We reached out the best locally-owned shops around Asheville and asked their owners to share their favorite gifts for the holidays. Whether your shopping for your sweetheart, your best friend, your mailman, or even yourself, these finds are sure to please!
Embellish
Barb Skupien of the sunshine-bathed downtown boutique is an expert gift-giver. Her picks span the spectrum, from delicately lady-like to spiked with flavor.
1. She.Rise crystal and leather bracelets and Rachel Weisberg bent brass ring.
“Just enough sparkle with one or a stack, the copper magnetic clasp on these bracelets is a bonus. Big and bold, the ring is a conversation piece.”
2. Dawn Rentz fold over clutch.
“I love the casual elegance of a hand-printed textile with metallic leather (available in vegan too) that works with any outfit.”
3. Duana Naturals solid body butter.
“With just six all-natural ingredients, you can feel good about gifting this super moisturizing, go-anywhere butter.”
4. Tori DiPietro ceramic mug and tumbler.
“A thoughtful gift for anyone who has moved away, because you know they miss Asheville.”
5. Chandler Candle Company.
“This is a perfectly scented holiday candle and a great hostess gift.”
6. Crude Bitters Sampler Set.
“Perfect for the cocktail enthusiast, this set includes four unique flavors sure to inspire.”
Duncan & York
Owners Lindsay York Woodruff and Stephanie Duncan share their favorite picks for the holidays from their youthful, splashy shop on Lexington Avenue downtown.
1. Tocca Meet the Girls.
“10 of the best-selling scents, so you can have the option of mixing or finding your true favorite.”
2. Izola catchall tray.
“This is perfect for entryways or on top of your dresser.”
3. Blabla doll.
“These sweet, squishy, lovey stuffed animals are made in Peru, come in lots of different styles and are all machine washable.”
4. Lollia.
“We love this luxury line of bath and body products.”
Southern’s Cookbook.
“Published by Garden & Gun, these are classic Southern recipes.”
Jonas Gerard
Find Jonas Gerard Fine Art at two galleries in Asheville’s River Arts District, open 7 days a week and perfect for gifting for those fine art folks.
Ecstasy.
“A series of small paintings. These original abstracts are each in a different color palette and feature Interference acrylics on canvas. Sizes range from 6×6 to 12×24 inches.”
1. Art Book.
“This hardcover edition features 40 pages of Gerard’s abstract expressionist work, inspirational quotes and pictures of the artist.”
2. Original Lithographs of early figurative work.
“While Jonas is known for his vibrant abstract paintings, his early career was based on his mastery of figurative work. Available in the gallery are limited edition lithographs, signed and matted in black or white.”
3. Cool Rush #10.
“This abstract painting is part of Jonas’ Cool Rush series, featuring earthy tones anchored by blue and green hues.”
Whist
West Asheville’s sweetest stationary and gift shop, curated by owners Nora Yockey and Damond Gallagher, offers quirky and charming gifts for the holidays. Here, Nora’s top picks.
1. Asheville jigsaw puzzle.
“Damond took the pictures and designed the puzzle; it’s a celebration of many fun aspects of life in Asheville!”
2. Felted wool bird ornaments.
“These ornaments are by DZI, a fair trade company. They are sweet on a Christmas tree or out year-round.”
3. 2017 desk calendars.
“We have other styles available as well as a wide array of 2017 wall calendars. Perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself!”
4. Holiday cards.
“We carry a variety of card sets from many small, independent presses as well as some larger companies.”
DryGoods Shop
Leigh Anne Hilbert of West Asheville’s quaint Drygoods Shop shares her favorite homegrown holiday gifts–most of them were crafted right here in the shop by resident artisans or Leigh Anne herself.
1. Night Heron Small Olive Leather Purse.
“This small leather purse is made for just the necessities—a wallet, phone and keys.”
*Made in house!*
2. Waxed Canvas Field Notes Book Cover.
“For those of us who still write stuff down, this water resistant cover will help keep your words dry and tidy.”
*Made in house!*
3. Waxed Canvas Pencil Pouch.
“A little bag to carry all your important little items, pens, pencils, change, whatever!”
*Made in house!*
4. Turkish Towel and Bella and Oliver Activated Charcoal Soap.
“Made right over in Swannanoa, this activated charcoal soap is gentle on dry skin and looks like little snowy mountains. The turkish towel in 100% cotton and great for the beach, gym or drying your face after you use this soap!”
5. Candles by 419 Trading Company.
“Hand-poured in Ohio in small batches, these candles come in some amazing scents. Our favorite is Northern Spruce!”