Unique Shopping

Local shops, artisans offer holiday gift alternatives

By Grace Huseth

We live in a gotta-have-it-now world, which makes gift hunting even harder for people who have everything they need and want. Thankfully there are many shops and artisans around Intown that can help you counteract consumption and find gifts that reveal how well you know a person, play on inside jokes or fulfill childhood dreams.

Treehouse Kid and Craft

This Decatur shop has toys, supplies, and activities for babies, kids, families, and crafters of all ages. Wee ones love the felted wool mobiles while creative kids can spend hours with crafting kits like the T-shirt Printing Workshop DIY Kit. 533 W. Howard Ave. Information: treehousekidandcraft.com.

Sugarboo and Co.

Richards Variety Store

The old five-and-dime general store now has two locations in Peachtree Battle, 2347 Peachtree Road, and Midtown Promenade, 931 Monroe Drive, filled with the quirkiest novelty gifts. Richards has funny office supplies for coworkers, whimsical kitchen gadgets and a wide selection of humorous coffee table books. Information: richardsvarietystore.com.

Citizen Supply

The store started as a pop-up shop for local artists of Foster Atlanta to sell their goods at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. Now Citizen Supply rotates out vendors every few months, guaranteeing you the most original gift ideas. Information: citizen.supply.

ICE Holiday Market Atlanta

Indie Craft Experience hosts one of the best gatherings of goods of the season while educating shoppers on how buying handcrafted supports our neighborhood artists. Sunday, Dec. 11. Yaarab Temple, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: ice-atlanta.com.

Also located at Ponce City Market, Sugarboo and Co. is Atlanta’s dealer in whimsy with a wide selection of art prints, charming home goods and original paper products. The homey winter collection includes a felt mistletoe wreath, handmade ceramic planter and accent pillows with typography quotes. Information: sugarbooandco.com.

Eco Denizen

Green gifts meet urban design at Eco Denizen in the heart of Midtown. The multifaceted boutique sells air plants next to home décor and lighting near Georgia products like state tea towels. Each gift is perfect for “eco denizen” citizens who love the environment. 999 Peachtree Street, Suite 180. Information: ecodenizen.net.

The Beehive

Atlanta’s first handmade boutique collective was founded in artist haven at the Edgewood Retail District. The designers, or “bees,” who sell in the store are artisans who work, live and make products locally and regionally. Browse this physical version of an Etsy store for the more unique jewelry, housewares and apparel. 1250 Caroline Street. Information: thebeehiveatl.com.

Kinnucan’s

Skip Atlantic Station’s nationwide department stores and head for “specialty outfitter” Kinnucan’s. The Southern shop is part outdoor, part lifestyle store with a wide selection of cold and warm apparel, sunglasses, collegiate goods and women’s fashion. This is where you can get a multi-tool pocketknife or kayak for the outdoorsman while browsing top clothing brands like Patagonia and Reef for her. 261 19th St. Information: kinnucans.com.

The Merchant ATL

Each week, one of Atlanta’s best curators of giftware, stationery and vintage goods adds more and more merchandise to the shop. The Howell Mill Merchant ATL was so successful the store opened a second location at Krog Street Market to bring greeting cards and stationary, books, bedding candles and more to Atlanta shoppers. 99 Krog Street. Information: themerchantatl.com.