoping to make it over to Echoview Fiber Mill in Weaverville (just outside of Asheville), but it hasn’t happened yet! Thankfully they offer shipping, so their high-quality fiber goods are still in reach. This kneeling pad looks perfect for the garden or use around the house.
3. Plant Butterfly, Twenty Two West.* The perfect gift for the plant-lover who probably doesn’t need yet another plant or the sweetest last-minute addition to a gift that feels incomplete. This sweet butterfly comes from right here in Charlotte in ink or teal plaid ceramic, or rich terracotta clay.
4. Individual Fragrance Bar Kit, Jules & Vetiver. Here’s a fun gift for a teen just starting to discover fragrances or a friend who is ready to switch to something new. The kit from this Charlotte-based company includes top, middle, and base notes that are ready for the recipient to mix into their own custom scent. Once designed, they can send an email to order a larger size of their very own fragrance.
5. Aster Studs, Geoflora Jewelry.* (no longer available) Here’s another Charlotte business, run by a set of twins! These brass floral earrings are studded with a cabochon pearl and they’ll look right at home on the recipient whether they’re paired with a sweet dress or an edgy leather jacket. [Edit: Though Geoflora is no longer available, you can still shop their work through their new ventures In the Light of Day and Handful Studio]
6. Sleep Tincture, Heilbron Herbs. This nighttime tincture is meant to promote restful sleep and is perfect for a new parent or someone experiencing some significant life changes. Located near Asheville, Helibron Herbs relies solely on domestic botanicals for its products.
7. James Court Sneaker, Opie Way. Heading back in Western North Carolina with these cool high tops from Opie Way. Not only are they constructed here in NC, but all of their materials are sourced from US manufacturers.
8. Mainstay Blend, Everyday Oil. A nourishing, luxurious oil for hair, face, and body. This oil from Black Mountain, NC is made from a blend of lavender, palo santo, geranium, and clary sage oils.
9. Day & Night Ring, I Like It Here Club. This ring from Wilmington jeweler I Like It Here Club features one sunstone and one rainbow moonstone on either side of the band. It’s like having two rings in one!
*These companies are owned by personal friends of mine. They don't know they are being included in this roundup, but having seen them working behind the scenes firsthand, I couldn't help but include them in this list!
Looking for more local gifting inspiration? Check out my North Carolina Gift Guides for 2022 and 2023.
Who are your favorite local makers? Drop their name and website below!
