Share some love this holiday season with unique gifts for him and her that benefit small businesses in Williamson County. Whether you’re looking to brighten up their walls, send a piece of home to a friend far away, bundle them up in cozy Franklin swag, or splurge on jewelry that both he and she can pass down to future generations, there’s a little something for everyone in this holiday gift guide that celebrates all things local.
Gifts For Her
An Illustrated Map of Franklin from the Visitor Center
An intricately illustrated map of Franklin by Tennessee artist Jennifer Britton showcases iconic spots around town and brings a little colorful southern charm to any home. Look out for the Carter House, Carnton, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, and The Factory at Franklin. Find it and more at the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin which has curated all kinds of Franklin-made products, including this print. Price: $30 for an 11×17 print. Buy in-person or call to place order: https://visitfranprod.wpengine.com/see-and-do/visitor-center
Gift Card to Studio Tenn
Is there anything more magical than a night at the theater? Celebrate her love of the arts while supporting local actresses and actors! While Franklin nonprofit Studio Tenn has been forced to postpone their scheduled fall programming in light of the pandemic, they have made gift cards available for patrons who wish to enjoy their masterful storytelling at future shows. Studio Tenn plans to launch an “abbreviated” season in February 2021 featuring “The Aretha Legacy” and “9 to 5: The Musical.” Gift cards can be redeemed for Jamison Theater shows in the Factory at Franklin, and come in several different levels based on seating preferences. Price: $55 (classic), $70 (premium), or $90 (superior). Buy online: studiotenn.com
Dessert Wine from Arrington Vineyards
We’ve heard the sweetest wine comes from the rolling hills of Arrington, Tennessee. Top Mrs. Clause’s stocking with a set of blackberry and raspberry dessert wine in a gift box from our very own “wine country,” Arrington Vineyards. Take your gift to the next level by pairing her dessert wine set with a visit to Arrington’s hillside, where you can sit and enjoy a picnic at sunset. Price: $44.97 for a set of two bottles. Buy online: arringtonvineyards.com
Monogrammed Stationery from Rock, Paper, Scissors
Inspire her holiday correspondence with a beautiful, locally-designed stationery set from Rock Paper Scissors. Sets are offered in a variety of designs that can be personalized with her monogram or foil-stamped initial—whatever most reminds you of her. These 5×7 cards come with coordinating colored envelopes, which can be customized with liners or return address labels. Price: $62.50 for a 25-piece set. Buy online: rockpaperscissor.com
Handmade Macrame Fringe Earrings
Melinda Mickholtzick has been making jewelry in Franklin for two years. “Most of my jewelry is encouraging or inspiring words and phrases,” she says. “I choose things based on people’s stories and what I think would uplift them in hard times.” Melinda also plays around with color and texture, and loves the bright pop that these hand-tied macrame fringe earrings add to an outfit. They come in 13 colors of natural cotton cord on solid brass earring hooks, so there’s a pair for every gal’s style. Price: $11.50 per pair. Buy online: etsy.com or in-person at the Painted Tree Marketplace, Booth E11
Local Colorful Abstract Art
Franklin artist Kristina Akers says that she has loved color and creating since her younger years. After becoming a mother, she took up painting professionally and has been producing vibrant abstract pieces to adorn the walls of Franklin homes since 2016. She often releases new artwork seasonally, but can create custom mixed-media—acrylic, ink, oil pastel, and gold leaf—sets that fit any design style. Her newest fall series, Out West, comes matted and framed so all you’ll need to do is tie on a bow. Price: $195 for a 12×12 original. Buy online: kristinaakersart.com
Friendly Southerner Sweatshirt from MADE SOUTH
Comfy and cozy are we! Gift your sweetheart a sweatshirt to keep her warm in the winter months. “Our Friendly Southerner phrase was born out of our very first MADE SOUTH event when we wanted a T-shirt that said something cooler than just ‘volunteer,’” says MADE SOUTH Director of Events Alexis Cooper. “So, we came up with the idea of the Friendly Southerner! If you are kind, welcoming—if you like to smile and use your manners—this sweatshirt is for you!” Choose between two font design styles. Sizes run from S-2XL. Price: $45. Buy online: madesouth.com
Leather Wrap Journal from Narrow Gate Trading Co.
At Narrow Gate Trading Co., you’ll find high-quality wood and leather goods made by talented artisans and emerging leaders in Williamson County. This leather wrap journal makes a great Christmas gift for those hard-to-shop-for recipients, with full-grain stitched leather and a refillable lined insert. Choose from three different types of leather: Rustic Brown (lightest), Rugged Folklore (dark brown), or Espresso (brown-black). You can even personalize the cover with a heat-stamped name. Price: $65 (+$10 for personalization). Buy online: ngtradingco.com
Monthly Coffee Membership from Honest Coffee Roasters
Sharing a coffee with someone seems to be even more meaningful these days. This Christmas, you can share the gift of a warm cup in the morning with a coffee membership from Honest Coffee. “Coffee is one of the ultimate expressions of love and care for someone,” says Director of Coffee Ray Palumbo. “We strive to create an ‘honest’ cup, by only buying from farmers that really believe in what they’re doing.” With a Roaster Selection membership, your coffee lover will get a rotation of coffee selections, from seasonal offerings to top-sellers. Choose from weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly shipments of whole bean coffee. Price: $17 + shipping per shipment. Buy online: honest.coffee
Pearls from Walton’s Jewelry
Give her an heirloom treasure that she can pass down to her daughter or granddaughter. Pearls from Walton’s are “classic, timeless, and appropriate for all ages,” shares owner Julie Walton Garland. “We love the sentiment and personal touch that gifting antique and estate jewelry provides. It shows that you’ve put extra thought and attention to detail in your gift.” These Cultured South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings are made with 14K white gold, diamonds, and large pearls on a classic post, perfect for taking her breath away. If she isn’t the earring type, a fabulous 1897 Victorian pearl brooch makes an equally impressive statement. Price: $2,200. Buy online: waltonsjewelry.com
Gifts For Him
Snake Plant from Flora
Add a pop of greenery to any bachelor’s pad with a low-maintenance snake plant from local plant shop Flora! “Their structured leaves look great in any space,” says owner Kerbi Howat. “They are tolerant of all light levels, and they are a great plant for beginners!” Kerbi recommends pairing this easy house plant with a black planter. Price: $26. Buy in-store: Flora (1411 W. Main St., Franklin) or browse floraplantshop.com
FRKLN Tee from Twine Graphics
Celebrate his love of America’s favorite small town with a soft FRKLN t-shirt from Twine Graphics on the square! “We love these FRKLN tees so much that we had to print them in two colors, mustard and heather navy,” shares Twine Retail Manager Andrea Kay. “The majority of our tees are unisex sizing, which means no fighting over who gets each color! You and your partner can switch them up or steal both for yourself.” These cozy tees are printed right here in Franklin and come in sizes XS-3XL. Price: $19.99. Buy in-store at Twine Graphics (304 Public Square, Franklin)
Blue Setter Bow Tie from David Arms Gallery
If you wander into David Arms’ Leiper’s Fork studio, you’ll be venturing into a world of curious things you’ve never seen before. The artist has curated a shop of eccentricities, from birds’ nests to patchouli, and includes his signature accessory—ties. This blue setter bow tie has a custom print inspired by David Arms’ father, who bred English Setters in East Tennessee. If your gentleman isn’t a bow tie guy, pick a hand-printed bandana or necktie, instead. Price: $115. Buy online: davidarms.com
Old Fashioned Mixer from Eli Mason
Shake up his bar cart with a best-selling Eli Mason mixer that comes straight from the heart of Tennessee. Made with real cane sugar and premium bitters, this mixer makes holiday hosting easy; it can serve up to 30+ old fashioneds. Add bourbon, an orange slice, and a cherry for a top-shelf cocktail ready in less than a minute. Customers say it’s one of the best old fashioneds they’ve ever had. Price: $29.99 for 750ml. Buy online: elimason.com
Full-Day Wading Trip with Franklin Fly Fishing Co.
A day of fly-fishing out on the water makes the perfect father-son gift! Franklin Fly Fishing Co. owner Bo takes a lot of folks out on the Harpeth River that have never used a fly rod before, and all levels are encouraged. “It’s hard to beat a gorgeous day on the river with the beautiful backdrop of Middle Tennessee,” he says. A full-day wading trip includes access to professional equipment—rods, reels, and flies—and lunch. Price: $300. Buy online: franklinflyfishingco.com
BBQ Sauce Set from Martin’s BBQ
Set your pitmaster up for success with some of Tennessee’s best BBQ sauces. When you can’t get to the original Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville, the next best thing is a bucket full of all his favorites: Sweet Dixie (molasses and tomato-based), Alabama White Sauce, Jack’s Creek (sweet and spicy vinegar-based), Devil’s Nectar (extra-spicy), and Palmetto Gold (mustard-based). Slather onto smoked chicken or whole-hog BBQ—just make sure your giftee shares. Price: $66.99. Buy online: martinsbbqjoint.com
Beard Balm from Scout’s Barbershop
Keep his beard soft and conditioned with an all-natural beard balm from Scout’s Barbershop, purveyors of all things grooming. This handmade moisturizer is scented with essential oils and comes in four fragrances: Cedarwood + Fir, Tea Tree + Peppermint, Maycomb Vetiver, and Unscented. Price: $20 for a 2-oz. tin. Buy online: scoutsbarbershop.com
Copper Bracelet from The Copper Fox Gallery
Every stylish gentleman needs a hammered copper bracelet. We don’t make the rules! This tasteful piece of jewelry comes from The Copper Fox in Leiper’s Fork and was crafted by Middle Tennessee coppersmith Ben Caldwell. Hang it right on the tree for extra Christmas flair. Price: $200. Buy online: thecopperfoxgallery.com
BruMate Trio Can Cooler from Tin Cottage
Shopping local doesn’t mean giving up the trendiest gifts of the season! Warm his heart by keeping his drink oh-so-cold with the BruMate Trio—a three-in-one can cooler that fits perfectly in a stocking. At Tin Cottage in downtown Franklin, shoppers can find 20+ designs and colors of the BruMate, which can be used as a 12-oz. cooler with a freezable base, a 16-oz. can sleeve, or a 16-oz. tumbler with a lid. Price: $25-$30. Buy online: tincottage.com or in-store at Tin Cottage (334 Main St. #100, Franklin)
Steel Eagle Folding Knife from Johnnie Q
You don’t have to be a knife collector to appreciate the astounding craftsmanship and skill of local artist Trey Geary. This folding knife has a Damascus steel blade complete with a carved eagle and a handle made with deep-blue Lapis, copper filaments, and Tennessee wood. Price: $499. Buy online: johnnieq.com
Hand-Painted Zebra Cufflinks from Walton’s Jewelry
He’s never gotten a gift like this before, guaranteed! Jazz up your love’s holiday wardrobe with 14K yellow gold and crystal hand-painted cufflinks. “Men’s jewelry fashion is seeing a major resurgence in vintage flair,” says owner Julie Walton Garland. Back before photography, images were preserved through painting. These ornate art miniatures showcase zebras galloping through the savanna. Price: $1,800. Buy online: waltonsjewelry.com
A Little Something for Both
A Spa Day in Leiper’s Fork
We could all use a little extra relaxation this holiday season, and a massage for her and him fit the bill! Book a treatment like a body massage, thai massage, or scrub and wrap at The Spa at Leiper’s Fork for an afternoon of luxury at this charming day retreat. Price: $110 for a 60-minute massage, $155 for a 90-minute massage, $125 for a body treatment. Book online: tsalf.com