If you’re in search of affordable gifts for family, friends, coworkers, and holiday hosts, we’ve got you covered with this list of fabulous gifts under $50. The best part? All of these items are produced and/or sold by retailers in and around Louisville, making it extra easy to support local businesses this season. (No judgment if you find a little something for yourself, too!)
FOOD & DRINK
Jam collection
Kentucky’s MK Hennigan elevates holiday entertaining with her Holiday Cheese Board Jam Collection. This curated set of three jams — Strawberry Jalapeño, Bourbon Blueberry, and Apple Bourbon Butter — makes an ideal gift for the bourbon and charcuterie lovers in your life. Find the set at In the Curious Kitchen for $34.
Take-home cocktails
Locally made and ready to serve, these seasonal take-home cocktails will make entertaining a little bit easier for your holiday host. Flavors include The Giovanna and The Henderson. Find them exclusively at Louisville’s Angel’s Envy distillery for $15 each.
Freshly baked cookies
A dozen chocolate chip cookies from a company voted “Best Cookie Shop in America” by USA Today makes for a super sweet holiday treat. Find a box of 12 at Please & Thank You for $33.
Vegan jerky
Inspired by classic Southern flavors, this vegan jerky is as close to the real thing as you can get. Buy someone a bundle that features all six main flavors: Smoked Black Pepper, Maple Bacon, General Tso’s, Buffalo Hot Wing, Pepperoni Pizza, and Carolina Barbecue. The bundle is currently on sale at Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. for $40 (reg. $44).
GIFTS FOR HIM
Dryer balls + scent
Give the gift of naturally softened, beautifully scented laundry! Each pack of these dryer balls includes three 100% New Zealand wool dryer balls and a fragrance oil in a Mixture Man scent. Find it at Work The Metal for $36.
Bourbon barrel pen
Ideal for any office or home bar addition, this handcrafted pen is designed from bourbon barrels and bullet casings. The pen comes with black ink, but it can easily be replaced. Find it at A Taste of Kentucky for $44.99.
Santa socks
Diana Wallace and her husband Ross bring hard-to-find apparel and accessories to shoppers in the Louisville area — like these surfing Santa poly-blend crew socks. Perfect for Christmas morning! Find them at him & her for $14.99.
Sunglass strap
The sun shines year round, and this full-grain leather strap will ensure his favorite pair of sunnies stays safe. Each strap is handcrafted in Derby City and comes with a complimentary monogram. Find it at Clayton & Crume for $40.
HOME & ENTERTAINING
Book
In local celebrity chef Edward Lee’s follow-up to his James Beard Award-winning book, Buttermilk Graffiti, he examines Louisville’s favorite libation with recipes, essays, profiles, and more. Perfect for the bourbon-loving bibliophile in your life, the book can be found at Pappy & Company for $30.
Dog accent statue
This resin pup will greet guests with small candies or other treats. Measuring 8-by-5-by-7 inches, it can be placed on almost any entryway table. Find it at Merridian Home Furnishings for $38.
Incense
Handmade and wild-grown, this Creekside incense is made of powdered wood, tree resins, and plant material that was farm-grown and foraged. Its crisp, woodsy scent brings forest-like, first-snow vibes. Sets of 16 sticks in three scents are available at Hotel Genevieve for $32.
Rocks glass
This 14-ounce rocks glass will show off your favorite Kentuckian’s love for the Bluegrass State — and their drink of choice. Plus, it’s designed by Louisville’s own Rachael Sinclair. Find it at KY for KY for $15.
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Beanie
Let the LouCity fan in your life show their support for the boys in purple. This knit pom beanie will help keep them warm at Lynn Family Stadium all winter long. Find it at the Louisville City Official Team Store for $36.99.
Bracelet hair ties
Your friends will always have a hair tie handy when you gift them a bundle of these gold-hued bracelet hair ties. Find them at Six Sisters Boutique for $6 each.
Earrings
These 18-karat gold-filled, slice-of-pie earrings are sure to bring both a pop of color and a little bit of sweetness to someone on your gift list. Designed and handmade in Louisville by local designer Kaviya Ravi, you can find them at Khromophilia for $35.
Eau de parfum
A bespoke fragrance built upon a foundation of Kentucky Bourbon, master bourbon blender Jackie Zykan’s Love & Whiskey boasts baking spice and alpine notes reminiscent of a winter mountain cabin. Give the gift of this or more than a dozen other fragrances from ODUOAK, starting at $11 each.
KIDS & PETS
Board game
Kids 10 and older will enjoy this deceptively cute yet challenging strategy game. It is available at Playthings Toy Shoppe for $34.99.
Emotional support pickle
When life isn’t all bread and butter, this pickle helps little ones (and adults, too!) “dill” with everything that life throws their way. Handmade in Louisville, find it at Grady Goods for $40.
Knit dog hat
Help your furriest friend keep warm this holiday season with a cozy beanie designed to ensure comfort and cuteness. Find it at The Dog Shop for $24.
Ornament kit
Gift your favorite paw-rent a way to commemorate their Christmas with Fido. Find this ornament-making kit at Darling State of Mind for $18.
Happy Holidays, Louisville!
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