Give Local this Holiday Season
Right about now, Santa is making his list and checking it twice. We have it on good authority that Mr. Claus and his elves at the North Pole are outsourcing some of the toys and gifts this year to help support small businesses in Chapel Hill. Check out these local spots for great gifts—and while you’re there—you just might have a Santa sighting!
For the Tarheel fans in your life, deck them out in Carolina blue and white with apparel from Shrunken Head Boutique, Johnny T-Shirt or Chapel Hill Sportswear. These stores offer everything from casual wear like sweatshirts and t-shirts, to golf shirts, dresses and coffee mugs. For the fan that already owns every possible piece of UNC-branded clothing, check out these spirited facemasks from Classic Carolina.
Everyone has that one relative who is hard to shop for. Head over to SOUTH Unlimited, WomanCraft Handcrafted Gifts, Firefly and Chet Miller where you can browse the stores for fresh ideas and unique presents. These boutiques gift shops have items like handmade jewelry, soaps, lotions, home furnishings, stationery and everything in between.
If there are friends or relatives you will not be able to spend the holidays with in-person, let them know you’re thinking about them with a flower arrangement or decorative center piece for their dining table. Local florists including Chapel Hill Florist, University Florist, Floral Expressions & Gifts and Victoria Park Florist have a beautiful array of options and you can order and schedule delivery from their websites.
Thanks to the internet, we can still shop at Southern Season this year, albeit virtually. Having shuttered its doors in January after 44 years in business, the specialty grocer now operates entirely online and is a great place to find Carolina- and Chapel Hill-themed gift baskets or other Southern gourmet goodies. The baskets feature local favorites like Chapel Hill Toffee as well as items produced by Southern Season, including cheese straws, nuts, coffees, jams, biscuit mix, grits and barbeque sauces.
We all know how hard 2020 has been on the restaurant industry, and these small businesses can use our help. Buy gift cards to local coffee shops to use as stocking stuffers or to give to neighbors, teachers or delivery people (just be sure to keep it under $20 if it is for your mail carrier). Gift cards to a local restaurant group give the recipient flexibility to use it at their favorite place. For example, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group includes Squids and 411 West, and Giorgios Hospitality & Lifestyle Group includes Bin 54, Kipos and Village Burger.
In addition to restaurants, local nonprofits and the arts community could greatly benefit from your generosity this year. A donation in the recipient’s name makes a great gift, and you can accompany it with a homemade ornament or holiday trinket to commemorate the present. For a list of nonprofits in our area, visit The Chamber’s website.
We hope you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!