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Check Your List Twice: Holiday Gift Guide

Amanda Ellis and Lizzie Hickman

Crisp air conjures sugar plum visions, and you’re feeling festive.

But the magic of the holiday season quickly turns to panic when you realize you’ve forgotten to get a special something for a special someone.

Fortunately, we’ve covered everyone on your list with our annual holiday gift guide.

A gift for the tiny humans in your life

The perfect A Little Bookish gift is one of the most played with items in the store, a puzzle game called Katamino Family. It’s made of wood and is fun for all ages.

A Little Bookish also has a nice selection of Melissa & Doug play sets. Kids love the Ice Cream Cone Scoop & Stack set and the Pet Vet Play Set.

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“Our family’s favorite local holiday tradition is putting on new PJs on Christmas Eve, getting hot chocolate and driving around to see the light displays.” – Miranda Atkins, Owner, A Little Bookish


High Point Climbing & Fitness offers gift cards perfect for kiddos to use on day passes, gear or a membership.


Greenery for a green thumb

The Barn Nursery offers free gift wrapping during the holidays, making your gift for the green thumb on your list the perfect package. Their gift department has expanded beyond plants into a perfect place for gift shopping for both men and women, and you can find everything from hostess gifts to their popular extra soft fleece jackets and vests. The Barn Nursery also hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus at their Christmas open house Nov. 9-10.


Signal Mountain Nursery is another great one-stop shop for locally grown poinsettias, house plants, custom arrangements or fresh greens. Their favorite local holiday tradition is their Christmas Open House Dec. 7 and Ladies Night Out to experience the nursery at night Dec. 12.


Treating the coffee connoisseur

The Mad Priest coffee makes the perfect gift for the holidays because they appeal to the masses through our branding and product offerings. As a local company, Mad Priest gives a sense of meaning through supporting local business. To make it even better, Mad Priest offers several gift box offerings exclusively during the holidays, including a seasonal blend available starting this month.  

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“We love participating in Mainx24. We've participated in the International Food Hall since it started, and love the overall festivities throughout the day.” – Michael Rice, Owner, The Mad Priest


A Be Caffeinated gift basket from Red Bank’s drive-through coffee shop includes a choice of chai from Cheiman Tea, coffee from a local roaster, a tumbler, a gift certificate and more, making them a great choice for someone who needs to Be Caffeinated this holiday season.

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“Some favorites include going to the Rock City Christmas lights, strolling across the walking bridge with the light-up snowflakes and drinking delicious hot chocolate from the Hot Chocolatier. I always get the Tuxedo one with white and dark chocolate together.” – Christopher Wood, Founder, Be Caffeinated


For the local sports fanatic

Baseball season might be over but that doesn’t mean the Chattanooga Lookouts should be left out of the festivities. Gear up for the upcoming season with t-shirts, hats and jerseys.


Celebrate with Chattanooga’s newest team in town by gifting the soccer lover in your life some Chattanooga Red Wolves gear.


Maybe you have a Chattanooga Football Club fan in your fam. A CFC-branded scarf is the perfect gift to keep them warm while supporting their favorite football club.


Keeping your fashionista friend trending

The perfect gift from Embellish is Jewelry by Lizzie Fortunato, versatile pieces handmade in New York City that elevate any outfit. Whether it’s a statement necklace for a special occasion or a fun pair of earrings for everyday wear, every woman will cherish these pieces. 

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“Going to see the Christmas light display at Rock City.” – Betsy Henson, Sales Associate, Embellish


There's nothing better than a gift that is both an experience and something tangible − the literal gift that keeps on giving. Give someone a special day with Elea Blake and change the way they think about makeup and color:

Lip Bar: Great for ages 8 to 108. Custom create a lipstick or lip gloss (with staff help, of course).

Makeup consultation: Get custom products + help with a look that will have them feeling the love for themselves — and you.

Full Color Analysis: Includes a personalized makeup tutorial, customized makeup creation, shopping swatches for a personal shopping experience for years to come and style advice.

Can’t decide? Choose a gift card.

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“We all adore the decorations. If you didn't experience the historic Read House last year at the holidays, you absolutely should wander through for a dose of holiday cheer this year. Then pop in to see us for any last-minute gift cards, makeup/skincare services or just to say hi.” – Gabrielle Chevalier, Marketing Coordinator & Colorist, Elea Blake


A spa experience for the workaholic or busy caregiver

Natural Body Spa offers gift cards for their wide range of spa services, and a wide selection of Illume, Nest and Lafco candles bring relaxation to everyone on your gift list.


Give a Maven Beauty Spa esthetic service (facial, microdermabrasion, wax, lash lift, lash or brow tint, chemical peel or spray tan) or a massage to someone who could use a little holiday R&R. As an added bonus, Maven offers Trend readers 20% off an esthetic or nail service and $10 off a one hour or longer massage until Dec. 15. 


Something sparkly 

Every Markman's diamond or gemstone is unique and top quality, making every gift from Markman's unique to the recipient.

What is your favorite local holiday tradition?
“Going to see the unveiling of the Christmas windows at the EPB building downtown. It’s a tradition that dates back to the World War II era.” – Geoff Blanton, Markman’s Diamonds


For the experience enthusiast

Looking for a unique gift? Whether you want to wow someone with a high tech transportation device, or give them an adventure experience they’ll remember for a long time to come, check out Adventure Sports Innovation on Chattanooga’s North Shore. They specialize in gear and experiences that are often featured on YouTube top 10 videos of new gear to try.    

Pick up a gift card, and let your receiver choose their adventure. Transportation device rentals or training sessions, driving an electric off-road vehicle, riding a pontoon bike or experiencing outdoor adventures through virtual reality simulators inside their shop − ASI offers over 20 different experiences, with new ones added often.


A Chatt Taste Food Tour allows you to showcase our city effortlessly. Balancing time spent at home over a hot stove and fun time with family is essential for the holidays.

Chatt Taste offers private chef options for in-home dining and tours to impress your guests with the culinary marvels of downtown Chattanooga.

Special holiday rates for family and friends available for Chamber members. Email [email protected] for help curating the perfect family experience. Mention this article via discount code Trend15 to receive 15% off your services.


A gift for the environmental advocate

Shelly Cove products make great gifts for a couple of reasons. Every clothing item is hand-wrapped in tissue paper, and tied with twine. Even if the purchase isn’t a gift, Shelly Cove treats it like one.  

Second, a portion of profits go to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue. Every customer gets a turtle tracking code to get behind the scenes information on a turtle currently at the hospital, including photos, why it's there, name, weight and more − a fun way to get involved with the mission.

The best gift item to order is Shelly Cove's Mystery Bag with three shirts, a reusable tote bag and a pack of reusable straws for $71. This has been their best-selling item for three years strong. People love being surprised, and Shelly Cove offers a wide selection of shirts to include in your Mystery Bag.

What’s your favorite local holiday tradition?
“I love the community One Table event, where the city is invited to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together on MLK.  It's always a fantastic way to engage with the community.” – Matt Schroeder, President, Shelly Cove


For the indecisive shopper

Still have someone on your list and no gift ideas? Try walking around Warehouse Row. Their unique collection of shops will ensure you find the perfect gift, and maybe a little something for yourself (hey, shopping is hard work). Check out:

  • Amanda Pinson Jewelry
  • Embellish
  • Lululemon Athletica
  • The Cosmetic Market
  • Shadowbox Paperie
  • J.Crew
  • Onward Reserve
  • Yves Delorme
  • Anthropologie
  • Hemline
  • Revival
  • That Glasses Guy Optique De Luxe
  • Woodhouse Day Spa

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