Did you know…
… every time you spend $10 at a locally owned store, anywhere from $4 to $7 re-circulates in your local economy. That’s $1 to $6 MORE than if that same $10 was spent at a big retailer.
With the convenience of online ordering and big box stores, shopping local during the holiday season can be hard. But have no fear — we put together a list of holiday gift ideas and where to find them that are sure to wow while supporting your community and local makers!
Our staff members are sharing their personal favorites and why! Stay tuned as we update our list each week leading up to the holidays!
Downtown
2018 Morris Ave
I love the idea of homemade gifts, just not from my home. If you’re the same, then run, don’t walk, to The Essential for Kristen Farmer Hall’s cheese straws. They’re a great appreciation gift at any time of year but perfect for the holidays.
2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard
520 16th Street North
2612 Lane Park Road
1701 Valley View Drive
200 19th Street North
In case any of you readers are wondering what to give me for Chanukah or Christmas (or both, just sayin’), I’m a big fan of the art-and-design book selections at Birmingham’s newest retailer, Trove, in one of Eric Tasker’s Small Box shipping containers at Railroad Park. I’ve gently thumbed through almost all of them, and the range is wonderfully eclectic.
5508 Crestwood Boulevard
I’ve given the two older of my three granddaughters turntables and starter collections of classic vinyl from Seasick Records. It was a gift each of them was thrilled to receive, and I felt like I was giving them an important start to life and teenage independence.
Available at Square One Goods
Founders Station, 2015 1st Avenue North
I have a relatively new beard. It still feels a bit weird and untamed on my face unless I’ve used Left Hand Beard Butter, in which case it feels moistened and totally under control.
Tonia’s picks: Sarah Mason Art
Highland Park
1212 28th Street South
Birmingham has so many talented visual artists, but I’m particularly fond of Sarah Mason’s dreamy abstracts. She layers watercolors, minerals, and gold leaf to create her ethereal paintings, and her smaller works make for a lovely and unique addition to anyone’s home. She also teaches private and group classes, a perfect gift for that “artsy” person on your list!
Dreamers Supply Company
Forest Park
825 39th Street South, Unit A
I’ve been a fan of Alan Slattery’s handmade leather and vegan-leather goods for years. His work is beautiful and impeccably detailed. The best part is now his bags are available at the dreamy Forest Park store he and his wife, Caitlyn, opened this year.
I love the clean design of Alabama Sawyer’s menorah. Tucked into MAKEbhm, Alabama Sawyer creates modern, environmentally sustainable products from fallen trees in the Birmingham area.Civil Stoneware
1710 2nd Avenue North
Mis’ Rubin’s
Available online or at Alabama Goods Company
2933 18th Street South
My favorite holiday tradition is getting together for dinner with family and friends. Civil Stoneware’s tableware is understated, artful, and a timeless gift for the host or hostess with the mostest. I’ll be tossing in a little Mis’ Rubin’s Seasoning for the home chefs on my gift list too. Their Black Magic is a great rub for a filet or lamb, and the White Magic is delicious on veggies!
basic.
Downtown
2026 Morris Avenue
Anything from Lacey Woodruff’s chic Morris Avenue boutique basic. The clothes are ethically made, cleanly designed, and effortlessly stylish.
Meg’s Picks:
Fretted Instruments
Homewood
2906 Linden Ave
Herb Trotman’s Fretted Instruments has been serving Alabama’s string musicians since 1974. The store is a beloved institution, an informal living room, and the training ground for more than two generations of Birmingham talent. Herb can help you pick the perfect new instrument for the seasoned or aspiring musician in your life and set you up lessons for someone just getting started.
Beehive Baking Company
Available online
Consumables are always a good gift, and consumables that can be delivered are even better! Beehive Baking Company’s delicious artisan breads, baked brunch items, and desserts (including vegan and allergy-friendly goods) offer something for everyone on your list, and Caeden and Sarah are offering gift certificates just in time for the holidays!
Sloss Metal Works
Sloss Furnaces
20 32nd Street North
The Metal Arts crew at Sloss Furnaces is incredibly talented, nationally recognized, and uniquely Birmingham. Their holiday market this Saturday from 1-5 is the perfect opportunity to buy something for the art lover and/or Birmingham history buff on your list.
Shoppe
Forest Park
3815 Clairmont Avenue
The Burgon & Ball watering cans at Shoppe in Forest Park are functional but still beautiful enough to keep in any room in your house instead of relegating to your shed.
Bib & Tucker Sew-Op
Available online or at Square One Goods
Downtown
Founders Station
2015 1st Avenue North
Bib & Tucker Sew-Op’s Remnants, made by trainees in B&T’s Magic City Seams workforce training program, are charming one-of-a-kind creatures made from repurposed upholstery samples. They also offer gift certificates for their sewing workshops, and the QUARK (Quilting Activity Resource Kit) makes a great stocking stuffer for young ones.
Jessica’s Picks:
MAKEbhm
Avondale
4000 3rd Avenue South
What do you buy someone who seemingly has everything? New experiences! MAKEbhm offers classes in metalworking, printmaking, ceramics, and woodworking. Get a gift certificate for your hard to buy for friend or family member. The chances of them having a pottery studio in their basement is pretty slim.
Abundance Yoga
Greystone
611 Doug Baker Boulevard
Give the gift of self care with yoga for everybody and yoga for every body! Nancy Rhodes and Abundance Yoga have created the perfect safe place. They have classes and packages that meet the styles and needs for all yoga enthusiasts, body types, and skill levels. Come move with them!
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co.
Available online
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn is a year-round favorite, but their holiday tins are the perfect gift for friends, family, and coworkers. Pick your tin size and fill it with your favorite flavors. French toast, cheddar, and traditional are my go-to’s!
Infinite Soap Company Bentonite Clay Mask $9.95
Available online or at Square One Goods
Downtown
Founders Station
2015 1st Avenue North
Infinite’s Bentonite Clay Mask made my skin feel amazing!
Available online or at Square One Goods
Downtown
Founders Station
2015 1st Avenue North
I can’t stop buying Ecam and Co. candles. They have a long burn time, aren’t made with gross chemicals, burn straight down, and make my house smell amazing! Grapefruit Mint is a personal favorite!
