Holiday shopping days are dwindling, so time is of the essence. We have cultivated some fantastic gift ideas from some of the South’s best brands and makers. The best part? Each of these items is less than $50, so your wallet will be as happy as your gift recipients! Happy holidays, and happy shopping!
ART
Holiday art
We love these paintings by Katie Toombs, a Beaufort, SC, native-turned-Memphian, who describes her style as “Southern impressionism.” Each painting starts with a wood canvas her husband Jeremy crafts by hand. The rugged look of the painting comes from the layers of paint she applies with her palette knife, giving texture and brightness to each piece. We love the holiday theme, but can just as easily see these hanging year-round (though the reindeer is perhaps a December-only treat!). Pick up some for your friends and family for $40 at K. McCarthy in Nashville or online here.
Prodigal Pottery
These lovely pottery pieces are handmade by women escaping homelessness and domestic abuse at the King’s Home in Birmingham, AL. So when you nab one of these fabulous soap dishes or mugs, you are also supporting a safe and therapeutic environment where women can rebuild their lives and work toward their GEDs. Find the soap dishes for $12 and popular BHM mugs for $20 at prodigalpottery.org and the Prodigal Pottery showroom in Chelsea, AL.
Ginkgo leaf ornaments
We first fell in love with artist Ben Caldwell upon discovering his copper serving pieces. When we heard of his hand-hammered copper ornaments, we knew we had to add them to the list! These one-of-a-kind creations will make their way onto our tree and stay there for years. We also plan to gift them to many members of our family — and so should you! Find them at LeQuire Gallery in Nashville for $38 each. See Ben Caldwell’s complete line of work here.
FOOD
Holmsted Fines chutney gift set
Give the gift of good taste this season by giving a Holmsted Fines chutney trio gift set. The three-jar set includes three 5-oz jars of chutney in balsamic red onion, green tomato and peach. Purchase online for $18.95, or click here for a list of locations where this deliciousness is sole.
Pappy & Co. bourbon balls
This handmade chocolate-and-bourbon indulgence topped with a pecan is made with Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year bourbon. Cap off the perfect dinner party with a spiked confection. Find Pappy & Co.’s bourbon balls in a box of four, $17, and a box of 12, $34, here.
Cheese crisps
Straight from Crenshaw, MS, Billie’s Pecans is first and foremost about pecans, as you might guess. And there are pecans in these delectable Cheese Crispies, a tasty mix of sharp cheese, toasted pecans and a little kick of heat. Available in 1- or 2 -pound boxes, or a set of three 8-ounce bags, for $26.95-$44.
Cheese Crispies, available in a 1- or 2 -pound box, or a set of three 8-ounce bags, $26.95 to $44, from Billie’s Pecans | Image: Billie’s Pecans
ToffeeÂ
Sometimes you just need a really simple gift to show your appreciation over the holidays — and these Mrs. Weinstein’s gourmet toffees are a great way to do that. With flavors like milk chocolate pecan and dark chocolate almond sea salt, you just can’t go wrong. Get a box or two at SweetShop USA; prices start at $18.
Gourmet toffee, starting at $18, at Sweet Shop USA
Barbecue seasonings
Nothing’s more Southern than barbecue, and nothing says barbecue like spices from the iconic Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous in Memphis. The restaurant’s Famous Seasoning, $8.50, isn’t just great on ribs, it’s tasty on deviled eggs, chicken and even sprinkled over popcorn. Order online here.
Rendezvous Famous Seasoning, $8.50
HEALTHY & BEAUTY
Goat milk soap
Yes, you have read about Little Seed Farm on StyleBlueprint before. It is because we cannot get enough of their soap. Made with goat’s milk, the soap is easy on the skin and hydrating during the cold, dry winter. The barred soap comes in dozens of varieties (the charcoal and oat being our personal favorites). Sneak a bar into a stocking this season and give the gift of soft skin. Find them for $7; click here for a list of retailers.
Hilliard Studio Method videos
For the fitness fanatic in your life, give the gift of top-notch streaming fitness videos featuring two of the South’s most inspiring and toned women. Created by Charlotte residents Liz Hilliard and her daughter, Clary Hilliard Gray, the Hilliard Studio Method uses weights, resistance bands, weighted balls and gliders with floor and barre work in a 60-minute workout. Click here to peruse the options; prices start at $19.99.
Ultra Bearded Travel Set
If your man has hung on to all of his hard-earned No Shave November facial hair, then help him keep things tidy, whether at home or on the go. This Ultra Bearded Travel Set, by Beardition, is $30 and includes beard shampoo, condition and oil.
Thistle Farms Holiday Gift Set
Thistle Farms products, which are created by women survivors of addiction, prostitution and trafficking, are a delightful way to give a gift that gives back. The Thistle Farms holiday gift set, $36, includes Three Trees candle and room spray in a linen “Love Heals” bag. Indeed it does! Click here to order.
Pet shampoo
Pamper your pooch with a luxurious bath using Bandit’s Pet Shampoo, $6, from Buff City Soap Company. The Bartlett soap maker’s shampoo bar for pets smells great and contains citronella, cedarwood and eucalyptus essential oils.
Pet shampoo bar, $6, from Buff City Soap Company
JEWELRY & FASHION
X studsÂ
Southern jewelry designer Brooke Worthington creates the most elegant pieces, including these stud earrings, $40. Small and simple, they are perfect for daily wear. Slip them in a stocking or sneak them under the tree for someone special in your life!
Gold bar studs
Ever Alice jewelry is hand-crafted in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. The polished, sophisticated styles are modern and feminine. These gold bar studs caught our eye and quickly made their way onto our holiday wish list. The gal in your life that appreciate minimalism and modern style deserves a pair of these! Find them at Ever Alice for $48.
Clutch
Nisolo’s selection of shoes, bags, jewelry and leather accessories offers plenty of options (at differing price points). One under $50 item we love is the Sobre Leather Clutch, $44. Made with soft, sturdy leather, the clutch is a good go-to bag to hold your cellphone and cards. Shop the clutch in camel and scarlet online or visit Nisolo’s showroom in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood.
Lotus seed bracelet
Judith Bright remains one of our go-to spots for gifts. Their wide selection of jewelry (and prices) gives us plenty to choose from. Part of the Zen collection, this bracelet is made from seeds of dried lotus flowers. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and this bracelet is a reminder to bloom into your full potential. Find this bracelet for $48 at Judith Bright.
FOR THE HOME
Lime & Leaf Sea Salt Candle
Who doesn’t love the beach? Give the gift of the beach — or at least the scent of it — with a Lime & Leaf sea salt candle. The hand-poured soy wax candle comes in an elegant glass container and burns for 40 hours. Find it at Lime & Leaf for $38.
Coasters
Between the hilarious vintage pictures and snarky sayings, these MikWright coasters are sure to get some laughs from recipients. Plus, they’re a Charlotte company that uses real family pictures, so you never know who you might see. You can find them at Green with Envy for $3.50 each or four for $6.
MikWright coasters, $3.50 each or four for $6, at Green With Envy
“Cheers” hand towel
For a stylish hostess gift, look no further than luxury linen brand Ocean Tribe by Turkish T. Perfect for use in the kitchen or the bathroom, pair it with an inexpensive bottle of wine and you’ve got a wonderfully seasonal gift! Find it for $22 at turkish-t.com.
Desk calendar
These darling desk calendars from Paper Doll Stationery are available in a Kentucky theme or a preppy seasonal motif, and they can be purchased for $15 with no frame or $20 including a black frame. Buy online (with complimentary delivery in the Louisville area).
MISCELLANEOUS
Coloring book
This one is for older kiddos, ones who like to color inside the lines. Okay, this one is for adults. Okay, this is really just something that we want. But no matter your age, you will love this coloring book. Each book (there are three) contains 18 illustrations. The “Birds of a Feather” Coloring Book features illustrations by Vicki Sawyer. Find this coloring book, and the two others in the collection, at Hester & Cook for $22.
Roux Maison travel bundle
For the special someone in your life who seeks a more organic life in all areas, introduce her (or him!) to Roux Maison’s line of laundry detergents. They’re made of non-abrasive chemicals and are free of harmful chemicals. Yet they leave laundry fresh and clean. Win, win! The travel bundle includes six 1-oz bottles, including detergent options for delicates, swimwear, stain remover and more. Purchase online or wherever Roux Maison products are sold for $23.99.
SEC leather & needlepoint koozies and key chains
Giving a gift to your favorite college football fan or gameday party host? These Smathers & Branson hand-stitched needlepoint and leather koozies and key chains showcase every SEC school, and they are a long-lasting, high-quality accessory that will allow football fans to show off their team pride! Find the keychains for $28.50 and the koozies for $29.50 at smathersandbranson.com.
Handmade wooden toys
The holidays are all about the little ones, aren’t they? Surprise them with a handcrafted wooden toy like these by East Laurel Woodcrafts. They’re both durable playthings and nostalgic collector items that make for thoughtful gifts. Prices range from $24 to $48 and can be purchased at 5-0-Lou.
Fish Hippie hats
This is a must-have for the earthy, outdoor lover on your gift list! The Fish Hippie brand was founded as a way to celebrate simple times spent outdoors with friends. So your free-spirited, fun-loving friend will adore sporting these Fish Hippie trucker hats for fishing, hiking or whatever adventure they plan next. Find them for $24 each at Alabama Outdoors.
Soirée: Entertaining with Style
If you know an inspiring event planner or someone who just likes to throw parties, you’ll want to get her Danielle Rollins‘ book SoirĂ©e: Entertaining with Style, where the Southern entertaining expert gives readers inside tips on how to throw the best parties. It’s listed at $50; purchase here.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
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