I’m a big proponent of shopping local and think that local gifts are much more thoughtful. I love being able to feel good about not only finding the perfect gift for someone, but also supporting another Kentuckian while doing so! I put together a list of a few of the Kentucky gifts I’ll be giving this year and a few that are on my own wishlist as well. 
1. Who wouldn’t love receiving a new Kentucky-themed t-shirt each month? A My Kentucky Tee subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. I love gifting subscriptions because it gives your recipient something to look forward to each month; it’s like opening a present all over again! This subscription is only $15 a month and you can choose from 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions.
2. I had the pleasure of trying Louie’s Derby Cake from Merts Kitchen earlier this year and y’all, it is YUM! A butter praline cake topped with a brown sugar and walnut mixture and dark chocolate. Plus Kentucky bourbon. It’s the perfect taste of Kentucky and they are packaged beautifully so they make great gifts! The cakes can be shipped too, so this would be a great choice to send to out-of-town friends and relatives who are missing out on a Kentucky Christmas. A small is $22.50 and a large is $38.50.
3. Bluegrass Hospitality Group is offering a great deal on their gift cards! You can choose to donate 20% of your purchase to a local nonprofit or receive a $20 voucher good for take-out for every $100 spent. Plus, you can buy these bad boys online and print them straight from home! AKA, a great choice on Christmas Eve when you realize you forgot someone on your list. You can’t go wrong with a BHG restaurant in Lex!
4. How cute is this little equine-themed tray from Peggy’s Gifts here in Lexington? Peggy’s is my go-to for gifting. They carry so many Kentucky items; check out their store on Clay Avenue or shop online. This tray would make the perfect hostess gift and it’s only $13.99!
5. My very first job was at The Mousetrap, a cute little sandwich shop and gourmet food store in the Landsdowne Shops in Lexington. I owe my love for food to this place! The Mousetrap puts together great gift baskets full of sweet and savory treats and imported meats and cheeses. You can stop by the shop and pick up a pre-made one or pick out items for a basket yourself and have them put it together for you. These baskets make great gifts for your boss, clients, the in-laws, you name it.
6. Gotta love a good Kentucky-themed print! I’m digging this one from Thirsty Hearts Design. Either $12 for a 5×7 or $18 for a 8×10, this is a thoughtful gift any Kentuckian would love to receive.
7. I’ve wanted one of these KY embroidered pillows for the longest time. (Did you hear that Santa??) These are a great addition to any bluegrass home. Can also be found at Peggy’s for $80.99.
8. Ale 8 plus reindeer?? Yes. Every Kentuckian needs this sweatshirt. $25 and I guarantee you will wear to every holiday party you have this season.
9. I got to meet Chef Ed Lee, of Louisville’s 610 Magnolia, while I was working in NYC and was lucky enough to snag one of his cookbooks. The book is full of Asian twists on southern dishes and some pretty entertaining stories of how a Korean American from Brooklyn ended up calling Kentucky home. Buy this one for your foodie friends. Available for $18 on Amazon.
Happy #shoplocalky-ing to you! Do you have any favorite local makers I should check out?
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
