Holiday season is here, which means present-shopping time. To support local businesses and artists, consider shopping at one of these fantastic neighborhood stores. We’ve got something for everyone on your list, from green thumbs to readers to foodies and more.
Best Holiday Market: Porter Flea
Head to this holiday market on Dec. 13-14 at the Nashville Fairgrounds for all your gift-giving needs. Or check out your neighborhood markets, like Amqui Station Farmers Market’s Jingle Bell Junction in Madison, the East Nash Holiday Bash, or Bellevue’s Holiday Market.
Best for Candles & Body Care: Thistle Farms
Support this nonprofit that aids women survivors by purchasing handmade candles, soaps, essential oils, and more.
Best Toy Store: Phillip’s Toy Mart
I came here as a kid, and it will forever be my favorite toy store. Located in Belle Meade, you can find something for every kid here, from the most popular toys to more unique ideas.
Find the Margaret. (Courtesy of Joy Mariano)
Best One-Stop Shop: McKAY’s
If you think this is just a bookstore, think again. McKAY’s sells toys, board games, video games, musical instruments, records, DVDs, crafts, and pretty much anything else. The best part is you can bring in your old junk, sell it for trade credit, and not spend a thing on presents. Full disclosure: I worked here for 12 years. It was my first full-time job!
Best Bookstore: Parnassus Books
In addition to all the latest best books, Parnassus sells book-themed socks, totes, and other great gifts for book lovers. If you’re in East Nashville, shop at The Bookshop and Novelette Booksellers.
Best for Art: 100 Taylor
This shared art community and workspace hosts an art market every third Saturday of the month. The next one is Dec. 21.
My office helper kindly gifted to me from the City Cast Nashville crew came from Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Co. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
Best for Green Thumbs: Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Co
This woman-owned local plant shop sells more than just cacti. It’s the perfect place to find plant gifts, and the staff will be happy to give recommendations and advice.
Best Membership: Nashville Zoo
I’ve had memberships to several places around town, but my most-used membership is to the Nashville Zoo. It’s the perfect gift for parents or animal lovers. Also consider memberships to Cheekwood, Adventure Science Center, Frist Art Museum, and Belcourt.
Best Posters: Hatch Show Print
Hatch Show Print’s posters are so cool! You can order custom prints, too.
Best for Foodies: Loveless Cafe
Loveless Cafe has lots of tasty gift sets to choose from.
Grimey’s is a must for all record needs. (Whitney Pastorek / City Cast Nashville)
Best Record Store: Grimey’s
Get the music lover on your list some records or a gift certificate to our favorite record store.
Best Spa: Escape Day Spa
Pamper your special someone with a gift card to Escape Day Spa, a perfect way to relax.
Best for Jewelry: Riveter Nashville
Riveter sells unique and beautiful handmade jewelry at Five Points Alley Shops (which has many adorable small shops). We also recommend Freshie & Zero and Brunetta Accessories.
Best for Unique Gifts: Old Made Good
This is the place to shop for that quirky, hard-to-buy-for person on your list (or for your own quirky self).
