A Mingle match: Holiday gifts to make everyone happy
Cuisine Giving Home + Garden Sponsored Content Style
November 22, 2023
We got a head start on gift giving this year, thanks to our holiday pop-up, Mingle at The Union. Check out our Mingle partners — all local retailers and artisans — for some wonderful ways to please everyone on your list this season.
Create a handbag as unique as the one you’re giving it to with an Ahdorned bag from boho-chic boutique Boem. Swap out the straps to match your mood, your outfit or just for the fun of it. shopboem.com
Canyon & Coast’s curated home décor features elements of the desert and the sea, reflecting its founders’ Arizona roots and Carolina homes. The Range luxury candle — filled with fragrant notes of Nordic fir, birch sap and balsam — will transport you to a snowy cabin nestled in the pines. canyonandcoastco.com
Many know Caroline Simas for her studio workshops and creative retreats, but she also offers a colorful array of gifts, hand-painted goods, original art, ornaments and more. Stuff a stocking with her beautiful bookmarks and signature stationery. carolinesimas.com
Discover one-of-a-kind, thoughtful gifts at CLT Find, a women-owned gift shop specializing in Queen City-made goods, from T-shirts to tea towels. For the Swifties on your list, find a full lineup of Taylor Swift gifts created by local artists. cltfind.com
Surprise your holiday guests with handcrafted drinks. The husband-and-wife team behind The Craftsman Beverage Co. produces flavorings for cocktails, mocktails, teas and more — all made from scratch using natural ingredients. We sampled the Holiday Blend at Mingle, a spiced cranberry flavor that pairs perfectly with any spirit, prosecco or nonalcoholic beverage. craftsmansyrups.com
Dogwood Smocking Company offers classic children’s clothing with a touch of Southern charm. Coordinate sets for siblings, or celebrate new arrivals, special occasions and the moments between with timeless, traditional outfits. dogwoodsmockingco.com
Gates & Friends founder Ashleigh Sullivan is on a mission to provide sustainable-yet-affordable clothing for little ones. Named after her son Gates, each item in the collection meets certain requirements, like organic, American-made or woman-owned and -operated. gatesandfriends.com
Serve your charcuterie this holiday season on a beautiful, handmade wooden board from Hourglass Woodworks. Artist Michael Hodgin creates serving trays, cutting boards, clocks and other home accessories that serve as functional pieces of art.
@hourglasswoodworks
Custom-made menswear by J. Hilburn will transform your man’s wardrobe into one that not only fits his body, but his personality and lifestyle, too. Personal stylists get the process started, helping you select staples for every occasion. michelemelville.jhilburn.com
Your present will stand out under the tree with gorgeous hand-painted wrapping papers and gift tags from Jen Gerena Design. Every purchase of her paper designs gives back, with a percentage donated to One Tree Planted, a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation. jengerenadesign.com
Kirsten Dexter’s fine jewelry tells a story, with classic and contemporary styles inspired by cities around the world. The Kiawah Palms earrings caught our eye, reminding us of sunny days and swaying palms on the South Carolina coast. kirstendexter.com
Arlene Cook turned her passion for women’s fashion into a business seven years ago, opening Leenie Rae boutique. In addition to quality, contemporary brands like MOTHER, Xirena and Stateside, the store carries jewelry, shoes and accessories like this Clare V. Belle bag, a leather clutch with crossbody strap. leenierae.com
Midwest to South’s handmade wood and acrylic earrings add a pop of color and distinguish your style. From floral dangle drops to vintage vibes, each pair is unique. @midwesttosouth
For the moms in your life, pick up a copy of local news anchor Molly Grantham’s newly released book, Practice Makes … Progress. The third book is the last installment in Grantham’s series about juggling motherhood and her journalism career. mollygrantham.com
Never forget your jewelry again, with permanent, custom-fit bracelets, anklets and necklaces from The Nomadic Jeweler. Or choose from a new line of removable jewelry, sized according to your measurements for an ideal fit. thenomadicjeweler.com
Once an outdoor pop-up, The Pearl Pagoda has an established Park Road shop and a loyal following for its easy-to-wear women’s apparel, thoughtfully curated global brands and distinctive home décor. thepearlpagoda.com
Foodies will appreciate the 40-plus gourmet oils and vinegars from Pour Olive, sourced from around the world and bottled straight from the tap in-store. A flavorful pairing or gift basket makes a perfect hostess gift. pouroliveoil.com
Elevate your everyday wear at women’s boutique Primm’s. Its Ava lace V-neck sweater features scalloped, romantic lace and a unique squared-back neckline. primmsstyle.com
Better Homes & Gardens recently named The Rooted Nest’s fall wreath as one worth splurging on. Its holiday wreath is a stunner too, with festive greens, a brass bell set and seafoam velvety ribbon. therootednest.com
Stay cozy by the fire with cheerful blankets from Ruxton Mercantile or take them with you, thanks to a handy leather strap. Stock up on a full range of gift-worthy goods at this Myers Park modern-day general store. ruxtonmercantileclt.com
Make someone merry with The Social Shop’s range of fun gift items, women’s apparel and accessories. This soft sweatshirt and colorful Christmas tree earrings put us in the holiday spirit. @thesocialshopclt
Abstract leather art from Stone & Strap makes a one-of-a-kind gift. Native Charlottean Annaliese Anderson repurposes leather straps and turns them into art, jewelry and accessories. stoneandstrap.com
Stay healthy this holiday season with organic immune support and beverage boosters from Sweet’s Elderberry. Led by a team of Queen City moms, this family-owned business uses clean, locally sourced ingredients in every product. sweetselderberry.com
You’ll find something to dress her in from head to toe at Uniquities. Start Christmas morning off right with these snuggly pajamas we spotted at the South End shop.
uniquities.com
A Wilders Wagyu subscription box will satisfy the meat lovers on your list. Raised in eastern North Carolina, Wagyu beef boasts a rich, unforgettable flavor. wilders.com
Take the stress out of the holidays
Let’s face it, the holidays are a wonderful time, but they come with stress, too. Self-care and a helping hand can make all the difference. So can an inspiring home project to look forward to in the new year.
Palestra Boutique Spa
Enjoy luxurious massages, facials, body treatments and more at this SouthPark spa. The 90-minute Hydrafacial is at the top of our list. Use code “Holiday75” and get a 75-minute customized massage or facial for the price of a 60-minute one (through Jan. 31). palestraboutiquespa.com
California Closets
Go from cluttered to calm in 2024 with a custom-designed storage space. California Closets offers personalized closets and storage solutions for every room based on your style, needs and budget. Get started with a complimentary consultation and save 10% on a custom project through the end of the year. californiaclosets.com
The Butler’s Pantry
Let someone else cook for the holidays. Chef Andrew King makes gourmet dishes to go at his Cotswold shop, including creamy casseroles, fresh entrees and sides, appetizers, scratch-made breads, and an assortment of decadent desserts. Jingle Bell casserole makes a yummy Christmas morning feast. Call 980-298-6608 to order. cltbutlerspantry.com SP
Canyon & Coast photo by Finn Rauen; Dogwood photo by EmmaLoo Photography; Molly Grantham photo by Logan Day Productions; Midwest to South photo by Maynard Photography
