Lex Eats Local Gift Guide

Who else is in the midst of holiday shopping madness?! I just counted and I’m shopping for 28+ people this year! Luckily I Christmas shop year round, so I have a few people already knocked out, but still have several of the 28 to buy for. If ya can’t tell, I’m a big fan of supporting local businesses when I can and find a local gift tends to be more thoughtful. I’ve rounded up my local picks from Lexington and surrounding areas, check them out below!

Ale-8 Holiday Raglan $18

How festive is this tee? There’s nothing more Kentucky than Ale-8. I also snagged this metal tumbler for a white elephant gift. Also did you know Ale-8 will send a free case to soldiers serving overseas? Just pay shipping here.

CycleYOU Package gift cards available in any amount

I’ve been working out at CycleYOU for 3+ years and it’s honestly how I manage to stay in shape while getting to eat all the things I love! Besides having great classes, the CycleYOU team is the most friendly and inspiring and always make my day. A package of their classes is on my personal wish list, and I’m also gifting a package to a friend! The great thing about their classes is that they never expire. If you’re new to CycleYOU your first class free and you get $50 off packages on your first visit, plus a free week if you purchase a discounted package on your first visit. Come workout with me!

Fancy Panz from Peggy’s $29.99 including personalization

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 peices, 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. I love their personalized ornaments! My current go-to gift is their Fancy Panz – a carrier for your disposable pans. They are great for tailgates, potlucks and cookouts. Peggy’s will also personalize them for you right in the store! I’ve gotten one for my mom, grandmother, Dave’s mom and sisters so far. Also, protip: Peggy’s has free gift wrapping and makes the best bows in town.

Bar ware and Gifts from The Still

AMBRAbev, a local spirits company that produces BOTECO Vodka and Espirito Cachaça, recently opened The Still in Danville and it’s a one stop holiday cheer shop! The Still is a distillery, a restaurant featuring a variety of dishes with Brazilian influence, a full service bar and a gift shop and clothing boutique. I have the shake cocktail book pictured above and it makes a great hostess gift. I’m also eying those pineapple shot glasses! The in-store women’s clothing boutique Vestiary also has lots of cute picks for your sister or girlfriends. Take the short 45 minute drive down to charming Danville and make a day out of holiday shopping!

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!

Double Barrel Honey

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. It is available at several places in Lexington/surrounding area including Critchfield’s, Good Foods, Old Kentucky Chocolates and several more. PS: coincidentally OBC Kitchen is currently offering a free bottle of Double Barrel Honey with every private selection purchase!

Shop Local KY Sherpa $60

How cozy! Shop Local KY makes the best Kentucky-themed tees, sweatshirts and other gear. Sherpas are all the rage with the young crowd these days!

Custom Henry Dry Goods Cosmetic Pouch $49

Henry Dry Goods is a Lexington-based company that makes bags and accessories, many of which they customize! I love how unique their monograms are – like an updated southern look! Orders ship within 1-2 business days, so you have plenty of time to get it in before the holidays. They also have the most chic clear totes perfect for UK games and concerts when you are not allowed to bring in a regular purse.

Crank & Boom Peppermint Bark $6

Hello stocking stuffer! Peppermint bark is one of my favorite holiday treats. I am definitely adding this to Dave’s stocking!

Kentucky for Kentucky Holiday Horse Breath Candle $24

These are amazing. Would make a great hostess or dirty santa gift. Also available in ‘Home For The Y’allidays’, ‘Bourbon Drunk Gingerbread Man’, ‘Oh SH*T I Forgot A Gift!’ and ‘Southern Snow Day’ scents.

Book from Joseph Beth price varies

Joseph Beth is one of my favorite spots during the holidays. I love to grab a latte from their cafe and wander the rows and find new books. When I don’t know what to get my dad or grandpa, I usually head to Joseph Beth!

Clayton & Crume Tote $360

Clayton & Crume is one of my favorite Kentucky makers. I’ve been gifting their leather coasters for years now. This beautiful bag is on my personal wish list! PS: a few Lexington shops including Peggy’s carry their stuff.

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese Gift Box $25-75

Cheese is an obvious answer. Great idea for grandparents, your boss and the other hard to buy for people in your life.

Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook $15.64

For your bourbon lovers. Would also make a great hostess gift!

Got Pappy Glencairn $19.99

Also for your bourbon lovers!

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.

Maker’s Mark Bottle Sweater $9.70

You will never see a naked bottle of Maker’s in my house again.

Kayla Weber Art prints starting at $30 and originals at $300

My friend and local artist Kayla is so talented. She has great horse themed prints and original paintings. Someone lucky on my list is receiving one of these!

Thirsty Hearts Design prints starting at $18

Speaking of talented Lexingtonians, I also love Angie Posten’s work! I have this Lexington print and have gifted it a few times as well. She also makes a Louisville one and has uplifting temporary tattoos that would be a great stocking stuffer. Hurry and order because she closes her shop for the holidays.

KY Decal $4.50

Another cute stocking stuffer idea.. I love this KY state outline decal.

UK-opoly $19.51

Okay this is from Amazon, so not exactly local but I couldn’t not include a few UK things! The UK version of Monopoly would be a fun family gift, secret santa or hostess gift.

859 Necklace $40

By Louisville artisan Nikki Cummings available from The Amsden. Choose from more options on Nikki’s etsy page.

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 a thoughtful gift! They also make mini bottles that I like to get for stocking stuffers.