Cary 2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Shop Local
Cary, NC – CaryCitizen prides itself on covering what’s happening locally, so when it comes to shopping, that means we support our local independent merchants. Every November, we highlight these local folks with a #ShopLocal story in time for Small Business Saturday – the day after Black Friday.
This year, that date is Saturday, November 25. Take a break from the big box stores, Amazon and malls to “shop small” at locally owned retailers.
Downtown Cary is home to several locally owned retailers
These unique shops are owned by people who live right here in our community. When you patronize their stores, your tax money stays in Cary. Chances are, when you shop at these stores, you are actually meeting the store owner and over time, they become a friend who knows what you like and can help you select gifts for your family and friends.
Our Guide is organized by gift recipient – the same way you shop. Let us know if we missed something you are looking for and we will respond in the comments section below.
The Chef
With all the cooking shows on TV, most people like to think they can chef it up once in a while and appreciate a culinary gift to up their game. Shops in Cary have fancy oils and vinegars, kitchen gadgets and interesting condiments to wow the most jaded chef.
Gourmet cooking salt that is solar dried and bottled in Wilmington with flavors like peppercorn and sriracha citrus found at Laura Lee Gifts, $10 each
Kitchen Store, Whisk, in Waverly Place, has all the cook’s gadgets like these digital meat thermometers by ThermoPop, only $29.99
The College Freshman
Every college freshman is enthusiastic about their new home away from home. Help them show their school spirit this season with gifts from local retailers.
Painted wood word sign for area colleges, Everything’s Better Monogrammed in Downtown Cary, $35
Freakers are knitted koozies that will fit any can, bottle or cup and they have all your college mascots covered, Violets, Waverly Place, $12 made in Wilmington
Fun fuzzy throws for all the local colleges are carried at Pink Alli in Stone Creek Village
The Athlete
Everyone has a sporty friend or relative that would appreciate some new gear. Cary has several independent retailers that cater to a variety of sports enthusiasts. Cycling, tennis, running, swimming and just regular workout attire can all be found at several Cary-owned independent retailers.
Tennis gear from Venus Williams at Love All Tennis in Stone Creek Village,$40-$108 per piece. Made in the USA
These goggles are more like a snorkle mask with a nice secure leak-proff fit for the swimmer you know. By Aqua Sphere at Inside Out Sports, $27.99
Starting Nov 1, all bikes riding after sunset require a white and red light. For the cyclist you know, these are great . From Inside Out Sports, from $20-$28
The Decorator
Everyone has a friend whose house is so perfect, it’s intimidating. Get them something unique form a Cary store that you can be proud of.
Beautiful mercury glass brightens any area of the home. These pieces from The Perfect Piece in Downtown Cary run $17-30.
Fun decorative pillows can update a room easily- find these at Ivy Cottage for $53 each by Christmas Traditions
Your Gal Pal
Let’s face it: girls are easy to shop for. Find something you like and chances are your niece, bestie, daughter or mom will like it too. Whether it’s a cute accessory or a unique piece of jewelry with a story to tell, we have picked out some key gifts from these shops for 2016.
These designer bags are all available at Annie’s Attic in Ashworth’s Village. This consignment shop stocks a great assortment at reasonable prices: $95-119.
Made right here in Holly Springs, Bijoux Southern necklaces take the monogram and mix it with a fabric tassel for a statement necklace right on trend. Laura Lee Gifts, $39
Pink Alli can monogram just about anything. These cork bags are already flying off the shelves with the right mix of rustic and polish. $19.99 -$42.99 plus $10 for the monogram. Allow 1-1/2 weeks to personalize.
The Brosway line includes bracelets, necklaces and rings that any girl-y girl would enjoy. Rings are adjustable and priced from $28 at Violets in Waverly Place
The Fair Trade Friend
Zenzie beaded necklaces are made in Africa by women paid a living wage. Available at Pink Magnolia in Parkside Town Commons and now Park West Village. $70
This lovely bowl and utensils from Ten Thousand Villages in Shoppes of Kildaire, is made from fallen wood creates opportunity for the Massai in Kenya, $175
The Kids
In case you’ve missed it, Cary is in the middle of a baby boom with new residents flocking here to have families because of awesome schools and quality of life. That trend is reflected in the fact that many non-children’s stores are stocking up on baby and kid-friendly items like onesies and toys. They make great gift items for new parents.
Baby
With the popularity of craft brews, these onesies are a cute gift for new parents from Made in Stone Creek Village $18
Jellycats plush toys From Halie’s Boutique in Parkside Town Commons $15-$35
Crafty Kids
An assortment of craft kits at Learning Express in Parkside Town Commons, from $17.99-$24.99
High Energy Kids
The Ogodisk- mezo or mini creates hours of active fun from Learning Express, Parkside Town Commons $29.99-$38.99
The Guy in Your Life
On my list, the guys are always the hardest gifts to buy. Shop Local in Cary and your troubles disappear. Does he have a den or man cave? Or wish he did? Try these gifts on for size.
Bottle Openers by Handy Sam’s Creations at Made in Stone Creek Village made with recycled materials $42
These candles are made with repurposed beer bottles from Max’s Tap House in Baltimore and benefit critically ill children, Halie’s Boutique.
Teacher and Hostess Gifts
Don’t forget those all important last minute teacher gifts or Hostess party gifts. Try some of these unique offerings for gifts that will truly impress.
These handmade soaps and soy candles are made in England carried exclusively by Elizabeth’s in Downtown Cary, $12-25
Cupcakes with holiday themes can be special ordered or catered from Smallcakes in Parkside Town Commons
These cute bottle toppers actually sing while you pour wine. Chirpy Tops at Whisk in Waverly Place
These cute dishes would be easy to bring a dip to a party and then leave with the hostess. Cute Buttons in Park West Village
The Pet Lover
We’ve noticed in Cary that dog owners like to spoil their fur babies. You can find unique pet items to gift at local pet stores and pet specialty stores, and many gift shops cater to pet lovers. Even Crazy Cat Ladies!
Plush dog toys $9.95 by POW-er! are $9.95 at Woofgang Bakery
These cats are actually door stoppers. Any crazy cat lover would be charmed. By Fiddler’s Elbow at Elizabeth’s in Downtown Cary, $39.
College-themed pet collars at Woofgang Bakery in Stone Creek Village, $24.95
Stocking Stuffers
These fun bottle openers fit right in a stocking and at $19.99 in your budget too. Golf balls and baseballs also available at Made in Stone Creek Village.
Stainless steel beverage containers have been trending since last holiday season. These from Pur are available at Laura Lee Gifts for just $19.99 and will keep drinks hot or cold all day
These cute mirrors can be stuck on the back of a mobile phone for on-the-go lipstick application. iDecoz at Ivy Cottage, $12
One Size Fits All
Everyone has that impossible person on their list. Why not buy them a one- size-fits-all gift of an eau de parfum made right here in Cary? Local retailer Escentuelle even has ready-made scents that are unisex! That’s easy!
Carolina Blue Grass is a unisex scent from Escentuelle in Downtown Cary, 30ml $50
Skip The Mall- Shop Small!
This holiday season, skip the malls and shop local. You will help spur your local economy and maybe make a friends or two! #ShopLocal.
The 2016 Cary Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by Annie’s Attic, Laura Lee Gifts, Everything’s Better Monogrammed, Halie’s Boutique, Smallcakes, Parkside Town Commons and Waverly Place Shopping.
Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Lindsey Chester and Peter Corbett.
