Christmas gift season is here. North State Journal picks favorite from North Carolina for those special people in your life.
For Him
Carolina Shuckers Oyster Knife. Featuring handmade oyster knives made from salvaged railroad spikes or horseshoes, these knives and pigtails are the ideal weapons for an oyster roast or pig pickin’. Available in specialty stores from the Atlantic to the Pacific and online at carolinashuckers.com.
Bald Head Blues Sherpa Vest. When the winter weather has you wishing for the beach life, island lifestyle brand Bald Head Blues can at least let you dream of the beach. Their Sherpa Vest captures the island attitude and keeps you warm. Available at fine clothiers across the state and online at baldheadblues.com.
R.H. Jensen duck call. Ralph Jensen began his woodworking career in 1970 in High Point building custom furniture. The wood for every call has its own back story. From sunken riverwood to 16th-century furniture, Jensen adds history and uniqueness to each call. Shop for duck, goose and turkey calls at rhjensengamecalls.com.
High Cotton bowtie. Southern haberdashery High Cotton offers neckties, bowties and cummerbunds that are perfect for any well-dressed man. Their holiday collection, including the Holly Stripe Bow Tie, is the perfect Christmas accent piece. Available at retailers from Asheville to Duck and at highcottonties.com.
For Her
Silver Bonsai jewelry. Hand-crafted silver jewelry from these Outer Banks artisans will put a smile on the face of any recipient. The gallery is located in downtown Manteo and features custom gold, silver and platinum jewelry as well as ceramics, woodwork and glasswork. Online shopping at silverbonsai.com.
Vietri Old St. Nick. This Hillsborough company’s Christmas pieces are a lovely addition to any holiday table, and their traditional place settings offer a year-round upgrade to your table. Order online at vietri.com.
Videri Chocolate. Treat her to a box of caramels and ganache bonbons from Raleigh’s Videri Chocolate. Their facility is 100 percent nut-free if you have allergies to worry about. Videri ships nationwide for the holidays or you can visit their downtown Raleigh store. Deadline for Holiday 2017 orders is Wednesday, Dec. 21 at viderichocolatefactory.com.
Reborn Clothing Co. Laptop Sleeve. Receive a shirt that you can’t return or regift? This Raleigh startup located on NC State’s Centennial Campus can turn an unwanted button-down into a fashionable and functional laptop sleeve. Reborn Clothing Co. creates new products from old or unwanted clothing. Shop online at rebornclothing.co.
For Them
Red Bird Candy. A Carolina Christmas classic, Piedmont Candy Company opened in Lexington in 1890, and their signature Red Bird peppermint candy puffs are a staple for the Christmas season. Every second 30 Red Bird Mints are consumed, and the peppermint puffs are the company’s best seller. These confections are available from Murphy to Manteo in retail shops big and small and online at piedmontcandy.com.
Childress Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Lexington-based winemaker Childress Vineyards offers a robust red that will pair well with the hearty meals of winter and the Christmas season. Available at wine stores and grocers across N.C. and online at childressvineyards.com.
N.C. Honey. The European honey bee was designated our state’s official insect in 1973. North Carolina is home to more beekeepers than any other state, so pick up a sweet gift from your local hive. You can find honey producers from across the Old North State at realnchoney.com.
Country Ham. Johnston County Hams in Smithfield offers handcrafted country hams inspired by the techniques used by America’s early colonists. They have been featured in Esquire, Southern Living, The New York Times and Wine Spectator, and Men’s Journal proclaimed their ham among their “100 Best Things To Eat In America.” Order online at countrycuredhams.com.
Mother Earth Snow Flurry. This Juniper-Rye IPA is described by the brewmaster as “a sip of winter.” Pick up a pack of this seasonal from Kinston brewer Mother Earth to take to your next holiday gathering. Available at bottle shops and grocers throughout the state.
