The SoulGrown 2026 Gift Guide: shop Alabama makers and small businesses

Every year, we set out to create a gift guide that feels personal, intentional, and distinctly Alabama. We look for thoughtful finds, independent makers, Alabama businesses, and experiences worth sharing. Some gifts are practical, some are a little unexpected, and others offer the chance to learn something new or make a lasting memory.

This year’s guide brings together a collection of gifts for the people who make our lives richer: the friend with a green thumb, the creative who is always making something, or the person who loves a good meal. Whether you’re shopping for someone close to home or looking for a gift that introduces them to something new, we hope you’ll find a little home-grown inspiration here.

For the Gardener

For the person who looks forward to the first signs of spring, knows what’s growing in the garden at any given moment, and is always making room for one more plant.

• Alabama Sawyer Compost Bin: A beautifully crafted countertop compost bin made from salvaged Alabama wood, bringing a little more sustainability and style to the everyday kitchen.
• Collier Nursery Gift Certificate: Let them choose their next addition to the garden.
• Plant Parent Pot: A playful gift for the plant lover in your life, this “Plant Parent” pot from Houseplant Collective is perfect for a plant mom or plant dad.
• Native Plants from Recreative Natives: A collection of Alabama-native plants for someone interested in creating a pollinator-friendly garden. A gift certificate or curated selection would be a nice option.
• Stone Hollow Dahlia Seeds: Dahlia seeds from Stone Hollow Farmstead offer the fun of growing something entirely your own, with each seed producing a one-of-a-kind bloom in an unexpected color or form.
• Muscadine Vine from Petals From the Past: Bring a little Southern charm to the garden with this muscadine grapevine from Petals from the Past, a beautiful addition for gardeners who love growing and enjoying one of the South’s most beloved fruits.
• Pollination Palace Bee House: Give the garden’s hardest-working visitors a place to call home with this handcrafted wooden habitat, designed to provide nesting space for solitary bees and support the pollinators that help gardens flourish.
• Rainbow Swiss Chard Print: This colorful rainbow Swiss chard print from Birmingham’s Little Red Print Shop celebrates the beauty of the garden through Jessica Leitch’s distinctive hand-carved and hand-printed artwork.

For the Creative

For the person whose imagination rarely sits still, who notices the details others miss, and who is happiest with a project in progress.

• Forstall Art Center Gift Card: Give them the freedom to stock up on the materials that make their next idea possible.
• Yellowhammer Creative Prints: A way to bring a little Alabama-inspired art into their home or workspace.
• 28th St. Matches: Fondly known as “the crazy match lady,” the shop curates matchbook collections for the person who appreciates the details.
• A Vinyl from Seasick Records: For the music lover who still believes there is something special about finding the right record and bringing it home.
• Saturn Annual Pass: Give them a year of live music and the chance to discover their next favorite band.
• MakeBhm Pottery Classes: An opportunity to get their hands in the clay and try something new.
• Tuft Birmingham Workshop: For the creative who would love to try their hand at tufting and make something of their own.
• Stained Glass Ornament from Sway Design: A creative find for someone who appreciates thoughtful design.

For the Foodie

For the person who plans a trip around a restaurant, loves discovering a new ingredient, or just loves being creative in the kitchen—these gifts are perfect for the foodie in your life.

• The Flavor of Fire Cookbook: A must-have for the grill enthusiast, The Flavor of Fire by Alabama chef Kelsey Barnard Clark features 101 recipes for grilling and smoking
• Full Moon BBQ Flavor Pack: An iconic taste of Alabama barbecue to bring home.
• Sink Ceramics Matcha Bowl: A thoughtful gift for the matcha enthusiast, this ceramic bowl from Sink Ceramics brings a handmade touch to the daily ritual of whisking and enjoying a favorite cup of tea.
• Sweet Grown Alabama Gift Box: A collection that celebrates the farmers and food producers who make Alabama’s agricultural community special.
• Walnut Cutting Board: Made in Alabama from locally sourced American walnut, this end-grain cutting board is as practical as it is beautiful.
• Son of a Butcher Direct Gulf Shrimp: Sourced from Bayou La Batre, Alabama, these sweet, mild Gulf shrimp come peeled, deveined, and ready to cook
• Private Chef Experience with Jonathan Harrison: An opportunity to bring the experience of a thoughtfully prepared meal right to the table.
• Blissful Breakfast Gift Box: Make breakfast feel like a special occasion with this Alabama-made gift box, featuring sprouted flour pancake mix, wildflower honey, and seasonal floral syrup.
• Gift Card to a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant: Alabama boasts over a dozen Michelin-recommended restaurants to choose from.
• Gift Card to The Cook Store: The Cook Store in Mountain Brook opens the door to a thoughtfully curated collection of quality cookware, kitchen tools, and beautiful functional pottery.

For the Outdoorsman

For the person who would rather spend a day outside than just about anywhere else. Whether they are heading into the field, exploring a new trail, or simply enjoying time in the natural world, these gifts are made for getting out there.

• Lazyface Sunscreen: A practical stocking stuffer for anyone who spends plenty of time in the sun.
• Ribbed Boot Socks: Made in Fort Payne, Alabama, by second-generation sock makers at Little River Sock Mill, these organic cotton boot socks are a comfortable, everyday staple with a little Southern craftsmanship woven in.
• Original Art from Sue Key: Artwork inspired by the outdoors for someone who wants to bring a little of that world inside.
• Russell Moccasin Zephyr Premier Build Boots: A quality pair of boots for the person who appreciates well-made gear.
• Tom Beckbe Strap Vest and Field Hat: Two classic pieces for the outdoorsman who appreciates thoughtful design and dependable fieldwear.
• Selwood Farm Shooting Lesson: Give them the chance to learn a new skill or spend time practicing one they already enjoy.
• Otey Handcrafted Golf Club: A thoughtful, handmade club for the golf enthusiast.
• Birmingham Zoo Symbolic Animal Adoption: A meaningful gift for the animal lover, with the opportunity to support the care of wildlife at the Birmingham Zoo.
• Dear Golf Journal: For the golfer who knows the best rounds are about more than the score, Dear Golf is a beautifully designed journal for recording favorite courses and memorable moments.

For the Homebody

For the person who knows the value of a comfortable and curated home, a slow morning, and a little time to themselves. These gifts bring warmth, character, and a thoughtful touch to your living space.

• Village Apothecary Candles: A simple way to make home feel a little more inviting.
• Gee’s Bend Quilt: A piece of Alabama’s artistic and cultural heritage, made by the celebrated quilters of Gee’s Bend. Find a quilt through Kristin Pettway’s Etsy shop.
• Cala Coffee Bean Subscription: For the person who looks forward to that first cup of coffee every morning, a subscription makes it easy to keep good beans on hand.
• Little Professor Gift Card: Birmingham’s beloved independent bookstore, where the book lover in your life can browse a thoughtfully curated selection of books, gifts, and more.
• Still Johnson Three Dot Platter: This handmade piece from Birmingham-based Still Johnson brings an artful touch of movement and balance to any room.
• Daydreamer Leather Journal: Designed and handcrafted in Huntsville by Dreamers Supply Co., this thoughtfully designed leather journal gives dreamers a beautiful place to keep all their ideas.
• Red Land Cotton Blanket: Grown on Red Land Cotton’s family farm in North Alabama, this heirloom-quality blanket is made from 100% cotton.
• Piper & Leaf Tea of the Month Club: Blended and shipped from Huntsville, Alabama, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys slowing down with a good cup of tea.

For the Stylish Friend

For the person who knows what they like, pays attention to the details, and can make just about anything look intentional. From a wardrobe staple to a piece of jewelry, these gifts offer something with a little personality.

• Billy Reid Shoals Denim Shirt: A versatile addition to the wardrobe from one of Alabama’s best-known fashion names.
• Lisi Lerch Alabama Charm Necklace: A personal piece of jewelry for someone who loves a little Alabama pride.
• Styling Session with MG: Give them the chance to spend time with Alabama stylist Mary Glenn McElveen and find new ways to make their wardrobe work for them.
• Alabama Chanin Zero Waste Waffle Vest: A one-of-a-kind layering piece from Florence, Alabama-based Alabama Chanin, this hand-sewn vest is crafted from 100% organic cotton waffle knit,
• David Yurman from Bromberg’s: A timeless jewelry gift for someone who appreciates a classic piece.
• Secret Society Silk Knit Tie: A timeless accessory with a little personality, this 100% Italian silk knit tie from the Birmingham-based shop adds texture and understated polish.
• Basic Open Back Dress: A modern, effortlessly elegant midi dress, found at Birmingham’s Basic, a locally-owned shop committed to ethical fashion.
• Ex Voto Vintage Felix Loafer: A polished everyday shoe with a little extra texture, the Felix Loafer by Huma Blanco features rich chocolate calf hair, a soft square toe, and an easy slip-on silhouette.

For the Host/Hostess

For the person who always has room for one more at the table, knows how to make guests feel at home, and never lets anyone leave hungry. These gifts are a thank-you for all the gatherings they make possible.

• Firewood Birmingham: A practical gift for someone who loves a good fire and knows how to make an evening at home feel special.
• Earthborn Pottery Chips and Dip Bowl: Made from Southern red clay at Earthborn Pottery in Leeds, Alabama, this handcrafted chip-and-dip serving dish brings both beauty and function to the entertaining table
• Locally roasted coffee beans from Cala Coffee: A thoughtful addition to the kitchen and something they can share with guests over a morning cup.
• Murder Point Oyster Shucker: For the oyster lover who takes shucking seriously, Murder Point Oysters’ signature “Oyster Shank” is a rugged, sturdy oyster knife built to open shells with ease
• Civil Stoneware Pedestal Cake Stand: Handcrafted in Birmingham by Civil Stoneware, this versatile ceramic cake stand makes a beautiful centerpiece for cakes, fresh fruit, or an elevated charcuterie spread.
• Hedley & Bennett Smocked Apron: Hedley & Bennett’s smock aprons combine comfortable crossback straps, a relaxed fit, and roomy pockets with an array of beautiful colors and playful patterns.
• Southern Sweets and Serving Set: A ready-made gift for the host or hostess, Alabama Goods’ Southern Sweets & Serving Set pairs Alabama-made treats with an Alabama-engraved charcuterie board and custom serving bowl

For the Person Who Has Everything

Some people are just hard to shop for. They already have the things they need, know exactly what they like, and rarely offer a hint. For them, consider something they can experience, enjoy, or keep for years to come.

• Holtz Leather Co. Personalized Wallet: A custom, well-made leather accessory that can become part of someone’s everyday routine.
• Alyssa Love Artwork: Original work from artist Alyssa Love for someone who appreciates art with a personal touch.
• Porsche Track Experience at Barber Motorsports Park: For the car enthusiast, an experience behind the wheel is a gift that is hard to forget.
• Sidewalk Film Festival Membership: For someone who loves film and discovering stories they might not find anywhere else, a membership offers a year of connection to the art of independent cinema.
• A Weekend Stay at the GunRunner Boutique Hotel: Give someone the gift of a weekend getaway at Florence’s GunRunner Boutique Hotel, where 10 uniquely designed luxury suites celebrate the music, fashion, art, and history of the Shoals.

We hope this collection inspires you—and reminds you that the perfect gift may be closer than you think. From small-town makers and independent shops to longtime Alabama businesses, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found right here at home.