Keep Your Gift Giving Local with These 20 Unexpected Options

Shopping for gifts in real life is so much more fun than making online purchases, especially when it gets you into the holiday spirit! In this gift guide, I’ve pulled together a list of options from local stores around Salt Lake City, and there’s something in it for everyone! Feel good about supporting small businesses and don’t forget to schedule in some “me time” for a hot apple cider stop or a pumpkin spice latte. Yum!

Madyson’s Marshmallows

What’s better than a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows in the winter? Well, we’ll tell you: gourmet marshmallows and hot chocolate. If you’ve never tried Madyson’s Marshmallows, you’ll definitely want to give this sweet store a visit. Don’t be surprised if you end up making a purchase for yourself, too! I particularly like their Artisan S’Mores Kit and Indoor Marshmallow Roasting Burner and their snowflake marshmallows. All Madyson products can be purchased online or in store.

Mudcloth Cosmetic Bag

Ever since mudcloth material rose to popularity in the Western world, people have been clamoring for it in every form–pillows, tablerunners, you name it. These beautiful cosmetic bags not only bring that touch of African warmth to the season, but they are handmade and available in a variety of sizes. Better yet, 5% of every purchase is donated to a local refugee resettlement organization, which means you can feel good giving a gift that genuinely makes a difference. Mudcloth cosmetic bags can be purchased at the Fellow Shop in Salt Lake City.

Basin Earrings

If you’re opting for a touch of the West for a holiday gift, consider these hand-cut earrings, made using polished stones found in the Western U.S. Earrings are available in garnet, agate, or alunite—all earthy colors that are perfect for the season. You certainly won’t find anything quite like this anywhere else. You can buy these at the Fellow Shop in Salt Lake City.

National Parks Illustrated Map Screen Print

If you have an outdoor enthusiast in your life you won’t go wrong with this unique print. It’s a creative way to learn some of the major U.S. parks and a neat way to showcase a passion. Designed in-house by Fell, signed by the artist and printed on French paper, your gift is sure to be an entirely unique hit. Screen prints can be purchased online or in store.

Fringed Blanket Scarf

No sense in letting the winter chill soak in. This tasteful yet unique oversized scarf is a stylish way to brave the snowy season. Add to that a range of desert colors, and you’ll make both men and women happy when you gift it! Purchase your scarf online or in store.

Red Barn Collections Book Journals

These are no ordinary journals. At Red Barn Collections, the team rescues books and transforms them into journals, sketchbooks, and notebooks, making one-of-a-kind gifts. With so many options to choose from, you’ll definitely want to pop into their store to have a look! It’s a whole book store without the books.

Waterpocket Distillery’s Oread Liquor

Now if you’re looking for a gift that all the grown-ups will appreciate, you’ll want to go with Waterpocket’s Oread liquor It’s also a wonderful holiday drink with notes of sweet orange peel, sage, and just a hint of chamomile. It makes for great cocktails, too—try some of the recipes on the distillery’s website. You can purchase online or in store.

WH Habberdash Wood Bow Tie

Handmade in Utah, these wood bow ties are crafted with the hipster vibe in mind. While they aren’t available for purchase in a physicals tore that we’ve found, they can be purchased online. Make sure to check out WH Habberdash’s blog gallery for great ideas on how to wear these locally made works of art. They’re perfect for weddings, gift-giving, and dare we say, holiday dinners?

Amanda Green Manzanita Mug

An iconic symbol of the west, these vibrant handmade mugs are the artist’s favorite creation, which is certainly saying something given the range of items she makes. Bold, fashionable, and functional, what more could you want in a gift? If you’d rather opt for something with earthier colors, be sure to check out her line of equestrian-themed mugs too. They’re gorgeous! Amanda’s pottery can be purchased in the Commerce and Craft store.

Bo and Me Handmade Animal Toy

If you want to give a gift that is nothing but cute and absolutely original, consider one of these handmade animals by Utah artist Bo and Me. You can purchase them here. They’ll make great gifts for kids and adults. Maybe a stocking stuffer?

Ceramic Mushrooms by Roo Pottery

There isn’t anything quite as adorable and surprising as a set of ceramic mushrooms. This makes a perfect gift for the avid, aesthetically oriented gardener. Who needs a green thumb when these vibrant and classy little fellows look so bright all year round? You can purchase these online.

Dewdrop Herbal Tea

Everyone has a tea lover in their life, but not everyone knows where to buy tea that does not include flavorings, colorings, sweeteners, fillers, or preservatives and that still tastes good. Owner Amy Dewey has created a product that is both healthy and delicious. If you’re thinking of getting tea as a gift, why not choose a mix-and-match set of either 3 Gourmet Blendsor 3 Signature Blends? Most of Amy’s teas can be purchased on her store or in a number of local stores around town.

A Scatterbrain Tie

If you’re looking for a gift for a man that is both classy and artistic, look no further than a screen-printed tie by Scatterbrain Tees.These gorgeous ties feature designs by Utah artist and illustrator Michael Phipps. You can purchase them here or online here.

High Peaks Mountain Ring by K Johnston Designs

If you know someone who loves mountains and the outdoors, these beautiful handmade rings by Katie Johnston are going to be a huge hit. Made in Utah and made from sterling silver, there are also a number of options to choose from, including the alpine forest ring, the desert peaks ring, and the high peaks design. Katie’s jewelry can be purchased at a number of upcoming holiday markets in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Studio O Llama Water Bottle

Insulated, stainless-steel water bottles are all the rage right now. But what could be better than giving a unique design—a touch of the eclectic and something a little hipster? These fun bottles that keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold for hours are a hit with most people. Spiced cider, anyone? They can be purchased here.

Mittens from Touche

Purchasing these gorgeous mittens from your local boutique store is a great way to show your support for small businesses this holiday season. Not only are they available in cheery colors that are sure to brighten anyone’s day, but they are handpicked by Touche’s owners because they only choose products they love! You can purchase them in store here.

Makana Soy Candles

No gift list is complete without mentioning candles, and these candles are a winter dream! After all, what chilly season is complete without those forest smells like pine, fir, and Balsam, anyone? Come browse the many amazing scents at Arte Haus Collectif in Salt Lake City.

Chunky Knit Loomed Blanket

This hand-woven and hand-dyed blanket is the perfect item to use in bed or to drape over furniture. Give a gift that anyone will immediately appreciate, something classy and bold. You can purchase this blanket at Arte Haus Collectif.

The Foodie Lover Jam Set

This gift set is for anyone with a passion for flavor. Itincludes a balsamic jam, a tart cherry passion fruit spread, and a guava-flavored spread. They’re a great way to dress up meats, cheeses, and desserts. If you’ve got a foodie in your life, this is the perfect gift! Butcher’s Bunches preserves can be purchased at a number of locations.

Sour Candies

Jolley’s Gifts and Floral stocks the most delightful candies and in original flavors. Kids and adults are bound to love them. Flavors and options include sour grapefruit, sour peaches, sour watermelon and petite sour hearts. Delicious! Purchase your candies here.

I hope this gives you some good ideas for unexpected gifts or the loved ones in your life. At the same time, you’re supporting small, local businesses, which is a really cool thing to do.

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