Holiday Gift Guide for the Small Business Shopper
The best local gifts for Kentuckians!
This year, I’ve decided to do something a little different. Rather than typical blogger gift guides — we all know that you can get Diptyque candles at Nordstrom if you care to spend that much for them — I’ve put together a set of gift guides that speak to the interests of HerKentucky fans. No link in this post generate affiliate income. I do have a professional relationship with many of the businesses mentioned in this post and may have received products for promotional consideration in the past. However, no placements in this list were in exchange for payment or product. As always, I appreciate all businesses that help keep HerKentucky running, and all opinions are my own.}
It’s Small Business Saturday, a day celebrating the important role of independently owned businesses. I’ve put together a list of products and services from some of my very favorite Kentucky small businesses. Some of these are HerKentucky business partners; all are places where we personally shop.
Logan’s of Lexington: Logan’s is known for fine menswear and fabulous UK gear. While they’re technically a store for guys, I find plenty of great stuff for myself every time I visit. This Barbour merino-cashmere tartan scarf is one of Bob’s most-worn accessories!
Quest Outdoors: Louisville’s classic outdoor outfitter. My Barbour Beadnell Polarquilt Jacket is from Quest; they were fantastic about placing a special order in the size and color that worked for me! BARBOUR WOMEN'S BEADNELL POLARQUILT JACKET
Craft(s) Gallery and Mercantile: This Louisville-based gallery and boutique is co-owned by one of my dearest friends. They carry a sophisticated assortment of art and gifts. I love this piece, Houston Llew Spiritiles – 052 ‘Ms.’
Anchal: I love the women of Anchal. I adore their commitment to improving the lives of women. And their products are simply exquisite, like this triangle quilt throw.
Allsports: Lexington’s locally-owned sports store. The sweetest staff, and the best UK athleisure pieces! I’m all about this Ladies Kentucky Columbia Mountainside Fleece.
Stoneware & Co: I’ve collected Stoneware for as long as I can remember. I love visiting the showroom and seeing local artisans hand-paint each piece. I always find that the holidays are a great time to ask for pieces in my Bachelor Button pattern, like this 12" Salad Bowl.
Needlepoint by Laura : A great Lexington-based needlepoint canvas company! I promise, if someone on your list loves to needlepoint, then one of Laura’s canvases would be a great gift. this horse racing cuff bracelet kit is a great, self-finishing kit!
Campus Quilt: A t-shirt memory quilt from Campus Quilt is an incredible gift. Your favorite tees are transformed into the highest-quality quilt you can imagine. I love mine!
Joseph Beth: It’s truly not a trip to Lexington without a trip to Joseph-Beth. Their selection of Kentucky-themed books and gifts is outstanding! A Joseph-Beth gift card is great for nearly anyone on your list!
Magnolia Aesthetics: The absolute prettiest place to get pretty. Who wouldn’t want a facial for Christmas — or for herself?
Peppermint Palm: With locations in Lexington and Louisville, The Peppermint Palm is Kentucky’s locally-owned Lily Pulitzer Signature Store. My mom always loves the silk Elsa top or the Skipper popover!
Sweet Mash Goods: The cutest boutique in Lawrenceburg! The exclusive Bourbon & Boweties Barrel Bangle is my go-to bourbon-tasting bracelet.
Steepleton: If you’re in the market for a billiard table, jacuzzi, or Big Green Egg, then this is your place! We had a fantastic experience with purchasing our Egg and its accessories from Steepleton!
Plehn’s: Plehn’s Bakery has been a Louisville staple for 96 years. I love taking a Plehn’s cake to holiday events; everyone loves them!
Pappy & Co and Maizie Clarke: Every time I walk into Pappy & Co, I want one of everything. The lifestyle brand for storied Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon has some of the most elegant and beautiful local pieces I’ve seen. The hand-illustrated Pappy & Company holiday ceramic ornament by Louisville artist Maizie Clarke (who is as sweet as she is talented!) is the most delightful collaboration!
Volare Italian Ristorante: Volare is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Beyond their excellent pasta, you can count on amazing fish specials and the best steak in town. A gift card to Volare would be a fabulous gift for any Kentucky foodie.
For Pete’s Sake Pottery: For Pete’s Sake Pottery features beautiful pieces fired in a backyard kiln right here in St. Matthews! I love this Blue and White Floral Ceramic Pitcher.
Elva Fields: I’m obsessed with Elva Fields jewelry, not only because the pieces are unique and amazing, but also because owner-designer Emily Maynard is one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. Elva necklaces are show-stoppers; I treasure mine.
St Matthews Feed & Seed: The Feed & Seed has been in business for 99 years, and they’re the absolute best place for plants and garden decor. They’re also our friends and neighbors; there’s something pretty special about a place where everyone stops to pet our dogs as we walk by!
Joseph’s Salon: I can’t say enough about the amazing service I get at Joseph’s Salon. Order a gift card and see for yourself!
Rockcastle River Trading Company Jon Carloftis is one of my very favorite people. Visit his family farm or order his limited edition Stoneware & Co planters.
Ouita Michel Restaurants: Give the gift of central Kentucky’s best food. Gift Cards aren’t available online; credit card orders are taken by phone, (859) 469-8234, or Email.
Please & Thank You: Take some of Louisville’s best chocolate chip cookies to your next holiday party.
Castle & Key: I see a lot of bourbon gear. This Apolis Support Farmers Market Bag from Castle & Key is the best piece I’ve seen this year.
Hi-Five Doughnuts: The best doughnuts. The best people. Bring a dozen to any gathering and I promise you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.
What’s on y’all’s local shopping gift list?
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Local Halloween Sales!
Hadley Pottery Coaster
Happy Halloween, y'all!
If you're like me, the majority of your day has been spent trying to avoid eating all the Reese's pumpkins. Obviously, a better use of your time would be to shop these great Halloween sales from Kentucky-based businesses! Here are a few of my favorites!
Hadley Pottery
30% off select Halloween Pottery (3 Day Flash Sale!)
Anchal Project
30% off orange scarves, quilts, and pouches, today only! (And don't forget that all Anchal Project purchases are helping change the lives of the artisans who create these products!)
Pomegranate, Inc.
A. St. Clair
Use code "Halloween" at astclair.com to take 31% off one piece today only.
Hope y'all find some scary good deals. I'll be handing out candy (even those Reese's pumpkins I'm trying to avoid!) in a Vineyard Vines tee!
The HerKentucky Mother's Day Gift Guide
Gifts mom will actually love!
While we've been busy planning Derby and Cinco de Mayo and all the early May events, y'all did remember that Mother's Day is next Sunday, May 14th, right?
I'm sure you did, but here are a few absolutely great ways to celebrate your mama!
Elva Fields Earrings
Emily Maynard, the designer and owner of Elva Fields, is a dear friend of mine and one of the most compassionate, creative, cool ladies I've ever met. She's also an incredible mama to two darling girls. So, when Emily sets out to make a Mother's Day present, I know it's going to be something special. These earrings from Elva Fields are so lovely, y'all. They're just the kind of understated, everyday earrings that make a fantastic present. Even better, by purchasing these earrings, you're making a difference in the Louisville community. A portion of each purchase of this style will be donated to one of these three charities (you get to choose!): The Cabbage Patch, a 106-year-old organization that reaches at-risk families and youth through recreational, educational, and service-based programs and opportunities from tutoring, mentoring, after-school classes, scholarships, and much more; Kentucky Refugee Ministries, which provides resettlement services to refugees through faith- and agency-based co-sponsorship in order to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community; or The Healing Place, which reaches men and women suffering from drug and alcohol addiction through one of the nation's most effective and hopeful programs, providing tools for recovery and restoring productive lives. They're a fantastic little thank you to your mom for raising you right.
Lilly Pulitzer Scarf
I'm guessing that you and your mom share at least a bit of your personal style. My mom shares my love for bright Lilly Pulitzer prints, and I find that a scarf like this one is the right little pop of color to share as a gift.
Draper James Trinket Tray
A trinket tray in a bright pattern is an adorable way to brighten Mom's day every day of the year. The Mother Knows Best pattern is adorable, but my very favorite is the You Are My Sunshine tray!
Anchal Project Makeup Pouches
These makeup/ accessory pouches are soooo gorgeous, y'all. Anchal Project is such an amazing company based here in Louisville. They employ women in India, many of whom formerly were exploited through commercial sex work, as designers and artisans who recycle the material old saris into scarves, quilts, and small dry goods. The designs are stunning, and the story of female empowerment is so inspiring.
Shop Local Kentucky Tees
photo courtesy Shop Local Kentucky.
For the mom with a sense of humor, "Kentucky's Okayest Mom" is the best title ever. Shop Local Kentucky has a tee that offers up that title.
Now y'all have absolutely no excuses for sending Mom an extra-special gift!
Shop Local for Valentine's Day!
Great Valentine's Day presents from local Louisville artisans!
Happy almost-Valentine's Day, y'all!
If you're still looking for an amazing gift for your sweetie, here are some absolutely gorgeous pieces made by local Louisville artisans that are fun, romantic, and unique!
Louisville Stoneware Mug
I debated putting this one on the list, because I want one myself, and I've heard a rumor that there are only a few remaining. But, these are absolutely the most adorable pieces of locally-made pottery! If your Valentine really, really loves coffee, this is the perfect gift. Available in-studio only at Louisville Stoneware.
Anchal Project Scarf
The Anchal Project is an AMAZING Louisville-based company that trains and employs former sex workers in India to create stunning, one-of-a-kind textiles. I had the good fortune to hear Anchal founder Colleen Clines talk about empathy a few months ago. After watching her speak, I'm OBSESSED with Anchal and their mission!
Elva Fields Necklace
Elva Fields is one of my favorite, favorite local companies. Owner/ designer Emily Wheat Maynard is one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet, and she is crazy talented. She scopes out lovely antiques and one-of-a-kind gemstones to make every piece an experience. Check out this Elva Fields necklace and this necklace!
Cellar Door Chocolates
This may be my all-time favorite take on the perennial "sweets for your sweet" gift. It's Phoebe Buffay's lobsters, reimagined in locally-made chocolate.
Just as a reminder of why this is so awesome,
A piece from Cuteopia!
Revelry Boutique Gallery in NuLu has some of the most fabulous pieces every day, but their Cuteopia exhibit is over-the-top fabulous. Who could say no to these declarations of love?
Here's to a perfect Valentine's Day with your sweetie!