When I travel, I really like to seek out local goods and shops, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out “where the locals would go”. In order to share some of my favorite finds in different cities (and countries!), I created a “My Faves” resource, broken down my state. I hope it will help guide someone to a great shop they otherwise may not have found! If you know of a great shop from your travels, please tell me about it in the comments below.
Happy Gifting!
What would your reaction be if I suggested gifting sheets, laundry detergent and soap this holiday season? I will admit - I am gifting some of those items this year. One of my goals when giving is that the item is useful to my recipient. Do I always achieve that goal or follow that rule? Of course not! Some gifts are meant to be fun, frivolous objects. But today I want to share with you some of my top practical gift ideas - with a twist!
There are a couple of people in my family that are very difficult to buy for - I mean, every year it's a struggle. One year, a particular couple was moving from one house to another right after the new year. Do you know what we gave them for Christmas? Bubble wrap, packing tape, sharpies and labels. Their reaction? Complete joy. What was our last-ditch attempt at figuring out a good gift probably turned out to be the most used and appreciated items we've ever given them.
So I present to you some ideas for practical, yet gift-worthy items:
All photos courtesy of product websites (clockwise): Humphreys Street, Emi Jay, Red Land Cotton, Roux Maison, Music City Suds, Mason Pearson and Nash+Jones.
There you go! Don't be afraid to treat someone to some specialty "practical" gifts this holiday season or better yet, to treat yourself to some of the products mentioned above!
Happy Gifting!
As I've mentioned before, I love finding local shops that carry local products - I am continually amazed at how many great local food makers and artisans we have in Nashville. With my day job in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, it's hard to find stores in that area that specialize in all things local. But, thankfully one does exist! I'm excited to introduce you to Southern Jerky Co. located on Seaboard Lane in Brentwood - the Franklin part of Brentwood, as I call it. I first tried Southern Jerky at the Taste of Tennessee Wine Festival a couple months back. At the end of the festival I went back to purchase and the line was at least 15 people long (great for her, bad for me) so I decided to make a visit to their storefront one day - and that day was a couple of weeks ago.
Inside Southern Jerky Co. Image southern giftologist.
I wasn't sure what to expect (other than jerky, obviously) but what I found was also a wide array of local products. Jennifer, one of the owners, was on duty when I stopped in and graciously gave me the rundown of the Southern Jerky products and invited me to try as many samples as I wanted. They make jerky (beef and chicken) and these delicious protein bars. I loved the location and the product selection! Southern Jerky can also put together gift baskets of the products they carry - a great gift for any occasion. With this weekend being Father's Day, they will have representatives from some of the brands they carry in-store on Friday and Saturday offering samples of their goodies, so if you're still looking for a gift (or treats) for Dad, this is your place! Check out their Facebook page for the latest happenings.
So next time you find yourself in Cool Springs, be sure to stop in Southern Jerky, pick up some delicious products and say "Hi" to Jennifer. Happy gifting!
Yummy items that came home with me! Image southern giftologist.
