This holiday season, stocking stuffers from small businesses across the South are a wonderful way to share charm, craftsmanship, and regional flavor. From handmade soaps, lip balms, and cozy socks to local sweets, spice blends, and artisanal candles, these thoughtful little gifts carry the care and personality of their makers.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our past gift guides here.
Alabama: Lip balm from 1818 Farms
Carefully crafted to soften, moisturize, and last without feeling waxy, this balm blends shea butter, coconut oil, and grape Seed Oil, with a hint of peppermint essential oil for a subtle flavor. Packaged in a convenient oval-flat tube that easily fits in your pocket, each lip balm is hand-poured and handmade at 1818 Farms in Mooresville, Alabama.
Arkansas: Antique button necklace from Bella Vita Jewelry
Bella Vita Jewelry is a charming shop in downtown Little Rock, founded in 2008 by Brandy McNair. The shop makes most of its artisan jewelry right there in its own studio, so you might even catch the jewelers working when you visit. The vintage-inspired jewelry is sold alongside artwork, home goods, and gifts.
Florida: Citrus Hand Towel from 5801 Print House
This cute print shop in St. Petersburg creates playful and vintage-inspired clothing, pennants, and other gifts. The citrus hand towel goes into any home and makes for a fun gift for your favorite Floridian, or just a fan of the state.
Georgia: Sweet treats from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
Founded in 1990 by Stan “The Candy Man” Strickland, the family-owned business continues to craft delicious sweet treats like pralines, divinity, fudge, and pecan pie tarts. In fact, over 20,000 packages get delivered in the early part of the holidays alone. Add items from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen to the wish list for your loved ones, or even for yourself.
Kentucky: Leather goods from Clayton & Crume
I visited this store during my last trip to Louisville, and not only was I taken with its high-quality products, but the storefront even has a secret bourbon bar! Clayton & Crume makes fine leather handbags, wallets, shoes, and gifts. The monogrammed coasters are ideal as a host gift, for Secret Santa, and, of course, as a stocking stuffer.
Louisiana: Flavorful syrups from El Guapo
Whether you’re making cocktails or mocktails, El Guapo‘s hand-crafted syrups, bitters, and mixes add a uniquely Southern flavor to any drink. The Cajun grenadine is made with Ponchatoula strawberries, only found in a small town in Louisiana. The company also has canned NA drinks, perfect for your holiday gatherings. The cocktail kits are an easy gift idea.
Mississippi: Volcano Candle from Capri Blue
These citrus-accented candles have a cult following, found in gift shops around the country and in every Anthropologie outpost. But most don’t know that the brand got its start in Starkville, Mississippi. You can get the candles in all sizes, from stocking stuffer tins to large enough to cover your coffee table. Buy yours from the Mississippi Gift Company.
North Carolina: Seasonal teas from Asheville Tea Company
This is an important year to support the businesses of Western North Carolina, and Asheville Tea Company is one of the best. The company was founded in 2015 and now has many styles, including chamomile lavender, hibiscus mojito, and Asheville Grey. They also sell blends from the native Yaupon plant, the nation’s only native tea plant.
South Carolina: Beaded ornaments from The Tiny Tassel
The charming Charleston boutique The Tiny Tassel gained popularity for its beaded tassel earrings but has since expanded into clothing, accessories, and gifts. The beaded ornaments, including shrimp, oyster, and Charleston-focused designs, are sure to add a touch of elegance to any tree or even serve as a decoration on your stocking holder. Order online or shop at the Spring Street storefront.
Tennessee: JFG Coffee Tote Bag from Rala
This tote bag, designed by Knoxville artist Paris Woodhull, features the image of a local icon, the old JFG coffee sign overlooking the Old City neighborhood. Printed on a 100% cotton bag, it’s a great gift for a Knoxville resident or a reminder of a previous visit, available at Rala, which offers a great selection of local art.
Virginia: Governor’s Palace Pin Pillow Counted Cross Stitch Kit from Colonial Williamsburg
Learn a craft from the olden days with this kit from Colonial Williamsburg. It features the famed Governor’s Palace and, when completed, is a pillow for your home and also as a reminder of a previous visit.
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