Little Rock Gift Guide: Our Favorite Local Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD

Tis the season of giving, and if you’re like us then you’re always striving to be more intentional with your holiday shopping by supporting local businesses. As a Little-Rock owned and operated business ourselves, we know first-hand that shopping small can make a BIG impact – giving back to our community while boosting the local economy. It’s a win-win!

Thankfully, there are many amazing retailers, makers, artisans and providers in the Rock who can offer something special for everyone on your list. We’ve pulled together a list of edible, tangible and experiential local gifts that are guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer.

For the Chef

Fennel and Fire is Little Rock’s favorite artisan spice and craft tea company. They offer fresh and flavorful organic spices, specialty salts, loose-leaf teas and house-made blends for all occasions and dishes and cuisines. They believe that cooking should be “Fast, Easy, and a Flavor Explosion”—and we agree! Grab one of their spice collections or gift boxes for the foodie on your list- and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get to try one of their next kitchen creations.

For the “Girly Girl”

Bathhouse Soapery is located in nearby Hot Springs, aka “Spa City.” They are a woman/mother-owned company specializing in handmade soaps, scrubs, lotions, and other bath and beauty products featuring over 60 unique scents- from sweet to savory, to floral to festive. Stock up on stocking stuffers for the friend or family member who is in need of some pampering, indulgence and “me” time. They also have storefronts in Louisiana and Missouri!

For the Kid at Heart

Loblolly Creamery makes handcrafted, small-batch ice cream, macarons, baked goods, and other sweet treats inspired by the local farmers, makers and producers of Arkansas. They don’t use any artificial preservatives, flavors or sweeteners. Visit their Scoop Shop or Look out for their solar powered ice cream truck around town! But for the ultimate gift—head to their website. Their famous vegan marshmallows and hot cocoa mixes ship nationwide. Their whimsical and colorful merch. Their s’mores kit is our favorite creative gift idea for the big kid, or kid-at-heart, on your list!

For the Fashionista

Bella Vita has it all for the hip and stylish person in your life. Since 2008, they’ve specialized in local and hand-crafted jewelry and art, and they’ve also expanded over the years to offer apparel and accessories, home decor and paper goods from talented and ethical makers around the world. For the online shopping enthusiast, their website is to die for: check out their Gift Guides page where all of their products and offerings are curated by price point or interest. They also have a special Made in Arkansas page, where you can find everything from hand-stamp charms and pendants to locally mined quartz crystals. And if you’re still not sure what to buy, gift cards are always a safe bet!

For the Hostess with the Mostess

If you’ve been in Little Rock for a while it’s likely you’ve heard of Janis & Melanie. Family owned and operated for over 35 years, J & M Foods offers an impressive line of gourmet cookies and snacks—many of them secret family recipes. Their cheese straws are their biggest seller, for good reason: so quintessentially southern! They also have a new organic line. Invest in gift boxes or tins for everyone on your list!

For The Sweet Tooth

Lambrecht Gourmet was founded by a husband and wife team in Heber Springs. They specialize in artisanal toffees using single-origin chocolates, premium butters, domestically sourced nuts and other preservative-free ingredients. Their gift boxes and tins make elegant hostess gifts or nibbles for cocktail parties, so they’re perfect for those who love to nibble, or to entertain! You can impress the receiver of your gift with Lambrecht’s claim to fame—it was named the Top Toffee in America at the 2012 Salon International Chocolate Competition.

For the Adventurer

We LOVE the idea of experiential gifts for the people in your life who are hard to shop for, or those who have everything they need. Consider an annual membership, subscription or season pass to their favorite local attraction. Here are a few of our favorites!

For Everyone Else on Your List

We know first-hand how the holiday season can wreak havoc on your appearance. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center and our Little Rock med spa, Exhale: The Med Spa, we offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you (or your BFF or partner) achieve the most radiant self possible.

Board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman and his expert medical aesthetics team help women and men reveal and rediscover their inner confidence.

Ready to give the gift of transformation, confidence and self-love? Contact us today to arrange gift card purchases or schedule your consultation.

Do you know a local gift that you’d like to add to this wish list? Let us know!