‘Tis the season for all the shopping! I went to the big mall in Chattanooga last weekend, and y’all, I got out of there as soon as I could. It was so crowded and just not fun to be there. That’s a huge part of why I’m making an effort to shop local this holiday season. That, and my love for supporting local brands and establishments.
Chattanooga is packed with some really amazing locally-owned businesses, shops and brands. Since I’ve lived here, I’ve made a much bigger effort to shop local and share some of my favorite local brands with my friends and family. In fact, I try to buy my parents at least one item from a local business each year.
A built-in bonus of shopping at local shops is avoiding the crowds at big malls and strip centers. Those are actually the worst.
Here is your Chattanooga gift guide for all your holiday shopping needs.
These are some of my favorite local brands and places to buy gifts for family and friends.
Hoff & Pepper. Award-winning hot sauce from right here in the Scenic City! Their award-winning flagship hot sauce is used in many restaurants around town, and sold in many stores. I’ve given my dad some of their sauces, and their Dirty Dust, for Christmas, and he always loves them. There’s a Hoff Sauce for every hot-sauce lover in your life.
Locals Only Chattanooga. This is one of my favorite shops for classy Chattanooga souvenirs and gifts. If you’re looking for nice pint glasses and drinkware, t-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, kitchen towels, and fun souvenirs, they’ve got a great selection. They also carry locally-made products like Hoff Sauce, Olive Chattanooga oils and vinegars, soaps, Dr. Thacher’s cocktail syrups, handmade pottery mugs, and of course Moon Pies.
Southside Soap Studio. Did you know beer, wine, and whiskey are great for skin health? I didn’t, either, until I started buying from Southside Soap Studio. Many of their soaps are made with products from Chattanooga Brewing Company and Chattanooga Whiskey. Their soaps (and lotions and bath bombs) are vegan and cruelty-free, and smell incredible. They also just opened their first storefront on Highway 58!
Local breweries. Chattanooga is blessed with more than 10 breweries, and more are on their way. If you’ve got a beer lover in your life, swing by some local breweries and pick up a growler, t-shirt, koozie, or some nice glassware. Check out my guide to craft beer in Chattanooga to find something for your beer lover.
Hattanooga. From beanies to a classic trucker hat, Hattanooga has your head-covering needs, well, covered. As a bonus, $5 from each Hatt sale goes back to Hamilton County school programs to help prepare students for the workforce. Check out their collection on their website.
Local boutiques. These spots are perfect for finding cute gifts for the fashionistas in your life. I recently shopped at a few in search of a holiday party dress. While these boutiques tend to be a little more expensive, their selections are top-notch with a ton of a variety, and always on trend. Some of my favorites are Studio 6, Antibes, Southern Charm, and Abbey Lane.
Local markets. Chattanooga is blessed with local markets, pretty much year round. I love the Sunday farmer’s market, and I’ve been visiting the holiday markets that pop up this time of year. You’ll find tons of local products at the Holiday Market at the Convention Center, like Hoff, Nokes Granola, Positiffitea, Chattanooga Beard Co., Mayfly Coffee, and other great artisans.
Local coffee shops. Just like craft beer, Chattanooga is blessed with many great coffee shops. Coffee beans or grounds are always a good option; in fact, I sent some to a friend last year. Some of the shops here offer other products, like “quick brew” packets and travel mugs. And I can’t forget to mention Wildflower Tea Shop and The Hot Chocolatier. While they aren’t true “coffee shops,” they’re still two great local spots whose products would make great gifts. Check out my roundup of local coffee shops here.
Frazier Avenue on the Northshore. Frazier Ave is lined with some really awesome shops to find unique gifts. Blue Skies, Winder Binder, and Plum Nellie are some of my favorite and most frequented shops. Blue Skies especially has some really fun, artsy, quirky gifts that are perfect for that one friend with a weird sense of humor (oh come on, we all have one).
Don’t forget to check your favorite local restaurants. Gift cards are nice, and sometimes they’ll have merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and glasses that make great gifts. I’ve given my fair share of coffee mugs and beer glasses!
Lastly, stay tuned to my Instagram… I’ve got something fun coming y’alls way soon!
Where are some of your favorite spots to shop locally? How’s your holiday shopping going so far?
