Christmas comes faster than we like. Every year, many of us plan for a grand Christmas but in today’s fast-paced world, we sometimes find ourselves searching for perfect gifts at the last minute. This year, consider making your holiday shopping a little easier and worthwhile.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places in Arkansas to find those one-of-a-kind gifts that will step up your gift-giving game and make this Christmas a little more sentimental for your friends and loved ones. So, consider having an Arkansas Made Christmas with the best our state has to offer.
- Twisted Lane Candles
Twisted Lane Candles, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, offers a variety of handmade candles and that is unlike anything you have purchased before. These candles are made with an ethos that ditches the conventional wisdom of candle making and provides you with exquisite aromas that stray from the artificial candles on store shelves today. The owners realized that color dyes and gimmicky names like “midnight seashore” are not what people are basing their purchase on. Instead, they provide straightforward, yet, incredibly satisfying candle scents that fill your home with tranquility.
They have an impressive assortment of candles that have wood wicks, which crackle as they burn and all come in aesthetically pleasing jars. Just a few of the aromas they sell include Red Ginger & Saffron, Woodsmoke & Coffee, Oak Moss, Pipe Tobacco & Bourbon, and Antique Cider. If you are not sure which one to buy, consider getting a gift card and allow the recipient to choose for themselves. Also, if you have a creative idea for a candle, Twisted Lane will work with you to design a candle scent that meets your request! You can purchase online and have them delivered just in time for the holidays.
- White River Distillery
In the days of Prohibition, some Americans began bootlegging moonshine, a potent spirit that has since become nothing short of an art form today. White River Distillery in Gassville Arkansas is committed to producing top-notch moonshine that is true to those time-honored traditions of the past. Using only the best grains, fruits, and limestone-filtered water, for every batch, this Ozark Mountain outfit is providing Arkansans with the “taste of perfection in a mason jar” this Christmas.
White River Distillery offers a handful of mainstay varieties to include Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, and their nationally-acclaimed and award-winning Friday Night Red Eye Whiskey. They also experiment with new batches with bold flavors, so check in regularly to see what they are working on. Each and every jar would make an outstanding gift for any adult who has a taste for “White Lightning.” If you really want to impress them, consider scheduling a tasting event or tour at the distillery for a large group or a couples day out.
- The Cracked Pot
With Christmas being the whole reason this business was started, The Cracked Pot is a perfect choice for gifts this year that provides natural and healthy products that are handmade on their farm in Vilonia, Arkansas. This eclectic business operates with one goal in mind: to offer quality products that are crafted from natural and locally-sourced ingredients. From skincare to salves and bath salts, The Cracked Pot is a “natural” choice when buying for your favorite health fanatic. Their online store conveniently offers shipping and product descriptions so you know what you’re getting before you buy.
These folks craft a number of concoctions that will work wonders on your skin like their Body Butter made from coconut oil, shea butter, Lavender, and essential oils. They also mand make a stellar Elderberry Syrup that not only tastes incredible but ensures a number of natural benefits that support a healthy lifestyle. These folks pay special attention to every ingredient they incorporate into their products to guarantee your gift is as healthy as it is memorable. The Crocked Pot is also a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition in Arkansas, so consider supporting this Veteran-owned Business this holiday season.
- Hearts & Hooves
Rather than offering a product, Hearts & Hooves offers an exciting experience that will become a life-long memory. Located just a few miles north of Little Rock in Sherwood, Arkansas, this equestrian place of healing encourages Arkansans to discover the therapeutic interventions of horseback riding. Here, they emphasize the special bond between the rider and horse and draw parallels between personal development, self-confidence, and independence.
The riding sessions they offer are conducted through PATH certified instructors with a focus on people with special needs. Their services are not just for “horsing around” as they provide intrinsic value to the rider by improving sensory processing and motor skills. Hearts and Hooves also has a Veteran program called “Operation Equine” which is intended to help Veterans overcome service-linked mental health challenges. When you show up to the stable, you will likely meet one of many gentle horses such as Cherokee, Bon Jovi, Frank, and Captain Jackson.
- Red Rooster Bake House
This has got to be the sweetest gift idea on the list. The Red Rooster Bake House is a bakery out of Heber Springs, Arkansas with a wide array of sweet treats and a hearty lunch menu. You will be pleasantly surprised when you see their delectable treats being sold at very reasonable prices. Their whole goal is to provide people with quality baked goods that bring “comfort, happiness, and smiles.” For Christmas Dinner this year, consider saving on prep time and serving loved ones Red Rooster prepared dishes, or gift their desserts for those with a sweet tooth.
From Apple Pie and Italian Cream Cupcakes to Bourbon Pecan Pies and Maple Bacon Rolls, you can capture the tastes of the holidays at Red Rooster. Whether you want to stop by and grab a warm plate to eat or take home some delectable treats, these folks are ready and willing to fill your holiday season with goodness. You can also purchase a gift card from their website so you can share the love with friends and family!
- Back Porch Designs and Gifts
Back Porch Design and Gifts is not your typical flower shop. Settled in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, this is another eclectic storefront that provides flower arrangements, antiques, holiday gifts, and home decor. If you have a friend with an affinity for rustic or farmhouse decorations, this would be a perfect place to consider shopping for the holidays! They also offer arrangements for events of all kinds including weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
You can find everything from dazzling Poinsettas to ‘Merry Christmas Pillows’ at Back Porch. With a lot of experience as florists, you can get your special someone a gorgeous arrangement of their favorite flowers, or a bouquet of their favorite candies. They also offer gift baskets of handy knickknacks and Duke Cannon men’s grooming products! You really need to swing by to appreciate all this shop has to offer. They constantly cycle through some of the most creative and unique gifts found only there.
- Studi’O by Olivia Valentine
This has got to be one of the coolest Arkansas Made businesses we’ve seen. Studi’O is a lampworking business in Rison, Arkansas that creates magnificent handmade glass pendants and jewelry. Each piece of art is one of a kind. By forming molten glass into different shapes and colors they can be made into almost anything. Some of them are recognizable, like a snowflake or flower, while others are brilliant swirls of color and shapes. They can be adorned on a necklace, bracelet, or earrings.
What is most inspiring is the rarity of these pieces. This lends a lot of creativity and custom art that can be made by Studi’O. Take for instance the pendant sized bass that was made for a father who enjoys fishing. Or, the tiny vile made to hold a beloved’s lock of hair. Studi’O takes your requests and makes them a reality. You can give a sentimental gift this Christmas to a special person in your life. Just give them a call and explore the possibilities!
