In honor of Small Business Saturday, I thought I’d continue the tradition of sharing a gift guide of local gifts from my current home state: North Carolina.
(Is it a tradition if it only happens twice? I’m not really sure but I’m just going with it).
While most of my other gift guides are geared toward travel, I take a little liberty with this guide, allowing my whims and fancies to lead the way – but as always, I aim to share items that are unique, ethically made, and that support local artists and makers. Here you’ll find an assortment of beautiful, creative, and tasty gifts that you could give to anyone from any locale.
Thank you for supporting my community – let’s tour my home state through the hands of local makers!
GIFTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA
1. Arlo Sweater, Pamut Apparel [Raleigh] | This gorgeous sweater is the epitome of slow fashion, woven on a floor loom in Durham and sewn up in Raleigh.
2. Tuxpeno, Farm & Sparrow [Mars Hill] | If you’ve only ever eaten grits from a paper packet, you’re missing out. Sure, stone ground grits take a little coaxing to bring out their softness, but they’re so worth it.
3. Seven Signet, Merewif [Wilmington] | I’ve long admired this Wilmington jeweler’s brand for her frequently sea-inspired designs (merewif = mermaid), but so far have only sprung for some of her beautiful nail polishes. I have a feeling that will change very, very soon.
4. Winter Nights Candle, Odin’s Daughter Co. [Appalachia] | Candles from this magical company are poured somewhere in the forests of North Carolina. Each candle is made from vegan coconut wax for a clean burn, and a tree is planted for every order placed. Odin’s Daughter Co. also dabbles in the divine, with rune and tarot readings.
5. No. 312 The Traveler, ColsenKeane Leather [Charlotte] | Walking in this leather shop is such a treat – if you’re ever in Charlotte, I highly recommend a visit! This bag is ready to travel and designed to hold a tablet, water bottle, and all of their travel docs (plus it’s just beautiful to look at).
6. Pair of 8oz Short Mugs Gift Box, HAAND [Burlington] | North Carolina is famous for pottery, which means we tend to be pretty spoiled with our eating and drinking vessels. This pair of handmade mugs (or rather, HAAND-made mugs) would be the perfect gift for a new couple as you can mix and match the glazes.
7. Tupelo Honey, Wehrloom Honey [Robbinsville] | Local honey provides the most benefits to the people who live nearby, but everyone can enjoy the flavor regardless of where they live! This Robbinsville-based family business sells unique varieties of honey, like lavender and cinnamon.
8. The One That Wept, Ami Pruett Art & Design [Bethel] | Local art is something to treasure, but it can quickly get expensive (deservedly so!). Quality prints are a great way to support local artists without breaking the bank. This local artist offers many of her line paintings as prints, all on acid-free cold-pressed paper.
9. Kitchen Essentials Collection, Spicewalla [Asheville] | If you’re ever in Asheville, you have to eat at Chai Pani. But if you can’t get to Asheville, you can at least taste some of their spices through Spicewalla. This set is the perfect starter pack for a new pantry, but the offerings are seemingly endless.
Looking for more local gifting inspiration? Head to the archives for more great North Carolina gift ideas: 2024 | 2023 | 2021.
Prefer to shop in person? Find all of my North Carolina travel guides right here.
Have another favorite NC-based brand or maker? Link them in the comments below!
