Fall is in the air, so that means the American public will soon be bombarded by advertisements for holiday gifts. Department stores and big box retailers will stuff your mailbox and usurp your television and computer screens in an effort to convince you to buy sweaters, jewelry, electronic gadgets, and all the things seemingly essential to a happy holiday.
If you’d rather avoid the most rampant consumerism of the season (including the midnight stampede of Black Friday), make a plan to shop small, locally owned businesses in the Nashville community this season. Some of these businesses will have special promotions in conjunction with Small Business Saturday—held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. (This year that will be November 28th.)
Below are a few highlights of local and independent merchants in some of the best shopping destinations in the city:
Green Hills
10,000 Villages: Fair trade, handcrafted, gifts. My go-to place for unique wedding and holiday gifts. They have a great selection of jewelry, accessories, and functional household décor, and limited children’s toys. They also have many nativities from around the world if you know someone who collects those or would like one for your own Christmas decorating.
Parnassus Books: A local, independent bookstore co-owned by bestselling author Ann Patchett, Parnassus “provides a refuge for Nashvillians of all ages who share in our love of the written word.” Bonus tip: They have afternoon story time for the kiddos every Thursday afternoon at 3:30.
Brilliant Sky: There are about a dozen of these toy stores around the country, so it’s not technically a “mom and pop” operation, but it’s still a great toy store, and you don’t have to go to the mall to shop there.
12 South
White’s Mercantile: Best sellers at this eclectic local gift shop include a CD of lullaby renditions of Willy Nelson songs, sourdough artisan beer bread mix, and a baby onesie printed with “Jesus loves me.” That and more can be found in the store.
Cadeau: A lovely shop that includes furniture, throw pillows, candles, books, and one-of-a-kind items.
Hillsboro Village
Pangea: “An eclectic shop with everything from hip and trendy clothing to unique and funky gifts…and everything in between.” Yep, that pretty much sums it up.
Davis Cookware: Williams Sonoma, this ain’t. Shopping in this Hillsboro Village stalwart is like rummaging through your gourmet grandma’s attic, and it even comes with your very own curmudgeonly grandpas who are quick to give advice on all things culinary. Just don’t try to tell them their tea and coffee is not the best in town.
Berry Hill
Unfortunately, long-time Berry Hill anchor tenant and whimsical gift emporium The Curious Heart closed earlier this year, but if you’re a DIY kinda gal and plan on making your own holiday gifts this season, Berry Hill is still a worthy destination to explore.
BeDazzled: Find all things for beading and jewelry making at this quaint little shop.
SmArt Supplies: “SmArt! Is a one-of-a-kind resale space offering donated art and craft materials to Nashville’s creative makers while benefitting Progress, Inc., a local nonprofit for adults with intellectual disabilities.”
Get a jump on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and attend the Making Merry Street Festival in Berry Hill, planned for Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Nashville
East Nashville is ground zero for fiercely unique and independent businesses where you can buy everything from high end designer clothes to specialty loose teas to tomato-themed works of art. Here are a few places to explore:
The Shoppes on Fatherland: Looking for funky home décor? Intricate chocolate creations? A Nashville-centric philanthropic t-shirt & apparel company? A shop named Hempopotamus, dedicated to selling products made from industrial hemp? You got it (and much more!) here in the Fatherland shopping district.
Fairytales Bookstore: This shop packs a lot into a small space: books, costumes, puzzles, art supplies, science kits and more! And in case you didn’t know, Fairytales shares space with Pied Piper Creamery, so it’s basically your child’s dream come true. (Look for Fairytales and more to be featured in our upcoming Holiday Gift Guide!)
Art and Invention Gallery: Epicenter of the annual Tomato Art Festival, this gallery is open year-round and has a nice selection of affordable, one-of-a kind gifts—plenty with and without tomato themes. And don’t miss the shops in the nearby Idea Hatchery.
Porter Flea: Nashville’s premier modern handmade marketplace will be held Dec. 4-5 at Silver Points Studio in East Nashville. It will include locally made artisanal food items, personal care and beauty products, clothing, pottery, jewelry, and more.
In a Category All Its Own
Phillips Toy Mart: Nashville’s largest independent toy store, Phillips is a children’s wonderland. Try to shop at this Belle Meade emporium during off times because it can get crazy in there during the prime shopping season!
