Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for that one-of-a-kind person in your life? We can think of no better place to find it than right here in Durham, North Carolina. If you love where you live, we believe you should shop where you live too. Just visiting? Then take a piece of our city home with you! Shop small this holiday season and support our local makers and small business owners because Durham is a community worth investing in.
Here are some one-of-a-kind gifts you can only find here in the Bull City:
FOR THE CANDLE LOVER
Shopping for someone with a keen sense of smell and a slight addiction to candles? Well first, there’s no such thing as having too many candles… it just isn’t possible. So buy them another candle! Find handcrafted candles made with care, love and pride from Bright Black, a Black-owned family business based in Durham. Every candle at Bright Black tells a story in honor and celebration of Black Diaspora. Our go-to scents are Durham, a striking and soulful blend of tobacco, cotton and whiskey, and Signature, an earthy, citrus blend.
FOR THE PLANT LOVER
Everyone has that one person in their life who has an intense passion for surrounding themselves with plants. Stepping into their home is like stepping into an urban jungle, where every plant is thriving and tended to with a closely monitored watering and fertilizing schedule. We envy those who have that magical touch when it comes to keeping plants alive – even when they are on their last leaf. Help the plant lover in your life add to their collection with a terrarium and a new plant baby from The Zen Succulent, a 100% women-owned and minority owned company with two locations in Durham and Raleigh.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Looking to impress the best dressed person in your life? Shop trendy, nonconventional apparel from RUNAWAY (online only now), mindfully-made clothing by emerging independent designers from Vert & Vogue and unique, vintage finds at Dolly’s Vintage.
FOR THE COLLECTOR
For the person in your life who admires all things arts and crafts, find unique maker-made gifts at the Durham Arts Council Art Walk, a festive arts and crafts market in downtown Durham that kicks off the holiday season. Give them a gift that is truly like no other — limited edition prints, perfectly imperfect handmade ceramic goods, intricately crafted jewelry — find it all at the Art Walk!
FOR THE FOODIE
Shopping for a health nut… or maybe just someone who just really loves peanut butter? We know just the place! Head to Big Spoon Roasters, a company dedicated consciously crafting delicious and nutritious foods without compromising our planet. From small batch Nut Butter Bars to an assortment of flavored nut butters and treats for your dogs too – they’ve got it all! If they have a sweet tooth, then head to LocoPops sweets shop and neighborhood grocery.
FOR THE COFFEE CONNOISSEUR
For that friend who is always in the know with the latest coffee trends, give them the gift of caffeine. Find expertly sourced and crafted coffee blends for your coffee expert at Counter Culture. They’ve been around for 25 years so they know a thing or two about what their doing! Make sure they never run out of their favorite blend with a bean subscription from Joe Van Gogh, where art meets coffee in a single cup.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
That friend who always has a book in hand, the family member who sparked your passion for reading and the little ones who are just getting started — surprise the curious minds in your life with a book from Letters BookShop, a local bookstore specializing in used, new and children’s books, and Rofhiwa Book Café, an independent black owned book café dedicated to curating a collection of books by black writers.
FOR EVERYONE ELSE
Cookbooks, candies, soaps, and more – find something for everyone at Parker and Otis. Stumble upon unexpected treasures at Chet Miller Shop. Shopping for a little one? Toys, books, the tiniest and cutest clothes you’ve ever seen – find it all at Tiny.
