Like many of us, our wanderlust provided opportunities to pick up memorable holiday gifts for friends and family while we vacationed. Yet most of 2020 has been spent canceling travel plans and quarantining at home. However, you can still reminisce about those destinations and shop online. Here are a few ideas to jump-start your traditional holiday list.
One of our favorite coffee companies, whether online or in-person, is French Market Coffee at www.frenchmarketcoffee.com. This New Orleans beanery has provided rich blends of coffee with chicory for world-famous café au lait for the past 125 years. They have multiple blends available with or without chicory, and their gift baskets are reasonable and beautiful. If you can’t get to New Orleans for a cup at Café du Monde, it’s the next best thing.
Another New Orleans favorite, Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop on Decatur Street, has made creamy pralines for over 85 years. Her tasty treats come in multiple choices, including my favorite, chocolate. You can purchase both pralines and gifts on her web site, plus recipes at www.auntsallys.com.
If you are looking for a uniquely chic and Southern home décor gift, check out Charleston Garden. They offer exceptional and creative gifts for both inside and outside at www.charlestongarden.com.
Or maybe your adventures were planned for New York, and you wanted to find that perfect “big city” item for someone on your list. If so, the New York Metropolitan Museum is a treasure trove of holiday gift-giving. They have a variety of ornaments, books, children’s toys, clothing and jewelry. Be sure to check out the Christmas shop at www.metmuseum.org as well.
For the history or science buff in your life, the American Museum of Natural History in New York offers exhibit specific merchandise and gifts celebrating the iconic museum’s 150th anniversary. Their gift shop is chock full of great souvenirs that kids and adults will love. From replica dinosaur models for a future archeologist to a NASA Rocket Handle mug for a budding astronaut, www.amnh.org will not disappoint.
If gourmet goodies are what you crave, take a look at Sunnyland Farms in Albany, Georgia. They specialize in delicious nuts, candy, chocolates, meat jerky, oils and nut butters. They also offer free shipping and no minimums! Check out www.sunnylandfarms.com to find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.
For those who might be more difficult to shop for, The Little Green Store & Gallery in Huntsville, Alabama, provides unique artisanal choices. From wood slice paper placemats to custom wall art and pottery to hand-blown glassware and delightful one-of-a-kind items, there is something for every taste. Visit www.thelittlegreenstore.net to search an expansive array of options and learn more about the artists who crafted them.
And last but certainly not least, for those on your list which typically visit the Gulf Coast but didn’t make it to town this year, Pizzaz in Gulf Breeze is a small-town store with big-time offerings. Find inspiration and unique items such as ornaments, cards, luxury bath items, Vietri dishware, ribbon, pillows, custom jewelry, handmade and personalized items. They also have an adjoining children’s shop with beautiful articles reminisce of European children’s clothing and shoes. With so many choices, you won’t be disappointed at www.pizzazhome.com.
While it’s certainly not an exhaustive list, we hope that it provides you with a few ideas to get your holiday shopping off to a great start. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more on our favorite places to shop, as well as other holiday preparation tips and advice. In fact, the next Chandler Interiors Holiday How-To Video on curating the perfect place setting and tablescape is in production and will launch soon!