Y’all know I’m big on local and love me some Kentucky. As we get into the holiday season, I wanted to share some local gift ideas! Read on for my picks; I’ve got everyone from your best friend to Grandma to next-door neighbor covered, and probably a few things you’ll be adding to your wish list too! I’ve linked each shop’s website below.
You can’t go wrong with Ky for Ky! Any Kentuckian would be pleased to receive one of their state-prideful prints. I snagged this one for my brother at the most recent Night Market. Let’s hope he’s not reading this… You can shop at their Lexington location, The Kentucky Fun Mall, on Bryan Ave. or online.
Bluegrass Hospitality Group Give BHG Gift Card
The gift to receive in Lexington is a BHG gift card! You can use them at Malone’s, Drake’s, OBC Kitchen or Harry’s.. basically anything you could possible crave. Give BHG is a program where you can designate a nonprofit to receive a donation from BHG of 20% of the value of your gift card. I love that you can gift something and give back at the same time; it adds such a personal touch. Purchase online at www.givebhg.com.
Wreath from Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop
If you’ve never been to the Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop, you have to visit for the experience if nothing else. The greenery and hand-crafted arrangements will put you in a merry mood, plus they have a nativity scene including live animals, apple cider and marshmallows to roast by the fire. My family got our tree there this year, and I was eying all kinds of wreaths and topiary balls. One of these would make a great gift for your grandmother, a neighbor or even a hostess gift.
These handcrafted leather coasters are made in Louisville. I discovered this brand at a local holiday market and fell in love. They are very high quality and feature unique designs. The coasters above would make a great gift for your favorite bourbon lover, but there are also Lexington, Louisville, UK, UofL or Kentucky-themed coasters as well. I thought this made a great gift for your dad or grandfather, or even a hostess gift!
Book from Joseph Beth or Morris Book Shop
I love gifting books. I can wander for hours in Joseph Beth and never get bored. I love perusing the shelves and discovering new reads. Giving books as gifts is underrated if you ask me. There are so many options – cookbooks, coffee table books, funny books.. even if someone is not a huge reader you can still find a book they would enjoy. I just picked up this gem, 101 Ways to Use a Unicorn, for a coworker! Joseph Beth is a favorite or The Morris Book Shop just announced they’ll be closing in January, so show them some love during their last holiday season 🙂
Macarons are one of my favorite treats. I fell in love while studying abroad, and was so excited when Lexington got a macaron shop! How cute are these little snowmen?! I discovered these at the Junior League’s Holly Day Market this weekend. He would make the perfect stocking stuffer. Check out their shop on South Ashland or order online.
My very first job was at the Mousetrap, and I actually credit the local deli and artisanal food store as being the first inspiration for this blog! It’s there that I began my love affair with food, and learned all about cheese! You probably know the Mousetrap for their pimento cheese, but they also offer all sorts of European and imported cheeses. Some of which they’ll put into a gift basket or box for ya, along with other epicurean treats. These baskets make a great gift for clients, neighbors or out of town family. Visit their shop in the Lansdowne Shoppes on Tates Creek Rd.
Thirsty Hearts Design Ornament
These handmade wood cut ornaments from Lexington maker, Angie Posten, are the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a coworker. Catch her at the Market 301 on December 9. I’m planning on stocking up on a few!
Another great option for prideful Kentuckians! This local shop offers tees with both witty and sentimental sayings about the great Bluegrass state. I snagged a few of these tees on Black Friday for girlfriends and cousins. There are plenty of options for guys and gals, young and old, cats fans and cards fans. The tees are super soft, too. Shop at the their Lexington location on Woodland Ave. or online.
I picked up this cute mint julep print at a local holiday market recently for myself. C Buxton Art has a variety of cute prints with a Kentucky theme, like jockey silks. Your mom, sister or best friend would all appreciate one of this local artist’s original illustrations!
Chevy Chase Candle from Peggy’s
I’ve been shopping at Peggy’s for gifts for years! A dear friend, Peggy is a go-to when it comes to finding the perfect gift for someone. This Chevy Chase candle, a blend of leather, tea, and pomegranate scents, is a great gift for any 40502 resident. There’s also a Kentucky Christmas scent. Peggy’s has plenty of other Kentucky-themed and locally-sourced options. Shop their cute store on Clay Ave. or online.
Local maker, Sherri Wolf, offers all sorts of totes, cosmetic bags, clutches, pillows etc. in a sophisticated Southern style. She uses a variety of fabrics and textiles, with a lot of canvas and bright, witty sayings. I have one of her pillows on my bed that lightens my mood every time I see it! Your mom, sister or best friend would all love to receive a Henry Dry Goods piece. Shop their store on Jefferson St. or Peggy’s carries several of their pieces, too.
Local Workout Class Package
Maybe not a traditional gift idea, but one that is much appreciated. I personally love taking workout classes versus working out on my own. I obviously eat a lot, so I try to hit the gym several times a week. It’s fun to mix up my routine with different classes. A package from a local fitness studio is a thoughtful gift for the young active gal or guy in your life, since it may not be something they would spring for themselves. My favorites are Fit Lexington, Cycle You, Pure Barre, Proof Fitness and Lift.
I hope you found a few helpful ideas. I love shopping a bit too much, so I could probably come up with gift ideas for days! What are your favorite local shops for gifts?
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
