There are tons of locally made products from Kentucky that make that perfect gift for someone on your list. To make the holiday shopping season a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gifts that can be bought in Kentucky, from sweet treats and teas (and bourbon!) to leather goods, gifts for the sports lover, and more.
So take a look at some gifts you can buy for your loved ones this holiday. Happy shopping, everyone!
Bourbon holiday gift ideas from Louisville
Woodford Reserve, woodfordreserve.com
To ring in the holiday season, Woodford Reserve has released its annual holiday bourbon bottle. The bottle has a white raised texture evoking snow and features a smooth glossy gold foil that compliments the rich color of the bourbon.
“A Woodford Reserve holiday bottle is the perfect gift this season, and it will make a beautiful addition to any bar cart,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said in a news release. “It’s the perfect gift to bring to a holiday party – or even a treat to yourself.”
COST: One-liter Woodford Reserve holiday bottle, $50
Work the Metal, 1201 Story Ave., workthemetal.com
For the bourbon enthusiast, consider getting something they can use to enjoy all of that premium bourbon in their life.
Work the Metal, a massive boutique in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood sells a variety of bourbon-themed gifts. Check out the bourbon flight board, made from reclaimed Bourbon Barrel Stave. It features four snifter glasses and a small symbol of the state of Kentucky is burned into the wood.
COST: bourbon flight board, $64
Angel’s Envy, 500 E. Main St., angelsenvy.com/us/en/
Angel’s Envy has released its first-ever limited-edition Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels, and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels for the 12th year in a row. The new expressions mark the first releases under the helm of Master Distiller Owen Martin, who joined the brand last fall.
The 2023 Cask Strength Rye is the brand’s first time releasing a limited-edition Rye Whiskey at Cask Strength and only 5,500 bottles will be available. The rye features creamy notes of pears, cream, and rye spice on the palate, which lead into a finish of cream soda, black tea, and a floral sweetness, according to a news release.
The Cask Strength Bourbon release includes creamy notes of cherry, caramel, and marshmallow on the palate, which lead into a finish of baking spice, oak tannins, and red wine, according to the release. Just over 22,000 bottles will be available.
Both expressions will be available at select retailers across the U.S., including the Angel’s Envy distillery in downtown Louisville, starting Dec. 1.
COST: Cask Strength Rye, $269.99, Cask Strength Bourbon, $229.99
Hardin’s Creek, hardinscreek.com
Over the past year, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Freddie Noe have released The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, a three-part series of Kentucky Straight Bourbons. Each expression was laid down at the same time 17 years ago, with the same mash bill and production process. The only difference was the location of aging.
Each expression is named after the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus on which it matured: Hardin’s Creek Clermont (released June 2023), followed by Frankfort (released August 2023), and finally Boston (released September 2023).
The trio is the perfect chance to taste each release side-by-side to compare and contrast.
COST: $169.99
Clayton and Crume, 216 S. Shelby St., claytonandcrume.com
Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.
The NuLu leather goods shop sells full-grain leather coasters featuring hand-stamped images of the state of Kentucky, the fleur de lis, and the Louisville skyline.
These thick, water-resistant coasters are sold in packs of four.
Horseracing fans may enjoy the horseshoe or jockey silk coasters and bourbon enthusiasts may want to outfit their bar with the mint julep recipe coaster.
If you’re thinking of sending made-in-Louisville products to loved ones out of state, the company’s 50 State Collection and selection of city skylines can give them a local, handcrafted gift to help them show off their own state pride.
COST: $38, for a set of four
Carmichael’s Bookstore, 1295 Bardstown Road and 2720 Frankfort Ave., carmichaelsbookstore.com
For those who enjoy bourbon beyond simply drinking it, “Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” by husband-and-wife writers Berkeley and Jeanine Scott adds depth and context to one of Kentucky’s most well-known exports.
Published earlier this year, the photo-heavy book explores the deeply rooted history of bourbon production throughout the state through the lens of “lost” distilleries, many of which never reopened after Prohibition.
COST: “Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” $23.99 (paperback)
Holiday gift ideas for the Kentucky foodie
Art Eatables, 9816 Linn Station Road; arteatables.com
Building on the beloved tradition of bourbon-infused candies, Art Eatables began making small-batch bourbon truffles in 2011. The “taste of the trail” bundle makes for a special treat while paying homage to Kentucky’s most-loved spirit. The 8-piece samples include truffles made with Bulleit, Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Jim Beam, Town Branch, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve bourbons.
COST: $23-$92, price varies by size
Please and Thank You, multiple locations, wearepleaseandthankyou.com
The recipient of this gift will definitely thank you. Please and Thank You has become a staple in Louisville for its chocolate chip cookie goodness that you just have to tell someone about. Thanks to their shipping program, you can just send them cookies instead to say, “Happy Holidays.”
COST: Please and Thank you cookie mix, $12, one-dozen cookies, $29
Froggy’s Popcorn, 974 Barret Ave., Louisville, froggyspopcorn.com
Take a cozy at-home family movie night to the next level with this epic snack basket from Froggy’s Popcorn. The basket includes a sweet and savory assortment of snacks including one extra large bag of Froggy’s freshly popped movie theater butter popcorn, four bags of from-scratch gourmet popcorn ― white cheddar, farmhouse cheddar, granny’s caramel, and birthday cake flavors ― as well as four boxes of classic movie theater candy and a set of five reusable popcorn buckets. This basket is available for purchase at the Barret Avenue store and online at froggyspopcorn.com.
COST: $59
Louisville Tea Company, 9305 New La Grange Road, louisvilleteacompany.com
Nothing says self-care quite like a warm mug of tea. Louisville Tea Company, the city’s premiere loose-leaf tea shop, sells a variety of products, including its popular tea sampler packs, like its “12 Days of Christmas” sampler. It features a dozen flavors, including “Christmas Morning,” “Pizzelle Cookie,” “Santa’s Cookies,” and “Pepper Twist.”
Each tea comes with brewing instructions, which vary by type. Not sure what to get? Try one of its popular sampler boxes, which in addition to the holiday sample, come in varieties including Green Tea, Classic Tea, Caffeine Free, Kentucky Tea and more.
COST: 12-day sampler $12.95, 6-bag sampler $26, top tea sampler $48, rare tea sampler $62
Handmade holiday gifts from Kentucky
A Taste of Kentucky, 11800 Shelbyville Road, atasteofkentucky.com
As you can imagine, shopping at A Taste of Kentucky is a surefire way to gift a piece of the Bluegrass State to friends and family during the holidays.
For the foodie in your life, consider the fleur de lis or horse head silhouette cutting board made in Stanton, Kentucky by Appalachian Mountain Crafts. These boards are made from maple and walnut wood harvested from the Appalachian Mountains.
For the friend who is always losing their keys, may we suggest a magnetic key holder shaped like the Commonwealth? Veteran-made in Kentucky by Cruise Customs Flags, this American cherry hardwood wall décor is both functional and decorative.
COST: fleur de lis and horse cutting board, $30-$65; Kentucky key holder, $50
Clayton & Crume, 216 S. Shelby St., claytonandcrume.com
Clayton & Crume, which makes high-quality leather goods, sells a variety of items perfect for anybody on your list. And you can make these items just a little bit more special with the option of monogramming.
First, for the tech lover in your life, try the monogrammed Leather Phone Case for the iPhone 13 and 14, which comes in a leather natural color, or the iPhone 15 case, which comes in three colors — natural, black and olive green. The case is made from world-famous hides from the Horween tannery in Chicago, Illinois, and is designed, processed, and personalized in the shop. Cases retail for $95.
For something a little less pricey, try the monogrammed Circle Key Fob, which will keep your keys handy in a classic style. You can customize your handmade key strap with a complimentary monogram (up to three characters).
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, Clayton & Crume handcrafts these sturdy leather cord snaps. A tiny, inexpensive solution to the gaggle of phone and computer cords, the leather snaps start at $6 for a thoughtful stocking stuffer or $20 if you box up a bundle of five.
COST: iPhone cases, $95, circle key fob, $30, cord snap, $6 or $20 for a bundle of five
Hadley Pottery, 1570 Story Ave., hadleypottery.com
Louisville philanthropist Brook Smith purchased Hadley Pottery in November 2022 with the intent to honor the brand and legacy of Mary Alice Hadley and all of the people who have been a part of this Louisville icon since its inception in 1940. While moderately priced, you can pick up a Hadley cereal bowl for just $22, but for those who enjoy the hunt and a bargain, Hadley sells seconds like the Turtle design cereal bowl for $15.50. The Hadley Pottery website is a great place to browse since the sales room at the shop is open only Wednesday and Saturday. The thing is with the seconds, once they are gone, they are gone so if you find something you like, don’t delay your purchase.
COST: Hadley cereal bowl seconds, $15.50
Revelry Boutique and Gallery, 742 E. Market St., revelrygallery.com
If you like to sip and smell local, a beer candle might just be the perfect gift.
These soy wax candles with hemp wicks are made with recycled West Sixth Brewing beer cans but don’t worry. They don’t actually smell like beer! Revelry Boutique and Gallery in NuLu has a selection of candles, which burn for 50-plus hours, in various West Sixth Brewing cans from Lexington-based Nerd Babes Co.
The shop also has a selection of candles in Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses.
Looking for a different style of candle? Nerd Babes Co. makes a variety of others with cans from Kentucky-based beer brands.
COST: $20 beer can candle, $26 Kentucky Derby glass candle
Revelry Boutique Gallery, 742 Market St., revelrygallery.com
These initial wire-wrapped rings are a best-seller at Revelry Boutique Gallery, a carefully curated boutique and art gallery with many one-of-a-kind pieces from regional artists in NuLu. Louisville artist Gretchen Leachman creates the popular $12 initial rings, which are available in every letter of the alphabet. These affordable pieces of jewelry make the perfect personalized gift.
COST: $12 per ring
Work the Metal,1201 Story Ave., workthemetal.com
You’ll clean up in the gift department with these clever tea towels at Work the Metal. The super-sized gift boutique in the Butchertown neighborhood boasts an entire wall with dozens of towels decorated with photos of popular Louisville themes and various humorous quotes (having nothing to do with Louisville or Kentucky.) Ranging in price from $12-$18, you can choose towels with designs of Thunder Over Louisville, jockey silks, a mint julep recipe, or snarky comments and quotes about housework and bourbon.
Created by Louisville’s Layne Wilson Photography, these classic tea towels make a great hostess gift if you are attending holiday parties and are lightweight which makes them less expensive to ship. And because they are inexpensive, you might combine one with a $7 ceramic coaster also from Layne Wilson Photography. The coasters come in dozens of designs including retro horse racing themes, cityscapes, and racey quotes, which we can’t print in this publication.
COST: Tea towels by Layne Wilson Photography, $12-$18. Ceramic coasters, $7
Self-care holiday gift ideas from Kentucky
BaeVibez Skincare, facebook.com/baevibezskincare
This Black-owned and operated business makes skin care products in Louisville including “bae butters” for nourishment, body and hair oils, African black soap and more. All the skincare products are vegan.
In addition to shopping on its website, a variety of products can be found in Rainbow Blossom locations around the city.
“With a luxurious blend of exotic ingredients, including Kokum butter, Shea butter, Arrowroot powder, Avocado oil, Rosehip oil, Grapeseed oil, Vitamin E (Tocopherol acetate), and infused with invigorating scents of tropical, cherry, pineapple papaya, coconut mango, and island paradise essential oils, this butter is a true tropical indulgence,” says founder Adriana Susso.
COST: BaeVibez bae butter 2-ounce container, $30, 4-ounce container is $45
Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa, 124 S. 1st St., bourbonandblushspa.com
Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa in downtown Louisville offers a variety of self-care items perfect for all bodies.
If you’re looking to gift someone special in your life with a pampering day, try a Moonshine manicure ($40), a signature facial ($120+ for 50 minutes), a Make It Neat massage ($115 for 50 minutes), or a Nourishing Body Wrap ($180 for 75 minutes).
Bourbon & Blush uses its Me Care Bourbon-Infused Bodyline, which infuses Kentucky bourbon into small batch, clean ingredient, body scrubs, body butters, and salt soaks. The products are used on-site and can also be purchased to take home to continue the spa experience after leaving.
COST: Bluegrass Bourbon body scrub, $34, Bootleg Body Butter, $30, Midnight Moon moisturizer, $24
Commonwealth Candle, 10526 Watterson Trail, commonwealthcandle.com
These soy, locally made and hand-poured candles from Commonwealth Candle come in a variety of scents, from Cedar and Bergamont and Cherry Wine to Cozy Cabin and Lavender Lemon. Some of its current fall scents include Tobacco Barn, Apple Bourbon, Banana Nut Bread, Cranberry Woods, Cinnamon Bun and more.
You can also pour your own candle and create your own scent. A walk-in appointment will allow you the chance to choose your own vessel, choose your own scent blend, and “pour a candle that is uniquely yours.” The price to pour your own candle depends on the style of jar you choose. Prices start at $25 and go up from there.
Commonwealth Candle also sells sampler packs, including the popular “Kentucky Flight,” which includes four candles with scents Kentucky Rain, Louisville Love, Tobacco Barn and Kentucky Bourbon.
COST: 8-ounce candle, $18, 16-ounce candle, $28
Moss Hill, 1201 Story Ave., mosshill.net
Tucked inside Work the Metal, an 8,000-square-foot gift shop in Butchertown, sits Moss Hill, a skin and body care shop that sells everything from candles to lotions, chapstick, and more.
This woman-owned shop sells a variety of products at any price point, meaning you won’t have to break the bank while buying a thoughtful gift. Its bar soaps are $7, bubble bath retails for $9 and lips balms are only $5. Looking for something special for the man in your life? Moss Hill sells a three-piece shaving box which includes “a wide container of shaving soap available in two different fragrances, a matching after-shave lotion, and a boar bristle brush” in a variety of scents, for $37.
COST: 8-ounce lotion, $19, bubble bath, $9, body mist, $15, full-size hand and body wash, $18
Holiday gift ideas for the sports lover from Kentucky
Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop, 704 Central Ave., derbymuseumstore.com
The Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop has a variety of Kentucky and Derby-themed gifts, local products, and specialty goods.
In May 2024, Churchill Downs will celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby, so get the racing fan a little piece of history with a gift with the 150 Derby logo. Choose from the Kentucky Derby 150 Icon Logo Tee that comes in black, cardinal red and royal blue, or the Kentucky Derby 150 Stratus Ball Cap that comes in white, black dark gray, demin blue, hunter green, and khaki.
COST:Tee shirt, $25, Ball cap, $30
Valhalla Golf Club, 15503 Shelbybille Road, valhallagolfclub.com
Give the golf enthusiast in your life the ultimate holiday gift with practice round tickets to the 2024 PGA Championship, which will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
Immerse them in the world of professional golf, offering the opportunity to be up close to their favorite players and the chance to snag coveted autographs. The experience extends beyond the greens with a food and non-alcoholic beverage inclusion program.
The PGA Championship takes place May 13-17. While tickets for May 17-19 are sold out, practice round tickets are still available. Tickets can be purchased through the PGA of America’s Official Ticketing Provider, SeatGeek.
COST: Starting at $59
JD Becker’s UK & UofL Superstore, 7521 Outer Loop, jdbeckerstores.com
For the Kentucky and Louisville sports fan, JD Becker has a large selection of Louisville and Kentucky gear for Christmas just in time for the big game in December. They also have golf accessories, hats, jewelry, novelties, accessories for each school, and items for infants and toddlers.
COST: Sweatshirts start at $44.99. Free shipping on orders $75 and more.