This is it, y'all. THE list of awesome gifts to check out for this Holiday Season. There is a gift on this list to fit every budget, and for everyone on your list! And the best part? Every single one of these great gift ideas is available in the Boro. Because as you know, when you buy from a locally -owned small business you help a member of your community have a happy holiday as well!
So, in no particular order, here are my TOP TEN picks for gift giving in 2017!
1. Gourmet COFFEE!
Do you have a caffeine addict (like me!) on your list?
This is the ultimate gift. Local roaster and coffee shop, 3 Tree Coffee Roasters, is offering a holiday deal that will wow any coffee snob on your Christmas list. Personally, I'm a fan of their medium roast Ethiopian but with their Holiday special you can buy three bags of any bean and get this adorable mug for free! You can also get the mug and a bag of coffee for only $20. Buy a bag for a co-worker, teacher, boss, whoever! (perhaps a gift for yourself?)
I gifted their Father’s Day package to my Dad (I get my coffee obsession honest!) and father- in- law this past summer - it was a huge hit. Of course, if you aren’t sure what type of bean to get, they also offer gift cards. But, feel free to ask one of their knowledgeable baristas for a recommendation! If you have a coffee freak or college student on your list you cannot go wrong with this gift! And when you stop by be sure to try a coconut milk latte (my favorite!) and check out their weekend brunch- it's the best in town.
Where to buy: Stop by 3 Tree Coffee Roasters and Café at 441 S. Main Street. (912) 681-8733. Follow them on Facebook for daily specials and discounts. Or visit their website for more info. https://threetreecoffee.com/
2. Handmade Soap
This list is all about gifts available for purchase locally and this item is a prime example of supporting small local businesses! Statesboro native Greg Kearney's soap business took off after folks tried his handmade goat's milk soap bars made with organic ingredients and an attention to detail. Greg uses all natural ingredients and makes his soap right here in the Boro. Oh! And did I mention they DELIVER!? Yep, they will hand deliver orders locally. (How easy is that?!)
An individual bar of this locally made soap is $7, but Homegrown Trading Post offers discounts if you buy several bars at a time. This organic small batch soap makes an awesome stocking stuffer plus, there is a scent for everyone on your list. Seriously, there is a soap menu, y’all! Personally, I love the "Be Merry." With cinnamon and cloves, it simply smells like Christmas! "Chunk of Coal" would make a fun addition to the stocking of anyone who might have been just a tad naughty this year (get it? Coal in your stocking?) Made with activated charcoal and tea tree oil, this particular one is great for a teen’s acne prone skin. Think - teenage son! Bottom line – I love supporting this family business and I love this soap! I know you will too.
Where to buy: Home Grown Trading post on Etsy. You can also find them on Facebook!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomegrownTradingPost
3. Blanket scarves
Blanket scarves are very trendy this season and they also happen to be a one-size-fits-all gift. So, this item is perfect for any lovely lady on your list.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so even if the gal you are buying for happens to already have one, I'm positive she wouldn't mind having another. These soft and versatile scarves are a super cute and cozy gift for your mom, daughter, or even a teacher!
You can find the best selection of these at Cheeky Bliss in the Statesboro Mall. They have an entire table full! My daughter has already pointed out the two she wants, and I'm pretty sure I'll scoop up a couple more in case I missed anyone and I find myself in need of a last minute gift. These are a must-have fashion accessory for 2017!
You can shop the link below, but I recommend you go to the store and see all they have to offer. Cheeky is one of my favorite boutiques, you won’t be disappointed!
Where to buy: Cheeky-bliss in the Statesboro Mall. Or shop here: https://www.goshopcheeky.com/search/blanket+scarf/
4. Amika Hair Products
I really love this product line! I tried them first in my monthly BirchBox subscription (another great gift idea) and all of their products smell great and work well. I'm addicted to their dry shampoo. Can't live without it. Also, I have dry frizzy hair so their oil treatment is another favorite. It is more like a serum and works great for me. It's not too greasy or heavy and you only need a tiny amount so the bottle lasts forever. Luxury hair products are always a great gift idea for the ladies! Especially since sometimes it's hard to pull the trigger and spend $20 or more on something you aren't sure you will like. If you have a beauty addict on your list, I feel confidant she has heard of Amika products and if she hasn't tried them yet – she will love them! You can find these products locally at 441 Salon. Ask for the owner Laura and she can help you choose the perfect product to gift this year! Makes a great girlfriend gift!
Where to buy: 441 Salon on South Main. (912) 764-2355. Follow them on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/thesalonat441/
5. Toms Sunglasses
Just like their shoes, for every pair of eyewear purchased, TOMS helps give sight to a person in need. If this isn’t a good enough reason to buy new sunnies for someone on your list – it’s also pretty nice knowing you are buying them locally and helping out a business owner in our community. Cheeky-bliss carries TOMs shades (and shoes!) and you can shop in the store. With so many styles to choose from, there is definitely one for any guy or girl on your list. Personally I love the “Rey” style in tortoise. I’m hoping to see a pair of these in my stocking this year! (Hint, hint, Husband)
Where to buy: Cheeky Bliss in the Statesboro Mall. (912) 871-4466. Be sure to sign up for email alerts to get first dibs on sale items and special discounts.
6. High end sportsman coolers
Yeti has been the craze for a while now and I must admit I love my Yeti tumbler! But, there are more brands out there that have just as much durability as the Yeti coolers, maybe more! Calcutta and Pelican brand coolers are gaining popularity. In many ice retention tests Pelican out ranked the Yeti and they are considerably less expensive. Pelican also offers a lifetime guarantee while Yeti only offers a 5 year warranty. In my opinion their handles are easier to use and less likely to break. They also have a built-in bottle opener!
Calcutta is a brand that has made offshore fishing gear for a while so, I trust their products are performance minded. Less expensive than the Yeti, this cooler will still keep ice for hours and the reviews are great. If you have been considering a fancy cooler for the sportsman in your life, I would stop by TC Outdoors and take a look at their selection.
Where to buy: TC Outdoors. Stop by and let Kelly and his staff help you choose the perfect cooler! Check out their website for more info. www.tc-outdoors.com
7. B&G Honey
I swear by local honey for my allergies and B&G is, by far, my favorite. All of the honey that is harvested from B&G Honey Farm is raw and unfiltered. 100% pure Georgia product with nothing added. I usually buy a few 12 oz. containers (adorably named, the Mama Bear size) at the Mainstreet Farmers Market but, this honey is available to buy at retailers all over the Boro year round. Buy a small size and toss it in a stocking, buy a bigger size and make it an entire gift for teachers, co- workers, even the mailman! Everyone loves honey, right? This honey also makes an awesome addition to any holiday gift basket. It tastes delicious with gourmet cheese and crackers and it’s perfect for holiday parties. Need a hostess gift? Bring B&G honey! It’s a thoughtful gift and grown right here in Bulloch county. I plan on sending some to my brother and his girlfriend in Chicago. I know they will love this sweet surprise from Georgia!
Where to buy: Brighter Day, Statesboro Market2Go, Anderson's General Store, Ellis Meat Market, L&D Produce, RJ's Resturant, Southern Pharmacy, McCook's Pharmacy
http://www.bandghoneyfarm.com/shop/
8. Kendra Scott Elisa Necklace
It’s no secret that my Kendra Scott Elisa necklace is my favorite. I wear it almost every day. It is perfect for layering necklaces and it still looks great alone. I have the rose gold with a gray stone and it goes with everything! My daughter got one of these last Christmas and she loves hers so much she asked for another color this year. I get TONS of compliments on this piece and love wearing it. Several friends of mine are buying these as gifts for people, too.
Kendra Scott is the new popular brand with college kids and fashionistas. The best part is, you can check out this necklace (and more Kendra!) right here in Statesboro. The lady on your list will be so impressed with this pick.
Where to buy: Walker Pharmacy and Boutique in the Market District.
9. Statesboro Keepsakes and Gear
The Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau lobby has an array of awesome Statesboro themed and locally grown gifts for anyone on your list. They have soft t-shirts for men, ladies and even the kiddos. But, my personal favorite has to be the "Statesboro Blues" coffee mug. (Seen in photo gallery above) A nod at a song The Allman Brothers made famous, this mug is the perfect gift for a music lover, coffee addict, and anyone who loves the Boro. I plan on buying a few of these as gifts for aunts and uncles as well as one for myself! When I was there last week buying a few gifts, I noticed they had some beautiful gift baskets already ready and wrapped. Talk about easy gifting! Be sure and stop by the office to see all the items they have for loved ones on your list this year. You won't be disappointed!
Where to buy: Statesboro Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 222 S. main St. (912)489-1869
Follow them on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/VisitStatesboro/
10. High End Dolls and Plush Animals
When my youngest was born we were given a lovely stuffed bunny made by the brand JellyCat. This little guy is still one of our favorites, four years later. It is super soft and my daughter adores this toy! I fell in love with this brand after that and it’s a perfect snuggly gift for any child in your life. Little Doses on Northside Dr. has the best selection of these precious, high quality stuffed animals.
They have also paired them up with adorable books that go along with the animal or theme! You can buy a super cute moose and a book about a moose, or a farm themed well-made board book along with a cute little cow. These are darling, and any little one on your list will love it – and you can be proud of the quality. I also LOVE the Bonikka Dolls they have in stock. These are beautifully made and just the right size.
I bought my 4-year-old daughter one of these and I know she’s going to love it! It’s a super fashionable doll, but soft enough to sleep with at naptime at her school. While you are there, be sure to check out their selection of Melissa and Doug Brand toys, Lee Middleton dolls, and even a TON of john Deere tractors and toys!
Where to buy: Little Doses- 2425 Northside Dr. (912) 764-3332. Find them on Facebook!