This article was originally published on Styleblueprint.com.
Christmas shopping can be daunting, but today, we are here to make it as easy as A-B-C. Our holiday list, comprised of Southern goods and retailers, has something for everyone. Whether it’s a hat for your brother, earrings for your cousin, rib-eye for your dad or tea towels for your best friend, these gifts are sure to hit the mark.
Southern Gifts for Everyone on Your Holiday List
Always a Good Time hat
Do you know a guy who likes to hunt, fish, imbibe or tailgate? If the answer is yes, he is in need of Y’allsome’s The Cross Always a Good Time hat. Y’allsome’s hats, shirts and prints celebrate the South in many ways. The products are made using Southern businesses, and 15 percent of the profits from each sale help Southern foster kids find permanent homes. $30 atY’allsome
Blue bowls
If there are any new home owners or seasoned entertainers on your list, they will be pleased to receive these ceramic bowls. These indigo bowls are part of Rachel Howe’s Brooklyn-based line, Small Spells, and are sold through Friends & Neighbors, a retail destination housed in historic East Austin, TX. While Friends & Neighbors’ brick-and-mortar spot is worth a visit, we are thrilled to know that they offer online shopping. $40 each at Friends & Neighbors
Christmas socks
Stuff these in the stockings of any gals or guys in your life, and light up their Christmas morning. These festive socks are made of cotton, wool and nylon blend. Their heavy weight makes them perfect for hanging at home by the tree or braving the cold outdoors. Mast General Store has changed over the years, but it has always been a go-to spot for the local community because it is “the store that has everything.” In addition to its original Valle Crucis, NC, store, there are now Mast locations in Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Winston-Salem and Boone, NC; Columbia and Greenville, SC; and Knoxville, TN. $12.99 for a two-pack at Mast General Store
Discovery Box from Batch
Discover the best of the South with a curated box from Batch. Batch delivers locally made, artisanal goods from Nashville and Memphis, TN; Charleston, SC; Austin, TX, and additional Southern cities to your doorstep. The Discovery Box will be delivered every three months and can be customized for men, women or families. The standard version is priced at $49 and can be ordered online at Batch.
Ellison|James Earrings
Ellison|James is a Charlotte, NC-based company that offers handmade jewelry pieces by owner and designer Preston. These Autumn Tassel earrings are made with deerskin leather that embodies Southwestern style. Snag a pair of fringe hoops for any fashionista on your Christmas list. Look for Ellison|James products at retailers, including Doll and Summerbird Boutique in Charlotte, NC, Scout & Molly’s in Columbia, SC, and Boco Art Gallery in Greenville, SC. $62 at Ellison|James
Fine spices, herbs and teas
Situated on Main Street in Highlands, NC, The Spice & Tea Exchange draws you in with enticing aromas and colorful spices and seasonings. Their collections include strawberry shortcake tea, ghost pepper salt, espresso sugar, Szechuan peppercorn, smoked BBQ rub and so, so much more. Stop in to make your individual selections or grab a sampler set. The Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, pictured below, starts at $2.89 at The Spice & Tea Exchange.
Guitar sidekick
This headstock mount allows you to easily view lessons, videos or chords on your smartphone while you are strumming away on your guitar, banjo, mandolin or ukulele. Any budding musicians would be tickled pink to receive this in their stockings or under the tree. The compact size, making it easy to travel with, is an added bonus. $19.99 online or in Nashville, TN, at Griffin Technology
Half-zip pullover
Guys love this navy, cashmere and wool-blend pullover. It is medium weight, which makes it ideal for layering. Ledbury offers quality clothing with a fashionable, yet timeless, look. Their store and headquarters are located in an old tobacco warehouse in the historical Shockoe Slip district in Richmond, VA, but you can also shop their clothing online. $185 at Ledbury
Ice pail
Holidays call for celebrations, and this gift will inspire any recipient to bust out the Champagne. Draper James, with online shopping or its flagship store in Nashville, TN, has a lovely collection of silver-plated kitchen and barware that epitomizes Southern class and style. Inspired by vintage design, this silver-plated ice pail can be used to hold Champagne, flowers or any additional lovely items in need of a home. $150 at Draper James
Jumpsuit in Danish flowers
Keep the little ones cozy in this soft, organic, French terry jumpsuit. Although the flowers lend themselves more to a spring day, we think this onesie can be worn year-round. This adorable fashion piece can be found at PROGENY, located in Raleigh, NC, or online. Their brick-and-mortar showroom showcases high-quality clothing and accessories for the kiddos. $40 atPROGENY
Kitchen papers
Elevate your table setting with these no-fuss placemat pads from Hester & Cook. The elegant and whimsical designs fit any and all occasions. Choose from playful patterns or sophisticated illustrations. The Chilewich Gold Imprint Placemat caught our eye and is ideal for entertaining of any caliber. Kitchen papers are sold at stores across the United States, and their retail store is located in Nashville, TN. $29 at Hester & Cook
Little River Sock Mill
If you think socks are a boring gift, think again. These organic socks are made in Fort Payne, AL, with organic cotton, low-impact dyes and sustainable practices. With a price point at about $30 and under, these are perfect for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges. The bold patterns work great for both men and women, so shop the selection and pick your favorites. Southern retailers include Elsie Garden in Charlottesville, VA; Inman Dry Goods and Mooncake in Atlanta, GA; Old North in Asheville, NC; Solid Gold in Austin, TX; SQ/FT Decatur, GA, and The Phoenix in Richmond, VA. You can also shop online.
Music festival tickets
Give the gift of music with tickets to the Hangout Festival. Held on the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, this festival draws crowds of all ages. Next year’s dates are May 20-22, 2016 and the lineup has already been announced – Hangout tickets are definitely on our list to Santa this year! The start studded performers include The Weeknd, Florence + The Machine, Alabama Shakes, The Chainsmokers, Walk the Moon, and Leon Bridges, among others. General admission tickets are $249 for the Hangout Festival.
Navy blazer
Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest tailored clothing maker, located in Cleveland, TN, is responsible for this stunning men’s blazer. Not only did this piece catch our eye, it caught the eye of Billy Reid and was named winner ofGarden & Gun‘s Made in the South awards.The blazer is high quality, crafted with Italian cloth and has a custom Bemberg jacquard lining. Find this blazer at select retail partners or online at Hardwick for $795.
Olive oil from Georgia Olive Farms
In an orchard in southeast Georgia, olives are harvested to produce a true extra virgin olive oil. Sean Brock of Husk is a fan of the olive oil, and so are we. Any chef would be thrilled to receive a bottle of Chef’s Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Retailers around the South, such as Cornucopia Gourmet in Cashiers, NC; The Cook’s Station in Greenville, SC; Elements in Murray, KY; and zones of stores across Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas carry the product. $32 at Georgia Olive Farms
Peppermint bark
Everything that comes out of Olive & Sinclair’s chocolate factory, in Nashville, TN, is heavenly. One of their most popular items is the duck fat chocolate caramels, but this peppermint bark is a familiar favorite during the holidays. With a rich layer of intense dark chocolate topped with white chocolate and hand-pulled peppermint candies, it’s simply irresistible. $19.99 at Olive & Sinclair.
Quail from Manchester Farms
Bill Odom saw a demand for farm-raised quail, which kick-started his company in the 1970s. Manchester Farms, located in Columbia, SC, is the oldest quail producer in the United States. Each quail is produced with no antibiotics or steroids, and Manchester Farms produces about 80,000 a week. Chefs across the country have been serving Manchester Farms’ quail to their customers for years, and this Christmas, you can gift this delicious bird to someone you love. Try the Semi-Boneless Quail, which is perfect for stuffing. A pack of four quail retails for $15. To place your order, call (800) 845-0421.
Rib-eye from Joyce Farms
Perhaps you know someone who prefers animals of the land to animals of the air. If that is the case, they will love the whole rib-eye from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem, NC. Joyce Farms began selling chickens in 1962, and the company has grown to raise and sell poultry, beef and game, chicken, sausage and more. If you aren’t sure what the meat lover on your list will salivate over, order them a gift card and let them select their meat of choice. The whole rib-eye is $179.99 at Joyce Farms.
Shave set
No-Shave November has come to an end and the fellas returning to beardless will welcome this gift. The natural, bamboo-infused shaving products make for a useful gift set and will leave their faces feeling fresh and conditioned. The set includes shave cream, cool aftershave and some Beardition swag. $36 at Beardition
Tea towels
Tea towels make the perfect hostess gift. We suggest you stock up and bring one (or more) as a thank you to any holiday get-together hosts or hostesses. Alabama Chanin, located in Florence, AL, is a lifestyle company that produces quality, American-made goods. They are selling these 100 percent cotton jersey chanin tea towels. They measure 18 x 26 inches, and are sold in bundles of two. $28 at Alabama Chanin
Utensils
Spice Up My Life, Butter My Biscuit, Sweeten My Tea, Hey There Sugar — all Southern phrases that belong on utensils in a Southern kitchen. Hand-carved in Indiana from hardwood sugar maple, these kitchen utensils are made with Southern love. The spatula, knife, mixing spoon and sugar spoon are all engraved with different sayings. Belle & Union products are sold at local retailers across the country; find a location near you or order one — or all — of these items from Belle & Union in College Station, TX, for $20 each.
Virginia peanuts
Although these are Virginia peanuts, they are made in Texas and seasoned with big, bold flavor. They are addictive, so give a heads up to any recipient that they will want to tuck these away from themselves. We suggest the Artisan-Peppercorn Blistered Peanuts, which are perfectly crunchy and not too spicy. These nuts are vegan and gluten-free, so keep that in mind. $19.99 at Squirrel Brand
Wooden bowls
Andrew Pearce discovered his love for the craft of woodworking which led him to create the artistic, hand-turned, hand-finished bowls you see here. His Live Edge Bowl Collection features bowls that are each unique in their curves, grain patterns and size. REVIVAL, an antique home furnishings and luxury gifts store located in Chattanooga, TN’s Warehouse Row, carries this collection. Bowls start at $95 at REVIVAL.
Toolbox
Let the little ones in your life get a head start on honing their carpentry skills with this wooden toolbox. Added bonus points if you stick around and teach them some tricks of the trade. The box features 14 woodworking tools and is recommended for children 6 years and older (with adult supervision). $63 atTaigan
Yummy holiday classic candle
Nest Fragrance candles will fill your house with smells of the holidays. While these candles can be found in many retailers and online, we always stock up at The Cosmetic Market, a one-stop-shop for beauty needs with locations in Nashville, Franklin and Chattanooga, TN, and Alpharetta, GA. Candles make great hostess gifts, and the scent of the season is one that everyone will love. $38 at The Cosmetic Market
Zzzz snoozing dog
This resting dog is hard to resist. Enjoy company from man’s best friend as he lies across your desk or table. Funny, he won’t even get up to eat or go for a walk. Irresistibly cute, he is available at Merridian Home Furnishings, with locations in Nashville, TN, and Louisville, KY. Grab one for the dog lovers on your list for $65 at Merridian Home Furnishings.
Piece of art that’s handy on a desk or coffee table
Long fans of Nashville-based artist Dorsey McHugh, when we saw that she was making these blocks of glass with her artwork encased within, we were smitten. It’s such an affordable way to have a piece of her art at a home or office! Makes a great gift with a fabulous message at only $25. Purchase on her website: dorseymchugh.com