Has it been 11 years?
For the past 11 years we’ve provided you with the hottest, trend-busting, and thoughtful gifts for Christmas. This year is no different, and we’re delivering the gift guide in two installments this year.
This year, we’re lending a hand to the men and women small business owners who provide economic opportunity as Asheville recovers from Hurricane Helene.
“Will,” you may ask, “does that limit the reach and ridiculousness of this year’s gifts?”
“Nay,” I say. There’s still plenty of opportunity to be thoughtful and drain your pockets for that special him, her, or them this holiday season.
Asheville Strong
If you’ve never been to Asheville, you should go. It’s a fantastic place. It’s deep in the mountains, and has a part-time quirky, hippie, homey, country, mountainy, bourbon, steaks, and BBQ feel.
Everything on this list is sure to please. Let’s get to it.
Cool Threads for Your Fuzzy Loved One
I don’t know about you, but nothing says I care more than pet clothes. Every though pets ship with their own clothes, an extra accessory or a doggie body suite shouts love and pampering. Asheville’s BowWow PetWear’s claim to fame is making Furkids Fashionable. Even though climate change is pushing things, it still gets cold around here. A new sweater, belt, or hoodies is exactly what your pet needed. I’m looking at you Mikoka! Get in touch with BowWow PetWear and place your order NOW!
Skin Care Is Self Care
Do you know, the older I’ve gotten, the more vain I’ve gotten. I’ve never cared about skin as much as I do now.
C & Co Handcrafter Skin Care is an FDA registered skin care company based in Asheville since 2012. They claim to be low maintenance, but if you’re buying skin care products, I beg to differ. C & Co. has holiday essentials kits starting at $30. Their bergamot and lavender body balm is just as delicious as it sounds.
They have a holiday sale on now, with $3 flat rate shipping for orders $125 and over. Run to your closest Internet and buy now.
Adorn Your Walls with Inspiration
Since becoming a real adult, I’ve begun to appreciate art forms conceived in the minds of humans made by human hands.
Art is timeless and lasts a lifetime. American Folk Art & Framing spotlights Asheville artists giving them an opportunity to share their talents and offer their works to the public. If you’re looking for something different, something that won’t break, and resonates for a lifetime gifting art is the only move.
AFAF has many on display, and hosts a virtual gallery for folks not fortunate enough to travel to the mountains. Famed works of art can be purchased and shipped anywhere.
Behold, and be inspired.
Get High
Did you know coffee is the world’s most celebrated psychoactive substance?
Normally, these pages would be splashed with a coffee maker you’d need to sell a kid to afford. We’re just setting you up for the Gift Guid Part Deux. If you have a little money saved up after buying that shiny new Jura espresso machine, order the single source assortment of coffees from Coorperative Coffee Roasters.
Coop Coffee Roasters began roasting coffee in 2018 and are the most passionate coffee lovers around.
For us, it is a kind of art, and it’s playful. We start with what we think would be best, but we are always assessing what we’ve done, always asking:
‘Could this coffee be sweeter, if we let it develop for a little bit longer?’
Coorperative Coffee Roasters
With 15 varieties offered on their site, Coop is all about maximizing coffees flavor and beauty. You too, can be part of the Hurricane Helene relief efforts by buying their special roast.
Do it. You know you’re addicted.
Love to Read
I’m one of the co-chairs on the Author’s Committee for the Annapolis Book Festival, and I love reading. I really enjoy books.
This winder, give the gift of exploring brave new worlds. Asheville’s Firestorm books has plenty of titles to select from ranging from your run of the mill YA to books sure to be banned by school districts.
They are a collectively owned, self described racial bookstore. They’ve supported grassroots movements in Appalachia and are sure to support you by opening your mind.
Browse their staff picks for a title you may not have encountered. Order now so you can gift books in time for Christmas.
Support Asheville
I owe a lot to the people of Asheville. They’ve invited me in their homes and ears for the past 6, 7, 8 years or so. I even have my own fan club in Asheville. I’ve met many of my listeners at John’s wedding a couple of years ago.
It’s not easy picking up the pieces after a disaster. The people of Asheville or doing it while keeping it classy.
Supporting Asheville’s small businesses lets money circulate bringing the community back stronger and faster.
If you’re a fan of theSync and First News 570 please consider any of the small businesses at Brands of WNC for your Christmas gift giving.
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