The shopping frenzy has begun, but you don’t have to fret. We’ve done the leg work for you so you can get through your to-do list, relax and enjoy the holidays!
BEAUTY
Mini Emergency Kit
This is a must-have for every girl on your list. This kit is smaller than a teacup, but contains 17 essentials — hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, mending kit, safety pin, Shemergency® tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss and an adhesive bandage. What more could a girl ask for? $13 at Marella and Village Sportswear. www.facebook.com/villagesporswear
$13
Theraderm Anti-Aging Lip Complex
This lip treatment is a beauty must-have. The anti-aging formula reduces the appearance of lip lines while also increasing the appearance of lip volume. Perfect lips at the perfect price! $22 at TMB Skincare www.tmbskinclinic.com
$22
Aveda’s Soothing Hand Repair
Aveda’s limited-edition gift sets come pre-wrapped and ready for giving. This set contains 3 travel sized containers of soothing hand repair lotions in original, holiday and rosemary mint aromas. $27 at Tonya Jones Salon www.tonyajonessalon.com.
$27
The Perfect Red Lipstick
Bloodroses by Kevin Aucoin is the perfect shade of deep crimson. It’s vampy, sexy and looks good on everyone. $35 at Gus Mayer. www.gusmayer.com
$35
Sweet Dreams Eye Mask
Every girl needs her beauty rest, so why not give the gift of a good night’s sleep with this Stephanie Johnson eye mask? $38 at Suite Dreams. www.shopsuitedreams.com
$38
FASHION
Headphone Hat
We know this looks a bit reminiscent of Fat Albert’s old hat, but trust us, it really is cute on! With lightweight, removable headphones sewn right into the hat, you can keep the tunes in and the cold out without missing a beat. Hey, Hey, Hey. $48 at A’Mano. www.amanogifts.com
$48
Studs
Stud earrings are so in right now, and any of these adorable pairs would make for a great stocking stuffer! $19 at Laura Kathryn. www.shoplaurakathryn.com
$19
Drop Earrings
What girl doesn’t want a beautiful pair of drop earrings! $45 at Village Sportswear. www.facebook.com/villagesportswear
$45
The Perfect Scarf
Keep warm and fashionable with an adorable scarf. Many patterns and colors to choose from! $22 at Laura Kathryn. www.shoplaurakathryn.com
$22
FOOD
The Best Cheese Crisps
Merry Cheese Crisps are not your typical cheese straw, but rather a delicious melt-in-your-mouth, bite-sized round. Hands down the best we’ve ever had AND they are made right here in Birmingham! $13 to $23 available online at www.merrycheesecrisps.com, or click HERE for a list of area retailers.
$13 to $23
Stone Hollow Creamery Artisan Goat Cheese
Local, family-owned Stone Hollow Farmstead churns out amazing goat cheese that is completely free of chemicals, antibiotics and additives. With many wonderful combinations such as fig, blackberry and wine, rose petal, honey pecan, sundries tomato and many more, you are sure to find the perfect gift for the foodie on your list! Available for $15 at The Pantry (free gift wrapping!!), Whole Foods, V. Richards and Western among others. www.stonehollowfarmstead.com.
$15
Homemade Brittle
Homemade brittle is a holiday tradition, and this delicacy made by Seven Winds will not disappoint. $18 at Oak Street Garden Shop. www.oakstreetgardenshop.com
$18
OLI.O Gift Set
Oli.O Specialty Oils and Balsamics is the newest addition to the shops of Mountain Brook Village. They offer superb quality infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. This gift set is the perfect sampling of six of their products, but be sure and stop in to see and sample the myriad of others they offer! $30 at OLI.O 2411 Montevallo Road. (205) 802-5756.
$30
Two Smart Cookies
We’ve tasted these and were immediately hooked. They taste like a blend of a tea cake and a sugar cookie and they are sure to be enjoyed. They also are beautiful, as each is handmade in their Savannah, GA, factory. Order the half dozen ($22 includes shipping) or full dozen ($43 includes shipping). They also take special order (monograms, themes, etc.). www.twosmartcookies.com
$22-$43
Belle Chevre Cheese
We’ve all fancied the notion of making our own cheese around here, but we’ve never actually done it. Belle Chevre makes it easy with this DIY goat cheese kit for only $27.95. A perfect gift for a family, as kids of all ages (seriously, ages 3-99 will love this!) will enjoy this project. Belle Chevre is located in Alabama and has won numerous awards for their goat cheese. Available at Alabama Goods or online at www.bellechevre.com
$28
HOME
Fragrant Candles
Simpatico candles come in a beautiful gift box and give off a lovely scent. A great hostess gift or for the girl who has it all! $24 at Marguerite’s Conceits. www.facebook.com/pages/Marguerites-Conceits
$24
Glass Wares
We found this set of two fabulous Juliska Berry and Thread Double Old Fashioneds at Table Matters. Each glass is mouth blown by artisans in Portugal. Would make for a stunning hostess gift! $50 at Table Matters. www.table-matters.com
$50 for a set of two.
Tree Bark Vases
These rustic-looking vases are wrapped in tree bark with tree shaped cutouts. They warm up any space and look great as a pair of same sized vases or in a grouping. Priced from $6 to $33. Available at Lambs Ears. www.lambsearsltd.com
$6 to $33
Champagne Christmas Cross
A great gift for friends, neighbors, teachers or someone special on your list! Perfect to hang on the front door or in a kitchen window. 18” tall. $14 at Table Matters. www.table-matters.com
$14
Bottle Opener
A bottle opener is always a welcome gift, and who wouldn’t love this unique sphere shape. $22 at A’Mano. www.amanogifts.com
$22
Linen Hand Towels
Hand towels are a great hostess gift, especially if wrapped around something freshly baked! $34 at Suite Dreams. www.facebook.com/suitedreams
$34
Organic White Resin Bowls
$12
Oyster Soap Dish
This lovely dish by Alison Evans textured on the back and looks like a real oyster shell. Use it for soap, jewelry or as a serving dish! $32 at Table Matters. www.table-matters.com
$32
‘Funky fingers’ Ceramic Vase
$25
Sugar B Designs Calling Cards
50 for $50
Personalized Scripture Cards
$20
KIDS
Magic Jelly Fish
Magic LED-lit jellyfish bob and swim through this mini aquarium. A relaxing and tranquil night light or desk accessory that comes equip with a 4 hour auto off feature. $40 Available at A Tiny Kingdom. www.atinykingdom.com
$40
Ready to Decorate Gingerbread Houses
No need to bake from scratch when these ready-made gingerbread houses are so easy to assemble and ready to decorate in no time! $20 includes 4 houses. Available at Snoozy’s Kids. www.facebook.com/snoozys
$20
Fun Loom
My 8-year-old son loves this Fun Loom bracelet making kit and has spent hours learning how to make complicated designs like the starburst or the ladder in all his favorite team colors. It’s a great fine-motor activity! $14 and up at A Tiny Kingdom. www.atinykingdom.com
$14 and up
Sushi Scarf
A color and taste explosion for your outfit! Sushi lovers will salivate for this hand-crocheted assortment of California rolls, tuna rolls, salmon rolls, egg, and shrimp. $34 at Swoop. www.facebook.com/wherefunbegins
$34
Velvet Skirt
These velvet skirts made by Mali kids radiate comfort, ease and fun without compromising quality and durability. $40 at Swoop. www.facebook.com/wherefunbegins
$40
Stylin’ Headbands
Want the look of Tory Burch without the large price tag? Check out these great leather headbands that are wonderful quality, but are affordable, so you can buy a few of your favorite colors. With a leather finish, these headbands are comfortable all day long. $28 at Snap Kids. www.facebook.com/SnapKidsBirmingham
$28
Chrome Headset — perfect for your Tween or Teen!
Cushy style that is soft on your ears, this flashy, metallic-finished headset is sure to please! Oh, there’s also an in-line mic. The sound is big and clear. At Dillard’s for $35. www.dillards.com
$35
MEDIA
Flower Magazine
For the flower enthusiast, a subscription to flower magazine is a gift that keeps giving for 12 months. Regularly, a subscription is $19, but you can take advantage of our SB Deal until midnight on December 3 and purchase a subscription for just $10: deal.styleblueprint.com/deal/birmingham/flower-magazine.
$19
Alabama Books
Alabama Road Trips and Alabama Food are both sure bets for book lovers, foodies or history buffs. $22 each at Lambs Ears. www.lambsearsltd.com
$22 each
The Southerner’s Handbook
Garden and Gun has just released their first book! In it top chefs, sportsmen, designers and artisans from all over the South reveal their secrets. $28 Available at Church Street Coffee and Books. www.facebook.com/churchstreetcoffee
$28
I Am A Woman
This inspirational book by Mary Sue Englund is perfect for the woman you know needing a boost. This book includes 51 gorgeous photos of compelling women and quotes from each of them. Look for everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Dolly Parton. Dolly even endorsed the project on the back cover with: “I am proud to be a part of this wonderful book of inspiring women … God Bless You, Mary Sue Englund.” And, the end of the book, there is a special space for a photograph of a loved one, making this gift at once deeply personal. $25 which includes shipping. www.iamawomansurvivor.com
$25
MEN
Make Cornbread NOT WAR
This adorable Billy Reid cap is hand-distressed right here in Alabama! This is the unofficial logo of the Southern Foodways Alliance and proceeds from the sale of this cap go to support this organization. Available at Shaia’s or online www.billyreid.com.
$38
16 pack of Southern Sayings Greeting Cards
Send a Southern smile the best way possible–with a handwritten note! Printed locally by Southern Fried Design Barn, we found these at online Southern retailer BourbonandBoots.com. $18 for 16 cards with 6 different Southern sayings. www.bourbonandboots.com
Swiftwick Business Socks
Once you fall for Swiftwick socks, its hard to take them off. Many men wear these sports socks to work and Swiftwick has heard the cry from their customers “We want business socks!” The result is a comfortable compression sock for the office, as there are battles to be forged there, as well. Available in 5 colors. $21.99 each. www.swiftwick.com
$22
Southern Tide Hats
Because one can never have too many hats, especially for game day, we had to show you these as well. $25 at Mobley & Sons. www.mobleyandsonsclothing.com
$25
Jack Black Grooming Products
Jack Black grooming products are formulated with real ingredients, like plant extracts, herbs and healing botanicals for superior skincare for the man on your list. $9.50 and up at Mobley & Sons. www.mobleyandsonsclothing.com
$9.50 and up
Magnetic Grill Light
If grilling is his thing, then this magnetic grill light might just shed some light on important matters like burgers and steaks. $13 Available at Whole Foods. www.wholefoods.com
$13
TECH
This one is perfect for the tween/teen on your list, as we all now how popular Instagram is with this age group. Printstagram offers a wide range of options for printing all those instagram photos. Check out their website to see all the fun products they offer. Gift cards available! Available at Printstagram. printstagr.am/products
$12 and up
Google Chromecast
This little device plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and streams Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, Google Play’s movies, TV shows and music. Your big screen now has your computer’s capabilities, when you use the Chrome browser. $35 www.google.com
$35
FIVE FAB Under $50 FINDS at TAIGAN.COM
Have you shopped at Taigan? It’s like shopping at your favorite vacation boutique, but online. The site has partnered with fabulous artisans, purveyors, designers and boutiques from around the globe to bring you the best of the best, while supporting small business owners, many of which don’t have their own websites. It’s a great place to lose yourself for a few hours. Here are our top 5 Taigan finds that are fabulous and under $50 (more can be found on their site, here):
8 Nye’s Cream Sandwiches
Nye’s Cream Sandwiches is located in Wilmington, NC, and was a Martha Stewart American Made Audience Choice Award nominee. We’ve sampled these and they are DIVINE. Order the following sample pack from Taigan: Pumpkin Cranberry Spice, Apple Pie and Caramel Latte and Blackberry Cobbler for $48. www.taigan.com
$48
Yes Ma’am Poster
For those who understand that a “Yes, Ma’am” and “No, Sir” are words we hand down from generation to generation, this poster is perfect. Warning: Mothers-In-Law: DO NOT SEND TO YOUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW. (She will talk about you for decades if you do.) But, otherwise, this is a fun gift for a sibling, especially one who has left the South and misses it! $40 www.taigan.com
$40
Schermer Pecans
We first found out about Schermer Pecans through The Southern C Summit. The gals that run this know their Southern food and they oohed and aahed over this product, with good reason. Have your gift be likewise received! $44 for a set of three bags. www.taigan.com
St. Helena Organic Grey Sea Salt
The grey color indicates a high content of minerals and nutrients (not found in the iodized salt we all grew up with). This salt is collected using wooden rakes, ensuring that no metal ever touches it. At just $12, this salt makes a great gift. www.taigan.com
Nugget Hoop Earrings
These earrings are a great take on the traditional hoop. Seriously, we all are kinda hoping they end up in our own stockings. Teeny-tiny metallic beads are threaded onto the fine hoops, creating these light earrings that you, er your gift recipient, will reach for time and time again. Designer: FriedaSophie. $45 www.taigan.com
$45
Happy holiday, and happy shopping!
Be sure to see what our other SB sister cities have on their gift lists today, too:
