Tis the season of shopping local! Gift giving will look different for many this year, with most of us doing our shopping online. Thankfully, shopping local can be just as easy with a few clicks.
Whether you’re looking for arts, crafts, or the best NC foods, our team at Best of the Bull believes local gifts make the best gifts! So here’s a rundown of some of our favorite local products to make your holiday shopping a breeze.
This guide can originally be found on Shop Durham’s site here!
1. Shop Durham Card $15
The Shop Durham card gets you freebies, discounts and deals at over 260 local businesses all over Durham like Cocoa Cinnamon, Monuts, Parizade, Joe Van Gogh, and more.
Get 10% off at Eastcut Sandwich, 50% off tours at Durham Distillery, a free cup of coffee at Durham Co-Op Market, 10% off at Cloche Coffee every visit, and many more. (Bonus: you can shop online with TONS of coupon codes too, including every shop on this list!)
2. Durham the String Bull from Bull City Fair Trade $10
Did you know that Bull City Fair Trade is Durham’s only nonprofit fair trade store? Not only do they carry beautiful goods, but they work with artisans from over 70 different developing countries, giving them access to the US market to sell their handmade crafts. You can find jewelry, pottery, home goods, and everything between at their shop off 9th Street. You HAVE to grab their mascot, Durham the String Bull! How cute is he?!
Use your Shop Durham card to get 15% off an item every visit!
3. Durham Toffee $12.49
We’re drooling just thinking about this toffee. Be sure to order some online before they sell out. It’s only $12.49 a bag.
Shop Durham Offer: 20% off online orders using coupon code
4. Hometown Apparel $28
Hometown Durham designs Durham apparel and lifestyle goods for Durhamites ages 0-100+. Hometown Apparel is a woman-owned business and their apparel is screen printed right here in Durham! Their pieces are meant to bring joy to the Durham community and we think they’re crushin’ that goal. Their t-shirts are a closet staple if you live in Bull City.
Show them your Shop Durham card for 10% off your purchase!
5. Serotonin Stitches $15
Serotonin Stitches is an independent, woman-owned small arts and crafts business that creates these AWESOME original cross stitch patterns and kits!
Use your Shop Durham coupon code and they’ll reward you with 10% off a kit for keeping it local.
6. Honeygirl Meadery $18.99
Honeygirl started with just 3 meads on their line up and since grown to over 20 meads that rotate seasonally! Their Currant Mead is a must-try, made with wildflower honey and red & black currants, this semi-sweet mead has bold, tart and tannic berry flavor perfect for all you red wine drinkers out there. Perfect for a unique gift!
Be sure to show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with 10% of all Honeygirl merchandise!
7. Big Spoon Roasters $11.95
Big Spoon Roasters makes handcrafted nut butters right here in Durham. You can get a jar for between $11.95 – $13.95. Or grab a gift set with jelly for $25.
Shop Durham Offer: 15% off online orders using coupon code
8. Little Homestead Farm Soap $6-$26
Not only does Little Homestead Farm soap smell amazing, it only has a small handful of natural, readable, safe ingredients. Only $6 each or you get get a whole Bull City gift box for $26.
Shop Durham Offer: 15% off your online order using coupon code
9. Tierra Sol Studio $25
Tierra Sol Studio has some of the most gorgeous plants and planters we’ve ever seen! They test and grow their own hardy plants, design and make hand-formed ceramics that benefit plants, and hand-mixed soils for each plant type all—for plant killers who are plant lovers.
Use your Shop Durham coupon code and they’ll reward you with 10% off your online or local pick up order!
10. Orchid Beaded Jewelry $20
Amanda creates really beautiful, unique beaded stone, glass, metal, and wireworked jewelryright here in Durham. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift!
Use your Shop Durham coupon code to receive 10% off your order!
11. Nose Candy Candles $14.99
Nose Candy Candles is based in Durham, NC, and hand crafts 100% soy wax candles with custom blended fragrances. They pour in small batches to ensure quality of every round, and because they custom create their own fragrances from a blend of essential oils and high-quality synthetic fragrances (think fancy perfume houses), each candle you receive is unlike any other on the market.
Use your Shop Durham coupon code to receive 21% off your online order!
12. Jeddah’s Original Tea Tins $10
Jeddah’s Tea serves up premium teas, coffee & pastries from across the globe in their shop in Downtown Durham. They’ve created an amazing place for people from all backgrounds to gather, converse and enjoy themselves in a welcoming environment and we love them for that.
Show Jeddah’s Tea your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with 10% off your beverage of choice!
13. Amy May Pop Art $19.95
Amy May is one of our favorite local artists! Her funky designs hold a special place in our hearts and hanging on our walls. She carries print art, coasters, and t-shirts in her pop art signature style with characters from your favorite movies, places, and memes.
You can use your Shop Durham coupon code to get 15% off your entire order.
14. Becca Fowler Designs $7
Becca makes makes some seriously awesome Durham-themed stickers, totes, tees, and prints! How cool are these pins?!
Use your Shop Durham coupon on her Etsy shop and she’ll reward you with 20% off $20 or more!
15. The Durham Box Tote Bag $15
Enjoy repping the best city where ever you go. This small tote is perfect for everyday use, especially trips to the Farmer’s Market. Its lightweight canvas makes it the perfect go-to bag to carry. Add your local products to make your own gift bag this holiday season.
Use your Shop Durham coupon code to receive 10% off your order!
16. Papermill Creative Tea Towel $18
Bring a piece of Bull City to the heart of your home — the kitchen! This cotton tea towelshowcases the beautiful downtown Durham, NC cityscape including the Lucky Strike water tower, several Durham Bulls, the Durham hotel, the Carolina Theater, Kress Building and many other landmarks.
Use your Shop Durham coupon code for 15% off your purchase of $25 or more!Get the Shop Durham Card here
There are over 270 locally owned businesses that you can use your Shop Durham card at, see them all here!
If you’d like to add a product from your business to this list, first consider joining our Shop Durham program! It’s completely free to join!
