Shopping local helps support independent makers and is a great way to get unique gifts for the holidays. There are plenty of seasonal holiday pop-ups and holiday markets that feature goods from local artists, but there are also a number of locally born and raised brands with their own storefronts (online and brick-and-mortar) and artist co-ops that operate year-round offering great gifts now and in the future. Here are a range of brands and shops to consider for local gifts during the holiday shopping season.
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For a gallery experience featuring products designed and made in the Atlanta metro area, Atlanta Made is the place to go. The unique pieces in the space include artwork, home furnishings, jewelry and more. Custom requests are encouraged.
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These brass stick to circle earrings ($30) are just one great find from Atlanta-based Ink + Alloy. The brand also offers bracelets, necklaces, print scarves, tote bags and clutches and more all handmade in Atlanta. Visit the new factory store, which opened in November, just in time for holiday shopping.
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Head over to Beehive to shop from a range of products made by local designers. The finds include apparel, housewares, accessories, baby goods, local food goods and jewelry all under one roof. The made-in-Georgia Georgia Peach Candle by Jam and Bread ($18) is about as local as it gets.
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Sid Mashburn offers high style with this Pocket Henley Sweater in extra-fine merino wool ($295) that proves a solid alternative to cashmere. The button pocket at the front is ready to hold all of the day’s essentials. While you’re there, check out neighboring Ann Mashburn to hunt down great Mashburn branded gifts for women.
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The Atlanta-born and -based beauty brand conceived by a Georgia Tech grad has raked in the awards since hitting the market in 2016. The line includes color cosmetics for lips, eyes and face all designed to be vegan, cruelty-free and clean while still offering high performance. Gifts include a bundle of the brand’s best-selling lip colors, including the long-wear matte Lip Velvet in Fiesta, nourishing Lip Crème in Blooming, and creamy Lip Glaze in Prep for $47.
This store is home to more than 30 local makers, pickers, junkers, artisans and more who provide a curated selection of goods, including gift boxes from Georgia Crafted. The brand features a selection of themed curated gift boxes or you can create your own gift box. The Holiday Gift Box ($30) is filled with products made in Georgia, including pecans, which are highlighted this season to support Georgia farmers.
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With the goal of bringing makers and customers closer together, Citizen Supply, a curated and artisan marketplace, supports local brands, handmade goods and sustainable business. Visit the showroom to find gift items for men and women at all price points. One popular item is the unisex gray french terry “Atlannuh” sweatshirt ($65) by Atlanta-based Rosser Riddle.
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Find goods from about 150 artists in product categories ranging from toys and kids clothing to high-end jewelry, art and drawings. While most of the artists are from Georgia, the store features goods made across the entire Southern region. Though online shopping isn’t yet available, head to the store for items such as artisanal wooden bowls made by John Madajewski from felled trees in Decatur. Prices start around $50 and go up to about $300.
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Small batch ceramics are the specialty of this Atlanta-based business, which offers a range of handmade items created on the wheel or cast from an original mold. Products include tableware, lighting and more. The Metallic Black Cake Stand ($80), handcrafted from porcelain, is perfect for holding holiday treats.
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This popular bath and body brand launched in 2004 has two store locations in the metro area. The brand offers a wide range of soaps, essential oils, bath salts and much more. The Mama Bath + Body Bath Salts Trio ($40) features three best-selling bath salts — lavender, rose geranium and eucalyptus — each with its own therapeutic properties. Also visit the shop in Krog Street Market (another good place for local gift finds in a range of categories), 99 Krog St., Atlanta. 404-909-9994.
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