I don't take pride in the fact that I'm somewhat of a last minute Christmas shopper, but I do take pride in the fact that I do my best to shop local and stay off of Amazon when it comes to Christmas shopping. We put together a list of some of our favorite colleagues, friends and business partners who sell great products or services in case you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift that doesn't line the fat pockets of some random exec who doesn't live in your town. These are all incredible people right here in the Central Kentucky community. Enjoy, and happy last minute shopping!

-Abby

 

Sign up for a Dry Stack Coffee subscription

We can authentically endorse Dry Stack not just because they’re longtime friends of ours, but also because we drink their coffee every morning, and it is the best! Dry Stack is fresh, local and high-quality coffee subscription service, and is the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life… or for yourself! Owner and roaster Aaron Ranson told us about how they’re getting in the Christmas spirit.

“This holiday season, we're thrilled to offer our first-ever Christmas blend, Merry and Bright," he said. "We specially selected origins for this blend that would bring a pronounced brightness with a little touch of spice at the end. It is the perfect complement to serve with your favorite Christmas dessert or to cozy up with while watching a movie."

The Dry Stack Sampler includes (4) four-ounce bags of coffee in an attractive stamped gift box. It's the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life or a great way to get an introduction to specialty coffee. Warning; you'll never drink store bought coffee again. 

You can find the Christmas blend, sampler and more on Dry Stack’s website for a very caffeinated Christmas!

Help Ironcology provide hotel rooms to cancer patients

For those in your life who don’t want or need anything, and mean it, what better gift than making a philanthropic donation on their behalf? One of our favorite
organizations is Ironcology, and while they couldn’t host their epic overnight triathlon relay this year (last year's pictured), they are still in need of donations to support their efforts to provide housing for cancer patients and their families. 

“We are tremendously reduced in terms of our availability for places for patients to stay who are receiving cancer treatment,” Ironcology founder Dr. Jonathan Feddock explained their current struggle. “So, the need for hotel vouchers and travel support to patients has never been as important as this year. We have provided over 200 hotel rooms this year to cancer patients in central Kentucky including gas and meal vouchers. Any donation helps!”

We hope that as you extend generosity this Christmas, you keep our friends at Ironcology in mind!

For the business savvy friend; The Lane Report

The Lane Report is one of our favorite publications to write for and to read. We check their website daily! For you, the local culture aficionado or the business expert, this is a great gift. You can subscribe to the print edition to receive one year of the Lane Report, delivered to you for two extra years for FREE! This magazine never runs sales, so get this one and you are absolutely guaranteed to be in the know on all things Kentucky. 

Check out "Survivor Made" products from Refuge for Women

“Consider a gift for Christmas that changes lives,” Ked Frank is the president of Refuge for Women, and makes this convincing plea as you look for last minute Christmas gifts.

Refuge is one of our favorite organizations because of the life-changing work they do every day, and we can’t think of anyone better to support this season. They house women recovering from sexual exploitation in seven different locations across the country. Plus, they are offering beautiful "Survivor Made" products, including purposefully made leather goods and candles, one of which is currently burning in our home. 

“Leather goods and candle bundles are available that are created by survivors of sex trafficking… Women make products in a business called Survivor Made that allows them to develop job skills while earning income while in the program.” Frank explained their Survivor Made program, “Your support will continue to give women hope this Christmas."

When you give a gift from Refuge, you’re also giving to this incredible organization. We hope you’ll be inspired by them and support them as you shop!

Kentucky's best on the Kentucky Monthly shop

Kentucky Monthly is one of our longest standing and most fun writing and photo clients. The magazine is always a delight to read, and we've learned so much about the beautiful Bluegrass State in its pages. Share the Kentucky goodness with someone with a gift subscription (only $15!), or check out their Kentucky Gift Guide for unique local ideas. They also offer a variety of books (all of which are discounted right now!) in their shop.

Alpaca awesome with River Hill Ranch

Ever since connecting with River Hill Ranch many years ago for a magazine article, we've enjoyed visiting the alpaca farm for outings, shearing day(!!), Ranch Camp for the kids, and shopping at the quaint store for high quality, incredible alpaca gifts. If you want the best pair of socks or gloves that you will ever own (PROMISE), check it out. Founder Alvina Maynard has an expert grasp on sustainable, impeccable quality, "slow fashion" made of fibers from her spunky alpacas that you can visit right on the farm. These are products that last for a lifetime. Purchase some products, or buy a tour. Read more about the farm here.

Business of Blogging Masterclass with Allison Lewis

We all know someone who prefers a practical gift. For that business owner or entrepreneur trying to grow their business, our friend Allison Lewis has compiled her blogging and social media wisdom in a book, as well as a masterclass!

“It is the one book you will need to successfully grow your dream of becoming a blogger, social media influencer or grow your brand on social media,” Lewis said of her book, The Business of Blogging and Social Media Influencing.

“The Business of Blogging is for anyone who wants to gain clients and customers for their business, work with other brands as an influencer or for the person who just wants to understand social media better," she said. 

Not only that, but her Business of Blogging Masterclass” allows for businesses as well as individuals to learn at their own pace with a 10-part video series. In this training participants can expect to add to their toolkit Content Creation, SEO, ALT Text, Hashtags, Apps, Caption Creations, Analytics and Insight Analysis, Social Media Strategy and more.

Support hyperlocal with A Cup of Common Wealth

To fuel your shopping excursions, or to fuel your friends’ latte addictions, we highly recommend A Cup of Common Wealth! This local coffee shop continues to be a vital part of the Lexington community, and is very worth supporting since they participate in so much wonderful community work. They have also been one of the most adaptable local businesses in challenging circumstances, and continue to offer curbside service everyday until 5 at their downtown location (105 Eastern Avenue), and you can call 859.255.0270 to place orders.

Pick up some guaranteed-to-please gift cards, merch or retail coffee in their shop, at their Georgetown location (100 E. Main Street) or on their website. You can also stop in to check out their new Winslow and Lime location (closed Dec. 19 through Jan. 3)!

Give the gift of philanthropic fitness with RaceRise

Do you know someone who is trying to meet a running goal? Give them a boost with the RaceRise Frosty Feet Winter Mileage Challenge. This is a fun gift for the ambitions friend who already has everything. Run, walk, hike, or treadmill 26.2, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 miles between December 19 and February 6 and collect a prize at the end. Pick your challenge, or form a team! Check out RaceRise for more details. RaceRise does incredible community work for a number of local nonprofits. Your mileage supports the Dv8 Kitchen Vocational Training Foundation, Inc. Win-win. 

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We could make this list a mile long, but hope these ideas will put a bow on your Christmas shopping and help you remember local businesses this season. We are doing the same! If you’re looking for more, consider gift baskets and gift cards from a local restaurant, shop owner, clubs or service provider. Think outside of the box with us this Christmas! We wish you all a very merry Christmas season!