It’s Christmas time and you know what that means: gift giving!
We know it’s tempting to go to big box retailers and sites for your gifts, but there are plenty of amazing gift ideas from local shops and entrepreneurs. Here are our picks for unique gifts to put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Apparel
NOLA Hat Plug
Owner April Brooks has been killing the custom beanie and hat game, and her products have taken off this season. Coupled with the Saints winning season and her orders being featured by a number of sports wives on social media, you definitely don’t want to miss out on getting your hands on one of these hats. Fan favorites include the infamous 28-3 hat, and lids featuring players available in black or white. Click here for more information.
Kleaux Kouture
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💕All Colors in Checkmate Pants have been restocked💕 Available now online #shopkleaux #kleauxjewel
This women’s boutique has had a retail location in New Orleans East since 2012, but also offers shipping in 2-3 days, in case your boo isn’t in town. They also specialize in custom dresses for prom and Mardi Gras ball season, which is fast-approaching. Click here for more information.
Fleurty Girl
New Orleans native Lauren Leblanc Haydel has transformed her business over the past nine years, taking her first store in the back of a shotgun home on Oak Street to six different locations, including one on Magazine Street, a block from her husband’s new bake shop. Click here for more information.
Fully Dressed Apparel
“You want that sandwich dressed?” The local slang for lettuce, pickles and tomatoes is translated into this hip collection by photographer Larry Everage, known for his striking images of everyday New Orleanians. Having all the fixings on your po-boy not only makes it taste good, but look good too. 😉This brand bridges culture with fashion to make sure you’re fully dressed. Click here for more information.
Changed Mindset
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Changed Mindset is an apparel line started by Paris Jackson, a young entrepreneur who decided that during a time in her life where her next step was unclear, that if she wanted to see new things happen in her life, that she would have to change her mindset. Her brand is reflective of self love and inspiration. Click here for more information.
Patois 504
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Patois fall lineup featuring different neighborhoods presented as collegiate apparel is one of the coolest local concepts we’ve seen.
Karter’s Kloset
You’ve seen them: those adorable seersucker onesies with crawfish or monograms on them. But where do you get them? Karter’s Kloset offers classic and custom made clothing, accessories and gifts from sizes newborn to six. Click here for more information.
Seaux & Seaux Boutique
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Seaux & Seaux Boutique is a curvy online store catering to women sizes L-4X offering trendy styles in clothing and accessories. Scheduled pick-ups, online ordering and local delivery are available. Click here for more information.
Reunion Shoe Company
Not only are these shoe ornaments super cute, but Reunion’s mission is making unique fashion that empowers and creates jobs for people transitioning out of homelessness. Click here to read more about them.
CreoleAmour
This female-owned boutique specializes in laser cut and handmade home goods and jewelry inspired by travel experiences and the culture of New Orleans. Click here to check out CreoleAmour’s Instagram.
Self Care
Velvet Noir Beard Care
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We know the fellas need some love and affection too. Velvet Noir Beard Care is 100 percent organic and cruelty free. The site offers lots of different products like co-wash, beard balm and oils, or you can buy everything in a set! Click here for more information.
Wicks Nola Candy Company
These hand poured soy candles feature wood-burning wicks! Their scent names are NOLA-inspired, like Waffles on Maple, Sleepless in NOLA, and Creole Cream Cheesecake. You can head to their social media to see where their pop-up shops leading up the holidays are located or visit their Etsy to buy candles, wax cubes or more than one scent in a holiday box.
Czar Cosmetics
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Czar Cosmetics is an oasis for all things beauty, wellness and pampering. Owner Zariane Nunez offers an array of services including full body waxing, organic facials and makeup applications and private lessons. Online booking and gift cards are available. Click here for more information.
Lagniappe
Glitter Box NOLA
Glitter Box NOLA a retail shop on Royal St. with a focus on supporting and empowering womxn through events, partnerships with non-profits and our community of 150 Louisiana artists + makers selling their wares. There’s also online shop, to bring the work of Louisiana womxn to the rest of the country! They’ve also developed an online, searchable directory named Babes In Business you can use to help you find more gifts from womxn-owned stores this holiday season.
Jnicholcollections
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Since 2017, JNichol Collections has offered customizable collectibles like bracelets, keychains and wallets to add a personal touch to your gifts.
NeauxlaChic
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This boutique offers trendy accessories like sunglasses, fanny packs earrings and purses.
Beatrix Bell Jewelry
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Modern, eclectic, handcrafted jewelry made right in the city! In the studio you can find Beatrix wire wrapping, hammering, soldering, sawing and enameling. She pairs mixed metals with exotic stones, rich patinas and vintage elements to create unique and unexpected designs. Her distinct look combines contemporary elements and old world appeal.
Louisiana Music Factory
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This independent music store has been around since 1992 and specializes in local music. This store packs traditional jazz, blues, zydeco and Cajun music on its shelves, many of which are on independent labels and hard to find out of state. You can find vinyl, tons of CD’s and even score books here. Click here to shop online.
Are you a local business owner and want to be added to our list? Drop us a line at [email protected] or on social media @VeryLocalNOLA.
