The holiday season is here and with it comes the joy, excitement and, at times, anxiety of last-minute gift shopping. As we continue to navigate through the economic recovery from COVID-19, supporting local businesses is more important than ever. While national retailers like Amazon have experienced an uptick in sales throughout the pandemic, local retailers are looking for ways to attract more customers into their brick and mortar. With this mission in mind, and in the spirit of holiday procrastination, here are six last-minute gift ideas to keep Chattanooga’s local businesses thriving:
Cocoa Asante
Cocoa Asante is a Chattanooga-based premium chocolate company that handcrafts truffles, bonbons and bars using ingredients sourced from Ghana. These chocolates are the perfect way to settle any sweet tooth with a delectable variety of flavor offerings including raspberry caramel, banana white chocolate and tropical caramel. Cocoa Asante offers local delivery within 10 miles of Hamilton County and holiday gift cards are available. Find them online at cocoaasante.com or in person at the Chattanooga Market and Jodi Jardin & Venya Portrait.
The Bitter Bottle
The Bitter Bottle is a local cocktail solutions company offering herbal bitters and tinctures for creating classic mixed drinks. Their products are made with organic, sustainable ingredients including coriander, orange peel and elderberry. For the holidays, Bitter Bottle is offering variety packs of their most popular bitters and tinctures, as well as a three-pack stocking stuffer that’s perfect for any bartender, baker or cocktail enthusiast. Find them online at thebitterbottle.com or in select bars and restaurants around Chattanooga.
Hoff & Pepper
Aaron “Hoff” and Michelle “Pepper” are the power couple behind this locally handmade hot sauce, Hoff & Pepper. They offer varying degrees of piquant for those looking to test their taste buds — from their award-winning original hot sauce to scorching ghost pepper sauces and ketchup. For the holidays, Hoff & Pepper has everything needed to win over any hot sauce enthusiast, from gift cards to variety packs as well as stickers and shirts. Find them at hoffandpepper.com or in over 3,000 retailers across the country.
Sierra Madre Research
The founders of the Chattanooga-based camping gear company, Sierra Madre Research, believe that exploring the great outdoors shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable. That’s why they proudly offer everything needed to survive the elements in style including tents, hammocks, power stations and more. As the holidays are a time for giving, this company gives back to the community by doing its part to end the water crisis. With every product purchased, Sierra Madre Research promises to supply one person with clean water for an entire year. Learn more about their mission and view their products at sierramadreresearch.com.
Chattanooga Selfie Museum
For those looking to experience something magical this holiday season, the Chattanooga Selfie Museum provides a fun and inviting space for capturing social media-worthy moments. They offer over 25 themed rooms, and countless opportunities, to let your imagination and camera run wild. Explore the museum on a self-guided tour or ask a friendly staff member for their tips and tricks to taking the perfect selfie. Tickets are available for purchase at chattanoogaselfie.com.
TeqTouch
TeqTouch is the company behind a wearable stylus, UTouch, that serves as a barrier of protection against germs on touchscreens and touchpads. This comfortable and stylish finger pad connects to your keychain for easy access and comes in a variety of bright colors to choose from. UTouch offers a convenient way to limit the spread of germs this holiday season and is perfect for stocking stuffers or corporate gifts. Find them at teqtouch.com.
