It’s that time of year again!

Every year I like to put together a list of local artists, makers, and businesses to support and this year is no different. And I know that art is something that is so personal to so many but I think you will find that there is truly something for everyone on the list this year.

As always, NO ONE on this list has paid to be featured and receives no compensation, just a little publicity to encourage us all to shop small and shop local this holiday season.

Be sure to read the descriptions as many are offering discounts or special promotions if you mention this blog! So without further ado, I present:

THE 2023 LOCAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Petal and Peduncle

If you have ever been to my house or seen pictures of my house, you know that I love plants. It’s a bit of an obsession. And unless you are new around here, you know I love thrifting and thrifted finds. So it’s no surprise that I love Petal and Peduncle. Christa Mitchell, a part time plant enthusiast and full time Interior Designer, sells candles and succulents in all types of thrifted vessels (think teacups, gravy boats, and more), creating one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for the plant or candle lover on your list! You can find these beautiful creations at various markets around town and don’t hesitate to reach out to her with custom orders or see what she has available on hand! Be sure to follow her on Instagram or Facebook for announcements of where she will be and when!

*Mention this blog post and you can get $5 off all inventory December 1 - January 31 (no shipping, local pickup only)!

Design for Living

I love thrifting, yes, but I also love the idea of taking something old and giving it new life. That is exactly what Meredith McCarthy of Design for Living does. She does an incredible job of reviving older pieces of furniture and updating them. Whether you are looking for sleek and modern or shabby chic, Meredith can make it happen. In addition to painted furniture, she also creates upcycled gems, art, and custom painted furniture. You can find her items for sale at Recollections Vintage Village in Shed 5 and on Facebook. Looking for a custom piece? Send her a message and let her work her magic!

*As a special offer, mention this post and get 10% off your purchase (must show blog post to cashier at Recollections Vintage Village if purchasing there)!

Sydney Beach Zester

You know what that person on your list really needs? Quilts.

Hear me out.

These are not the quilts your grandma made. These are fine art pieces made to be proudly displayed on the walls of even the most contemporary of homes. This is abstract art created with textiles, filled with emotion and intention. Sydney’s work is featured in galleries around the country and for good reason. Her use of color and pattern is nuanced, not routine, bold, not boring. While some pieces are reminiscent of more traditional quilting patterns, they have a modern and unique sensibility that elevates them to a level that they would be desired by the most discerning of art collectors.

Sydney’s work can be found online at sydneyzester.com and Instagram.

Specialty Cakes by Morgan

I don’t want to admit how many hours I have spent watching Nailed It. Each time I watch, I am in awe of how incredible the professional cakes are. Well Morgan Heffernan of Specialty Cakes by Morgan could easily be one of the cake artists on that show. As in the baker of the professional cake that is to be modeled, not the mere mortal like myself who is just attempting to make something edible. If you are having a special event and want a cake that your guests will remember, Morgan can make it happen. From cupcakes that look like puppy faces to the most elegant wedding cakes to realistic 3D cakes, Morgan’s cakes are truly magical! Interested in learning how to make your own cakes look incredible? Morgan will be offering cake decorating classes in the new year at Little Loaf (one of last year’s Local Holiday Gift Guide recommendations)!

*As a special bonus, Morgan is offering 10% off the total of your purchase if made by the end of the year (this includes gift cards which can be used on future cake orders)! As an EXTRA bonus, if you purchase your wedding cake through Morgan, she offers any accessory cakes (shower, bachelorette, groom’s cake, etc.) at 10% off!

** The 10% special offer cannot be applied to existing orders or combined with the wedding cake 10% off offer.

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Perfect and Maintain

My car is an embarrassment. I literally dread the days when I have to drive my daughter to school rather than walk because it means that some poor teacher is going to have to open the car door and witness the chaos that is my car.

So imagine how dreamy it was for me to discover Perfect and Maintain Mobile Washing and Detailing. Levi Lerma, owner of Perfect and Maintain, is a car nut who can perform miracles (or at least that’s how it seems to me), bringing trash heaps like mine to like-new glory. And yes, I know I typically feature artists and craftspeople but if detailing a car isn’t an art, I don’t know what is! AND he details boats! AND he can come to you as long as you have exterior water and electric hook ups! Give the car lover (or busy human) the gift of a calm commute with one of his gift certificates. Your sanity (and the teachers in the car line) will thank you!

*As a special offer, Levi is offering 15% off any service if you book before 12/31/2023 (service can be completed at a later time but must be booked by that date) if you mention this post!

Cup Half Full

From the process of making the coffee to the way our favorite mugs feel in our hands, our morning coffee is very much a ritual in our house. So let’s just say I know a good mug when I see (or feel) one.

One of those instant love mugs was from Cup Half Full. Cup Half Full mugs are made and drawn by hand here in Wilmington and are inspired by the quiet moments that make life sweet. Meg Marchant, the artist behind Cup Half Full, offers a variety of designs AND custom mug orders are available online for the holiday season. Want a drawing of something you love on a mug? Meg is your girl! You can DM her for orders on Instagram, contact her through her website, and find her work in stores around town like Modern Legend.

So there you have it! Some of my favorite local artists and craftspeople here in Wilmington. I hope there is something on this list that made you excited to shop local and shop small this Holiday Season! And if you are on my list, act surprised when you receive some of the items shown above ;)

Happy Holidays!