Local Oddities Gift Guide 2020

Shop Local!

It’s more important than ever to shop local this holiday season! As our community struggles to make it through tough times, one way we can help is buying our holiday gifts directly from the shops and brands that build our community. That’s why we are making it easy for you to find the most unique gifts from shops right here in or near New Orleans in our guide featured in Biz New Orleans!

 

Lekha

 

 

 

Lekha’s seriously soft fabrics are  perfect for crisp days, cozy nights, and everything in between. Each design is handmade by female owned artisan workshops and rural women’s empowerment artisan cooperatives in india. In a world of fast fashion, these products stand out as the real deal! 

 

Oxalis Apothecary 

 

You can find these products when you stay at the newly opened fabulous boutique hotel, The Chloe. Take our word for it, their essential oils will leave your skin feeling like a new born baby! Promoting 100% natural, Plant-To-Body ingredients, these hyper-clean products are perfect for everyday rituals and your essential oil or skincare loving friend.

 

Kinky Coily Queens

 

Most black hair care and cosmetic products sold main stream are not black owned, this one is! These two lovely ladies have made it their mission to provide all natural hair & skin care products. The tumeric & honey scrub is one of our favorites! Find your own!

 

Breathing Waters Garden

 

Who doesn’t want a new plant baby for the holiday!? This farm and art collective located in Arabi is a fun place to pick up an exotic plant or create a produce basket for your loved one. If you ask nicely, Jake may also give you a tour!

 

Rachael Depauw Pottery

 

Self described “basic potter gal working in New Orleans,” Rachael’s designs are stunning. Working primarily on the potter’s wheel, her items are detailed-oriented yet functional. From handcrafted coffee mugs to earrings to home number plaques, you can find a wide array of products on her Etsy site!

 

Fringe.And.Company

 

One of our favorite brands boasts “wearable fun!” These funky shirts featuring an array of pop icons and head wraps are the most fun gifts of the year! Sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face, this New Orleans based, LGBTQIA friendly brand will be a hit at your white elephant party or under the tree.

 

Vendure Olive Oil

 

The food lover on your list will love Verdure’s gourmet olive oils and vinegars. Visiting their store is a delight! You will find a huge selection of infused products and specialty gifts. It will be hard to pick just one!

 

Alexa Pulitzer

 

Searching for sophisticated original paper collections? Alexa’s custom stationery and private label collections have been featured in GOOP and The New York Times! She proudly manufactures products in the USA and has grown to be one of New Orleans’ proudest exports! You can find a wide array of special stocking stuffers for the hostess with the mostess in your life.

 

Bourgeois Meat Market

 

A little down the bayou in Thibodaux you will find the BEST jerky and meat products around. Bourgeois has some great holiday gift boxes that will leave your mouth watering

 

Macrame Nola

 

Jennifer O’Brien, local mucisian and macrame queen, makes gorgeous handmade plant holders as well as other items like key chains and necklaces. You can view her items on Instagram and direct message her for more information.

 

Patria Decor

 

Give the gift of color with Patria Decor’s selection of handmade African homewhere and art. Functional and vibrant, these items add a spark to any home. Better yet, your purchase supports members of communities across Africa.

 

Bunny Lane

 

Taxidermist, woodworker, pinstriper and all around maker of mythical things, Meghan “Bunny” Ackerman creates truly odd & magical art that will stand out under the tree!

 

Weapon of Choice

 

We all have friends or family members who spend months on their Mardi Gras or Halloween outfits. Weapon of Choice’s designs are sure to delight the fashionista or costume lover on your list!

 

Dressed New Orleans

 

From custom patches, to one of a kind halter tops and earrings, Dressed New Orleans supplies chain stitched products, as well as custom embroidery. I mean who wouldn’t love this fringe shoulder wrap! Perfect for the urban cowboy in us all.

 

Local Cooling Farms

 

On 16 acres of land south of Bogalusa you will find this unique farm dedicated to rejuvenating their once depleted land by implementing nutrient cycling farming and livestock techniques. You can buy groceries directly from their site, a sure treat for the home chef on your list!

 

Aspiring Ghost

 

This artist creates beautiful handmade wooden bowls, stash boxes, and decorative pieces. He even has foraged knives & shot glasses! Proudly stating that everything is possible with shellac, these beauties are sure to delight.

 

Colby Hebert

 

Otherwise known as “The Cajun Hatter,” Colby creates gorgeous hats for men and women. His hats are loved by locals and famous artists alike being seen on the top of the dome of the likes of Lauren Daigle & Gary Clark Jr.! These swamp-chic hats with a laissez faire attitude are definately on our list this year!

 

Darrin Butler

 

Darrin is a New Orleans based artist whose work is regularly displayed at events in the city. His jewlery designs are sure to stand out and make a statement. He’s also a master at wood & layering, creating aweinspiring pieces of pop icons offering limited edition 11×14 options & larger painting or metal workings

 

Paper Rose Designs

 

Katie Rose creates adorable handdrawn designs. She has prints for sale on her website but will also do custom holiday or life event designs for a truly unique and fun option sure to surprise and delight your friends and family.