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?
You may also like:
5 Fun Facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!
Louisville’s favorite doughnut shop provides great business lessons and even better doughnuts!
It's National Doughnut Day, an observance dating back to the 1930s, which honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" who served doughnuts and other treats to U.S. Troops during World War I. Here in Kentucky, we take our doughnuts pretty seriously. In fact, the New York Times once traced a doughnut trail across our great Commonwealth. One of the state's most beloved doughnut stops is in a gas station! That's the great thing about doughnuts: they're inexpensive, accessible, and enjoyed by almost everybody! My favorite doughnut spot is Hi-Five Doughnuts, which serves amazing creations with a Kentucky flair. You absolutely MUST try the bourbon caramel glaze, and if you're really brave, you can try the Kentucky Fried Buttermilk Chicken Doughnut.
Hi-Five Doughnuts is one of my favorite Kentucky businesses, combining local ingredients, awesome female entrepreneurs, incredible marketing, and a fabulous product. Let's celebrate National Doughnut Day with five fun facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!!!
1. Hi-Five is woman-owned and operated. Leslie Wilson and Annie Harlow began their business running a food truck, affectionately named Shelby, then opened a storefront in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood.
The bacon-glazed doughnut is amazing, y'all.
2. The business name pays tribute to the legend that the custom of giving a high-five was invented in a U of L basketball practice in the 1970s.
3. Hi-Five has trademarked their hashtag! When you talk about the #ladiesofthemorning, then according to to the US Patent and Trademark office you're referencing Hi-Five Doughnuts!
4. The Hi-Five business model is so cool, a book has been written about it! Dr. Lyle Sussman of U of L's College of Business wrote "Breaking the Glaze Ceiling: Sweet Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Wannabes", which establishes 12 business principles based on Leslie and Annie's success. In interviewing the Doughnut Ladies for a prior article, I was so impressed that they built the entire enterprise on a no-debt model, opting instead to purchase only what they could afford at any given time.
That's cinnamon glaze + Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You need it in your life.
5. Everybody loves Hi-Five! The Travel Channel has visited them, they're a staple at local events like the Forecastle Festival, and they're often served as a finishing touch at local galas and weddings.
The Five Best Doughnuts in Kentucky
Kentucky's favorite doughnuts
Happy National Doughnut Day, y'all! Whether you spell it Donut or Doughnut, the Bluegrass State makes some of the finest rings of fried dough you'll ever taste. In fact, a few years ago, the New York Times even charted out a Doughnut Trail right here in the Commonwealth. We consulted family, friends, and acquaintances. We tested a lot of donuts. And we ranked our five favorites. (Nord's Bakery in Louisville's Germantown/Schnitzelburg neighborhood gets an honorable mention for those insane bacon donuts. This was a really hard list to narrow down, y'all.)
5. Burke's Bakery, Danville. When I lived in Lexington, I'd come up with every excuse I could think of to visit this old-school bakery and pick up a hot, glazed donut (or two). My Boyle County friends started to wonder why I wanted to go visit their parents so often, but it was so worth it...
4. North Lime Coffee & Donuts, Lexington. This Lexington shop has some of the most creative pairings I've ever seen. They even make a brisket donut! Even if you steer clear of the savories, they offer fresh, unique, amazing flavors!
North Lime Donuts, photo courtesy Ashley Sanders.
3. Doughdaddy's, Versailles. When we were house-hunting in Nashville, a homeowner inquired where we were from. When we said Kentucky, he immediately asked, in broken English, "Have you been to Doughdaddy's?" That anecdote doesn't quite prove that they're world-famous, but word certainly gets around about these light, fluffy donuts!
Hi-Five Doughnuts at Younger Woman's Club 2015 Gala. Photo courtesy Liz Bornwasser.
2. Hi-Five Doughnuts, Louisville. Louisville's high-end catering and food truck donuts. Amazing flavor combinations every. single. time.
Hi-Five Doughnuts at Younger Woman's Club 2015 Gala. Photo courtesy Sarah Doran Mudd.
1. Red's Donuts, Paducah: As Sarah Stewart Holland told us in the earliest days of HerKentucky, Paducah natives can attest that Red's donuts are the best anywhere.
Red's Donuts, Paducah. Photo courtesy Sarah Stewart Holland.
So, did I get it right, or do you have a favorite Bluegrass State donut spot that I missed? I'm happy to do more research if y'all think it's necessary!
If you're traveling the KY Donut Trail, don't forget a Donutucky shirt from Shop Local KY.
In case you missed it:
The Five Best Burgers in Kentucky