Brewery Bhavana in Downtown Raleigh – Cans Now Available
(Photo by Triangle Craft Beer Alliance)
Christmas is just two weeks away! Are you are still looking for that perfect gift? Or maybe you have somebody on your Christmas list that has everything and you just need a few new ideas? Either way here are my recommendations for local places to shop and unique gifts ideas around the Triangle. Happy Holidays!
Locally owned and operated – Runologie is located in downtown Raleigh
(Photo by Runologie)
Gifts for Runners
Whether you are looking for a great pair of running shoes or awesome running accessories to stuff some stockings, both Runologie in Raleigh and Bull City Running in Durham have everything a runner needs. Both are locally owned and have a great staff that can help you pick out the perfect gift for the runner on your list.
Humbly Made Brand based out of Durham
(Photo by Humbly Made Brand)
Fashion & Apparel
Humbly Made Brand is a passionate Durham based brand with a focus on making unique clothing and high quality goods. Their cool t-shirts, hats and hoodies with local themes are the perfect gift for the “triangle explorer” who has everything. I really like their new item for the person on the go – a great canvas laptop travel bag (pictured above).
Videri Chocolate Factory is located in Raleigh’s Warehouse District
Chocolate Lover
Videri Chocolate Factory is the perfect place to get in the Christmas mood and find a decadent gift for even the toughest person on your list. Who doesn’t love chocolate? This bean to bar chocolate shop makes everything in house and has everything from dark chocolate sea salt bars to a case full of chocolate confections. Mix and max to create the ultimate customized chocolate gift box.
4th Dimension Coffee can be found at Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham
(Photo by 4th Dimension Coffee)
Local Coffee Gifts
Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham has begun roasting their own coffee under the brand name 4th Dimension Coffee. You can pick up a fresh roasted bag of their beans in any of there three shops in the Bull City. I also recommend checking out Black & White Coffee Roasters in Wake Forest – a new venture from the 2016 and 2017 US Barista Champions. Both of these roasters are creating some excellent coffee beans that every coffee nerd would enjoy.
Canvas on Demand is based out of Raleigh
For the Photographer
If you have a shutterbug in your family, or just love to take photos yourself check out Canvas on Demand. They can create everything from a canvas print of your favorite Instagram photo to a a multi-canvas wall display or a classic framed family photo. Best of all they are located right here in Raleigh. Use the special code “TRIANGLE82” for 82% off 16”x 20” premium photo to canvas prints at CanvasOnDemand.com.
Crude Bitters and Sodas is based out of downtown Raleigh
((Photo by Crude Bitters)
Spirits & Craft beers
If you are looking for great local beers to give as a gift I highly recommend picking up some beers from Trophy Brewing and Brewery Bhavana. For vodka and gin lovers check out Topo Organic Spirits in Chapel Hill as well as Durham Distillery. Speaking of cocktails, Crude Bitters makes some amazing bitter mixes that will help the mixologist on your list create unique cocktails and shrubs,
The Durham Performing Arts Center in downtown Durham
For the Theater Geek
I’ve really enjoyed catching the touring broadway shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center this past year and the 2018 season has a lot of wonderful shows scheduled. In addition to musicals the theater hosts a wide array of high profile music acts and national touring shows. Gift cards that can be used for purchasing tickets to the theater are now available and make the perfect “experience” gift for those looking to give the gift of entertainment.
Second Act Artisan Cheese
((Photo by Second Act)
For the Foodie
Another fun experience to give as a gift is a gift certificate to one of Second Act Artisan Cheese’s fun, unique and delicious cheese making workshops. The classes are run out of a fully equipped kitchen in North Raleigh that brings local foodies and cheese lovers together for a fun time creating and tasting cheeses. No experience needed, you supply the time they’ll supply the knowledge! Visit their website for more details about the individual workshops.
The Triangle Explorer 