How to shop local for the Holidays
I’ll be the first to say that shopping local for your loved ones wish lists isn’t always the easiest— but I make it a priority to get as much as I can from locally owned and operated businesses! This sometimes leads to not getting that “must have” item on the list— but I use their desired items as a guide to search deeper into what they might enjoy from a local perspective.
One way I get my holiday shopping done locally is by attending the local markets. This is one of my favorite ways to find the perfect gift for people! It’s typically free to stroll through the local maker booths and sometimes you see something that clicks and you think, “That is PERFECT for my loved one”! This not only makes your gifts more intentional and personalized, but I promise you, the local business owners feel that purchase so much more than a national chain, and definitely more than Amazon.
Some of my favorite local markets are the Bluegrass Market, Midway festivals, and this year- the European Winter Market in Midway, KY! Here you can find local artisans surrounded by local businesses that have such a variety of gift options (you can even buy a real Christmas tree!).
If you have a book lover/reader in your life, my favorite local book store is A Likely Story in Midway, KY. They have any genre, age group, and type of reading you can imagine! They have book related accessories, puzzles, journals, and more that make for the perfect place to browse for a gift!
Need a personalized option but want to have some fun in the process as well? Look no further than Poppy & Pomelo in Lexington, KY! You can make your own custom scented/decorated candles and room sprays while enjoying a cocktail before sifting through the adorable and quirky gift shop that is guaranteed to strike your fancy!
I loved my candle making experience and I gifted my candles last year to some of my close friends!
Another option? Buy you and your loved one(s) a candle making experience to o together!
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Sometimes you think of a loved one who has a hobby so particular you don’t even think you CAN buy local for their gifts and I am here to tell you it can be surprising how much you can find in Kentucky to do just that!
My husband loves to homebrew beer and we are lucky enough to have a locally owned and operated home brew supply store right here in Lexington, KY called Brewer Dude! You can find any supply you need for beer making, wine making, even cheese making! The staff is supportive and there to answer any questions and guide you for an exceptional costumer experience.
You can even grab a pint of local beer or cider while you shop and mark it off of your Brewgrass Trail through VIsitLEX!
Don’t fret about having to drive to several places to find something for each person, as there are options that have several vendors in one location! My personal favorite is Midway Maker’s Market that hosts several local makers from clothing, photography, bourbon barrel home decor, tea, chocolates, and more!
This store front is in the heart of downtown historic Midway, so valet park your car for free, do some shopping, envelope yourself in the holiday spirit, and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant all on one street!
Another market to lookout for is Bluegrass Creative Market, though this is held on certain days (see their Instagram for details on the next one). This market also hosts dozens of local makers that can make your shopping experience fun and uniquee!
I would bet you money you can’t find a gift like you can at KY for KY! This local shop is bluegrass through in through and perfect for finding your Kentucky loved one’s the perfect Kentucky themed gift. They’ve got you covered for cute, funny, silly, and local items throughout the entire store. They also have the original Cocaine Bear on site for a perfect photo op while you shop.
Not sure what Cocaine Bear is? Are you even Kentuckian?
Got a health freak in your life? Or a loved one looking to really make some healthier lifestyle changes? Skip the medspa and see local, trained medical professionals over at VitaOasis! They offer a range of services that are tailored to the individual and their needs!
I love to see them for a relax in the infrared sauna, a myer’s cocktail infusion (vitamins & fluids), and buying my supplements that are all third party tested and vetted products by this team!
We all know these types of services are available all over, so why VitaOasis? For starters, this is a nurse ran business and supports a small group of local professionals! Each service is tailored to the individual! They put compliance and safety above all! It’s always difficult for me to go to another place that I feel less secure because they aren’t following safety guidelines!