Gift Ideas: Shop local for the holidays

If you’re looking for unique gifts for the holidays and want to support local businesses, the Rough Draft staff has some shopping suggestions for a few of their favorite things. 

Bitter Southerner: For people motivated by food and Southern culture, consider purchasing a “Collards & Cornbread”, “Tomato & Mayo”, “Pimento & Cheese”, or “Make More Biscuits” t-shirt. The Bitter Southerner’s General Store also features books like “The Crop Cycle”, “Peach”, and “Waffle House Vistas”. Visit bsgeneralstore.com for more information. 

Buckhead Village: Featuring retail from the world’s top fashion houses and emerging artisans, Buckhead Village also includes several locally-owned shops such as Abbey Glass, a luxury womenswear brand; Buckhead Art & Company, a contemporary art gallery; and Impossible Currency, an art and design studio pop-up. 3035 Peachtree Road NE. Find out more at buckheadvillagedistrict.com.

Atlanta Influences Everything: Atlanta Influences Everything is more than a catchy slogan coined nearly a decade ago by Atlanta native and marketing specialist Bem Joiner. The brand focuses on combining civic, corporate, and cultural understanding to harness the influence of Atlanta culture. It also sells tees, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and more emblazoned with the iconic catchphrase. Visit the online store at aie.life.

Maomi Bookstore: One of the few Chinese bookstores in the Southeast, visitors can also take calligraphy lessons. The store sells calligraphy writing tools, Chinese tea service sets, and children’s books and games. 5391 New Peachtree Road Ste A. Find out more at Instagram @maomibookstore.

Plaza Fiesta: The indoor Latin mall with nearly 300 vendors offers jewelry, shoes, artisan clothing, quinceañera dresses, hand-made goods, soccer jerseys, specialty foods and more. 4166 Buford Hwy. NE. Visit plazafiesta.net for more information. 

Marguerite’s on Dresden: This eclectic Brookhaven shop offers original art,  candles, diffusers, blown glass vases, unique Christmas ornaments, wreaths, and comfy sleeping socks. 1430 Dresden Dr. in Brookhaven. Visit margueritesondresden.com to see more gift ideas. 

Brookhaven Wines: The perfect place to pick up a bottle of vino, a cigar, attend a wine tasting, or join the wine club. 1418 Dresden Dr. in Brookhaven. See the selection at brookhavenwines.com.

Atlanta Vintage Books: If you know someone who loves autographed first editions or vintage books, the AVB is a must-stop shop for the bibliophile in your life.3660 Clairmont Road.  Find out more at atlantavintagebooks.com.

Wine and Whimseys: A locally owned wine shop offers a curated selection of wines and unique gifts. The store also hosts wine tastings and gatherings onsite. 2344 Main Street in Tucker. See more at wineandwhimseys.com.

Georgia Gifts and More: This shop carries books, apparel, candy, and other Georgia-themed products. 5001 Lavista Rd. Suite A in, Tucker.

Little Red Bird Gifts: Seasonal gifts, candles, jewelry and more at this pop-up shop located in Ashford Lane Shopping Center, 4530 Olde Perimeter Way Suite 100. On Instagram @littleredbirdgifts. 

3 Parks Wine: Both the Old Fourth Ward and Glenwood Park locations of 3 Parks Wine offer monthly wine clubs, including packs for four or six bottles of hand-selected wines from Sarah Pierre and her team, a natural wine subscription, and a seasonal rose subscription consisting of six bottles from May until August. Get details at 3parkswine.com.

the beehive: A boutique collective comprised of independent designers with a focus on the local entrepreneur. Product selections include apparel, housewares, accessories, baby goods, local food goods, and jewelry. 1250 Caroline St., C-120. Find out more at thebeehiveatl.com. 

The Merchant: Located in Krog Street Market in Inman Park, this shop is a supplier of industrial chic wares, general gifts, stationery, and home furnishings. See more at Instagram @themerchantatl.

Bibliotech Bookstore: This quaint bookstore in Candler Park offers everything from rare first editions to beloved classics as well as a diverse selection of art and poetry books. 1390 McLendon Ave NE. Find out more on Instagram @bibliotech.

Moods Music: Music lovers will be in heaven at Darryl Harris’ shop located in Little Five Points at 1131 Euclid Ave. for 24 years. The shop specializes in vinyl and CDs from Neo Soul, Afro-Cuban, and Acid Jazz artists. Harris also recently opened a used vinyl store, Crates, in South Downtown. Find out more @moodsmusic or @cratesatl.