Well, Nooga, we’re not sure how it happened, but in the blink of an eye, the holidays have arrived. Hanukkah started Thursday, Christmas is 14 days aways, Kwanzaa starts on Dec. 26, and the general season of giving is well underway. Long story short — we’ve got some shopping to do. 🎁
Here is our curated list of qualitree gift ideas so you can sleigh the holidays.
🎁 Our Editor’s picks
Chloé
I can’t resist gifting art from one of my favorite local creatives, Jaime Barks, who is currently selling gorgeous ornaments of Chattanooga landscapes. Bonus: 50% from every ornament purchase will go to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
I’ve had my eyes on these fantastic, classic Mirrorball skates from Chattanooga’s Moonlight Roller Lounge but they are sold out, so if you’re looking to give the gift of glide this year, try the Flashdance style. They would be great for kids or the active, adventurous adult in your life.
I love the products from Mutha Magick Apothecary (like this baby oil) but — because it’s a small, local startup, new orders won’t arrive by Christmas, but consider it for another occasion or get one for yourself as a future surprise.
Trista
This year I’ve got my eyes on some really awesome local stuff. 👀 For the music lovers in my life, I’ll be spending my money at Yellow Racket Records (and while I’m there, I’ll probably treat myself to a lil somethin’, too).
I also love gifting an experience, so I’ve been thinking about reserving a weekend hike at Lula Lake, surprising someone with a membership to the Hunter Museum, or finding a nice, local airbnb for a rejuvenating staycation.
And for those who like a simple yet meaningful gift, I’ve been perusing shoplocalchatt.com for something unique. (I have my eyes on some Alexandria Wagner earrings.) Pair that with the perfect card from Lost Art Stationery and watch their face fill up with joy.
🎁 Stocking Stuffers
○ This four-pack mini flask gift box of Hoff Sauce
○ Socks for dad or your favorite unicorn from Blue Skies
○ Merchant on Main pajamas to stay warm by the fire or in front of Netflix
○ A cute handmade-in-Japan pin from I Go Tokyo
○ Hot Chocolatier assorted goodies
○ This rainbow kite from River City Kites
🎁 If you’re shopping for...
Your Gen-Z cousin who sends you the funniest memes on Instagram + has 609 followers on Spotify:
○ CBD edibles like these yummy-looking candies from Hemp House or a gift card to Winder Binder so they can buy their own albums, T-shirts or books
Your neighbor who always has a treat for your dog and never lets you forget about street sweeping day:
○ Moccasin Bend Soap Company’s Cherry almond funfetti or Tennessee cedar soap or pick up a plant from Bees on a Bicycle
Your lifelong friend who has everything:
○ A Women Repair Zone class, a satin eye mask from Belle Rive Boutique, or this gift card from A Little Bookish, so they can locally purchase a new book
Your Eckhart-Tolle-loving friend who nudges you to start meditating:
○ Support the Center for Mindful Living (which had to close its physical location because of Covid-19) by getting a gift certificate, making a donation in your friend’s name or an online art class from Townsend Atelier
Your quirky coworker who loves horoscopes, interpreting your dreams and never gets annoyed when you have a dumb question on a Monday morning:
○ A vintage wall print, an herbal magic book or this botanical face glow — all from Ritual & Remedy
Your sister who is a cool working mom, always on the go, and somehow still manages to bake:
○ A classical French cooking class by Sweet and Savory Classroom, a fashionable ceramic Locals Only mug set, or this set from Alchemy Spice + Plum Nelly
Your sweet friend who doesn’t want to get gifts, only give them:
○ A travel pocket purse from Amani ya Juu, which is a fair trade nonprofit, or this great, local photo from Hart Gallery, which helps artists from a variety of underserved backgrounds
For the person who has an Instagram page for their pet:
○ Give their pup a trip to Play Wash Pint or get this cute catnip toy for their feline friend
Your favorite grandparent who has seen it all but just learned how to FaceTime:
○ These Locals Only plant hanger tapestries or a classic See Rock City birdhouse
Your toddler nephew (or friends’ kid) who is, without a doubt, the cutest nugget of all time:
○ This cuddly, “bashful llama” or help them get a jump on reading with this naughty penguin book from the Sandbox Children’s Boutique
The mom who runs half marathons faster than you and folds a fitted sheet in under two minutes:
○ A First Watch gift card so she can carb load or this fashionable but practical Haute Shore tote bag from Charlotte’s Web
The cute guy you met online who always beats you at Mario Kart and who you’re not dating but you’re not, like, not dating either:
○ A gift card from Main Street Meats (or go in and pick out some beef jerky) or this small, sorta subtle Studio 11 key chain
The dad, the undisputed grill master + craft beer aficionado, who would also love to not receive another pair of socks this year:
○ This Hoff & Pepper chili powder + a T-shirt and growler from Hutton & Smith Brewing Co.
The music maven that you just know will sell out a local performance arena one day:
○ A local band T-shirt from the hip new record store, Yellow Jacket, or a gift card to the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
Your White Elephant gift exchange match (with a $25 limit to boot):
○ This Velo Coffee skeleton T-shirt or shop rag, this sugar cookie candle from Belle Rive Boutique, or some SleepyHead Coffee merch
