2026 Shop Local Gift Guide
If you’re doing a little last-minute holiday shopping (no judgment—we’re all on Santa’s timeline at this point), I wanted to send along a curated list of my favorite small-business gifts this season. Think of it as my very own Blue Ridge–inspired “favorite things” list filled with makers, books, farms, and treats I love and wholeheartedly recommend.
Whether you’re shopping near or far, these gifts all have heart, soul, and a real person behind them. And yes… a few treasures from the farm are included too. 😉
Books We’re Loving This Season
Four wildly different books, equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, practical, and deeply rooted. There’s something here for every kind of reader.
Like American Honey — by Maddy Grace
A tender and heartfelt memoir from a neighbor's daughter who grew up right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rooted in faith, family, and country, Maddy shares the real and sometimes messy moments that shaped her: a beautiful gift and an excellent way to support a young, budding writer in our own community.
Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the Homestead — by Wendy & Karlyn Hartman
Two dear friends, a mother–daughter team, and the very people we got our goats from! Wendy & Karlyn run Adoratio Farms, known for their incredible goat milk soaps, lotions, scrubs, sustainable bath products, and registered dairy goats. Their book is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to try soap making or explore a more sustainable way of living.
DON'T STICK SCISSORS UP YOUR NOSE WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING — by Natalie Flowers
This is one of the funniest, most honest spiritual memoirs you'll read. Natalie is a writer, singer-songwriter, healer, artist, knitting machine and beloved farm visitor from Austin who shares stories that make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even cry.
Energetic Herbalism — by Kat Maier
An award-winning, essential resource for anyone interested in herbal medicine, from home apothecaries to clinical practitioners. Kat beautifully weaves together traditional healing practices, ecological stewardship, and the elemental relationships within plant medicine.
We are honored to host Kat every year for our Herbalism in the Blue Ridge Retreat, so this book also gives a delicious sneak peek into the depth of wisdom she brings.
Makers + Farms We Adore
Adoratio Farms — Central Virginia + Ships Nationwide
Makers of some of the best goat milk soaps, lotions, scrubs, and luxurious bath products I've ever used. Their quality is unmatched, and they ship beautifully packaged gifts.
Jam According to Daniel — Ships Nationwide
This is, hands down, the best jam I've ever tasted (and you know how seriously I take jam!). Daniel creates wildly delicious, creative flavor combinations with exceptional ingredients.
Caromont Farm — Esmont, VA
If you're local, do not walk into your holiday feast without Caromont's award-winning cheeses. A beloved staple at every retreat! And Baby Goat Snuggle Sessions are coming up!
From the Farm: Get it before its gone!
We have just a few of our handcrafted gifts available if you’re looking for something made with care, intention, and a sprinkle of seasonal magic.
LAVENDER MOON BATH GIFT BOX
Includes:
• Soothing lavender-infused soak
• Full-moon–soaked crystals
• Goat's milk soap & sugar scrub collaboration with Adoratio Farm
• Hand-poured beeswax candle
HOLIDAY TEA GIFT BOX
Includes:
• HS Honey jar + Honey Spool
• Vintage tea cup
• Appalachian Chai
• Hand-poured beeswax candle
RETREAT GIFT CARD
A great gift for someone in your life who is needing some fresh mountain air and a little peace and rejuvenation in 2026.
HONEY
We also have just two honeycombs from our 2025 season left,
but plenty of honey!
Every time you shop small, share a post, forward an email,
or cheer us on, you’re helping keep creativity, community, and craft alive.
It means more than you know.