Give the gift of fab this holiday season with local finds worth wrapping—because “I didn’t know what to get you” is not a gift category. That’s a wrap!
Sleigh bells bling—and we’re listening. Add some sparkle to her holiday with Homewood Garden Center’s stunning selection of Spartina jewelry in 18K gold plating. $48–$98
The world is your oyster with Southern Crafted’s special-edition 18-oyster blue ceramic platter ($250), handshaped and -painted by Memphis’ Melissa Bridgman, and live oak oyster knife ($200), handforged from a storm-felled 300-year-old Savannah tree by Richmond’s Join or Die Knives.
All is calm. All is bright (eyed). And all is blissed-out. Give the overstimulated someone on your list a little peace on Earth with a Woodhouse Spa North Hills gift card—good for plush robes, serious pampering and the rare holiday miracle of having absolutely nowhere to be. $150+
Next move? Definitely the 1920 beechwood Man Ray chess set from Design Within Reach, named for Surrealist pioneer Emmanuel Radnitzky—with abstract geometric chess pieces designed by the artist himself. Checkmate! $840
Every woman wants a Bailey’s box—especially when it comes with this much merry and bright. The Bailey’s Club Collection Diamond Tennis Necklace decks the décolletage in 0.95 carats of holiday sparkle, set in 14K white or yellow gold with an adjustable 13- to 18-inch length made for shining solo or layering it on. $5,990
Class is in session. ~Wine~ down their year with wine and food experiences at Vitis House Wine School. Sip, savor, repeat. From $115
Raise their holiday spirits with End of Days Shelby Vodka. Distilled seven times from North Carolina corn, the die-cast Cobra-emblemed bottle is built for martinis and champions. Limited to 10,000 bottles, $49.95
Simply having a Wonka Christmas time? Coated in classic 70% dark chocolate, Videri Chocolate Factory’s chocolate-covered toffee loads rich flavor in the sweetest stocking stuffer. $13.99
When in doubt, gift the Village. Village District’s gift card is your golden ticket to holiday hero status, spendable at 50+ shops, restaurants and specialty stores. Available at self-serve digital kiosks through double doors at 2068 Clark Ave.
It’s always time for some wristy business. The 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry pairs military-inspired heritage with modern swagger, sporting a striking green dial, dark brown strap and modern edge for a timepiece that looks sharp from field to fete. $795
Gin-gle bells, Gin-gle bells, Gin-gle all the way… Renew their gin (or rum) membership this holiday and let them sip in style with carefully curated Moonbird Gin and GOATz Rum from Dram & Draught masterminds, distilled with a mix of botanicals and minimal sugar. Smooth enough to sip straight, balanced enough to shake up in a ’tail. From $32.99, ABC stores
Santa called—he’s outsourcing. So give the gift of splurge this holiday season with a North Hills gift card for use at almost any store, restaurant or salon—aka the ultimate flex.
Listen up, wrap stars—your inner elf just hit the jackpot via Closets by Design’s Holiday Wrapping Station, sure to deck out any craft room into a full-on North Pole HQ to keep those presents under ~wraps~. Prices vary
’Tis the season for silver and gold. Custom-made by Vana Chupp Studio, the Classic Silhouette charm bracelet is designed to be treasured for generations. From $1,200
Channel your inner Clark Griswold and manifest the backyard oasis of your dreams. From custom pools to spas, SWIM INC. turns your personal slice of paradise into a staycation destination—no family vacation disasters required.
Baby, it’s hot outside. Hot Ones Caribbean-featured Mama Maisa’s award-winning hot pepper sauce packs island heat and Caribbean soul into one fiery little stocking stuffer. $12.99
May your days be bright and blingy. Give her something to shine bright like a diamond about with Reliable Jewelry’s 14K two-tone diamond ring boasting 3 carats of sparkle ($6,250) or a coordinating bracelet feat. 0.90 carats ($5,250)—or, you know, both.
If they’re dreaming of a wine Christmas, uncork the holiday indulgence with a duo of distinct pours from Prism Fine Wine—Marguet Les Crayères Grand Cru Champagne 2021 ($149.99) and El Nido 2023 ($134.99).
Shake the seasonal stress with a versatile NC Hemp Shoppe gift card that never expires. Holidays on high, indeed. $25–$100
Shopping small makes a big difference for our city.
“Small businesses do big things,” … and shopping small is significant. Through May 6, celebrate Triangle Small Business Week by using those hard-earned dollars to support a host of locally owned spots around town—from retail to restaurants to coffee shops to gyms and beyond.
“Small businesses are critical to the growth and vitality of our region and the country, as they are important economic drivers,” says Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Marketing and Communications Marc Dinitz. “The Triangle’s small businesses contribute to our wonderful quality of life, and make this area not only an enticing place to visit, but also a destination for transplants who have made the Triangle their new home.”
In celebration of this week, find a slew of special events/resources created to support small business—and #ShopSmall throughout the Triangle, natch. Here’s 10 we’ve covered this year to get you started.
Situated inside a bright and airy quaint cottage, this Downtown Cary hot spot serves up your fave java, smoothie and snack selects while supporting a pretty sweet cause. How’s that for brewing esteem!
Compassion is always in style here. With an emphasis on eco-authenticity, this women’s boutique boasts jewelry, bags and fits fit for the ethical fashion queens. #Slay!
This flower spot is budding its business via grab-and-go bouquets for weddings, events or whatever you’re feelin’ like nabbing flowers for. There you grow!
From the mind of NC State grad Sophie Wiseman-Floyd comes durable, high-quality and cute jewelry that elicits a classy vintage vibe. BRB, adding everything to cart.
Got snark? Rep some rad custom Raleigh apparel via this humorous local brand’s conversation-starting NC-themed tees. … And we love some sassy style!
Montgomery Violins *Cue tiny violin.* Find renowned violin dealer, maker and restoration shop —founded by veteran instrument maker and restorer John Montgomery—making sweet music on Morson Street in Oakwood.
Got skillz? Book a class at this recently opened group fitness gym for a slew of ops for your sweat sesh: indoor cycling, cardio, Pilates, dance aerobics. Step this way!
Here to rock your (wine) world is award-winning wine sommelier Paula de Pano (aka grape-gifted wine educator and one of the South’s leading wine professionals), whose solo vino venture is keeping things fizzical in Chapel Hill. rocksandacidwineshop.com
Stretch into your best mental and physical self via this studio’s meditation and mindfulness classes—gentle, Zen flow, yin, restorative, ashtanga, core flow and more—or nab a spot in a workshop/teacher training to lean a little further into your practice. Namaste!
For our full list of local women-owned businesses, click here; for our full list of local Black-owned businesses, click here.
This month, Law has partnered with local fave food truck and restaurant Arepa Culture. In order to bring new guests into the biz—and keep them coming back—any person who brings in a receipt from Arepa Culture for $25 or more to BWS can receive $10 off at the spa.
“Our hope is that folks who may have a small order may add a bit more to get them to $25 in order to enjoy the savings,” explains Law. “Guests can use one receipt per service. So, if someone comes in once a week, they can save up receipts and use them for multiple visits at Blue Water Spa.”
A minority-owned and -operated business by a Venezuelan-American family, Arepa Culture opened in 2014 as the Triangle’s first arepa food truck, before expanding its footprint and popularity into a full-blown brick-and-mortar. And Law attests to this success—saying the arepas are “truly amazing!” (The popular eatery is also known for its bowls and cachapas, aka Venezuelan corn pancakes.)
“As a small family-owned business, we are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small program,” says Arepa Culture CEO Marcel Jera. “Their partnership is not only bringing new customers to Arepa Culture, but it is also reinforcing the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community.” Plus, it’s a win-win for customers. … And that is something we all can get behind. bluewaterspa.com,arepaculturenc.com
Support local businesses through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small Program.
“Buy small or bye, bye small.” Cheeni Indian Emporium owner Preeti Waas posted this quote on Instagram on Small Business Saturday, and before you write it off as dramatic, it’s true. Local businesses need your support—every day, not just Small Biz Saturday—as without your support, they’ll go out of business (so, uh, clear that Amazon cart now!—and consider shopping for Christmas gifts locally).
Waas’ powerful post struck a chord with one local business owner in particular, Kile Law of Blue Water Spa, who proceeded to launch a Small Helping Small BWS Program in which Blue Water Spa clients can get $10 off any medical spa service, treatment or product with every $25 spent at Cheeni throughout the month of December. Just bring in your receipt from Cheeni—and there’s no limit to how many receipts you can bring in.
“As the female owner of a small locally owned business, I know the difficulties of running a small business and keeping it open,” says Law. The selfless spa owner also plans to partner with other small businesses throughout the year, with at least one small business partner each month.
Pro tip: Pop into the North Raleigh resto for lunch or dinner (bonus: Cheeni just started serving alcohol!) and enjoy delish authentic Indian cuisine like masala fries, paneer pav and lamb vindaloo; shop the bazaar for home and food products; then make an appointment for a little self care at BWS. It’s a win-win for everyone. #ShopSmall!
Spreading the holiday cheer—and sweetness—this season is Bake Eat Love, an all-the-rage subscription box biz offering easy-to-follow recipes for your holiday baking binge—think chocolate peppermint whoopie pies, gingerbread cake rolls and snow globe cookies.
Founded by Kristen and Nick Baileys with a mission to “share the love of baking by making it more accessible,” Bake Eat Love serves up its sweet monthly subscription box—or one-time purchase for the noncommittal—with premeasured ingredients, a tool used in the recipe, a detailed recipe card featuring step-by-step instructions, pictures, online instruction videos and a FAQ page. Translation: making it easy as pie to nail whichever treat you decide to try your hand at, whether it’s a simple cupcake or a macaron (one of the hardest feats, according to Kristen).
The baking aficionado got the inspiration for Bake Eat Love while she was working at a cupcake shop and saw how much joy baked goods brought people—but the idea didn’t take shape until a few years later after the Baileys moved to Raleigh and Kristen was unable to find an existing baking kit that really scratched her itch. And so, she created her own.
“[I wanted] to share the love of baking by making it more accessible,” says Kristen, and “offer some warmth and happiness in the craziness of life.”
Beyond the holidays, bring the “happiness” into the new year with unique recipes for sweets like tiramisu cupcakes, and yuzu and white chocolate lava cakes. “No matter where you are in your baking experience, we try to meet you there,” says Kristen. Hey, even “Cake Boss” had to start somewhere. bakeeatlovebox.com
