As cooler climate slowly settles in and November speeds by, it’s time to direct at the very least a few of our consideration to at least one inexorable seasonal process: gift-giving. Whether or not you’re a last-minute impulse shopper or an avid list-maker, we have now a number of recommendations to encourage your seek for that excellent reward. And what’s extra excellent than supporting a number of native companies and makers?
Memphis Coasters Illustrated by Joel Anderson
Whether or not it’s the view of the horizon over the Mississippi River or a trolley in entrance of the Orpheum, the pictures on these coasters are a straightforward crowd-pleaser, excellent for any Memphis lover’s espresso desk. The brilliant colours and easy graphic fashion, paying homage to twentieth-century posters, are positive so as to add a little bit of enjoyable to the coasters’ responsibility of defending your surfaces from cussed rings. (The pictures are additionally out there on posters, drinkware, and extra at Spirit of Memphis’ web site.)
Accessible at Novel or on-line at spiritofmemphisgifts.com
Tickets to an Arrow Artistic Class
Arrow Artistic is again in motion of their new area with a full schedule of courses, they usually know that among the best delight after every class comes from having the ability to say, “I made that.” Why not give somebody the fitting to say that delight with admission to at least one (or two) of Arrow’s courses? Ceramics, jewellery making, paint nights, candle making — you identify it, they educate it. (They even provide non-public classes.)
For extra data, go to arrowcreative.org.
The Southern Gothic Oracle Deck created by Stacey Williams-Ng
This oracle deck is ideal for the Southern lore fanatic. In any case, the luxe-matte-laminated playing cards within the deck — 45 in whole — characteristic gorgeous, hand-painted photos recognizable in Southern traditions, myths, and tradition. Even in case you’re not aware of oracle playing cards, that are much like tarot playing cards, you’ll be able to nonetheless respect the craftsmanship and intention behind this deck. Plus, the deck comes with an interpretation e-book that can information the consumer by the right way to use these playing cards and the right way to perceive the recommendation and warnings that they could carry.
Accessible at Oothoon’s on Cleveland, Ebbo on Madison, or thesoutherngothicoracle.com.
Jewellery from IV by David
Impressed by the vibrancy of his African-American, Indigenous-American, and Caribbean background, David Quarles IV blends geometric shapes and pops of shade whereas channeling his expertise with chromesthesia — having the ability to hear shade and see sound. Consequently, these wearable artworks, in addition to being stunning, add a little bit of character and intrigue — with every necklace, earring, and bracelet containing an unstated story of the artist.
Accessible on-line at ivbydavid.com.
Ransom Notes by Evan Katz and Josh Roberts
Memphis’ kings of authentic card video games are at it once more. After conquering humorous charts and punny wordplay, Evan and Josh are again with Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Phrase Magnet Recreation. Gamers combine and match from a pool of particular person phrases and compete to craft probably the most horrible sentence of all, guided by witty, and probably NSFW, prompts. Every phrase is introduced as print-media cutout, invoking the old-timey, crime-story incoherence of a rapidly constructed ransom notice fabricated from newspaper clippings. Every spherical ought to solely take a few minutes, leaving loads of time for phrases and jokes aplenty to combine up sport evening.
Accessible on-line at Ransomnotesgame.com.
Prints by Eso Tolson
Eco Tolson, often known as @CoolUrbanHippie on Instagram and Twitter, designed our August cowl, so you’ll be able to guess that we’re fairly a fan of his graphic design and lettering. Who can blame us? Simply take a look at his vibrant prints with their inspiring, intelligent messages. One (or extra) of Tolson’s prints will make an incredible dialog piece in any dwelling.
Accessible on-line at esotolson.com.
Subscription to My Field of Tea
My Cup of Tea in Orange Mound has so many splendidly flavored teas to select from that it’s tempting to skip the selection altogether and pattern all of them. Fortunately, the social enterprise gives a subscription with a brand new tea every month, plus ten honey sticks, a tea-inspired recipe, and a profile of one of many ladies you’re supporting by your buy. At $20 monthly or $240 yearly (together with transport), this field is certain to hit the spot.
Accessible on-line at shopmycupoftea.com.
Ornaments and Playing cards by Karen Pulfer Focht
Award-winning photojournalist Karen Pulfer Focht has spent a lot of her creative profession documenting Memphis in stunning and gorgeous photos. Focht’s merchandise are offered in a number of places all through Memphis, however for this vacation season, we propose wanting into her Christmas Assortment notecards and ornaments for traditional vacation items. On the entrance, the notecards characteristic photos of the friendliest Santa having fun with Memphis, from enjoying a trumpet in entrance of Blues Corridor to using on a trolley. The ornaments characteristic Focht’s photographs of iconic Memphis landmarks just like the Hernando de Soto Bridge and Shelby Farms.
Go to karenpulferfocht.com to search out her merchandise.
Vegetarian Cooking for Two: 80 Completely Portioned Recipes for Wholesome Consuming by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence
You don’t need to be a vegetarian to benefit from the recipes in Memphians Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence’s newest cookbook. From breakfast to soup to hearty mains and desserts, the recipes are straightforward to make, with easy, acquainted components and directions that don’t require the abilities, tools, or time of an expert chef. An ideal reward for two-person households (because the title suggests), the e-book additionally consists of recommendations on the right way to store smarter and benefit from every ingredient to cut back meals waste.
Accessible at Novel, on-line or in-store.
Jewellery by Marokel
Native artist Mary O’Kelly channels industrial designs in her wire and steel earrings and necklaces. With a mixture of types and supplies, every bit is exclusive and positive to make any wearer really feel particular and fashionably accessorized. Plus, who doesn’t love the possibility to say the jewellery they’re sporting is one-of-a-kind?
Accessible on-line at marokel.com.
Stoneware by Agnes Stark
Agnes Stark’s pottery is, in a phrase, pretty. Each bit is exclusive, with pure, impartial, and funky tones that can make an ideal addition to anybody’s dishware assortment, irrespective of their fashion. From serving items to chip-and-dip platters, Stark’s hand-carved and thrown items are dishwasher, oven, and microwave secure.
Accessible at Stark’s gallery, 12675 Donelson Highway, Eads, TN 38028, or her studio, 3598 Cowden Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, and on-line at starkpottery.com.
Metropolis Tasting Field from Metropolis Tasting Excursions
Cristina McCarter and her enterprise associate, Lisa Brown, know that the abdomen is the way in which to most individuals’s hearts, and Memphis meals does the trick like no different. Each their Help Native and Official Memphis Journey packing containers provide a wide range of signature Memphis meals by native artisans, from the Rendezvous’ seasoning to Thistle and Bee’s wildflower honey.
Order on-line at citytastingbox.com.
All the pieces That’s True by Bruce VanWyngarden
And, after all, how might we not embody All the pieces That’s True by Bruce VanWyngarden? Bruce served because the Memphis Flyer editor from 2000 to 2021 and in addition has penned many tales for Memphis journal, however most vital, Bruce simply will get Memphis. Skillfully written with knowledge and wit, the columns, options, and journey tales on this assortment will attraction any reader, particularly if that reader is from Memphis.