VOL. 47 | NO. 46 | Friday, November 10, 2023
Fresh ideas for skipping Amazon, malls this season
By Ledger staff
Wouldn’t you rather gift a little closer to home? As a matter of fact, we would…
Even in these days of “purchase today, receive later today” gift acquisition, you still have to think long and hard about certain types of gift recipients, zeroing in on holiday gifts that will speak to them way beyond the moment of unboxing.
And when you can find the opportunity to both shop local and be exposed to small businesses for future gifting reference, such as with this weekend’s Christmas Village event at the Nashville Fairgrounds, all the better.
So, take a gander through these selections of merchants who can sate those hard-to-shop for persons in your life, and start your holiday season shopping off right…
For the “everything Nashville” soul in your life…
2814 12th Avenue South, Nashville
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Phone: 615 279-5570
Serendipity 12th South is a one-stop shopping “all things Nashville” destination. Located in the heart of 12 South, this local boutique has been serving the community for 23 years. Serendipity offers a curated selection of unique and delightful treasures that capture the spirit of Music City. From cozy Nashville sweatshirts to novelty socks and pop-culture themed knickknacks, there’s no shortage of personality-infused gifts to choose from. The shop, available in-store and online, boasts a range of charming accessories, children’s gifts and jewelry from beloved brands like Blue Q, Chronicle Books and Citizen Ruth. Plus, you can’t miss their delightful collection of candles, including CE Craft Co. and Paddywax. Use code WELCOMEFRIEND to get 10% off your first purchase.
– Cara Baker Davis
For the community-minded homebody in your life…
152 N. Water Avenue, Gallatin
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: 615 981-5814
When you step into PERCH Home & Hospitality in downtown Gallatin, you step into a cozy environment carefully built around the feelings of home. Friendly faces welcome you as you enter the store. They genuinely want to get to know you and help find whatever you need. PERCH features an eclectic array of products from local artisans as well as specialty imports. In addition to home goods, PERCH hosts regular workshops to teach skills like gift wrapping, cookie decorating and wreath making. 10% of all PERCH profits are donated to the Sumner Center at NorthField Church, a community service project offering transitional housing, career counseling, legal services, free dental services and special needs educational services to the citizens of Sumner County.
– Denise Mattox
For the relentless snacker in your life…
506 Manchester Expressway, Suite A12, Columbus, Georgia
Phone: 706 507-1531
Southern Straws ain’t ya nana’s cheese straw, but they’re made with just as much love. A Southern Straw has the savory butteriness of a traditional cheese straw and the same grand companionship with cocktails and lighter drinks. But a Southern Straw has a light, crisp texture with a smarter shape – the crunchy little bites are not really straws – they’re squares, for neater eating and less breakage. Made by a small family-owned company from their family’s own recipe, the dough ribbons are hand cut from a roller press. Southern Straws are ideal as a host gift, or for keeping on hand for when guests drop in.
– Nicki Pendleton Wood
For the inspired personalizer in your life…
Florence, Alabama
There’s just something about stickers that can elicit a smile from even the grumpiest person. They help you personalize your car, laptop or water bottle. They can motivate, inspire and make you laugh. They’re ageless and gender neutral. Bri Stickers specializes in inspirational stickers of all sizes, shapes and messages. All their stickers are water and heat resistant, making them versatile for all your personalizing needs. As a bonus, they also offer inspirational postcards and buttons. Stop by Bri Stickers at Christmas Village in Building C or visit them online.
– Denise Mattox
For the budding creative in your life…
Paint the Town by Numbers, a creative venture based in Nashville, is the brainchild of Keith and Camilla Spadafino. Former art and history teachers, this dynamic duo pours their passion for art into every aspect of their business. With a commitment to spreading joy through creativity, Paint the Town by Numbers offers a delightful range of paint by number kits that include paper paint boards, high-quality brushes and a vivid array of paints. Their designs are also available as durable vinyl stickers, prints and posters. The holiday collection brings festive cheer with unique offerings, including the world’s first 3D paint by number kit, the gingerbread house, and the first paint by number ornament kit, the Old World Ornament.
– Cara Baker Davis
For the adventurous non-imbiber in your life…
975 Main Street, #4, Nashville
Phone: 615 268-9989
Perfectly Cordial is your secret superpower for making brilliant mocktails and cocktails so deliciously appealing that everyone will be jealous. It’s the festive season and Perfectly Cordial is ready for special occasions, parties, holiday festivities. Or just you! Developed by the owner of a bartending service, the flavors are formulated to fire up the maker’s imagination. Sensational combinations like basil lemonade, mango-Mexican chili-vanilla and pear-rose-pink peppercorn are filled with potential for making a brilliant blend with so many beverages – or just sparkling water. A Perfectly Cordial subscription basket is likely the ideal gift for the mad-scientist cook on your list. They’re Nashville made by a small, minority-owned business, so your holiday shopping dollar stays local.
– Nicki Pendleton Wood
For the finishing touch lover in your life…
Humboldt
Jewelry can completely change a look and tell a story. Ellen Hays Jewelry started as a hobby 20 years ago and it has transformed into a business with the goal to “create jewelry that is elegant, edgy and fun to wear.” Every piece is designed and made with a love for the art of jewelry. Can’t find exactly what you want? Visit her website and request a custom piece! You can find Ellen Hays Jewelry in boutiques across Tennessee and Alabama, and she will be a merchant in Building C at Christmas Village.
– Denise Mattox
For the “you can never have too much storage” person in your life…
Delight the new cook as well as the seasoned culinarian on your holiday gift list with Tupperware’s kitchen solutions. Tupperware’s name is synonymous with food storage, but the range has more to offer – much more, all from the bright design teams that know what a well-outfitted kitchen needs. From shakers and strainers to a vented potato bin, and loads of gear for transporting and serving, Tupperware re-imagines storage for millennial living. Pitchers, packables, stackables, snack-size and clever tools like reusable eco-straws, all within the thoughtful design you expect from the oldest name in modular food storage.
– Nicki Pendleton Wood
For the demanding sous chef in your life…
Using a Cutco is like driving a fine sports car. But way more affordable. And fits in a drawer. A Cutco knife is the last knife you’ll buy. It’s the knife you still have when big box store blades have lost their handles. A Cutco product is one you’ll likely pass on to the next generation. If you do manage to damage it, the company will fix or replace it. For all this – the balance, sleek design, ever-sharpness, customer service – Cutco cutlery is notably affordable. And they perform as expected for a long culinary lifetime. But Cutco isn’t just culinary knives. The company makes outdoor knives for gardening (brilliant for delicate pruning), hunting and fishing. Each knife type has its own specific design and fit-for-purpose features.
– Nicki Pendleton Wood
For the fashion-forward cowgirl in your life…
4025 Hillsboro Cir #505, Nashville
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Find the perfect gift that combines style, customization and social impact at Kendra Scott’s designer jewelry boutique in Hill Center Green Hills. Renowned for their customizable jewelry available in a kaleidoscope of colors, Kendra Scott offers options to elevate your gift-giving game. Explore their bestselling items, such as the Kinsley Chain Necklace, Ella Gold Hoop Earrings, and Ella Silver Ring Set in-store or with curbside pickup. Or choose from holiday gifts that support women and youth causes like the Blair Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace in pink, benefiting The Kendra Scott Foundation Breast Cancer Initiative. Plus, this brand just released their inaugural fragrance collection in time for the holiday season, featuring three “illuminating scents, inspired by wanderlust” from the Austin, Texas-based founder Kendra Scott’s personal travels.
– Cara Baker Davis