It’s here! And we’re not talking about peppermint mochas or the Christmas tunes being played around town.
We are talking about … SOAR’s very own Holiday Gift Guide! 🎄⛄️🎁
It’s here and we want to share it with you!
Here are the stunning items and local businesses we are showcasing this holiday season.
From goat soap bars to music classes, our holiday guide is sure to have something for your shopping needs:
Gifts for Everyone
We have gifts for everyone… really. Let’s take a look.
Positive Attractions Soaps
Positive Attractions Soaps has an Orange Essential Collection. The mother/daughter duo from Beattyville, has turned a hobby into a full-fledged — and fragrant — business. Their handmade soaps, using locally sourced ingredients, are known in Eastern Kentucky and beyond.
This Orange Essential Collection includes 2 soaking salts, a soap bar, and an aluminum-free deodorant.
Tipper Valley Farms
Do you know what gift doesn’t sound so b-aaaaad? A full gift set of goat soap from Tipper Valley Farms! Chelsea Mayse is the owner of Tipper Valley Farms and she was our 2020 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition winner. A fifth-generation soap maker, Chelsea creates all-natural products using her own free-range goat’s milk. She offers a variety of products from soaps and lotions, to fresh-cut flowers.
The set includes a bottle of lotion, 5 soaps, 1 shampoo bar, and 1 dish soap bar.
Appalachian Apparel Company
With Winter weather already here in the mountains, you’re going to want to gift something warm and fuzzy. Appalachian Apparel Co. has got you covered with their Move Mountains Hoodie.
Joey McKinney first thought of the idea of highlighting the art, culture, and history of Eastern Kentucky through local artists all in one place back in 2017. By the fall of 2018, McKinney opened his establishment in Hazard, Ky. — one of the first local businesses to revamp Hazard’s downtown revitalization.
Mountain Muse
Are you shopping for somebody with a sweet tooth but also trying to eat healthily? Look no further, with Mountain Muse’s Fudge Dipped Strawberries! Mountain Muse is located in Prestonsburg, Ky. This unique shop offers an array of services: from antiques, local art, jewelry, handmade fudge, and a space for local artists to perform – Mountain Muse does not disappoint its mountain folks.
Turtle Farm Pottery
If you are trying to find something small and cute for them to remember you by, the Purple Rain Bud Vase from Turtle Farm Pottery is an adorable winner. Through laughter and toil Casey, Noah, and Laura spin clay into wonderful creations that bring joy and thoughtful experiences to those who use them.
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.
New Frontier
Do you have that one family member or friend who is always carrying everything in their hands? Something that might come in handy for them is a Belt Bag from New Frontier.
New Frontier was created by the brother duo Jared & Joshua Ravenscraft by selling hats out of the back of their Jeep at Morehead State. Now, the duo has a storefront in Morehead on Main Street and a thriving online store focused on sustainable clothing that highlights Appalachian pride
CC Belle
Do you have that one in your life who is always posting their latest winter outfit on social media or planning their next shopping trip, well, a gift card to CC Belle would be an amazing gift for them to buy the latest trendy clothes or accessories?
CC Belle was born out of tragedy after the owner, Amanda, lost her sister. Amanda was inspired to start the boutique in memory of her sister and her sister’s love for fashion. CC Belle has two locations in Tennessee and Kentucky. They offer seasonal and size-inclusive boutique-style clothes and an array of trendy jewelry.
Here’s a link to their website.
Primrose Boutique
It’s the best of both worlds: one hand has a glass of wine and another shopping for something new. A gift card from Primrose Boutique will provide the shopper with a unique experience at this chic boutique store in Morehead.
This woman-owned business allows you to shop while enjoying its wine bar and frozen wine options.
Purlux Spa
Do you have that one person who needs to be reminded to relax? Get them a gift certificate for a holiday spa experience at Purlux Spa.
PurLux is dedicated to sharing the importance and healing benefits of essential oils, herbs, salt, mud, healthy foods, and a healthy lifestyle. Give the gift of relaxation this season with a certificate to their Himalayan salt room, a customized facial, or even salon services!
Among the Oaks Farm
If you’re trying to shop for someone who likes a hot cup of tea, Among the Oaks Farm has a tea sampler variety pack to help them brew something nice and warm. The variety set has four sample-sized bags of different types of tea.
The small business grows “beyond organic” medicinal and culinary herbs on a human scale. Guided by their reverence for land and community, they offer potent, vibrant, and delicious herbs.
Gifts for Men
Let’s be real, shopping for men can be really tricky. But no need to fret, we have an amazing variety of gifts for men this holiday season.
Champion Jigs
Fishing for a good time? Champion Jigs is selling a Green Pumpkin Orange Football Jig that is bound to help reel in a good catch!
Owner and designer of Champion Jigs, Woodrow E Fields, wanted to share his gifts of creating reliable jigs with others. Based out of Harlan County, this Christian-based company has been running successfully since 2016 and offers a variety of jigs and even allows you to customize your own for your fishing needs.
Hazard Coffee Company
Hazard Coffee Co. in Hazard has a really cool 10 oz. laser-engraved metal tumblr that anybody can take their hot drinks on the go. In 2020, owners, Stephen and Maggie Prosser, made the decision to move their family to the heart of the mountains. Stephen, a former geochemist, is fascinated by the science behind a great cup of coffee. Maggie, a native of Hazard, is inspired to help revitalize the growing downtown area. Their son, Lincoln, loves being near family and climbing the hills.
Sticks, Stones & Stitches
If you are looking to give a one of a kind gift, Sticks, Stones & Stitches handcraft mugs where no two pieces in their store are alike. These artistic mugs are bound to make your loved one’s smile.
Owners Ovie and Josie Hollon have lived their entire life in Stanton creating, building, and crafting. The couple helps feature more than 50 local artists at their retail store and also gives classes.
Borders Sporting Goods
For those outdoorsmen in your life, a gift card from Borders Sporting Goods will help provide them the option to buy the gear they need.
Borders Sporting Good is a 75-year-old family-owned business that has more than 35 years of experience in the outdoor sporting goods industry. They take pride in offering the best variety of quality products.
GITT Apparel
For those who like to wear something stylish on their head, GITT Apparel is selling a throwback camo trucker cap.
Gitt Apparel provides comfortable high-quality clothing, inspiring people to do the most in life and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Gitt stands for “Get in the truck!” Gitt going, Gitt motivated! Gitt adrenaline, Gitt traveling, Gitt family, Gitt what you want out of life. Gitt with the program or Gitt left behind.
Gifts for Students & Kids
Shopping for kids 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.
Upscore Test Prep
Perhaps Christmas isn’t the best time to be talking about tests, but for many students, the ACT test has either already been taken or is just around the corner. Dr. Kyle Mann, a dentist from Adair County, has developed the virtual test-prep platform, Upscore Test Prep, with a monthly subscription.
Dr. Mann came up with the idea after struggling himself to find an affordable and quality test prep platform. Upscore finished third in the 2022 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, presented by Community Trust Bank.
Reimagines
Reimagines has a personalized and customized OmieBox that will make your child smile. The Pulaski County startup is all about customization and personalization featuring artists from across Appalachia Kentucky.
Back to the OmieBox. Some of the personalization options available are your child’s name, favorite font, and text color to create a perfect gift just for them.
Reimagines also specializes in large-format printing and UV printing services. They bring ideas to life with in-house design, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-quality materials. Reimagines and owner Elizabeth Schroer finished second and was the crowd-favorite award winner at the 2022 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, presented by Community Trust Bank.
Girlhood Co.
Girlhood Co. is a Magoffin County startup owned by 18-year-old college student Addison Salyer. It’s a place and a safe space for women to shop. But it’s more than that. It is also a place of inspiration for women to follow their dreams and be confident in their skin.
Check out the lineup of Greek Life crew neck sweaters that are locally created with a purpose.
88 Music Store
Whether you are just picking up an instrument or performing locally and have dreams of being the next star from the region, 88 Music Store has something for you. 88 Music Store, based in Clay County, is a place where the old meets new with vintage guitars, accessories, and music lessons.
Check out how you can learn to play or better perfect your skills on guitar, bass, drums, piano, violin, cello, and harp.
The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing
Books open up a world of adventure for children no matter their age. No matter the skill level, The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing features books written by local authors.
The General Store is step back in time for young and old alike. Nestled on Pine Mountain near the Harlan and Letcher county lines, owners Tiffany and Ernie Scott has a bit of everything, from fresh fudge, to locally-crafted sandwiches and treats, to toys and Kentucky Proud and Appalachia Proud products.
Check out their new website, created by our SOAR Innovation team, and their free direct services for startups in all 54 Kentucky Appalachian counties.
Stocking Stuffers
While there may be gifts under the tree, you often remember those items in your stocking. Think about it…. Sweet treats, a gift card, or a unique widget. Let’s see what we can find you locally.
The Cookie Yoda
Did you say cookies? No, I said custom cookies. The Cookie Yoda in Rowan County has a great lineup of sweets for the holiday season. Let’s talk customization. A signature flavor? Sure! Custom print stickers on the packaging?
With over 30 unique flavors, The Cookie Yoda strives to source locally and in-season produce to ensure cookies are the highest quality. As a Kentucky Proud business, she works closely with other small businesses across the region.
The Nest Day Spa
The holidays are stressful for many. And while getting a spa treatment on Christmas Day is out of the question, a gift card to The Nest Day Spa could put a relaxing day on your horizon. Located in downtown Russell in Greenup County, owner Tracy Frye opened the full-service spa after being inspired by childhood memories of being wrapped up on her family couch.
Want more stocking stuffers? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide.
Check out the complete 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.