Holiday shopping in Boone is a winter tradition all on its own, with sparkling snowflakes and festive window displays lining downtown streets. Local makers and independent shopkeepers abound in Boone, making it easier than ever to support local businesses this holiday season.
This Holiday Gift Guide has been carefully curated to feature breathtaking art pieces, locally-made products they’ll actually use, and one-of-a-kind experiences they’ll never forget– all with a direct tie to the Boone area.
Fine Art Favorites
Sustainable Jewelry from Upcycled Everything
Local artist and shop owner Jessica Brown has fashioned stunning art pieces and jewelry from reclaimed materials. Perfect for the eco-conscious in the family, Upcycled Everything will send orders with gift boxes, cards, and shipping materials also made from recycled material.
Where to Buy: Online
Relief Print from The White Crowe
A stunning addition to any room, Lauren Crowe’s hand-carved block prints feature scenes from around the High Country that will spur mountain memories for years to come.
Where to Buy: Common Good Co. or Online
Designed Vase from Doe Ridge Pottery
Find a statement piece for every taste crafted by local professional potter Bob Meier. Bob’s work has been on exhibit at the Moses Cone Manor and is sought after by individuals and designers across the country.
Where to Buy: Doe Ridge Pottery or Online
Boone Ornaments by Lew Wilson Art
If there’s a Mountaineer in the family, these keepsake ornaments are the perfect gift to mark a recent graduation or homecoming celebration.
Where to Buy: Online
Crowd Pleasers
Artisanal Bonbon Selection
For the chocoholics in the family, Venture Chocolate & Wine Co.’s artisanal hand-crafted bonbons make a superb stocking stuffer. Pair the sweets with a bottle of wine from their curated wine cellar and suddenly you have the makings of a glorious gift basket for that hard-to-shop-for friend or colleague.
Where to Buy: In-Store
Mast General Store Gift Card
You can’t go wrong with a gift card, especially a gift card to a store that has just about everything. Need we say more?
Where to Buy: In-Store or Online
Alpaca Fleece Survival Socks
These hypo-allergenic, un-dyed, and odor-resistant socks will keep your toes warm all winter long. Once each year, Apple Hill Farm’s resident alpacas offer up their fibers, which are sent to an alpaca co-op where it is made into yarn as well as socks, bags, dryer balls, and scarves.
Where to Buy: In-Store or Online
Hand Carved Guitar
Local luthier Chris Capozolli began designing and building guitars for his one-man guitar shop over 20 years ago. Today, the smooth-playing acoustic and electric guitars that he creates in his wood shop in Sugar Grove are expertly crafted, many featuring reclaimed materials.
Where to Buy: Online
Boone 'Live it Up' Mug
If you haven’t had a chance to take a selfie in front of the ‘Live it Up’ mural downtown, fear not! A selfie with one of these gorgeous mugs will do just fine. While you’re browsing the fine pottery offerings at Doe Ridge, make sure you check out their Annual Mug Sale–this year’s selection features 30 different potters’ mugs!
Where to Buy: In-Store or Online
Field or Kitchen Knife from R.L. Scott Knives
Self-described as “proudly and unapologetically one-of-a-kind”, the incredible work coming from R.L. Scott Knives is in high demand in the High Country. For in-person purchasing, give Mast General Store a call to ensure availability at the Boone or Valle Crucis stores.
Where to Buy: In-Person or Online
Appalachian FC Gear
Support the High Country’s first and only National Premier Soccer League team with some very “squatchy” merch.
Where to Buy: Online
Unforgettable Experiences
Bridge Club Annual Membership
Seasonal trips to Grandfather Mountain are a family tradition for many North Carolinians. Give them the gift they never knew they needed with a season pass to this legendary attraction, which includes unlimited free admission for one year, priority access to events, and tons of exclusive discounts.
Where to Buy: In-Person or Online
Wellness Experience at the Care Collective
Let your loved ones know you really care about their well-being this season by gifting an herbal foot soak & massage, an infrared sauna session, or a traditional steam sauna session. If Santa needs a little R&R after a stressful season, treat yourself with their couples massage gift package.
Where to Buy:
In-Store or Online
Sporting Adventures at Chetola
The 67-acre Sporting Reserve at Chetola offers one-day passes to nonmembers of the private club and features an array of activities including gun, rifle, and pistol ranges, a sporting clay course, a 5-stand clay station, an archery range, and Orvis® fly fishing excursions.
Where to Buy: Online
Forge A Custom Knife
Already planning your next family vacation to Boone? Tie in an unforgettable forging experience with Ryan Scott, owner of R.L. Scott knives, and build your very own custom knife from blade to hilt.
Where to Buy: Online
Good-Will Gifting
Blue Ridge Conservancy/Middle Fork Greenway Socks
Ensure your family cycles or hikes in style with these branded Aireators from North Carolina’s own DeFeet. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these awesome socks go directly to supporting the Blue Ridge Conservancy’s mission of “Saving the Places You Love.”
Where to Buy: Online
Adopt An Animal
Since founding the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation in 2009, donations such as these have improved the habitats of the beloved resident animals. Their adoption pricing tiers start at $25 and include exciting add-ons ranging from a 5”x7” photo of your chosen animal, cast animal footprints, or even behind-the-scenes visits with your adopted animal. It’s the ideal present for animal lovers and little ones, alike.
Where to Buy: Online
Happy Holidays from Explore Boone!