Holiday gift guide: This year, support local businesses in WNC & beyond
A search for the perfect holiday gift ends with these 15 businesses and makers in western North Carolina and beyond.
As the holidays approach, those who thrive on giving gifts are excited to finish shopping. For folks like me—i.e., those who don’t find the hunt for gifts thrilling—here are ideas for all the kinds of people in your life, from coworkers, family, and friends to the host at the holiday party you attend every year.
Whether you want something small to give a neighbor who always waves hello or a jaw-dropping present for the special person in your life, these North Carolina local makers and business owners may have the right gift for you to give this holiday season.
Local businesses across the state
Alternative Chef NC
Charlotte
Who wouldn’t love a week off from cooking? Chef Hannah Riley offers a variety of meal delivery options: dinners and lunches, plus a la carte items such as breakfasts, desserts, and snacks. Anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, and vegan menus are available.
Big Spoon Roasters
Hillsborough
This women-owned nut butter and snack bar company will knock the socks off anyone with a taste for nuts. Flavors such as gingerbread crunch, almond and pecan butter, and lemon cookie cashew butter are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. They do not contain palm oil and use only bee-friendly almonds. Plus, many of Big Spoon Roasters’ products are vegan and free of refined sugars.
Carolina Country Store
Wilmington
Carolina Country Mercantile Store, tucked inside the Old Wilmington City Market, carries products made by artisans with disabilities. They have mastered the skills necessary to make nut butter, soap, salsa, and more. You can order online or meet the welcoming folks who run the shop.
Carriage House Tea
Asheboro
Pair Nicholas Sparks’ newest book, “Counting Miracles,” with a special tea blend created by Lady Mary at Carriage House Tea. The shop is in downtown Asheboro, where Sparks’ novel is set. A perfect holiday gift for your favorite bookworm!
Latino Bakes
Charlotte
Order a box of artisanal alfajores, a shortbread sandwich cookie filled with dulce de leche, from this Charlotte-based family business.
Pottery events
Seagrove
Seagrove, known as the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” provides two unique opportunities for holiday shopping.
Home decor, snowmen, ornaments, coffee mugs, and sculptures made by 28 local potters will be on view at the 17th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour on Nov. 22, 23, and 24 at the new exhibit hall in Historic Luck’s Cannery at Luck Comer Lail Center.
The 42nd Seagrove Pottery Festival, Nov. 23 and 24, features local potters and craftspeople from across the state, such as blacksmiths, woodworkers, and knife makers at Seagrove Elementary School.
Artists & businesses in Western North Carolina
Another way to support neighbors in Western North Carolina is to purchase holiday and hostess gifts from artists and business owners affected by Hurricane Helene.
828 Endurance Community
Asheville
Two Asheville companies—Fuel Good and Pressio—founded 828 Endurance Community to assist local outdoor and endurance brands impacted by Hurricane Helene. Buy a performance T-shirt, Together We Rise, and 100% of the proceeds will support these efforts.
Axe & Awl Leatherworks
Waynesville
This husband-and-wife team makes handmade leather goods such as bags, belts, keychains, padfolios, and wallets. Treat someone you love to one of the leathercraft workshops held in their historic building in downtown Waynesville.
Doug Bowman Galleries
Chimney Rock
Is home decor on your list of gifts to buy? Order decorative night lights, lamps, copper lampshades, and rustic wine cabinets, all crafted by Doug Bowman.
Haywood County Arts Council
Waynesville
Visit the art council’s storefront on Main Street in downtown Waynesville for locally made pieces such as jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilt blocks (barn quilts), and ornaments.
North Carolina Glass Center
Asheville
Send a friend to a 30-Minute Make Your Own class at the Hot Shop or stop to purchase glass products like jewelry, ornaments, and vases made by local artists.
Pure Ritual
Marshall
Nina Kawar creates porcelain metaphysical tools, sculptures, and one-of-a-kind copper and gemstone jewelry for healers and seekers to foster self-awareness.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge
Boone
Book a getaway to the High Country at Rhode’s Motor Lodge, a restored mid-century modern boutique hotel with updated amenities, a full bar, and a restaurant. Guests can sit on the front porch, enjoy the gas fire, order drinks, and take in the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Toe River Arts
Burnsville, Spruce Pine
The gift shops in Burnsville and Spruce Pine carry works by more than 150 artists and craftspeople. You can find baskets, clay, photography, and so much more.
Turtle Island Pottery
Old Fort
Maggie and Freeman Jones have been creating stoneware pottery since 1984. Dishes, mugs, pitchers, and vases featuring whimsical designs and colorful glazes are available to purchase.
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