Local Memphis 2021 Shopping Guide - Holiday Essentials
So many of my favorite bloggers do shopping guides for their subscribers. I don’t pretend that anyone subscribes to my blog.. they would be very disappointed as there are rarely new posts. However, with the climate of the upcoming holiday season it seemed now, more than ever, a local shopping guide could be helpful to those who can’t ship things in time while also giving life to our amazing local small businesses!
Oh, it might be obvious, but in case it’s not - this is not a sponsored blog post, no links are affiliated. This shopping guide is purely created in the hopes of at least one potential customer finds a local maker/shop they hadn’t known before!
I’ve often wondered why bloggers ultimately give up the shopping guide tradition. I love shopping from them myself and even if it’s not exactly what I go with, it always gives me ideas! So, why stop making such blissful holiday helpers?? .. IT’S SO MUCH WORK YOU GUYS, HOLY MOLEY. I’ve linked all the individual items as they appear, but in case any links change in the shops, all the artists/makers are linked at the bottom.
I’ve broken down the gathered info by categories and will have to publish them in waves. This first post is the Holiday Essentials!
Christmas Cards
In my best southern accent: “let’s send those cards, y’all.” But in all seriousness, I freaking love sending and receiving Christmas cards. Ditch the cards that all look alike and snag some cards from local vendors! Let this also serve as a reminder that it’s Presleys (not Presley’s!!) or you can just avoid it altogether with Presley Family.
1. Bow Holiday Card by Dorothy Art
Dorothy is queen of maximalist grandmillennial and I mean that with all my heart! Her patterns and illustrations are so beautiful and vibrant it makes the heart sing! If maximalism is your vibe, you need to check these babes out!
2. Pampas Grass Holiday Card by Ellywise Studios
Yes! I’ve brought back my holiday cards! The monogram with watercolor card has returned as well as some new designs for customizing! Lots of room for the family photos or a custom illustrated card and return address printing included.
3. Blessings Card by Stovall Collection
Stovall has handful of classically beautiful holiday cards and their Blessings card is no different! A beautiful script and lots of photo room, what else could you need!
Wrapping Essentials
It really depends on my wrapping efficiency whether or not I have time for jazzing up my gift wrapping game, but these local designers make the “jazz” easy with adorable wrapping options!
1. Watercolor Gift Tags - Whitney Winkler
Whitney’s new brick-and-mortar shop is bursting at the seams with her gorgeous work as well as other artists’ creations! I’ll warn you, pop in for beautiful gift tags and leave with handfuls of goodies like I did. Whitney’s tags are 2” circles, blank on the back and sold in packs of 10 for $15.
2. Oval Gift Tags by Stovall Collection
Stovall has a collection of Christmas tags that range from formal to fun calligraphy. If you’re on the hunt for some holiday wrapping supplies this should be at the top of your list! Customizable, Stovall’s gift tags sold in sets of 50 for $70.
3. Wrapping Paper - Lindsey Glenn
This wrapping paper is undeniably gorgeous! With gifts wrapped like this, you could totally get away with a regifted content inside!! Wrapping sheets are sold in set of three 20”x29” thick, glossy wrapping sheets for $14.
4. Sticker - Amy Hartelust
Dress up a kraft paper package with stickers! Amy’s shop has a crazy amount of absolutely adorable stickers. No need to look further for the perfect wrapping style for a Grizz fan!! Grizzelda stickers sold individually, 3”x3” glossy and waterproof for $3.
Decor Musts
Velvet Stockings - Whitney Winkler
If it’s time to replace your Christmas stockings with new then look no further - these stockings are made with Whitney Winkler’s textile watercolor printed on velvet and, I mean, HELLO. Beautifully sewn and adorned with tassels, these stockings come in two color ways! $42
Tabletop Angel - June Bug Designs
June Bug makes the cutest wood decor and how adorable would these hand painted angels be at place settings or in a centerpiece?? $15
Etta B Christmas Dish - Bella Vita
Christmas decor without a cheese ball and cracker dish is .. well, I’m not sure what it is.. but cheese and crackers for me please! This dish handmade and so adorable to set out at your holiday party! $93
Santa Door Hanger - Happy Door Decor
I have a Happy Door Decor 4th of July star and it’s so stinking cute! This year, they’re doing handmade Santa’s for your front door - adorable!! HDD doesn’t have an e-commerce, but you can order one via instagram at the link attached. $50
Ornaments
This is one of my favorites! My Christmas dream as an adult is to have my own little tree to decorate with all my handmade, maker ornaments. I’ve been collecting for a few years now and love discovering new ones to add.
Here’s some super cool handmade ornaments from right here in Memphis!
1. Amy hartelust - Disc Ornament
Amy’s ornaments was my very first hand painted ornament that began my obsession .. err.. collection! Her loose florals are always lovely, but this year they’re painted on clear acrylic discs and they look amazing!! $25
2. ARCHd - Memphis
Memphis skyline, ombre sunset, wood and a leather hanger.. if Archd isn’t the coolest then I don’t know who else could win that award. If you’re a big Memphis fan.. which, I assume if you’re reading this shopping guide you probably are, then this ornament is screaming your name. $24
3. Ellywise Studios - Watercolor Floral Ornament
Yes, yes, it me. I have been painting watercolor florals for wedding stationery for a couple years now, it felt only natural to start painting Christmas ornaments! All hand painted watercolor, these bisque babies are ready to bring garden vibes to your tree. $35
4. Whitney Winkler - Abstract Tree Ornament
Whitney’s abstract patterns are drool-worthy, like really. Her textiles are my absolute favorite (I may be guilty of having a throw pillow and some hair bows.. and some other things), but when I saw her sneak post of Christmas ornaments I immediately put it on my “need” list. $24
5. Paper and Clay + Grace Porter - Dala Horse Ornament
Brit Mcdaniel is a stunningly talented potter here in Memphis - I’ve gotten one of her ornaments each year she’s launched! This collab with Grace Porter is the stuff of dreams! $36
6. Whitney Winkler - Acrylic Memphis Ornament
This acrylic ornament in Whitney’s shop is absolutely stunning. Memphis themed, this ornament is perfect to gift or keep for yourself.. hint hint! $28
7. Five in One Social Club - Memphis Wood Ornament
So often people look for Memphis-specific items and if that’s you, this one is probably EXACTLY what you’re searching for. The design features a retro script “Memphis” with the skyline and intricate detailing in the wood - aka, home run.
8. Melissa Bridgman - Pottery
Melissa Bridgman’s pottery is stunning and this blue and white design is no different. There’s a special place in my heart for a blue and white pottery so this ornament design had to make the list!