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We know gift guides are popular this time of year, and rightfully so! It can be overwhelming picking out the perfect item for all those holiday parties. Whether you’re celebrating out of town and want to bring a piece of home with you, or know someone who is a proud Durham native – find out which local gift is right for you.
1. Bull City Olive Oil Co.
Bull City Olive Oil is perfect for your host gifts. Both artisanal and local, a bottle of infused olive oil or specialty food item will be way more personalized than a bottle of wine from the grocery store.
2. Fullsteam Brewery
Yes, beer is a great gift. Fullsteam’s mission is to craft distinctly Southern beer that celebrates the farm and food traditions of the American South. Pair a six pack with a couple of pint glasses, or splurge for this North Carolina Flight Board.
3. Counter Culture Coffee
Counter culture is a standard for high-quality coffee in the Triangle. Its always good, and always appreciated as a gift. Plus the bags are aesthetically pleasing. For the coffee addict in your life pair it with a french press or a Chemex coffeemaker.
4. Big Spoon Roasters
Made in small batches from local producers, Big Spoon Roasters is delicious. Perfect for your health nut friends and coworkers, they even have gift boxes if you’re buying multiples.
5. Southern Elegance Candle Company
With scents named after cities in North Carolina, we love the idea of gifting these candles for anyone homesick, or with a special affinity for a certain region. If candles aren’t your thing they also sell room sprays and wax melts!
6. Vintage Home South
Visit this shop for all your dreamy decor needs. From beautiful reused furniture to sweet decor items, you will find what you need, even for that friend who already has everything. Vintage Home South loves everything local and it shows!
7. Parker and Otis
If you want to shop and eat at the same time – this is your place. Pop in for breakfast and lunch and hit the gift shop on the way out. Quality gourmet gifts, gourmet foods, cheese, wine and candy – so many options for your foodie friends!
8. One World Market 
As a non-profit, One World Market is focused on providing fair wages to low-income craft persons. With an array of Durham themed gifts, you can buy local and feel really good about it.
9. Buddha Bee Apiary
A local family run apiary, Buddha Bee carries lip balm, cut comb, and regular honey. The honey is tasty and comes in really unique (and practical) jars. A sweet gift to pair with a mug or box of tea.
This guide was inspired by a Durham themed gift basket Real Estate by Design donated to the DRAR for a silent auction last month. All proceeds benefitted the Durham Habitat for Humanity. Each year, Durham Habitat helps nearly 25 families build homes in Durham. Built mostly with volunteer labor, all homes are professionally supervised and built to ensure high quality and consistency. Habitat families provide “sweat equity,” working alongside our volunteers and staff in home construction, and Habitat provides zero-interest mortgages. To get involved with their efforts click here.
