2025 Gift Guide

Seasonal shopping has never been easier. These Wake Living partners offer unique items with a local touch. From stocking stuffers to diamond jewelry.

Just for Fun

1. Creativity and cuteness collide in The Woobles Learn to Crochet Kits, complete with step-by-step videos and easy-to-follow patterns, best suited to ages 12 and up.

2. ’Tis the season for cozy at Bless Your Heart Boutique with festive socks, a lip care duo, glitter puzzle, and a boozy mug of hot chocolate — warm and toasty fireplace optional.

3. Surprise comic collectors with long-lost favorites, hidden gems, and memorabilia of their favorite heroes and villains from Yellow Bird Comics.

4. Local roots meet German tradition at The Corner Biergarten Bar and Bottle Shop. Stock up for gifting and hosting with a mix-and-match six-pack of NC craft and imported brews.

5. Kids and kids-at-heart delight in the latest arrivals of super-soft plush Jellycats. Hunt them down at Southern Dash.

6. From Pokémon to sports cards, Triangle Area Trading Cards has a nostalgic treasure trove perfect for collectors and gamers alike.

7. Give the gift of lather and cheer with body wash–infused buffers from Swagger. Perfect for those who want to scrub away the holiday stress.

8. Enjoy one-and-done shopping at Bottle Theory with merch for the whole family, from the softest T-shirts for mom and matching onesies for wee ones to a collapsible bowl for Fido and a growler of dad’s favorite draft beer.

9. Give your pup the ultimate holiday with treats, interactive fun, and a well-deserved spa day using natural and eco-friendly products at Dirty Dogs Spa.

10. “Yes, please” to a stocking full of sweet sensation Chapel Hill Toffee and Griff’s Coffee Toffee, scratch made in its namesake NC town.

Charming Home Additions

1. Add a touch of local flair with gifts from Cocoon Gallery — featuring works from more than 70 North Carolina artisans, including ceramic and glass vessels and a block print table runner.

2. Hand-carved wooden accents fuse form and function on champagne flutes, a pepper mill, and a sleek nutcracker from Preston Flowers. Collect Scandinavian-inspired gnome ornaments for fanciful frills on the family tree.

3. Serve up playful holiday charm with tableware and tea towels from Swagger.

4. Set the stage for fabulous gatherings! With stylish serving ware and luxe décor essentials, a gift from Home for Entertaining is the recipe for unforgettable nights.

5. Elevated kitchen accessories, like a hand-crafted charcuterie board, pizza cutter, wine stoppers, and pepper grinder from Rescued WOOD Rehab, will help recipients slice, serve, and celebrate in style.

6. History buffs will love a deep dive into Hidden History of Cary, written by local resident Dr. Katherine Loflin.

7. Whimsical glassware and candles from Gather Goods Co. enliven any tablescape.

8. Raise a glass to artisan-made drinkware, available at Serasana, such as hand-crafted ceramic mugs by Sawdust & Clay and individually painted wine and champagne glasses by local artist Heather Eck, which make every sip a celebration.

Gastro Gifts

1. Meat the perfect gift. Nothing says “I care” like gourmet local goodies and top-quality steaks from The Butcher’s Market.

2. Unexpected flavors and unique ingredients — like Dubai-style chocolates, marzipan sweets, global spices, and gourmet teas — abound at Sassool’s café and market.

3. Treat someone special to Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts: deliciously crunchy and perfectly seasoned for a delightful snack that’s sure to please.

4. Hydration is key during the busy holiday season — Bond Brothers Beer Company special releases like Scandi Snacks rye Baltic porter and I.&.L.&.Y. barrel-aged stout hit the spot.

5. Send a little love in every bite! Addictive baked goods, delicate macarons, and take-home mixes from La Farm say “I knead you in my life!”

6. Satisfy every sweet tooth in town with handmade millionaire shortbread cookie bars — layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate ganache — from Raleigh-based Artie Bars.

7. There’s quite a buzz around this gift — small-batch fresh-roasted organic beans and canned nitro cold brew from Larry’s Coffee.

8. Sip on life’s finer things with Damn Fine Vodka and Liqueurs from Durham Distillery. Decadent cocktails await with flavors such as Coffee and Mocha Bourbon Chocolate.

9. Delicious specialty and locally made food products, premium butcher cuts, and imported charcuterie from The Meat House impress casual cooks and discerning gourmands.

10. Creativity blossoms in the kitchen with nonalcoholic beverage options and coffee table–worthy cookbooks from Gather Goods Co.

11. Uncork happiness! A bottle of wine from The Wine Merchant is the perfect way to toast someone special.

12. Teatime is a treat with a luxe tea service and specialty loose leaf blends from Fuquay Spice and Tea.

Gifts She’ll Swoon Over

1. Consider art she can wear by North Carolina textile and mixed media artists from Cocoon Gallery. One-of-a-kind works showcase unique materials, techniques, and craftsmanship.

2. Effortless style comes easily with cheeky apparel and accessories from Villa 19. Salute your own favorite daughters and sisters with gifts that cheer them on.

3. In a state with a rich tradition of women’s soccer success, girl power reigns at WakeMed Soccer Park — especially during NC Courage games. Parade that team spirit dressed in colorful NC Courage apparel like a pastel tie-dye hat, crest T-shirt, and scarf.

4. Bless Your Heart Boutique stocks all the goods to stay cozy and gift happy.

5. Dress her in head-to-toe glam with all-occasion looks from Betty & Jane Boutique. The only thing missing — a dinner reservation.

6. When adventure strikes, soft activewear by Local Girl Outfitters transitions effortlessly from indoors to out, available at Southern Dash.

Self-Care Essentials

1. Maintain that fresh salon style at home with amika hair care products and the silkiest satin pillowcase from Pinup Studio. Top it off with a touch of Pinup pride in an effortlessly chic (and pink) beanie.

2. SkinCARE MedSpa at CARE Plastic Surgery keeps the glow going with the ultimate beauty survival kit, including products like Allure Best of Beauty winner Skinceuticals P-TIOX and cult favorite EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 to help your loved ones look fabulous year-round.

3. Support local artisans with gifts from Serasana including Sudsy Mess Soap Co. goat milk soap and scented soy candles from Breath Peace Body.

4. Skincare with science at its core, Fafabiotic uses live probiotic cells in premium topical formulations to support skin’s natural microbiome — a futuristic self-care experience with enviable results.

5. Good hair days are the best days, so unleash the fabulous. Gift some SexyHair products from Twisted Scizzors to help your friends channel their inner diva.

6. Find everyday luxury in Garden Supply Company’s selection of deluxe hand soap, lotion, and body care products.

8. Scents of the season, such as Peppermint & Rosemary shower steamers or a Crystal Pine Capri Blue candle from Bless Your Heart Boutique, transform any home into a holiday haven.

7. Soft holiday jammies plus at-home pampering equals a do-it-yourself spa day courtesy of Swagger.

Handsome Finds

1. Suit up for the season with specialty menswear and accessories. He’ll be dressed to impress for every occasion with a gift from Ashworth’s Clothing.

2. Work hard and play hard with outdoor gear built tough, like Turtlebox portable speakers and Xtratuf boots from Southern Dash. A plush sweatshirt by Local Boy Outfitters (pictured opposite) adds cozy comfort.

3. Forgo the holiday chaos and escape to Bond Brothers Beer Company to chill and thrill with beer and disc golf. Snag the Bond Brothers signature Discraft discs for league or casual play.

4. Timeless style never goes out of fashion. Tailored and casual picks from Gentlemen’s Corner elevate his everyday attire.

5. Show your support for North Carolina FC in the stadium and on the streets with logo gear in team colors. Pair with a ticket package for the ultimate futbol fan experience.

6. Preserve the taste of fine spirits with a glass and leather flask by Clayton & Crume (made in Kentucky, where they know something about bourbon). Shop Home for Entertaining for this and other premium gifts and housewares.

Sparkle and Shine

More From Our Nov-Dec 2025 Issue

• 2025 Gift Guide
• Garden Adventurer: In Search of Osmanthus
• Celebrated Spirits: Nomu Japanese Rice Lager
• Celebrated Spirits: Kodagu Classic
• Sunday Gravy, Every Day at Farina
• Haute Holidays
• Erica Chats: How the World Celebrates
• Holiday Happenings
• Festive Wine Guide
• Pay it Forward: 127 Haven
• Small Business Spotlight: The Kupkake Fairy