Throw away Amazon, y’all!!  (JK - it’s hard to do)  But since the holidays are officially here, you might as well go touch grass and explore the area, right?  Here’s a guide to shop small and support our local community. There’s a lot of ways you can do that - and it can get a little overwhelming! - so, to help you out, we’ve curated a list of shops, markets, and ideas to check out:

Local Gift Shops

Parker and Otis: Situated at 324 Blackwell St., Bay 4, Durham, this establishment combines dining with shopping, featuring a mix of local goods, food items, and gift inspirations.

NOFO: Found at 2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NOFO offers North Carolina-made products, including pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, jewelry, and clothing.

The Artisan Market at 305: Located at 305 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, this market showcases work from over 50 local artists, offering jewelry, pottery, fiber art, and more.

The Frank: Located at 370 E. Main St. Suite 130, Carrboro, our favorite art gallery in the area is the perfect place to find a unique gift or stunning work of art for your loved ones (we’ve bought many a gift - for ourselves and others - here and have loved every one)!  

Holiday Markets

Triangle Holiday Markets: Our community hosts various holiday markets, all around Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond! A great (and updated) list of events to attend can be found here. Or you can search your local city’s event page!

Local Artisans and Products

Chapel Hill Toffee: A family-owned business offering delectable toffee, perfect for holiday gifting (we personally grab a box every year!).

Big Spoon Roasters: Based in Durham, they sell handcrafted nut butters, jams, bars, and more! Ideal for food enthusiasts.  YUM - I ate so much of this once I made myself sick.

Experience Gifts

Durham Salt Cave: Located at 410 W Geer St., Durham, you’ll find a unique relaxation experience (sound bath, massage, etc.), making for a thoughtful gift for those wellness-lovers in your life.  I haven’t tried this one yet, but I’m dying to. 

Triangle Food Tours: They offer guided walking tours around Raleigh, allowing participants to enjoy local cuisine - a delightful gift for food lovers. Also have gift boxes available for purchase!

Additional Resources

Downtown Raleigh's Holiday Hub: An all-in-one guide featuring gift ideas, events, and directories to enhance your holiday shopping experience.

NC IDEA 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Highlights products from North Carolina-based startups, offering unique gift options.

Do you have any other recommendations to add to the list? Message us on Instagram! We’d love to check them out.