The holiday season is critical for many small businesses–even more so this year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports, with nearly four in five small businesses who say now it is crucial to their annual success. That’s up nine percentage points over last year.
Beyond the favorable economics of shopping local, small businesses give back: 65% said they plan to donate to charitable organizations and 51% plan to volunteer, both increases from last year in that same U.S. Chamber report.
Not sure where to start your hunt for a perfect gift? Here is a sampling of six local gift shops in Cary, Apex, and Morrisville with a broad range of options.
North Left Mercantile
Shopping for a well-traveled friend? The Downtown Apex shop might be for you. North Left curates goods from makers that are new to the region, said Alexis Jenssen, who owns the shop with husband Leif. Their best-selling item is a custom home scent, which they restock every week. North Left embroiders hats in house, and their T-shirts are made locally.
Personal care products like facial polish or mineral bath soak, and consumables like bitters or Jacobsen Co. steak seasoning are all natural or organic. A selection of vintage art and jewelry round out the offerings.
What else you might find: Many gift shops seem to cater to women primarily, but many of North Left’s products are unisex, featuring scents such as sandalwood, oak moss, and palo santo.
For kids, there are STEM kits like a dinosaur robot or a young adventurers’ book for outdoor activities. For older explorers, a selection of Wildsam Field Guides tease forthcoming adventures in the Pacific Northwest or down Route 66.
Find it: 117 North Salem Street, Apex, or northleftmercantile.com.
Gather Goods Co.
Shopping for a hobbyist? The loved one who’s into bird watching may like to test their knowledge with a trivia game or display a “certified bird nerd” bumper sticker. An entry-level needlepoint kit, watercolor painting kit, or DIY miniature house might be right for other creative types.
What else you might find: NC-made foods like date-sweeted Spring & Mulberry bars, Spicewalla seasoning mixes, and Big Spoon Roasters nut butters; Roen candles, cookbooks, cards, and art. A variety of glassware is also available, as is A Coupé of Thorns and Rosé, a romantasy-themed cocktail guide I purchased for my book club’s gift exchange.
Gifts for Mahjong players include tiles and gear, and there are 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles with artistic landscapes and holiday scenes available.
Find it: 417 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, or shop.gathergoodsco.com
Ivy Cottage
Shopping for the perennial host? Ivy Cottage is decked out for Christmas, with seasonal servingware and decor for every color scheme imaginable, from traditional red and green to bright pink to sparkling white. This is a good spot to find something for an ornament exchange.
Homewares also include boutique brand candles like Boy Smells and Illume, and servingware brands like Nora Fleming, Beatriz Ball, teapots and teas.
What else you might find: Boutique jewelry like enewton and Capucine De Wulf, novelty socks, handbags, Mahjong tiles, cheeky needlepoint pillows, baby gifts, seasonal puzzles, and a selection of stocking stuffers for kids.
Find it: 2017 Northwest Cary Parkway, Morrisville.
Even more ideas for gift shops in Western Wake:
🛍️ Artfully Apex: An art store that goes beyond just supplies, the back half of the store is oriented toward kids, with artist-made games like auto bingo and categories, stickers of all kinds, markers, temporary tattoos, coloring books, and more. Don’t miss the Christmas stocking station. DIY kits for older kids or adults include air dry clay, stamps, printing, and paint by number. Emily Lex watercolor books are among their bestsellers, with books, paint and paintbrushes available. Find it: 111 North Salem Street in Apex, or artfullyapex.com
🛍️ Science Safari: This science- and nature-themed toy store includes STEM toys like science experiments, Celestron telescopes, robotics, nature exploration toys, dinosaur- and vehicle-related items. Find it in Saltbox Village, 1255 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary.
🛍️ Stylish Living: This shop stocks seasonal wares, decor, and candles; bags, jewelry, clothing, and kids gifts. It’s an easy stop to find items for many people on your list. Find it: 120 North Salem Street, Apex.
💬 This is just a starting point–there are tons of other gift stores, specialty shops for clothes, entertaining, spices, antiques, and more in Western Wake County.
Do you have a favorite shopping destination I missed? Email line@theassemblync.com! Look for reader picks in next week’s edition of The Line.
A version of this story originally appeared in the of December 11 edition of The Line. Sign up here for The Line, a newsletter for Cary and Western Wake from The Assembly Network.