EAST FORK POTTERY

15 W Walnut St, Asheville

East Fork Pottery is a beloved Asheville success story, with the company’s ceramic dinnerware generating a cult following across the U.S., and yet it remains one of the best places for locals to buy gifts throughout the year. Their downtown store is a beautiful light-filled space, welcoming gift givers with seasonal colors and special releases. The East Fork mug is consistently a top seller, with the company’s signature contrast rim and speckled surface (coming from the use of ironrich clay, sourced from the Southeast), while an oval platter makes an ideal buy for housewarming gifts and host/hostess “thank you” treats. East Fork is growing quickly and just opened a new store in Brooklyn, NY, but it remains headquartered in Asheville, with all manufacturing operations happening here, and it routinely supports local organizations.

FLORA

428B Haywood Rd, West Asheville

This delightful plant and flower boutique in West Asheville is a goto favorite among locals, with an inventory of special things that are good for both the planet and the soul. Core offerings include potted plants, custom floral arrangements and dried and fresh flowers by the stem—perfect for just about every occasion in the year, including Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day—but there are also a variety of terrariums (an especially popular gift) and classes on how to maintain them, along with zero-waste home products like plastic-free sponges and brushes and wool dryer balls. Check out local spices from Well Seasoned Table and teas from Asheville Tea Co., along with locally made jewelry, perfumes and candles.

GROVE ARCADE

1 Page Ave, Asheville

With several independent shops and stores in one beautiful location—a historic building that was one of America’s first indoor malls—it’s a breeze to find something for everyone. For those looking for home decor treasures, check out Mountain Made for original artwork and Mission at the Grove for cute seasonal finds. The popular Razberry Threads has a wall of funky socks, as well as wraps and scarves and adorable baby clothes, while Enter the Earth is a trove of stunning gems, minerals and fossils. And don’t forget the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, which has thousands of new and used books, as well as a café with wines and champagnes and a menu of local dishes and snacks, where you can end your shopping trip with a relaxing treat.

GROVEWOOD GALLERY

111 Grovewood Rd, Suite 2, Asheville

The Grovewood Gallery offers a stunning collection of hand-crafted dishware, furniture, textiles, jewelry and artwork—representing more than 350 craftspeople from Western North Carolina and the broader U.S. Founded in 1992 and located in a historic building near the Grove Park Inn, the gallery is a go-to favorite for locals who seek out oneof-a-kind gifts for the special people in their lives. It’s ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and the holidays, with two floors of unique finds. Check out the popular “wind sculptures” by Utah artist Lyman Whitaker, which you can find dotted throughout Asheville’s neighborhoods, or the elaborate animal wire sculptures by local artist Josh Coté. And if you have the time, you can “make a day of it” with a trip to the nearby antique car museum and restaurant.

HONEY & THE HIVE

23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville

This adorable store in Weaverville is one-stop shopping for all gift givers looking to delight the beekeepers in their lives, as well as fans of local honey and regional pollinators. It’s a veritable hive of honey love! If you’re looking for gifts for novice or experienced beekeepers—or even folks who might be interested in building an apiary—you’ll find the lineup of necessary supplies, from frames and smokers to supplements and mite treatments, in addition to educational classes from the region’s best bee experts. Honey & The Hive is also the go-to spot for local honey, carrying products from within 100 miles of its shop, including basswood, wildflower and the regional favorite sourwood. And don’t forget the store’s own hand-poured beeswax candles, as well as syrups, natural remedies and household goods.

HYGGE MARKET

188 Coxe Ave, Ste B, Asheville

New on the scene is Hygge Markets, a specialty food store in downtown Asheville with a bodega vibe. Named for the Danish concept of comfort and coziness, the store is a collection of local and imported goodies. Check out a variety of packaged foods and drinks—all of which can be assembled together for a thoughtful gift basket, including gift cards from Infuso and Yalla—as well as meal kits with ingredients ready for dishes prepared by local chefs. Both the food baskets and meal kits make perfect gifts for new parents, college students studying for final exams, or first-time homeowners. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the clothing, jewelry and framed photo prints from local artists displaced by Hurricane Helene.