It seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier every year. Now that we’re turning the corner on Thanksgiving, many people are beginning to look to Christmas and all that it entails -- family, travel, decorations, food and gifts. Louisville is home to a number of small local shops, many located in Nulu, that make great starting places for your holiday gift-giving needs.
Home goods: Revolver and Red Tree
Let me first say that I believe that buying other people furniture or home decor is something you only do if you know someone well. However, maybe you have a close friend or family member who has recently moved into a new place -- these NuLu neighbors should be the first places you go. While Red Tree has a lot of large furniture pieces, both stores are full of smaller decor gifts, ornaments and knick knacks. Take the time to browse if you're looking for gift ideas. Revolver also includes a small vinyl section that's worth a look.
Boutique: Scout and Revelry
My first thought when walking into Scout was that it was a New York City shop that had been dropped into a Louisville space. Modern and charming, Scout sells a range of jewelry, scarves, bags, coffee table books, home decor pieces and Christmas ornaments. In addition, it’s a great place to find gifts for men. Pocket knives, flasks, hygiene products and leather goods are displayed throughout the store, just waiting to be hand-wrapped by the lovely staff (and they have hand-written receipts!).
Check out Revelry for an eclectic mix of handmade pieces and Kentucky goods. It’s especially great when looking for the people in your life who are a fan of unique gifts that you can only find off the beaten path.
Chocolate: Art Eatables, Ghyslain, Cellar Door
Many people are hard to shop for, especially if they’re not close friends. Coworkers, neighbors and some relatives may be on your list of people to give gifts to, but actually coming up with something they’ll enjoy is tough. Luckily, most people like chocolate and Louisville is home to a few chocolate artisans. Nothing says, “Happy Holidays” like a box of delicious bourbon balls.
Kizito
All I have to say is that there are baskets and baskets of delicious cookies.
Butchertown Market
Butchertown Market is a cute spot that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Hidden inside this building is the aforementioned Cellar Door Chocolates, along with Bourbon Barrel Foods, Moss Hill Bath & Body, and Work The Metal. At Bourbon Barrel Foods, you can find a number of gourmet food products that embrace Louisville’s bourbon heritage, while Work The Metal provides a number of accessories, gifts and furniture pieces. Next door is Moss Hill Bath & Body, which makes a great alternative to the played out basket of hand lotion and perfume. Moss Hill specializes in hand made, small batch bath and body products, as well as candles and other gifts.
Kentucky love: Drunkwood
Drunkwood specializes in furniture and gifts made from reclaimed bourbon barrels. Nothing will remind your out-of-town family of the friends of the Bluegrass State more than the shape of Kentucky cut out of an old bourbon barrel. And, while I already mentioned that you should proceed with caution while buying furniture for other people, Drunkwood has some great wooden tables, chairs and stools just waiting for a good home. Find them or at the Flea Off Market Holiday Bazaar on December 5.
Photos: Michelle Eigenheer and Krista Walker
