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:
Holiday Gift Guide for the Kentucky Wildcats Fan
What’s your favorite present, baby? Blue and White!
{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. Some links will generate nominal affiliate income at no cost to the reader. All opinions are, as always, my own.}
We die-hard Kentucky Wildcats fans take our game day gear pretty seriously. We don’t just want any t-shirt; we want great looking and unique pieces that will take us from work to the game. Here are a few of my very favorites.
Vineyard Vines Rupp Arena Shirt: exclusively at Logan’s of Lexington.
Fanpants skirt: I get so many compliments any time I wear this! Bob has the pants and loves them, too! Use code herkentucky15 for 15% off your purchase!
Stoneware & Co mug: Every time I post this to Instagram, at least one of y’all asks about it!
Stoneware & Co platter: The perfect gift for the ‘Cat fan hostess. I love mine!
Nike Thermafleece: Available at Allsports Lexington. I definitely think this will be my next UK fleece!
Nike Historic Raglan:Also at Allsports. This is a men’s style; I know I’d definitely wear it as well!
Henry Dry Goods Ben Day Tote UK Plaid: I have this bag and adore it. I get so many compliments when I wear it!
Kentucky Wildcats Pin: Wouldn't this be darling for football game day?
Merry Christmas and Go Cats, y’all!
You may also like:
Holiday Gift Guide for the Dolly Parton Fan
We all know someone who loves Miss Dolly. Treat them to the best gifts!
{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. Some links will generate nominal affiliate income at no cost to the reader. All opinions are, as always, my own.}
Y’all know I love Miss Dolly Parton. Chances are, there’s someone on your holiday gifting list who does, too. Here are some great pieces that any Dolly fan would love to add to their collection.
From top left:
Draper James What Would Dolly Do? Sweatshirt. I have a few pieces in the DJ Dolly collection, and they always draw so many compliments! (Draper James)
Find Out Who You Are and Do It on Purpose Cross Stitch Pattern: I love this. In fact, I plan to stitch it for my nieces’ bedrooms.
Dolly’s 50th Opry Anniversary Hatch Show Print. I actually have this; a dear high school friend picked it up for me at the show. It is so beautiful and detailed in person!
Pocket Dolly Wisdom. Take Dolly’s best sayings wherever you go.
Dolly Vintage Tee. Pretty much everything in the official Dolly Parton Store on Amazon is amazing. This tee comes in pink; go ahead and order yourself one, too!
1978 Dolly doll. I had one of these when I was a kid. Trying not to order myself another one to display in my office.
Dolly Ringer Tee. Pop Art shots of 80s Dolly.
It’s Hard to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World cross stitch pattern. Stitch this up for anyone who knows the value of integrity and hard work.
Hatch Show Print repro: A great reproduction of show art from an early Dolly show.
(no photo) A stay at the Dollywood resort. Obviously.
Happy holidays, y’all. Here’s to selecting fewer and more meaningful presents this season!
Gift Guide for Black Lab Lovers!
The perfect presents for Labrador retriever fans!
Lab Door Hanger, c/o ForPetesSake Potter
If you know Bob or me at all, then you know we’re fairly obsessed with our dogs. In our defense, they’re really great dogs. Well, most of the time. But they’re awfully cute.
A lot of folks love their Labs and Lab mixes as much as we do, so I found a few fun gift picks for the black Lab lover!
Classic Longsleeve Tee, The Black Dog. Bob and I both have tees from The Black Dog. They’re so soft and comfy, and just so fun!
Labrador Door Hanger, ForPetesSake Pottery. Y’all, I love this! It goes ahead and warns people that I’m a crazy dog lady before they even enter my home. ForPetesSake Pottery is run by the sweetest lady, Susan Brown, who just happens to be my neighbor here in St. Matthews.
(and 7) Labrador Bourbon Barrel Hanger, Drunkwood. Another great local present! Drunkwood’s owner, John King, makes the most gorgeous installations from used barrel heads. So, so fun!
Black Lab Cufflinks, Smathers & Branson. I feel like these need to be Bob’s Christmas present from Max, don’t y’all??
Black Lab Needlepoint Hat, Smathers & Branson. I have this in pink which, sadly, is a color they no longer offer. It’s perfect for taking Max and Soph for a walk!
Campfire Mug, The Black Dog. I mean, sooooo cute.
What’s your favorite dog breed? Do you
Pappy & Co Holiday Gift Sets
Holiday gift sets with a Kentucky bourbon flair!
How's your holiday shopping coming along? If you're like me, you're still trying to find the perfect gift for several folks on the list. I had the opportunity to visit the ladies of Pappy and Co this week, where I got some great holiday gift ideas that I think y'all will love, too!
Pappy and Company is a merchandise and lifestyle brand was founded by the great-grandaughters of the famous distiller "Pappy" Van Winkle. I love the way that Pappy & Co products combine the quality and reputation of the Pappy bourbon brand with a fun and unique line of products. I think y'all will love the bourbon-themed holiday gift sets that Pappy & Co has just released!
I couldn't resist getting the Christmas Morning gift bag for our house. It includes a Louisville Stoneware coffee mug, Weisenberger Mills pancake mix, and Pappy & Co maple syrup that's been aged 6 months in a Pappy barrel!
What a great way to add a Kentucky flare to your holiday mornings!
There's also a Sweet & Spicy Gift Box, which includes the maple syrup as well as a box of delicious Pappy Van Winkle bourbon balls and a bottle of Pappy hot pepper sauce, and a Pappy Hour Gift Tote, with crystal rocks glasses, bourbon balls, a Smathers & Branson key fob, and more!
Here's to gifts that put a little extra Kentucky flair in your stocking!