What Everyone Wants This Holiday Season (Other Than for COVID to Be Over)
We always try to buy local and shop small but this year that’s even more important than ever. With Covid restrictions in place, we’re missing our usual holiday market so instead, we gathered together a list of our favorite ways to creatively treat ourselves and our loved ones!
DID YOU KNOW that money spent locally generates 3.5x more wealth for the local economy compared to money spent at a big box store? According to the Huffington Post, if every family in the US spent an extra $10 a month at an independent business instead of a national chain, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our American economy.
CHLOE’s PICKS:
Visit Bowbarr-to-go, for contactless delivery (throughout the Triangle) of snacks and libations, cheerful Covid Care Packs, and even one-of-a-kind ceramics by the ever talented Amanda Barr. It's a wonderful way to support a local business in this crazy time and to put a smile on someone's face while doing it.
Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary has outposts in both Chapel Hill and Durham, and is my go-to spot for simple, elegant flowers throughout the year. Pair a small bouquet with a tin of their homemade Immune Booster Tea for a perfect winter cheer-up|warm-up surprise.
Started by hostess-with-the-mostess, Anna Harrington in NY, The Rounds are the perfect gift. From the colorful eye-candy of her hand painted cookies to the well-balanced deliciousness of her savory crackers, Anna's flavors do not disappoint.
Make sure to put in your holiday order early!
While I miss combing through latest offerings at The Concern Newsstand (either at their outpost at LUMP gallery in Raleigh or in their showroom at Attic 506 in Chapel Hill) their online store is well organized, beautifully presented and not to be missed. Artist books, zines, vintage magazines—printed matter never goes out of style.
CAROLYN’s PICKS:
In Blue, Asheville, North Carolina: Portions of every sale go to food banks all over the USA :) I bought a bag this year and it's just beautiful! She offers wallets, guitar straps and currently has two gift sections at different price points.
Old School Board Games: I'm kind of picky about my bookshelves, so I love that these old favorites can blend in with my art books and still be just an arms length away - a great pass time these days... Super pretty editions can be found at Parker & Otis.
Lemon Laine aka heaven on earth... This shop opened when I was living in East Nashville and I have been in love ever since. The owner is incredibly sweet and helps educate women on all sorts of products, holding monthly discussion panels and happy hour events. Self care for the absolute win.
Lastly, my favorite Monuts Gift Card - I love the iced mochas, the donuts, the quiche AND they have awesome homemade soups. I just love this place
SUSAN’s PICKS:
Spark Metal Studio = Architect nerds unite! Kathleen's work is subtle and stunning. There's always some new design to covet plus my friends and family go nuts for her easy to fasten magnetic clasps.
Another NC original and the only bag that my friends and I haven't destroyed after lots of wear and tear are by the one and only Holly Aiken.
As a lifelong plant killer, Tierra Sol is finally helping me turn my act around and let’s face it (we all know a serial plant murderer who needs a little quarantine assistance).
Liz Aldag is the best! Not only is she a past client but I love that we now gift her work to our new clients too!.
I see Caroyn's Monuts and raise her delicious single serving German tarts! These never fail to make people happy and work for any occasion. PS: who needs a gathering for a Guglhupf, they now make mini ones for single servings!
ALVA’s PICKS:
I’m convinced that we’re all spending too much time on screens and it is super wretched for our eyes. The Book Club is a small, woman owned company in Australia that manufacturers reading glasses in adorable styles with magnification and blue light options. You can find them at all sorts of local gift shops around the country.
Bright Black Candles, cause duh. My favorite scent is Paris, warm and floral and lovely. For people who like more citrus scents, go with Kingston and for the spicy person in your like Addis Ababa.
I never have enough time to do all the crafts that I want to complete before the holidays but with less distractions this year, perhaps there is hope! This recipe for Rosehip soap looks luscious.
My best friend from college always gifts me a magazine subscription and every month the snail mail makes me happy. What a good idea, right? I’m secretly hoping for this one this year. Hint hint. (The anglophile on your list will adore).
Remember: every time you make a purchasing decision, you’re making a choice about the kind of world you want to live in. Cheers to clever holiday gifts and a happier 2021!
PS: if you have purchased gifts from one of the makers at a previous RED market and would like to reach out to them but need further assistance, just email Alva and she’ll put you in touch.
