It’s officially the holiday season. My Christmas tree is up, Thanksgiving meal is planned, and holiday markets are in full swing. I’ve put together my annual local gift guide to give you some ideas for shopping small this holiday season.
I discovered this Lexington-local maker at a holiday market and fell in love with her trays! She has all kinds of colors and can do custom pieces.
BHG Private Selection Bourbon $35-100
Bourbon is an obvious Kentucky gift, but now you can give exclusive bottles picked out by the team at Bluegrass Hospitality Group! I have gotten to go on a few of these picks where you taste through different barrels of bourbon and pick out a barrel unlike what you would normally find on the liquor store shelf. Buy bottles picked by the experts from BHG at OBC Kitchen. There’s also a promotion on BHG gift cards – for every $100 in gift cards you’ll receive a $20 certificate. Protip: if you find you’ve forgotten someone last minute, BHG also has egift cards you can send immediately via email or print at home.
BraveTart Cookbook $24.91
Written by Lexington pastry chef Stella Parks, this cookbook won a James Beard award!
Clay Chick Ceramics Ornament starting at $12
I love Clay Chick’s personalized ornaments. I have a few on my tree and we included their Kentucky-themed ornaments in our wedding welcome bags. There are ornaments perfect for newly engaged/married couples, new baby, first home etc. Everything on their site is 30% off right now and they will personalize for free!
Clayton & Crume Lex Coasters $25
Clayton & Crume is one of my favorite Kentucky makers. I’ve been gifting their leather coasters for years now. A great gift for the person who has everything, or a hostess gift. PS: a few Lexington shops including Peggy’s carry their stuff.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream price varies
Crank & Boom is now shipping their ice cream nationwide via goldbelly! You can mix and match different pints or pick from best sellers. I think this would be the perfect gift for a homesick Kentuckian, far away family or clients. Crank & Boom also offers lots of goodies for stocking stuffers, teacher, hostess, neighbor or mailman gifts. There are hot chocolate and marshmallow sets, chocolate covered oreos, cake pops.. We’re giving the hot chocolate sets to our neighbors!
Cups on Cochran price varies
These custom cups are the cutest! The Santa Claws would be a great white elephant gift. Or order custom cups for your holiday party. Order by DM on Instagram.
Dog Treats from Bluegrass Barkery
Because dogs need local treats too! We have been getting these festive cookies for our dogs every Christmas for years. They have two locations on Old Todds Rd and Tiverton.
A family friend makes this honey aged in bourbon barrels and it is so delicious! Also such a uniquely Kentucky gift. I plan on keeping a couple bottles on hand for hostess gifts. Shop online or it is available at several places in Lexington/surrounding area including Critchfield’s, Good Foods, Old Kentucky Chocolates, Peggy’s and several more.
Henry Dry Goods Clear Crossbody $70
Henry Dry Goods is a Lexington-based company that makes bags and accessories, many of which they customize. I have a couple of their pieces, my favorite may be this monogrammed pillow we received as a wedding gift. Their clear bags are so chic, perfect for UK games and concerts when you are not allowed to bring in a regular purse. They have a studio on Jefferson St, but you can always shop online.
Jack Rudy is based in Lexington and Charleston, SC! Their syrups are great quality and so delicious. I love the sweet tea syrup. I’ll be sharing a few holiday cocktail recipes with them soon, stay tuned! You can shop online and save 20% with the code ‘lexeats20’ or locally at Liquor Barn, LV Harkness, Wine + Market and the Keeneland Shop.
Kayla Weber Art prints starting at $18 and originals at $295
My friend and local artist Kayla is so talented. She has great horse themed prints, bourbon prints and original paintings. I have a few that I love so much. I also have one of her globes from Anthropologie (only $18!)
Kentucky for Kentucky ABC’s of Southern Food Print $30
This print would be perfect for the food lover in your life. Kentucky for Kentucky has great stocking stuffers too – $2 sunglass straps, $6 Y’all ornament and all the Kentucky socks. They have two locations on Bryan Ave and at the Summit or you can shop online.
Lexington Brownie Bae Brownies starting at $8.50
Y’all. These brownies are insane. She makes all kinds of flavors stuffed with chocolate, candy and other treats. A great stocking stuffer, hostess gift or neighbor gift. And make sure to order extra for yourself! Check out the menu on Facebook and order by emailing orders@lexingtonbrowniebae.com.
Lexington Coffee Shops Book $27.99
This book all about local coffee shops would be perfect for your coffee-loving friend. It’s available at A Cup of Commonwealth, Broom Wagon, Choccolate Holler, Coffee Times, High on Art & Coffee, Lussi Brown, Nate’s Coffee, Third Street Stuff and Sugarboo & Co. A portion of sales go to CASA of Lexington. You can also shop on Amazon here.
A classic, beautiful piece by a Lexington local. I love the meaning behind the brand: “Your bangle is not just a piece of jewelry but it provides a way to connect with others as a matching piece whether it’s your best friend, child, grandmother or spouse, to never forget them.” Would be a thoughtful gift for the special person in your life.
Neoprene Tote from Peggy’s $98
Y’all know I love shopping at Peggy’s! They have the most thoughtful gifts and I know I can always turn to Peggy’s if I need a present for someone and have no idea what to get. They have everything from home decor, entertaining and serving pieces, clothing, shoes, jewelry, baby gifts, wedding gifts… the list goes on. If you’re looking for something monogrammed or personalized, then you need to go to Peggy’s. These neoprene totes come in a few patterns. I love that they are easy to clean, would make a great gift for a gal always on the go. Some of my other favorite gifts from Peggy’s are a monogrammed Corkcicle or personalized Fancy Pan. Also, protip: Peggy’s has free gift wrapping and makes the best bows in town.
Shop Local KY That Kentuckian Tee $25
Can you say obsessssssed. Perfect for any Lizzo-loving Kentuckian.
Stuarto’s Olive Oil prices varies
Stuarto’s flavored olive oils, vinegars and salts are an impressive gift any foodie would love. Visit two locations in Lexington and try samples to pick out the perfect flavor. They also make mini bottles that I like to get for stocking stuffers.
Thirsty Hearts Design Strong & Brave Youth Shirt $22
Speaking of talented Lexingtonians, I also love Angie Posten’s work! I have a few prints from her, but these Strong + Brave shirts would be so sweet for the kiddos in your life.
Gift an Experience!
I’ve said it before, I love to give experiences when I can. I’ve given pasta making classes at Lexington Pasta Garage a few times. You could do dinner downtown and a movie at the Kentucky Theatre. A staycation at The Castle or 21c or take a trip to Shaker Village – they’re hosting afternoon tea during the holidays I’m dying to check out. The Mad Potter is a great option for kids. Treat someone who works really hard to a gift certificate from The Massage Center.
Happy shopping, friends! If you have any suggestions to add to the list, leave them in the comments below. Check out my Under $50 Gift Guide here and stay tuned for a local Black Friday guide, gift guide for men and $25 guide coming soon.
Biscuits & Blessings,
Leels
