Atlanta Winter Gift Guide

By Rachel Griner

Published November 23, 2021
Last Updated October 10, 2023

Atlanta is full of gift ideas for everyone on your list – whether the goal is to spread joy, celebrate the New Year or dote on your Valentine. Shop these storefronts, brimming with goodies that capture the spirit of the city.

Ponce City Market

Start at Ponce City Market (PCM), located along the Atlanta BeltLine. Enjoy holiday pop-ups, fireside pods on The Yard and The Roof’s Skate the Sky. Once a store and warehouse, PCM houses more than 30 national name brand and local stores.

The Printshop has original artworks that pay tribute to Atlanta. Browse prints that illustrate the city’s core values of “too busy to hate” and “always coming through.” Or, go for a rendering of Peachtree Street or the beloved Krispy Kreme doughnut shop on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
www.theprintshopatl.com

The Village demonstrates Ujamaa, the Kwanzaa principle of cooperative economics, with a collection of brands built by Black entrepreneurs. Stock up on treats like body butter and beard oil. Up someone’s game with a fly hat or statement earrings. Or, big up on a handcrafted leather briefcase or distinguished wooden watch. 
www.thevillageretail.com

The cool toys hang at The Rhen’s Nest. Plushies are all the rage – from traditional teddies to adorable versions of craveable foods. Who doesn’t love a good snuggle with a fried egg? For the wild child, find active toys like Stomp Racers and slingshots. For the quiet child, beautifully crafted wooden puzzles and the latest board games.
www.rhensnesttoyshop.com

Plants are a whole love language at The Victorian. Gift someone special a gorgeous, easy-to-care-for plant like the Monstera Deliciosa. Choose from 4-6 inch pots, perfect if traveling by plane (TSA allows houseplants that are carry-on size).
www.thevictorianatlantacom

Westside Provisions District 

West Midtown spans historic neighborhoods and new developments. Find gifts that showcase the city’s ever-evolving aesthetic and enduring sense of pride.

For gifts that radiate Southern charm, try Hudson Grace in Westside Provisions District. The home goods store captures the scent of Georgia with candles and soaps in magnolia and citrus blends. And, for that trademark hospitality, it has lovely cotton cocktail napkins, sleek marble cheese boards and hand-blown glassware.
www.hudsongracesf.com

Crafted Westside, also in Westside Provisions District, has sentimental jewelry and keepsakes. The store features a collective of talented artisans and designers, primarily from Atlanta. There are dainty chain necklaces, stacked rings forged by a local metalsmith and bracelets with subtle-yet-sweet messages of love and friendship.
www.craftedwestside.com

Virginia Highland 

The Virginia Highland neighborhood is just northeast of downtown Atlanta. On Dec. 4, from 1-6 p.m., the district hosts Winterfest Holiday Market with local vendors and live music. Shop any time at these stores along the main stretch.

Virginia Highland Books is an independent bookstore launched in 2021 by entrepreneur Sandra Huff. This season’s highlights include new releases like Amanda Gorman’s “Change Sings,” beautifully illustrated issues of Harry Potter and Christmas classics like “The Polar Express.”
www.vahibooks.com

Little Barn Apothecary carries skin care products that are 100% vegan and all natural. Give a restorative facial with a botanical face wash, moisturizing serum or specialty treatment mask. Or, try a little aromatherapy with Air Water scents and Aroma Elixirs to infuse any space with notes of exotic woods, wintry figs and fresh ginger.
www.littlebarnapothecary.com

Kinship, while not a traditional place for gifts, is a family-owned butcher shop helmed by chef and owner Miles Moody and owner Rachael Peck. Give the gift of quality meats and products from local purveyors with a gift card. A small selection of hand-picked wines by Rachael are also available.
www.kinship-atl.com 

Buckhead Picks 

Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood is a Southern icon where tastemakers shop. This is the perfect place to find gifts that signal tradition and create lasting memories.

Village Supply by HERMARKET features local, women-owned brands at a pop-up in Buckhead Village. Check out Suakoko Betty’s hand-dyed African Batiks in futuristic neon colors. And, peep Ziva’s modern-yet-meaningful earrings like the “Strong Friend” chain links.
www.buckheadvillagedistrict.com

Thank someone with a gift basket from Lucy’s Market. Founder Kim Wilson, who named the store for her grandmother and daughter, curates items into thoughtful themes. Georgia on My Mind features gourmet provisions like artisanal grits, peach jam and spiced pecans – tucked into a woven basket and tied with a bow.
www.lucysmarket.com

Give the gift of wonder from Kazoo Toys. Owners Whitney and Joe Novack stock the store with imaginative play supplies like arts and crafts, musical instruments and costumes. And, there are fascinating toys like science gear, magic kits and mechanical building sets.
www.kazootoysatlanta.com

Local Finds Online

Online shopping has gone from nice to – at times – necessary. Shop virtually at these Atlanta businesses with pickup and delivery options.

Get wine gifting help at Starbright Experience. Chat live with experts who are approachable enough to ask, “What’s a seasonal pick?” They might recommend the Barolo, Ca’Viola – easy-drinking with notes of fresh fruit and cool herbs. Holiday wrapping is available along with local delivery, pick-up and gift cards.
www.starbrightwine.com

Beautiful Briny Sea specializes in small-batch salt blends. Packaged in custom tins, these make perfect gifts for foodies. Try French Picnic, which goes great on avocado toast. Mushroom has that earthy umami everyone raves about. And – psst! – Mexican Hot Chocolate is actually a sugar blend with cayenne and cacao.
www.beautifulbrinysea.com

Dog people, Barkuterie Boards are the way to treat four-legged friends. The classic six-inch board features novel proteins like antelope jerky and Mahi Mahi alongside snacks like cookies and sweet potato. Order online for local Atlanta delivery or non-perishable national shipping.
www.barkuterieboards.com

Give and give back with Peace of Thread handbags. The company employs refugee women in the United States who sew unique bags using up-cycled fabrics. The Baserah crossbody is a favorite – it comes in a range of colors with enough room for a small tablet.
www.peaceofthread.com

Even More Shopping 

Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza are cornerstones of Buckhead shopping. They are home to big brand names and Atlanta traditions like the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square and Santa at Phipps. Head over to check items off your list, and don’t overlook these local gems.

Alon’s Bakery & Market recently opened its third Atlanta location at Phipps Plaza. The market area has a range of specialty items from around the world, including fine chocolates and candies. The Hanukkah goodies are so popular that it’s best to pre-order a platter of potato latkes or Sufganiyot
(jelly doughnuts).

ATTYYA is a 100% woman-owned minority beauty brand that recently opened its flagship store at Phipps Plaza. The collection showcases the founder’s commitment to diversity in beauty. There are a variety of shades in highly gift-able items like eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks.

If only something sparkly will do this season, Forever Diamonds at Lenox has served Atlanta for nearly 25 years. Owner Malik Kolsawala believes everyone has the right to the best possible quality their money can buy. Spend time eyeing the hand-selected pendants, rings, earrings and watches and chatting with the experts on staff.

www.simon.com

Make a day of shopping at the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, a short jaunt north of the city. There are nearly 100 name brand stores, including the recently opened Hugo Boss BOSS Outlet. Plan in advance by printing out a directory map and checking the website for special promotions in addition to the regular senior and military discounts.
www.theoutletshoppesatatlanta.com