This holiday season, make it a goal to shop local. Shopping local does more than support small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community; it’s a great way to find personalized, creative gifts for everyone on your list — especially that loved one who is hard to shop for.
Over the years, WRAL Family has profiled dozens of women and mompreneurs who started their own businesses and online shops. Even a few dads made this list! Find a list of locally-made items here, sorted by gift type:
Are there local artisans you love? Send us an email.
DECO Raleigh (207 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh) – This shop is a must for great stocking stuffers and unique gifts. There are a ton of North Carolina products in addition to cards, clothing and toys.
Parker and Otis (324 Blackwell St. Bay 4, Durham) – Another great dining and shopping spot! This Durham restaurant and market features gigantic deli sandwiches and a great mix of local goods, food and gift inspiration.
NOFO (2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh) – Dine downstairs and head upstairs to buy some great North Carolina-made products including pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, jewelry, clothing and more.
Gather Goods Co. (417 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary) – Craft classes, flower shop, local gifts, foods, toys and more.
Harvest Moon Trading Company (3901 Burlington Mills Road, Wake Forest) – This shop is a hidden gem across from a general store and MB’s Tasty Pastries stand (where you can order a pie for the holidays). You can find a lot of great local gifts, including food and jewelry.
Father and Son Antiques (302 S. West St., Raleigh) – You will find everything from furniture to vintage clothing and just about everything else at this downtown Raleigh shop.
Sweet Tea and Cornbread (4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh) – This shop, located inside Crabtree Valley Mall, only offers North Carolina-made products. It is a great place to find everything from food to jewelry and even soap.
Mindful Merchant (2425 Kildaire Farm Road) – Sustainable gift shop in Cary selling earth-friendly home and body products plus gifts and toys.
Mindful Merchant in Cary
Zen Succulent (123 Market St., Durham) – You might not have a green thumb but this place will help you get in touch with your inner gardener. Through their variety of plants, their focus is spreading the joy and inspiration that plants bring.
Little Details (2670 Timber Drive, Garner) – This boutique has great women’s clothing and a lot of fun gift ideas, including home decor, children’s clothing and food and beverage items.
Edge of Urge (215 E. Franklin St., Raleigh) – We love their celeb candles and everything else at this store. Head inside to find everything from greeting cards featuring RuPaul and Uncle Jesse to stylish clothing and accessories. The local favorite is also hosting the adopt-a-jellycat campaign this holiday season to help raise funds and awareness to spread holiday cheer to children and families in Western North Carolina.
Leaf (112 N. Church St., Clayton) – This woman-owned houseplant shop in downtown Clayton is a one-stop shop for plants and plant accessories.
Leaf plant shop in Clayton
Tiny (770 Ninth St., Durham) – Tiny is a children’s boutique located in Durham that specializes in high quality children’s and baby brands. They have gifts for clothing, childrens accessories, toys, candy and much more.
StUf n SUCh Raleigh (8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste 104, Raleigh) – Hundreds of local artists and artisans work are featured in this local shop. Located in the Lafayette Village, StUf n SUCh Raleigh features a diverse selection of gifts, home decor, accent furniture, and more. The unique personalized gift store is also the North Raleigh outlet for Ladyfingers Gourmet frozen foods.
Casa Bella Market (3604 Witherspoon Blvd. Ste. 105, Durham) – This woman owned small business in Durham sells home decor and gifts that support its core values. Casa Bella Market sources products that are locally-made, all-natural, organic, low or no waste, upcycled, vintage and sustainable.