Renee Wants to Know

Make a List and Check it TwiceShop local and find creative gift ideas this season

by Renee Roberson Photos by Renee Roberson

After watching this community rally in the most inspiring ways to support one another during a global pandemic, I’m more encouraged than ever to focus on our small businesses this holiday season. Here are just a few ideas in case you would like to do the same:

for the reader in your life:

Main Street Books. What could be better than showing support to an independent bookstore in Davidson that works diligently to spotlight regional indie and traditional authors? If you’re at a loss for a gift idea, MSB also offers a monthly book subscription (choose from The First Edition box, The Paperback Lit box, and The Kid Lit box), gift cards, Bella + Canvas sweatshirts in adult and youth sizes, and more.

Walls of Books. This independent bookstore in Cornelius offers a wide selection of new and used books, and also takes trade-ins so you can get shopping credits for even more books! The store is book lover’s dream, and offers gift cards, board games, book-related merchandise, lithographs featuring designs created from words found in classic novels.

the perfect host gift:

There are so many small businesses that offer gift ideas that will not only be unique but conversation starters. I’ve purchased gifts like bath sets, jewelry, pet accessories, and watercolor prints at Inspired at Lake Norman in Cornelius. The Village Store in downtown Davidson has always been a favorite place to pick up coffee mugs, home décor, candles, wooden sign, and even toys. Nest & Bower at Merino Mill in Mooresville has an assortment of specialty items such as jars of salsa, sweet potato butter, drink mixers, cutting boards, and accessories so cute you won’t even have to buy a bag for your gift (we’ll take those Santa trousers fashioned as a bag to carry our wine in!)

A Santa-themed wine bag from Nest & Bower, and socks and lithograph available at Walls of Books.

gifts to also add Meaning & beauty:

Walking into Home Heart & Soul is like walking into an art gallery, which is perfect because there are beautiful pieces of artwork you can purchase as gifts (or as a gift to yourself), along with scented candles, coffee tables books, and kitchen accessories. Four Corners Framing Gallery in downtown Mooresville also offers a beautifully curated selection of artwork for purchase by local artists. I’m never at a loss when I go into the eclectic The Bungalow Market in Cornelius, either, to browse the barware, picture frames, botanicals and corals, stationary, etc. Last year, I bought my sisterin-law a gorgeous woven basket as a gift.

And if you need the perfect dress or accessory to wear in your holiday photos or to that office party, MINE by Sandy in Davidson and Luna’s luxe micro boutique (located in Home Heart & Soul) have some unique, one-of-a-kind styles that will boost your spirits and help you look your best.

This is just a starting point—I encourage you to be as creative as possible as you’re out shopping this season, and hopefully you’ll find some new favorites while you shop!