Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a few special people this holiday season? Browse local items sure to delight everyone on your list.
Gifts for your significant other
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.
Bonbon subscription | $40-$480 | This subscription from French Broad Chocolates is the perfect pick for someone who’s always craving something sweet.
Pottery painting session | $25+ | Book two seats for a pottery painting session at Half Light Honey so you can spend some quality time together — or gift your loved one a hand-painted piece.
Diamond necklace | $1,595 | This stunning necklace from Spicer Greene Jewelers features 45 round brilliant cut diamonds clustered in five stations on a 14-karat white gold chain.
Gifts for neighbors
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!.
Peacock Collection | $195 | This hand-blown, made-to-order glass trio by Lexington Glassworks is named for the blue-green plumage of a peacock; its distinctive color and pattern are bold and eye-catching, just like the tail of the beautiful bird.
Gifts for pet owners
“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.
Monday, Dec. 2 Holiday Pop Up Shop | Monday, Dec. 2-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Center for Craft | Free | Shop housewares, ceramics, vintage clothes, and more from 100+ vendors.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 The Art & Science of Plant Vouchers | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | NC Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County Center | $12 | WNC Medicinal Herb Growers will teach you how to prepare plant vouchers for proper identification or simply for art.
No Man’s Land Film Festival | 7-9:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Register to watch the adventure films from the festival at home — virtual attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a MountainTrue Hellbender beanie.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt | 5:15-7:15 p.m. | Murphy-Oakley Community Center | Free | Bring a flashlight to search for hidden candy canes at this family-friendly event.
Thursday, Dec. 5 Mammalogy | 4-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library - Lord Auditorium | Free | Kids can learn all about the mammals of WNC by exploring mammal artifacts with educators from the NC Arboretum.
SoulKu 11th Annual Holiday Shopping Party | 4-8 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | Free | Sip on ginger beer and enjoy snacks while you shop the assortment of handmade jewelry.
Friday, Dec. 6 Under the Stars | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Asheville Museum of Science | $65+ | Enjoy games, live music, drinks, and food from Sage and Spice during this fundraising event for the museum and the critical needs of our community.
Saturday, Dec. 7 Santa’s Stopping by Wicked Weed | 6-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver is stopping by Wicked Weed for an evening of free photos + festive drinks.*
Kora, the Asheville Police Department’s first therapy dog, is seeking your vote for the Second Annual First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award. The top canine contestant will receive $2,000 to support their work, a donation in their honor to First Responders Pack Foundation, a badge, and a gift basket of goodies. (WLOS)
Arts
Cowork at Center for Craft has launched Power Pass, an initiative offering free day passes for makers and craft businesses. In addition to a seat at the coworking space, the pass gives access to tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, a photography studio, and onsite support providers through Mountain BizWorks. Email to register.
Biz
This Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its next Smart Series on the topic “Your People, Your Power.” Director, writer, and television host Chris Bainbridge will share his expertise on lifting up and supporting employees to attract clients and talent. Register to join.
Drink
Raise a glass — because Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is slinging cocktails to support BeLoved Asheville through its ongoing giving2sips program. For the month of December, $1 from every Plum Luck cocktail will be donated to the organization.
Learn
MWWine School announced that wine certification classes will return in January. Classes are held at Metro Wines’ Quench! in Reynolds Village, and the series begins with WSET Level 3 starting on Sunday, Jan 19. The school will donate 10% of registration fees for all three certification levels to BeLoved Asheville.
State
The Town of Fletcher received a $100,000 grant from the NC Division of Parks and Recreation for its French Broad River State Trail. This Connecting Communities to State Trails grant, which was one of four totaling nearly $400,000, will be used to connect the trail to the heart of the town.
History
This is the last call for submissions to our historical marker contest. Submit your nominations by this Tuesday, Dec. 3. for a chance to be featured on our map — and maybe even have your location officially recognized. Make a submission.
Featured Home
Solar panels, cathedral ceilings, and a dreamy woodland setting are just a few of the best parts of this stunning Black Mountain abode. And did we mention the YMCA is only two minutes away? Take a peek inside.*
Health
The winter season sometimes means sprains, broken bones and various sports injuries. Did you know?Asheville Orthopaedic Associates offers walk-in services for when you need care fast. Get back to doing what you love at Mission Health by visiting their walk-in clinic at 310 Long Shoals Rd., Arden or call 828-782-9330.*
Cause
Looking for a local cause to support this Giving Tuesday? Pisgah Legal Services is an established local nonprofit helping WNC recover + rebuild. Donations to their Hurricane Recovery Fund are matched (up to $27,000), and you’ll be automatically entered to win prizes that support local bizes.*
Shop
Practical, comfortable, and life-changing — period. Knix Leakproof Underwear offers reliable leakproof protection in ultra-soft, seamless designs. Save up to 60% for Black Friday through tomorrow, Dec. 3.*
The Buy
The Buy
It’s Cyber Monday. Don’t miss these rare deals that are only available until the end of the day:
⚡The Conair Steam Stylist that’s on deal for less than $50. It’s a 3-in-1 gadget that can steam, press, and iron your garments. ⚡A set of high-quality Rubbermaid food storage containers that are 33% off — perfect for storing holiday leftovers. ⚡An Oral-B electric toothbrush. If you’ve been contemplating upgrading your classic toothbrush, consider this 40% off deal your sign.
This will be my last newsletter, so I wanted to end it with a message of gratitude. Firstly, for my co-editor Grace. I could not have imagined a better teammate and friend, and I know she will continue to serve you all with diligence and warmth. Secondly, for our readers. When the storm hit and the people of Asheville came together in such a profound way, I couldn’t say I was surprised — because every single day, this job has shown me the beauty, generosity, creativity, and kindness of this community. It has been a joy to write for you all. I will still be in Asheville, and I’m sure I’ll see many of you around. So let’s just say that this isn’t a goodbye — it’s a see you later.
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