The holidays in Boone always feel a little extra special—maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, snowflakes drifiting past twinkling shop windows, or the sense of joy that fills every locally owned store and studio this time of year. Whatever it may be, we’re celebrating that magic with a curated guide to gifts for every kind of person on your list, from the adventurer to the foodie. Each pick highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit that make Boone so beloved. Whether you’re strolling through our local shops or browsing from afar, these Boone-inspired gifts are a joyful way to share the heart of the High Country this holiday season.
Header Photo by Megan Sheppard Courtesy of the Downtown Boone Development Association
Jump to gifts for...
Ski Area Season Passes
Online Only
The Boone area is home to three exhilarating ski areas, each with a distinct appeal: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Sugar Mountain Resort. For beginners, we'd recommend App Ski Mountain's French-Swiss Ski College, which has taught over one million people to ski or snowboard. For those with an interest in Après-ski activities, we'd recommend Beech Mountain for their resort-managed brewing company and 5506' SkyBar. For the experienced skier or snowboarder, Sugar Mountain's double-black diamond run should be at the top of your list.
Tsuga
Online only
Founded in 2008 by outdoor enthusiast and industry vet Jimi Combs, Tsuga was born out of a desire to build gear that fused bomber durability with unique functionality. Tsuga's Carolina-made, high-quality hip packs, outdoor pads, coolers, and more are just what the mountain biker in your life never knew they needed.
Recess Ride Shop
Online and In-Store
A cornerstone of Boone’s skate and snowboarding community, Recess has been fueling local stoke since 2009 with top-tier gear, expert advice, and a passion for getting people on boards year-round. Owned by Ashley and J.P. Pardy, this family-run shop is more than a retailer, it’s a hub for riders of all levels, complete with community events, a free on-site skate ramp, and the friendly, down-to-earth vibe that makes Boone’s outdoor scene so special.
Misty Mountain Threadworks
Online only
Based in nearby Banner Elk, Misty Mountain Threadworks has been crafting top-quality climbing harnesses and gear since the 1980s, trusted by everyone from weekend adventurers to elite climbers and tactical professionals. Driven by a lifelong passion for the sport, president Goose Kearse and his team design and handcraft each piece with comfort, safety, and sustainability in mind so every climber can focus on the thrill of the ascent.
View this profile on InstagramCAHAN STUDIO (@cahan_studio) • Instagram photos and videos
Cahan Studio
Online only
Based in Blowing Rock, woodturner Kendall Cahan creates hand-turned bowls, vases, furniture and other pieces that celebrate intentional living and a reverence for nature. In fact, he makes a point to utilize sustainable materials and sources wood from domestic tree species such as cherry, maple, oak and birch. Cahan says, "I put everything I’ve got into each piece I create, and I hope you’ll see that level of commitment through my work and consider supporting me in my endeavors."
Jacob Daniels Art
Online and In-store
Inspired by regional, spiritual, and humanitarian influences, Boone-based artist Jacob Daniels owns Common Good Co. in downtown Boone with his wife, Melina Daniels. While the ground floor of the expertly-curated artisan shop features goods from all over, a walk upstairs will reveal a gallery filled with Daniels' thought-provoking oil paintings. Many of his works also feature Blue Ridge Mountain landscapes, making for an elegant reminder of memories made in the High Country.
View this profile on InstagramEllison (@ellison_nc) • Instagram photos and videos
Ellison
Online and In-Store
Ellison is a Boone-based shop with a focus on creating long-lasting products and relationships within the community. Owners Cole and Hannah Avery curate and create practical goods that bring joy, whether it is with the mug you start your morning with or the wallet you carry daily. Even Travel + Leisure thinks you should browse the wares in this charming boutique!
Future Relic Designs
Online and In-Store
Metalsmith Rachel Whitfield fell in love with ancient jewelry designs while studying archeology at Appalachian State University. This passion is evident in her Relics Collection, with unique works showcasing 6,000 year-old Roman beads to impressions of a medieval bronze nummis dating back to c. 1000-1690 A.D. These one-of-a-kind pieces imbued with meaning are perfect for this season of giving.
Hatchet Coffee
Online and In-Store
Santa might need a pick-me-up on Christmas morning and what better way to ring in the festivities than with a delicious cup of perfectly roasted coffee? East Boone's very own Hatchet Coffee can be found at several of Boone's favorite restaurants and for good reason. Pick up beans in various quantities and don't miss out on some stellar merch while you're at it!
Shipley Farms
Online and In-Store
For 150 years, the Shipley family has been farming beef in Vilas – a small community just outside of Boone. In fact, W.E. Shipley pioneered Hereford farming in North Carolina, bringing the first registered stock to the state from Virginia in 1897. Grab quality, pasture-raised, dry-aged steaks for the meat lover in your life and support a small Southern Appalachian family farm at the same time.
View this profile on InstagramAppalachia Cookie Co (@appcookieco) • Instagram photos and videos
Appalachia Cookie Co.
Online and In-Store
While Boone-based founder David Holloman knew he wasn’t the first to offer late-night dessert delivery, it was his goal with App Cookie Co. to bake the absolute best cookies people had ever eaten. Featuring deliciously gooey and irresistible flavors ranging from the classic snickerdoodle and chocolate chip to some off-the-wall flavors like apple pie and animal cracker, we'll consider that goal accomplished!
Night Magic:
Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark
by Leigh Ann Henion
Online
Inviting readers to rediscover awe in the night, Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark is a lyrical exploration of the natural wonders that awaken after sunset. A large portion of the book follows Henion's nighttime explorations of the Boone area alongside naturalists, biologists, primitive-skills experts, and others who’ve dedicated their lives to cultivating relationships with darkness and the creatures who depend on it.
Queens of Blowing Rock
Eight women who shaped Blowing Rock's destiny
by Barry Buxton
Online and In-store
Written by lifelong Blowing Rock resident Dr. Barry Buxton, Queens of Blowing Rock: Eight women who shaped Blowing Rock's destiny honors the remarkable women whose vision, compassion, and determination helped shape the mountain town into what it is today. Through stories of leadership, philanthropy, and resilience, Buxton shines a light on the lasting legacies of these trailblazers who built schools, hospitals, churches, and opportunities for generations to come.
Junaluska:
Oral Histories of a Black Appalachian Community
by Susan E. Keefe (Editor), from the Junaluska Heritage Association
Online
Junaluska: Oral Histories of a Black Appalachian Community offers an intimate and deeply human portrait of one of western North Carolina’s oldest free Black communities. Through decades of interviews and collaboration with Junaluska residents, the book preserves powerful firsthand stories of resilience, faith, and family that have defined this community’s enduring place in Boone’s history.
When you choose a gift from the Boone area, you’re giving more than something beautiful—you’re supporting the people and places that make this mountain community shine. If you're visiting ahead of the holidays, consider browsing the shops and studios along our Blue Ridge Craft Trail for the perfect present! Whether you’re near or far, we invite you to celebrate the season by shopping local, sharing Boone with someone you love, or planning a visit to experience its holiday magic firsthand.
