Shop local this holiday season: unique gifts, warm community, and the magic of Orange County

ORANGE SLICES

By Laurie Paolicelli

Linda Prager Coffee Cups at FRANK Gallery.

The holiday season has officially arrived and with it a host of online retailers clamoring for your attention. Total resistance may be futile, but we are surrounded by a bevy of local retailers that warrant your attention and pocketbooks.

The virtues of buying locally are manifold. Of course, supporting local businesses makes economic sense: if they don’t prosper, what will take their place? But think of all the other reasons: downtowns are villages, perhaps the only ones we have left. It’s where we recognize our community — where we see our neighbors.

Unlike big chains or click-and-buy websites, local businesses often hire capable people with proficient knowledge of the products they are selling — customer reviews you can trust. Local employees take the time to really get to know their clients and customers. Also, if you do have a quandary or complaint, rest assured you won’t be hashing it out with a robot.

It is not an exaggeration to say that small business owners are proof that the American dream exists. Support them and you support the future of our country, and the individual aspirations and goals of your neighbors.

Let’s meet a few of them here – their shops and what they offer. For a full list of 30 great shopping items, visit here: https://shorturl.at/HPCn6

Downtown Chapel Hill has more gems than a tiara. D.B. Sutton’s is a hair salon but also has a treasure trove of retail products, fresh from Sutton’s favorite global ports.
Product: Check out Caparsa Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: $46.50
Website: dbsutton.com

Koala Craft Art Studio Glass Painting
Product: Make-your-own nightlight or glass cupPrice: Nightlight $35, Glass cup $30
Features: Create vibrant designs on glass acrylic surfaces with templates or your own ideas.
Website: koalacraftnc.com

David Lindquist of Whitehall Antiques suggests:
Circa 1930s Glass Decanters
Product: Pair of glass decanters
Price: $295
Features: Hand-blown, cut glass with square panels, purchased in Milan in the 1930s.
Website: whitehallantiques.com

A great book from a Local Independent Bookstore is always a great choice all the year through. We have four independent stores in Orange County – Flyleaf Books and Epilogue in Chapel Hill, Golden Fig in Carrboro, and Purple Crow in Hillsborough. Just in time for Christmas, Jill McCorkle’s new book of stories, Crimes, is out in paperback.

Sally Mack’s Pro Rechargeable Mini Portable Table Lamp, Mid-town Chapel Hill
Product: Cordless portable lamp.
Price: $159
Features: Why go read by the light when you can bring the light to you?
Website: https://sally-stollmack.squarespace.com

Jewelry is personal expression through art and beauty. Creative Metalsmiths’ Long Horned Beetle Pin should not be overlooked.
Product: Sterling silver pin
Price: $148.
Features green onyx stone and comes in a hand-painted wooden box.
Website: creativemetalsmiths.com

Julian’s Argyle Icons Socks, Downtown Chapel Hill
Product: Wool blend socks
Price: $45
Website: julianschapelhill.com

Rocks and Acid Wine Shop’s Carpano Antica, Southern Village
Product: 750ml Vermouth
Price: $55
Features: Perfect for holiday cocktails.
Website: rocksandacidwineshop.com

Eno River Arts Mill
Product: Check out our new commemorative print by Ryann Ankerstjerne Carey!
Price: From $24 – $50
Features: “H’bro” is a watercolor print featuring a map of Hillsborough against a backdrop of a sunset from Occoneechee Mountain!

Carlisle and Linny Vintage Hillsborough |
Product: Chunky charm necklace 18” adjustable
Features: Late 1989s Carolee faux glass pearl, coral glass, and floral cameo.
Price: $64
Website: https://shorturl.at/Xt8WL

Hillsborough Arts Council’s Artistic Gourds
Product: Handcrafted gourds
Price: Varies
Features: Inspired by traditional and modern arts from global cultures, designed by Catherine Kramer.
Website: hillsboroughartscouncil.org

WomanCraft Gifts Natural Stone Art Mobile
Product: Jeweled mobile
Price: Varies
Features: Handmade with unique rock patterns by Dede Corvinus.
Website: https://www.womancraftgifts.com

This & That Carrboro
Product: Too numerous to name (Earrings are a favorite)
Price: Varies
Website: https://shorturl.at/gygA0

Botanist & Barrel’s Cidermaker’s Selection
Product: Six bottles of handpicked cider
Price: $82
Features: Crafted with all-natural North Carolina ingredients, perfect for the holidays.
Website: botanistandbarrel.com

Cat Tales Gift Voucher
Product: Chapel Hill Cat Café experience
Price: $13 – $50
Features: Spend an hour relaxing or playing with adoptable cats and kittens.
Website: cattalescatcafe.com

Tonya’s Bakeshop Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Product: Oprah’s 2024 Favorite Things pick
Price: $75
Features: Delicious cream cheese pound cake with a hint of lemon
Website: tonyascookies.myshopify.com

Carrboro Coffee Roasters Winter Solstice Blend, Carrboro
Product: 8 oz whole bean coffee
Price: $12
Features: Perfect blend for the holiday season with hints of dried fruit and spices.
Website: shopcarrborocoffee.com

My Muses Card Shop Wishing Bottle
Product: Crystal wishing bottle
Price: $7.50
Features: Includes a lavender sprig and paper for writing a wish, a thoughtful alternative to a greeting card.
Website: mymusescardshop.co

FRANK Gallery Handmade Pottery and Necklaces
Product: Pottery and necklaces by local artists
Price: $40 – $975
Website: https://www.frankisart.com

FRANK’S Holiday Show is up through Christmas Eve Day. 
Product: Work from over 65 artists
Website: https://www.frankisart.com 

Big Spoon Roasters Limited Edition Holiday Nut Butter Trio
Product: Set of three nut butters
Price: $35
Website: bigspoonroasters.com

Big Spoon’s Free Holiday Gift Market, Hillsborough
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024, 11 am – 1 pm
Website: bigspoonroasters.com

Uniquitiques Hillsborough Vintage cowboy boots
Product: High quality leather vintage boots, embroidery or decorative stitching.
Price: Varies
Website: https://uniquitiques.com

Explore these one-of-a-kind gifts to make your 2024 holiday season memorable! Parking is easier than you think, the shop owners are open and excited. Shop local, shop Orange County! www.visitchapelhill.org for more information.

See you on the streets!

Laurie Paolicelli is executive director for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, a position she has held since 2005. Laurie has worked in tourism and marketing for twenty-five years, having served in leadership roles in Houston and California convention and visitor bureaus. She is a native of the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN/Superior Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communications from the University Wisconsin-Superior and graduate certification in Technology In Marketing from the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
This reporter can be reached at Info@TheLocalReporter.press