With the holidays just around the corner, you may be wondering where you can find the perfect gifts for all the people in your life. Luckily, we’ve rounded up many of the best places in Chattanooga where you can do all your holiday shopping while supporting small, locally owned businesses. Read on, and you should be able to find a little something for everyone on your list.
Gift Ideas for Pampering
If you know someone who could do with a little pampering, then you should take a look at Good Fortune Soap & Spa. They have treats to fit any budget, from their skincare, bath, and body products to their essential oils. All their products are made from “eco-natural” ingredients and designed with overall wellness in mind. If you are looking for something a bit more personalized, they even offer the chance to mix together your own custom scent into a body product or candle. Or, if you are looking to truly spoil that special someone, book their luxury penthouse Airbnb and schedule a massage and facial in their decadent spa.
For Foodies
The Spice & Tea Exchange is a favorite of foodies and drink lovers alike. With a wide array of spice blends, olive oils, and other tempting offerings, this store is a wonderful place to get something that your friend or loved one will be able to use often. Currently, they are offering a variety of winter tea blends as well as decadent cocoa mix, and they are offering a free gift with purchase for online orders of over $50. They also have a lovely selection of recipes available for purchase if you are in need of a little holiday inspiration. If your foodie is more on the snacky side, you might also check out Noke’s Granola & Artisanal Products. They offer flavorful granola blends made from the finest available products, as well as some specialty seasonings. The business was born from the founders’ desire to offer healthy alternatives to sweet desserts that actually tasted delicious. That said, if you’re looking for treats that aren’t so health-conscious, Boxcar General Store offers a wide selection of nostalgic candy and sodas, as well as classic toys and Southern goods. Their products are perfect for the young… or just the young at heart.
Local Gift Shops
Chattanooga is home to many unique, local gift stores, all of which carry a variety of goods that are certain to wow your loved ones. Locals Only Gifts & Goods features goods from over 90 vendors local to Tennessee, specializing in small-batch and artisan goods. They have handy gift guides and gift boxes to help you out if you’re having a bit of trouble finding the perfect gift, but they have such a wide variety that you’d probably enjoy just taking it all in yourself.
Merchants on Main is another great option, especially if you’re interested in furniture and home decor. Owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo, this one-stop shop hosts over 30 vendors. If your gift recipient is interested in something sophisticated and upscale, Sophie’s Shoppe offers local art, curated gift boxes, candles, flowers, home decor, accessories, and vintage furniture. One of the more unique gift shops in Chattanooga is blue skies, a place that has been described as a “three dimensional collage.” It is full of an eclectic variety of trinkets such as artisan jewelry, home decor, handmade artwork, fun cards, and gifts for infants and children. The largest and oldest gift shop in downtown Chattanooga, however, is Sweetly Southern. Though they have a variety of items to choose from, their historical memorabilia and painted glass are standouts. Genevieve Bond is an upscale gift shop that offers a selection of premiere brands such as Kate Spade, Neely & Chloe, and Vera Bradley, along with a variety of unique smaller scale sellers. Whoever you’re shopping for, there’s a good chance that you can find something for them at one of these stores.
Home Decor
Perhaps your loved one is interested in revitalizing their home decor. If so, Nell’s could be an excellent place to check out. In addition to a wide selection of furniture, lighting, and decor, they also offer comprehensive interior design services to make your space truly stand out. The Rug Rack is the place to go to find unique rugs and home decor accessories for any aesthetic, with plenty of options to help pull your home’s look together. If you’re just looking for some fun, one-of-a-kind art pieces, Tangerinas offers home decor and artwork made of reclaimed and recycled materials. With so many amazing options for interior design here in Chattanooga, you are certain to find the right pieces for your budget and aesthetic.
For the Bibliophile
For the voracious reader in your life, we recommend The Book & Cover. Opened in 2021, the independent bookstore was inspired by films like You’ve Got Mail and Shop Around the Corner. The store seeks to create a community space for reading books and having discussions that spark curiosity, with a cozy vibe, a themed children’s room, and staff recommendations throughout the shelves. They also have a small coffee and pastry shop at the counter. With such a comfortable atmosphere, the real gift may be bringing your book lover to the store and letting them soak it all up in person! Though, if they’re more interested in reading comic books than novels, Infinity Flux is a great option. This shop also hosts a variety of events and auctions themed around tabletop roleplaying games, trading cards, and board games. Anything “geeky” that you may be looking for can likely be found here.
For the Hobbyist
If your loved one finds great joy in their hobbies, there are many local shops where you can find exactly what they need. For example, Fantasy Mountain Board Gaming is a family-friendly store full of carefully selected board games and more. If you’re feeling indecisive about your purchase, Fantasy Mountain has a collection of games that are free to try out in the store.
For Someone Special
For the person on your list who likes to look and feel glamorous, Elea Blake Cosmetics offers not only custom makeup products, but also the resources needed to become one’s own personal stylist. Using a scientifically based color analysis system, these resources help customers find fun looks that bring out their personal flair. The store offers consultations and lessons, too! If you’re not confident in your ability to design custom makeup for your person, that’s okay; they also offer gift cards. If accessories are more up their alley, Kennedy Jewelers has received the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of the Best Award for Chattanooga’s Best Jewelry Store for multiple years. Their quality jewelry is guaranteed to dazzle that special someone, whether you are getting them something new, asking them a special question, or repairing an old piece of great sentimental value.
For Kids
Of course, the holidays are especially magical for children. While that goes far deeper than gifts, there are several local toy shops here in Chattanooga with offerings that are sure to have them beaming from ear to ear. A Child’s Garden Boutique offers toys and clothes for both children and infants. Their toys are adorable, with plenty of stuffed animals and even mice dollhouses. The kids will have fun with them, and they might even complement Mommy’s home decor! Their offerings lean slightly toward the younger end of the age spectrum. For older kids, Learning Express (and the affiliated Mountain Top Toys) is a great option. They have a variety of sensory toys that are excellent for children and people with sensory/focus difficulties, as well as stuffed animals, pretend play costumes, construction, creative, athletic, and scientific toys. Whether you want to give your child a comforting teddy bear or something to stimulate their love for the arts or science, you’ll find it here.
