The holiday season is upon us! This time of year is full of lists: grocery lists, to-do lists, and lists of what to buy for our spouse, kids, and other family members. There are always other people in our lives who we want to show our appreciation for, but may have a harder time deciding what gift to give them.
Knoxville is full of local businesses that offer great solutions to this yearly problem.
I know what you’re thinking: it’s easier to click “add to cart” at a large brick-and-mortar or online retailer. You get your order in a drive-up spot or delivered to your front door, stick it in a gift bag, and call it a win. While this solution can be an easy one, shopping small is the perfect opportunity to show your support to our local businesses.
Whether you’re heading to Friendsgiving and need a gift for the hostess or looking for something thoughtful to get your child’s teacher, below are some local businesses along with gift ideas from each:
Bradley’s
Bradley’s is locally owned and known for their chocolate and other sweet treats. They have several options when it comes to gifts for others. Heading to a tailgate or hosting out-of-town guests? This pre-made basket is full of Knoxville-themed treats. If you’ve got a Favorite Things party or other Christmas get together on your calendar, this pre-made basket makes the perfect hostess gift. They offer non-chocolate gifts as well. Invited to a baby shower during this busy holiday season? Bradley’s has a baby gift guide and will even wrap the gift for you! They carry a variety of paper goods, candles, home decor, and more. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram (@shopbradleys) for more ideas.
Copper Cellar Marketplace
You may have dined at Copper Cellar before (it’s been a Knoxville staple since they opened in 1975), but the Copper Cellar Marketplace is worth a visit. Not only can you pop in for hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and house-made desserts, but they also offer grab-and-go entrees, side items, and salad kits. They have seasonal paper goods, koozies, and reusable cups, which are great items to stick in a gift basket! Pair a bottle of wine or cocktail mix with holiday cups or peppermint bark. Head to their website or follow them on Instagram (@coppercellarmarketplace) for more ideas.
Val’s Boutique
Val is a Knoxville native and celebrated her boutique’s 12th anniversary this past spring. I love popping in when I’m shopping for others (and let’s be real…shopping for myself). Val does an amazing job of offering affordable clothing and accessories. If pairing a headband and a pair of earrings or necklace is a gift idea for someone on your list this season, check out Val’s Boutique. I love that you have the option to purchase online and pick-up in store. Follow Val on Instagram (@vals_boutique) for more ideas and new arrivals.
Euphoric Cheese Shop & Sparrow Wine Bar
These two are a recent favorite of mine, and they happen to be right next door to each other. They are co-owned by two friends who are both breast cancer survivors. The cheese shop offers cut-to-order cheeses, charcuterie meats, and specialty grocery items. If you aren’t sure what to order for a gift, take a look at their charcuterie boxes. There are different size options available and they make the best gifts. Pair with a gift card to the wine bar and you’re all set! The cheese shop’s website and wine bar’s website are both full of more information on shopping and ordering. Give them a follow on Instagram (@euphoriccheeseshop & @sparrowwinebar) to stay up to date on all of their offerings.
These are great ideas Megan!