Season’s greetings, Asheville. As we all continue recovering together, we have the chance to provide crucial support to our local businesses this holiday season. We’re guessing you’re shopping for a few special people, from parents to kids to neighbors who have lent much-needed helping hands. Look no further than the official AVLtoday gift guide, full of unique local treasures to spread cheer this holiday season and support WNC businesses.
Gifts for the proud Ashevillian
Asheville Strong opaline crystal necklace | $28 | Just like all of SoulKu’s necklaces, this one is made by mothers earning a thriving wage — the Opaline boosts energy, optimism, resilience, peace, and tranquility and 10% of proceeds benefit BeLoved Asheville.
“Asheville Forever” outdoor flag | $50 | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins partnered with Oxford Pennant to create this tribute to our city, with proceeds benefiting the Equal Plates Project.
Gus Cutty T-shirts | $40-$80 | Local artist Gus Cutty created T-shirts and sweatshirts that feature his murals on Level 42 Gallery & Studio, 12 Bones, and plēb urban winery, all buildings that were severely affected by Helene — 100% of the proceeds go to the fundraisers for the businesses.
Asheville soy candle in forest pine scent | $19.95 | Feel good about gifting this candle from Moonlight Makers, because 100% of its proceeds (and all proceeds from its Asheville designs) benefit BeLoved Asheville in providing Hurricane Helene relief.
Gifts for singles
Everyday Oil | $52 | This blend of organic botanical oils can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, or treatment — plus, they come in three fresh scents or an unscented option.
Handmade lavender eye pillow | $36 | Take beauty sleep up a notch with this pillow from Embellish Asheville, made with hand-dyed fabrics.
“I need a hug(e margarita)” dish towel | $17.95 | Gift them a handmade Moonlight Makers cotton dish towel that’s bound to make anybody laugh.
Shoji Spa gift card | $90+ | Treat them to some R&R at Asheville’s Japanese-inspired spa. Services include salt hydrotherapy soaks, massages, and more.
Love Me necklace | $42 | This chunky charm necklace from EMOTE is a bold and stylish expression of self love.
Gifts for parents
Custom photo blanket | $20.99+ | Gift them a highly personalized blanket adorned with family pictures and your choice of text.
Ombre insulated stackable tumbler | $32.95 | This 26 oz tumbler from Pirani is perfect for the parent who’s always on the go and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Steve Callari 7” Santoku knife | $265 | A good knife can change the way you cook, and Asheville Crafted Edge has a plethora — this one is an all-around performer for everything from dicing veggies to slicing meats.
Personalized weekly planner notepad | $16.99 | For the parents juggling sports practices, music lessons, play dates, and everything in between — this planner by Asheville-based Jubilee Design Studio will help them keep track of it all.
Gifts for young people
WNC Nature Center symbolic adoption | $25+ | Symbolic adoptions support habitat improvement, environmental enrichment, and education at the Nature Center — plus, if you donate $50 or more, you get a plush animal.
Asheville-opoly Game | $24.99 | This local take on a classic is perfect for the next family game night.
Human-sized butterfly wings or dragon wings | $16+ | Allow their imagination to run wild when they don a pair of colorful wings made right here in WNC.
Burton the Asheville Black Bear stuffed animal | $24 | This soft, plush toy is hand-crocheted + perfect for snuggling and creative play.
Montgomery Sky Farm visit | $250 | Gather a group of four and spend the day on the farm meeting the adorable highland cows and sheep — proceeds contribute directly to animal care.
Gifts for homebodies
Artisan soap and shower mist gift bundle | $48 | This gift set from C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare is perfect for a luxurious moment of self-care, with two scents of soap + an energizing shower mist.
“Good at Naps” woven blanket | $58+ | This versatile and stylish blanket is the perfect addition to their nap time routine.
The Mug | $44 | Gift one of the most sought-after pieces of East Fork pottery.
Checkerboard wearable blanket | $38 | What’s better than a regular blanket? One that they can wear around the house, of course.
Gifts for your significant other
Custom picture disc | $110+ | Forget a mixtape — create a personalized record for your loved one with the help of American Vinyl Co.
Freshwater pearl bracelet | $45+ | You can never go wrong with a classic like this bracelet featuring pristine white pearls and your choice of sterling silver, 14K gold filled, 14K solid gold, or 14K solid white gold.
Warm and cozy honey set | $28-$58 | For a gift as sweet as they are, Asheville Bee Charmer has you covered with these vanilla, coffee, and chai infused honeys.
Wooden magnolia flower arrangement | $113+ | A vibrant arrangement of wooden flowers designed by Asheville modern folk artist Goldfish Marmalade.
Bonbon subscription | $40-$480 | This subscription from French Broad Chocolates is the perfect pick for someone who’s always craving something sweet.
Gifts for holiday parties + gift exchanges
A handmade glass ornament | $25+ | An ornament from Asheville’s Visionary Glass Studio is sure to leave a lasting impression — get one with a vibrant peacock feather inside or opt for one that features the feather of a Carolina wren.
The Sovereign hot sauce | $12 | Bring some spice to the party with this small-batch Louisiana-style hot sauce from The Scullery.
Bike Vase | $6.99 | L.O.F.T. of Asheville is full of quirky and fun gifts, like this vase that attaches to the handlebars of your bike.
Stained glass creations | $30+ | Choose from the Asheville-based MagicalGlasCreations’ selection, from seashell nightlights to candy cane suncatchers.
Gifts for neighbors
“Stronger than the Storm 2024” ornament | $28.99 | This glass ornament features beveled edges and is handcrafted in Asheville.
Hand-printed mushroom kitchen towel | $17 | This towel from The High Fiber will add a whimsical touch to anyone’s kitchen.
Appalachian Forest Friends print | $40 | HORSE + HERO offers this adorable print of regional wildlife from local artist Macon York.
Engraved bottle opener | $40+ | Choose a custom engraving for this bottle opener that’s forged right here in the mountains.
Elixir Porcelain Olive Oil Dispenser | $65 | This olive oil dispenser from The Bright Angle will add a sleek touch to anyone’s kitchen — bonus points if you gift it with a bottle of olive oil from Olive This!.
Gifts for students
Book club cats tote | $26.95 | They can carry this adorable bag from Seltzer Goods across campus — bonus points if you fill it with books from Malaprop’s or Firestorm.
Personalized pastel pencils | $12 | This set of 10 No. 2 pencils can be personalized with their name or a motivational reminder.
Lime grid knit beanie | $28 | This comfy beanie from Clad is made from upcycled deadstock yarn.
Embroidered bookworm necklace | $33+ | The student who loves to read will adore this hand-stitched necklace by Asheville biz Blackwell Stitches.
Gifts for pet owners
Wellness bundle | $40 | Your pup will love this three-pack of Botanical Bones’ organic, allergy-friendly treats — plus, a portion of the proceeds benefit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in rebuilding its shelter.
“Pups over people” hoodie | $36.99+ | This soft, plush hoodie is perfect to wear during their morning pup walks or while snuggling with their furry friend on the couch.
#Rebuild Brother Wolf tee | $35+ | Proceeds will help the animal rescue rebuild a new location after its shelter was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Midcentury cats and cocktails wall print | $12+ | The cat lover in your life will love this retro print from Asheville small biz Artsy: Art Prints & Canvas.
Red plaid scrunchie bandana | $15-$22 | Flannels aren’t just for humans — dress your pup up for the holidays in this festive bandana from HOLLYWOOF Styles.
Gifts for foodies
Asheville-made artisan rolling pin | $32+ | Choose between walnut, maple, and cherry wood for a French-style rolling pin they can use in the kitchen.
Seasoning and salt box | $70.30+ | Variety is the spice of life — and this box from Well Seasoned Table ticks all the boxes. It literally has a seasoning called Spice of Life.
Vanilla peppermint shortbread cookies | $28 | For that special someone with a sweet tooth — they’ll love receiving a dozen of these holiday cookies that are crafted right here in WNC.
Watermelon radish napkin | $14 | Good Goodies hand-dyed vibrant cloth napkins that will steal the show at a dinner party. Pro tip: Buy multiple colorways of napkins for a unique set.
Goldie | $129.95 | No more guessing why your sourdough starter can’t stay alive — this warmer from Sourhouse keeps it at the perfect temperature so it stays healthy and rises faster.
Gifts for adventurers
Trekroll sleeping bag | $299 | These easy-to-carry and ultra comfortable sleeping bags are made right here in the Land of the Sky.
Jus’ Running reflective hat | $36 | This reflective hat is easy to spot, no matter if your loved one is running before dawn or after dark.
Appalachian Trail T-shirt | $18.99+ | Designed and printed right here in Asheville, this tee will help them show off their love for the iconic trail.
Black Dome Mountain Sports gift card | $1+ | Let them pick out their own adventure gear from this WNC business that was established in 1984.
Rassler 2.0 | $150 | This sturdy-yet-lightweight shoe from Astral can be worn for any outdoor adventure, from hiking to whitewater rafting.
Gifts under $20
Biscuit mix | $8.50 | Make Biscuit Head’s delectable biscuits right at home. Bonus: They also sell a vegan + gluten-free mix.
Custom beaded bracelet | $14 | Choose a gemstone they’ll love, and personalize it with their name.
Autumn Moonlight lotion candle | $18 | As this candle from Element Tree Essentials burns, it turns into lotion, leaving you with a sweet-smelling moisturizer.
Macrame keychain wristlet | $10 | Choose a color combination you think they’ll love.
