Welcome to the ultimate solution for your last-minute holiday shopping dilemmas!
As the festive season approaches and time dwindles, the pressure to find the perfect gifts intensifies. Fear not, as our meticulously curated SOAR Holiday Gift Guide is here to rescue you from the chaos of procrastination.
We understand the challenges of finding thoughtful presents amidst the hustle and bustle, and that’s why our guide is designed to be your go-to resource. Packed with unique and thoughtful gift ideas for every personality and interest, our guide not only saves you precious time but also ensures that each gift is a meaningful and cherished expression of your thoughtfulness.
Embrace the joy of stress-free shopping and let our Holiday Gift Guide be your compass in the sea of last-minute choices.
Too eager to take a look at the SOAR Holiday Gift Guide? You can check it out HERE.
Gifts for Everyone
We have gifts for everyone! Truly, we really do have vast and diverse communities throughout our Appalachian mountains, and with it, unique and different small businesses that offer gifts for people with all sorts of hobbies. Let’s take a look.
New Frontier, Rowan County
Who doesn’t like denim? Let alone denim designed and created here in Eastern Kentucky!
New Frontier creates high-quality apparel and gear with functionality and premium comfort in mind. Proudly designed in the Appalachian Mountains. New Frontier’s Circular Denim is among the most sustainable denim in the world.
Pav*r, Laurel County
Do you know of someone who would be able to complete their endless lists of “to-do” lists if they were able to have someone helping them out?
Look no further, Pav*r is the ultimate productivity assistant for Google Calendar. Optimize your productivity with tailor-made calendar insights & analytics for time-conscious professionals.
EKY Fitness, Pike County
With the holidays comes those goals of wanting to get or stay in shape. So why not gift someone the resources to reach those fitness goals?
EKY Fitness offers online coaching, programming, and nutritional resources. They will base your training on what you want to accomplish. 5K? They will get you there. Become stronger? No problem. Become a better version of yourself? Say no more.
Sugar Mountain Trading, Rockcastle County
Soap-prise! There is an amazing place right out of Rockcastle County that creates more than just your average all-natural Kentucky handcrafted soap: Sugar Mountain Trading Co. Their soaps help with eczema, psoriasis, itchy dry skin, and acne. Offering soap, shampoo, bath salts, and lotion for Men and Women.
Gifts for Women
We’ve come up with an amazing list for the woman or women in your life. Take a look at what goodies you can treat them with this holiday season.
Blu Halo Boutique, Greenup County
Where are my fashionistas? You know you have one or several friends who are always in style and need more clothes (regardless of how full their closet is looking).
But no need to worry about where you’re going to buy those clothing items! Blue Halo Boutique in Greenup County has an enormous amount of clothing items for that trendy friend.
BLOOM, Lewis County
Sniff… sigh … relax. What is that amazing aroma in the air? Why it’s a hand-poured soy candle and wax melts from BLOOM of course.
Bloom, located in Lewis County, offers hand-poured soy candles and wax melts while being committed to reducing waste and making a positive impact on nature.
Southern Bliss, Letcher County
Still not enough clothes or outfits for that trendy, fashionista friend?
Southern Bliss is a boutique located in Letcher County specializing in women’s apparel, gifts, accessories, and jewelry including Kendra Scott, Hunter Rain boots, Kentucky Apparel, Z Supply, and more.
Walking on Sunshine, Carter County
Are you looking for a gift that is a little more on the relaxing side? Something that gives off “You do you” vibes?
Walking on Sunshine in Carter County is a Spa and Shop delivering top-notch physical and mental self-care services and Shoppe items.
Gifts for Men
Let’s be real, shopping for men can be really tricky. But no need to fret, we have an amazing variety for men this holiday season.
Trinity Outfitters, Owsley County
Whether you’re shopping for guns, ammunition, or accessories, Trinity Outfitters in Owsley County is your one-stop shop! They offer new and used firearms in a variety of styles.
Need we say more? Get a little something for the hunter, hiker, camping, or extreme sports lover at this shop!
Troll and Toad, Laurel County
This might sound nostalgic for some or this might not sound familiar to anyone at all, “Gotta catch them all, Pokemon!”?
This local business in Laurel County is a dream come true for game card collecting lovers.
Troll and Toad is an online retailer specializing in Magic The Gathering, Yugioh, Pokemon, Heroclix, Dungeons & Dragons, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, Flesh and Blood, Gaming Supplies, and more!
Stonecrest Golf Course, Floyd County
Searching for something that’s more their cup of Tee? See what we did there?
StoneCrest Golf Course is a unique facility owned and operated by the City of Prestonsburg, located in Southeastern Kentucky. The course sits on 700 acres of mountaintop land and offers amenities such as a pro shop, club repairs, practice green, driving range, clubhouse, and lounge.
Cuff to Collar, Madison County
There’s nothing like an outfit illuminating confidence and you can get that look with this business from Madison County.
Cuff to Collar was created in August 2015 with the idea that every man should “dress for the position they want, not the one they have”. They offer fine-tailored menswear and accessories, right in the heart of Eastern Kentucky.
Gifts for Pets
Shopping for pets can be fun. It also can be a bit of a nightmare. We all know there are always those must-have gifts from big-box retailers, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised about what is just out your backdoor.
Big Bentley’s Pet Supply, Montgomery County
We know that sometimes, accidents happen and you know what kind we’re talking about. The one where you forget to get a special dinner plate of meatballs for your fur babies, oh, and of course, the one where they accidentally leave behind some unpleasant surprises around the house.
Sometimes those accidents can leave both an unpleasant smell and a difficult time cleaning up these messes.
But worry no more!
Big Bentley’s Pet Supply provides premium pet cleaning supplies at a fair price. Family-owned and operated. Small batch. Non-toxic. Made in the USA and right here in Montgomery County!
Bella Pooch, Pike County
Ever wondered if your pet deserved a spa day? Is this even a question? Of course, your fur babies should be spoiled every day – they care and love for you unconditionally. On that note, we introduce Bella Pooch.
Bella Pooch, an award-winning pet spa located in Pike County, provides a talented and professional team of pet stylists to give some extra love to your four-legged friends.
Want even better news? They also sell little fur babies in case you are looking for a family addition!
Roll Over Rolled Ice Cream, Rowan County
You scream, I scream, we ALL scream for ice cream!
But really though, this includes our four-legged friends at this amazing place called Roll Over Rolled Ice Cream in Rowan County.
You can enjoy your rolled ice cream with your pup thanks to their selection of “Pup Cups”. You’ll also find plenty of toys, accessories, and other pet supplies right in the store.
Hoof N Paw, Madison County
Serving Kentucky since 2010, this pet store knows what they’re doing!
Hoof n’ Paw Pet Supplies is a locally owned, independent shop in Richmond catering to the ever-changing needs of your dog or cat. So they ensure their foods contain the best ingredients for a healthy life, free of wheat, corn, soy, and by-products.
Need more than just food treats for your pets? Hoof n’ Paw Pet Supplies also provides spa-quality grooming and a yummy “bark-ery” that is sure to fill your fur babies’ bellies.
Gifts for the Home
While there may be gifts under the tree, you often remember those items for your home. Think about it…. A new furniture set, that piece that could fit on the wall to give your house the “look” you’ve been seeking. Let’s see what we can find you locally.
Coal Country Candles, Perry County
Butterscotch, caramel apple, rose garden, or lavender vanilla – these are only a few scents that Coal Country Candles have created throughout the years.
Coal Country Candles uses soy wax because it is a natural product and helps support Kentucky soybean farmers which enables them to offer Kentucky Proud products. They offer multiple scent collections to ensure that they have something for everyone, including several local & Appalachian-themed scents.
Mountain Laurel Woodworks, Rowan County
Want to gift something that has “deep roots” in Eastern Kentucky? Check out Mountain Laurel Woodworks, LLC located in Rowan County!
From tables to earrings, from bowls to storage decor – Mountain Laurel Woodworks, LLC has something for you, your friends, and most importantly, your homes!
Sunhouse Crafts, Madison County
Brooms, dustpans, wooden wares, kits, tools, and supplies made right here in Madison County, Kentucky!
Sunhouse Craft was started by artist/maker Cynthia Main as a place to combine her foundation in woodworking and traditional craft with a strong desire to find sustainable and harmonious ways of working. She has been making brooms since 2013, and working as a maker/builder/ artist/gardener and farmer for more than two decades.
In addition to providing handmade items, they also offer classes to learn how to make these house items!
Appalachian Quilt Craft, Perry County
Want an extra personalized touch to your home that is uniquely made in Appalachia?
Appalachian Quilt Craft may just have the items for you and their story is one to remember too!
Appalachian Quilt Craft was established in 2019 to help offer fabrics never before found in a 50-mile radius. New owners in February 2022 continued the community-friendly, high-quality customer service, and superior fabric selection!
Gifts for the Kids
Kids are another group that’s hard to shop for during any time of the year – but we made it easy for you by gathering some unforgettable gift ideas!
Wendt’s Wildlife Adventure, Nicholas County
You don’t need to go out of the country to see exotic animals! There’s a place right here in Eastern Kentucky where you can get your kids to see emu’s, sloth’s, zebra’s and much more!
Wendt’s Wildlife Adventure is a new wildlife park where you will get to see, interact with, and learn about many diverse and interesting animal species
Tunezle, Pike County
Got a musical junkie in your home? Tune in to the melodious world of Tunezle! Guess the tunes, tap into your musical genius, and see if you can top the charts!
The Party Palace, Laurel County
The Palace Family Entertainment Center is a family-owned and operated family fun center with one goal in mind – to make sure you and your family have as much fun as possible!
They have a wide variety of entertainment to offer, with a state-of-the-art Laser Tag arena, GoKarts, Arcade Games, 18 Bowling Lanes, Escape Rooms, and Golf Simulators to choose from, even the youngest of kids can enjoy their time there with their arcade games and toddler inflatables.
Dance with Hope Studio, Carter County
1-2-3-4, we know there are some dance lovers out there.
Dance with Hope Studio believes that dance is more than just movement to music. It is a form of expression, a way to communicate, and a means to connect with others. Their philosophy is centered around the following principles: creativity, technical excellence, a positive environment, inclusivity, and lifelong learning.
Gifts to Experience
Items are great, but what makes an amazing gift are the ones where you can actually go out and create some memories.
Check out these places to make unforgettable ones with family or friends!
1620 Distilling, Floyd County
A secret message lies inside one of these bottles, “Happy Holidays, this drinks on me!”
If you have that bourbon-loving friend, 1620 Distilling will not disappoint.
Their company is devoted to making a new blend of bourbon using historically inspired techniques alongside our proprietary technology.
Red River Gorge Experience, Wolfe County
Hundreds of people visit Red River Gorge each year to enjoy all the natural splendor the area has to offer. From rock climbing to mountain biking, there’s always something to do to get you closer to nature!
The Appalachian Center for the Arts, Pike County
The Appalachian Center for the Arts is a dynamic space for theater, music, visual arts, and community enrichment in downtown Pikeville, KY.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Hart County
Kentucky Down Under is an Australia-themed animal park located in Horse Cave, Kentucky offering an opportunity to engage with exotic animals and family fun activities.
Check out the Holiday Gift Guide
Our team has put together a Holiday Gift Guide to help make the season bright for those you love, as well as local businesses throughout Appalachia Kentucky.
Aside from purchasing gifts, there are other ways to help.
- Share the Guide on your social media channels.
- Share this link in an email to friends and family.
Want to start a business or learn more about how we support entrepreneurs? Download our Complete Guide to Entrepreneurship and a member of our team will set up a time to chat.