Holiday season is here! 2020 has been a year, that’s for sure, but it’s also helped us see what really matters. Celebrating with those dear to us and supporting small businesses are among those things that matter. In that spirit, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite local gifts for everyone on your list. Check them out below and let me know if I’ve missed your favorite local business in the comments! PS: My Local Gift Baskets feature food and goods (several of the ones on this list) all from Kentucky!
Crank & Boom Ice Cream price varies
Crank & Boom is now shipping their ice cream nationwide via goldbelly! You can pick from different collections like the ‘Flavors of Kentucky’ or dairy free. I think this would be the perfect gift for a homesick Kentuckian, far away friends and 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, mugs, etc.. YUM! I love the peppermint marshmallows!
Double Barrel Honey $12
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.
Jack Rudy Cocktail Syrup $16
Jack Rudy is based in Lexington and Charleston, SC! Their syrups are great quality and so delicious. I love the sweet tea syrup or this tonic trio is a great gift set. Check out some holiday cocktail recipes featuring their products here. You can shop online or locally at Liquor Barn, LV Harkness, Wine + Market and the Keeneland Shop. You can use the code lexeats10 to save 10% through December 10!
Screamin’ Mimi’s Salsa $6
I hope you saw the recipes I shared with Screamin’ Mimi’s earlier this week! This local salsa is unlike any salsa I’ve tried. It’s a little sweet, with just the right amount of heat. I’ve got a few jars on hand for hostess and coworker gifts. I’m planning on putting together a little basket with the salsa, pepper sauce, chips and margarita mix for friends! You can shop online here. Screamin’ Mimi’s is also available locally at Kroger, Whole Foods, Good Foods Co-Op, Critchfield, Liquor Barn and Total Wine.
Green Chili Jam $3.50-6.99
I worked with Green Chili Jam this fall and fell in love with their sweet and spicy jam. If you haven’t made these Cheesy Green Chili Sausage Cups yet, you need to. This jam is a great hostess, teacher, neighbor or white elephant gift. Pair it with some nice cheese and crackers or even a cheese board! You can shop online here and use code LEXEATS-GCJ2020 to buy one, get one jar free!
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. While restaurants are currently limited to outdoor dining, OBC is hosting pop-ups to sell the bottles. Starting 11/23, 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. BHG is also selling these gift sets in a custom cooler with Maker’s Mark Snowflake bottle, $50 gift card, glasses and OBC Old Fashioned Syrup for $125.
Personalized Fancy Panz from Peggy’s $29.99
These are my favorite gift to give! Fancy Panz are a carrier for disposable foil pans. They are great for tailgates, potlucks and cookouts, so you can leave your dish at the party without worrying about losing it. Peggy’s will also personalize them for you right in the store! If you don’t want the personalization it’s only $24.99. Peggy’s is probably my favorite place for gifts, they have something for everyone and do beautiful free gift wrapping.
Clayton & Crume Coasters $35
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.
Art by Stephanie Roberts Pouch $12
I have been fan-girling over Stephanie’s pill art on Instagram this year. She is a pharmacist turn artist who makes the most fun coasters, catchalls and trays using resin and pills. Her store openings always sell out in minutes (or less) and I’ve never been able to snag anything. I was so excited when she released merch! I ordered this pouch for myself. It would be a fun gift for a girl friend stuffed with a few beauty products.
Harkness Edwards Vineyards Cheese Club $23
Yes, I said a cheese club! Local vineyard Harkness Edwards has a club where each month you receive three blocks of unique artisan cheese from specialty gourmet producers. Each delivery includes a description of all the varieties and how to pair them with wine and food. Purchase here and you can select gift wrap and add a gift message.
Henry Dry Goods Mask $15-25
I love everything Henry Dry Goods does, so of course I love their masks. They have a lot of cute designs. The blue wildcat is my favorite, or you can order a custom monogram. They are actually one of the most comfortable masks I own, the straps are adjustable and I find it fits my face perfectly.
Stuarto’s Olive Oil prices varies
Stuarto’s flavored olive oils, vinegars and salts are one of my favorite foodie gifts. 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. You have to try the butter olive oil with maple vinegar!
Lee Milward Designs Statement Necklace $160
Lee Milward Designs makes stunning statement jewelry. I love this necklace! I also have this bracelet and think a couple of these to stack would be a great gift for a girl friend or sister.
Pasta Garage Pasta Club $249
Another club that I think I need to be a part of.. 12 weeks of pastas and sauces to feed a family of four! How fun would this be to gift to a family! I also love to gift Pasta Garage’s pasta making classes.
Kayla Weber Art ‘Paxton Ponies’ Print starts at $30
Kayla is the queen of equestrian art! I’m obsessed with these ponies with cute animal print blankets. She has a bunch of other horse prints. I also love this Kroger Field or Rupp Arena print for UK fans!
Weisenberger Mill Gift Box $16.95
I love Weisenberger Mill’s baking mixes! The pancake mix is my favorite. This set would be a fun gift to send to out of town family. Or just grab individual bags for stocking stuffers!
Maple and J Cuff $115
I love the simplicity of Maple and J’s stackable bracelets. This cuff would be a great starter piece you could add to each year.
Keeneland Parade Wooden Puzzle $80
I’m predicting the puzzle will be the gift of 2020. This wooden Keeneland puzzle and so unique to the bluegrass! These Catstudio custom Keeneland glasses are also one of my favorites.
KY for KY Wrapping Paper $8
To wrap all of your local gifts! Kentucky for Kentucky has the best gifts for the Kentucky lover. Check out their holiday shop for more ideas. I love the candles and socks too!
Queen Bee Gifts Leather Belt $52
People always ask about a good gift for guys, and I love these personalized leather belts! You can custom order from Queen Bee Gifts. They also make dog collars, key chains and wallets.
Bala Bangles from Eleventh House $49
For the at home workout.. Bala Bangles are weighted “bracelets” you can put on your arms or ankles to intensify your workout. Eleventh House also has really cool activewear!
Rupp Arena Needlepoint Wallet from Logan’s $115
This wallet was made exclusively for Logan’s by Smathers & Branson. Great gift for a UK fan!
Custom Bourbon Barrel Shelf from The Barrel Market price varies
The Barrel Market has really cool custom gifts for the bourbon enthusiast. They make furniture, shelves, gift boxes, art and more out of bourbon barrels and staves. Their website doesn’t have many photos, so I recommend going in store or checking out their Facebook page.
Happy shopping friends! You can check out my other gift guides and holiday content here.
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
