Holiday Gift Ideas from Sweet Home Alabama - all Alabama-made products | Business

Montgomery, Ala.— Folk Art made by renowned Alabama artists, holiday themed keepsakes and baskets of southern culinary delights are several gift ideas this holiday season from sweet home Alabama.

Dozens of locally made items are available online, at tourism destinations or by phone. They include unique gifts like President Obama face jugs, custom-made glass ornaments, kits to make your own goat cheese and To Kill A Mockingbird birdhouses.

The state tourism department has compiled the following list of made-in-Alabama gifts and how you can get them:

JEWELRY/WEARBLES:

Item: Fairhope Charm

The commemorative charm is made of fine silver (.999) by Fairhope artist, Anita Park-Rosenbaum. The charm is handmade, round, and approximately 3/4" diameter with a pelican in the center and the word Fairhope around the outside. The charm is also available with a flower in the center.

Purchase Information: Analece Design, Fine Jewelers, 395A Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, or online at www.analecedesign.com. 251.929.3620 (Phone Orders accepted).

Price:  $22.00 each

Item: Mesh Dogwood Necklace and Pin

The necklace is 3.5" in diameter and is handmade by local artist Sarah Cavender of Sarah Cavender Metalworks in Oxford. The pin is also 3.5" in diameter

Purchase Information:  Birmingham Museum of Art, www.birminghammuseumstore.org, 205-254-2777

Price: Necklace $172
Price:  Pin $80

Item: Jewelry by Selma artist Lilly Beck

Choose from bracelets, necklaces and rings hand-made by this Alabama artist.

Purchase Information:  The Art Room, 50 N. Alabama Ave., Monroeville, 251.743.2190

Price:  $6 - $60 per piece

Item: Island Scarf

This 4" globe containing an Island Scarf by Celia Dionne/Clara's Loom is a casual eco chic circle of fabric and comes in 6 color combinations. 

Purchase Information: Tallulah's Gallery/Fairhope 251.753.0015, Fish on a Dish/ Orange Beach 251.981.8323, Clara's Loom/Bon Secour 251.943.2960.

Price: $20.00

CULINARY:

Item: Alabama Food Book

Purchase Information: The Alabama Tourism Department has created a hard-cover book detailing restaurants and dishes listed in the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” The book also features a forward by “Sister” Shubert and a section on foods made in Alabama.

Purchase Information: www.bhamstore.com

Price: $20.00

Item: Cook with Tasia Box

Cheesemaker Tasia Malakasis serves up a helping of Southern hospitality with Greek influences in her newly debuted cookbook, Tasia's Table. Get your signed copy exclusively on Belle's online store. This gift box includes everything you need to get started in the kitchen with a signed copy of the book and a 6 oz. tub of honey Chevre.

Purchase Information: Online at www.bellechevre.com. 256.423.2238.

Price: $34.95

Item: Belle Chevre Cheesecake or Make Your own Goat Cheese Kit

Light and airy, creamy and sweet, these cheesecakes made with award-winning Alabama goat cheese will have all your guests begging for the recipe. You can also order a kit with everything you need to make your own goat cheese.

Purchase Information: online at www.bellechevre.com. 256.423.2238.

Price: $34.95, DIY Goat Cheese Kit: $27.95

Item: Tailgate Salsa

The quest for a recipe worthy of the name Tailgate Salsa took many years of tweaking, countless parties with great family and friends, to taste test of course, and a lot of encouragement.

Purchase Information: Dothan Area CVB, www.visitDothanAL.com, 334.794.6622

Price: $5.00

Item: Landmark Park Honey

Fresh, local honey is harvested each year from the hives at Landmark Park. 

Purchase Information:  Dothan Area CVB and Landmark Park, www.VisitDothanAl.com, , 334.794.6622

Price: $9.00 for one pint jar

Item: Basket of Chocolates from Morgan Price Candy

Choose from a wide variety of chocolates including solid chocolate in the shape of Alabama, angel bites, heavenly bits, fudge and more. You can also get your goodies in a gift basket in the shape of the state.

Purchase Information: Shop online at http://www.morganpricecandy.com/, 1735 Sixth Ave. SE., Decatur, 256.350.2992

Price: Candies from $3.00 each to $10 for half a pound

Items: Pecans from Priesters

Send a gift of pecan pies, pecan candy, gift tins and an assortment of flavored pecans from an Alabama icon, Priesters.

Purchase Information: Shop online at http://www.priesters.com/index.cfm or visit the store and gift shop in Fort Deposit at 80 Bishop Bottom Road. 334.227.8355

Price: 1 lb. bags start at $5.99

Item: Earthborn Pottery Dishes 

Dishes made from clay in the studio owned by artisan Tena Payne will make the cook in your family smile. The dinnerware is organic and made from Alabama clay. It is used at the Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham and in other restaurants across the country. Plates, cups, bowls and other dishes are available and custom orders are welcome at the studio in Leeds.

Purchase Information: 205.702.7055, www.earthbornpottery.net

Price: The Earthborn baker casserole dish ranges in price from $30 -$104.

Item: Hand-painted food-safe china

A complete dinner setting by Monroeville artist Faye Dueitt would make for a great gift.

Purchase Information:  The Purple Papaya, 71 North Mount Pleasant Street, Monroeville, 251.593.7449.
Price:  4-piece place setting - $100 or $20 - $33 per individual piece.

Item: Roy Hyde Cutting Boards- beautiful hand-made wooden cutting boards crafted from sustainably harvested hard woods (Cherry, Walnut, Live Oak)

Purchase Information: Windmill Market, 85 N. Bancroft St, Fairhope 251.990.8883   www.windmillmarket.org  Open 7 days a week, Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Price: Prices range from $25 to $55.

Item: Miracle Pottery Dinnerware

Dinnerware created locally that’s decorative, food safe, oven-safe and microwaveable.

Price: $14-$31

Purchase Information: www.miraclepottery.com

HOLIDAY THEMED:

Item: Santa Gourd Ornaments

The ornaments make a wonderful addition to any Christmas tree. They are made by local artist Ginny Doughery using her Alabama grown gourds from Lillian.

Purchase Information: Foley Art Center, www.foleyartcenter.com, 251.943.4381.

Price: $8.00 and up

Item: Cypress Wood Carved Santa

This Cypress Knee Santa can bring cheer to any home this holiday season. The artist demonstrates her attention to detail with the intricate designs on this piece, including painted button hooks on the front.  

Purchase Information: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/p/108-Cypress-Knee-Santa-Large.aspx

Price: $55.00

Item: Handmade Christmas Stocking

This stocking has been masterfully handmade to represent the Christmas season. Complete with three different sections and red tassels at the top, this stocking would make anyone’s holiday season a little brighter.

Purchase Information: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/p/133-Christmas-Stocking.aspx

Price: $32.00

Item: Alabama Pecan Wood Santas  

These Santas are meticulously hand-carved and painted by local Magnolia Springs artist, Jeffery Glass out of locally grown pecan trees. They come in various sizes and are ideal for table or mantel decorations.

Purchase Information:  Jan’s Art Studio, 115 W. Laurel, Foley, 251.971.3836; www.JansLocalArt.com

Price:  $75.00 to $300.00

Item: Alabama Cotton Angel Christmas Tree Decorations

These angels are hand-made by Lillian, Alabama artist, Virginia Doughery, from local cotton.

Purchase Information:  Performing Arts Association, 116 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL  36535; 251.943.4381; www.foleyartcenter.com

Price: $6.00 

Item: Mobile Bay Driftwood Christmas Trees and wreaths

These naturally fabulous trees and wreaths are hand crafted from driftwood gathered on the shores of Mobile Bay and assembled in Magnolia Springs by local artist Darcy Robinson.

Purchase Information:  Foley Art Center, www.foleyartcenter.com, 251.943.4381.

Price: $10-$40

Item: Custom-made hand-painted clay Christmas Ornaments

Get Monroeville artist Faye Dueitt to make your own custom ornament.

Purchase Information:  The Purple Papaya, 71 North Mount Pleasant Street, Monroeville. 251.593.7449

Price:  $23

Item: Custom Made Glass ornament from the Hot Shop

You can make your own ornament at the Hot Shop glass studio at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Price to create your own ornament is $25 and a flower is $30.

Purchase Information: http://www.orangebeachartcenter.com/hot_shop_classes.php, 251.987.2787.

Item: Hand-blown glass Ornament

These are great for holiday giving and are made by resident artist Adam Burgess at Orange Beach’s glass-blowing studio The Hot Shop.

Purchase Information: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, 26389 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, www.orangebeachartcenter.com, 251.981.2787

Price: $20.00

Item: Clay Ornaments with Monroe County Courthouse scene

These round clay ornaments are created by Monroeville artist Emilie Davis Oglesby.

Purchase Information:  Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, 86 N. Alabama Ave., Monroeville, 251.575.5041

Price:  $25

Item: Designer Christmas Trees

The trees are created by local artists, Tutta Greer Cone, Lynn Luna, Lynda McDonald, Jack Greer and Charmaine Neylon. Some of the designs include mosaic, driftwood, and redbird.

Purchase Information: Cathedral Square Gallery 612 Dauphin St. Mobile, 251.694.0278

Price: $75-$950

Item: Santa Claus Face Jug by Jerry Brown Pottery

Whether it's one of his face jugs, a pot, cooker or pitcher Jerry Brown pottery is one of a kind. Brown mixes and grinds his clay to make his artwork the old-fashioned way — with the power of a mule.

Purchase Information: Online at http://www.jerrybrownpottery.com/, 166 Boyett Dr., Hamilton, 205.921.9483

Price: Varies from Custard bowl $15, Santa Face jug $135, one gallon jugs $600

Item: Lathe Turned Wood Ornaments

Clarke County artist, Bud Rogers, laminates domestic and exotic woods together, then turns each piece to produce hand-turned Christmas ornaments, which can double as decorative ceiling fan pulls. Each ornament is approximately 4”-6” tall.

Purchase Location: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/c/23-Quilts.aspx

Price: $150-$550 each

FOLK ART:

Item: President Barack Obama Face Jug

Monroeville Potter Sam Williams has a collection of face jugs with President Obama, Sarah Palin and Albert Einstein. These fun face jugs would make a unique holiday gift.

Purchase Information:  Pottery by Williams, 173 North Mount Pleasant, Monroeville, 251.282.0844

Price: $150

Item: Shaving Mug & Soap Dish

The mug is thrown by 2nd generation Monroeville potter Sam Williams

Purchase Information:  Pottery by Williams, 173 North Mount Pleasant, Monroeville,

251.282.0844

Price:  $22.00

Item: Quilts Crafted by Alabama Quilters

Choose from various quilts crafted by Alabama quilters either hand quilted or machine quilted.

Purchase Location: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/c/23-Quilts.aspx

Price: $150-$550

Item: Pine Needle Baskets

These unique baskets are woven from Alabama pine needles by artists Misha Cader and Bonnie Pritchard

Purchase Information: Goat Hill Museum Store, Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, 334.353.4969

Price: $25-$134

Item: Hand Sewn and Painted Burlap Pillow

These pillows are handcrafted and can be custom painted to match any décor. This pillow is great for holiday giving and is made by local artist Jane Sweet Jane from Auburn.

Purchase Information: The Blue Hydrangea, 256.825.0967

Price: $72.00

Item: Re-Purposed Art - Hand Painted, Water Ski Coat Rack –

Coat racks made by local artist Mary Grace Staples from Lake Martin. Mary Grace is 17 years old and often puts in items that she has repurposed by making lake living type items by custom painting the items.

Purchase Information: The Blue Hydrangea, 256.825.0967

Price: $75.00

Item: Welded Angel Ornament

This roughhewn 7” angel ornament is made from repurposed tin and wood from the artist’s property.  Artist Trey Culpepper lives on his family’s rural Dallas County farm where he learned to weld and was inspired by his father and grandfather.

Purchase Information: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/p/91-Welded-Angel-Ornament.aspx.

Price: $12.95 each

Item: Barn Wood Churches

Husband and wife artists Andrew and Etta McCall, from Lowndes County, create these unique churches from re-purposed barn wood. Each church has its own unique personality depending on the color and size of the wood and tin. Churches range from 12” – 36” in height.

Purchase Information: Black Belt Treasures, 209 Claiborne St., Camden, 334.682.9878, http://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/p/90-4-Hole-Barn-Wood-Church.aspx.

Price: $25.00-$75.00 each

MUSIC:

Item: Baby Boomers CD

Gulf Shores resident Brent Burns recorded this CD just for Baby Boomers. He is considered the music ambassador of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Purchase Information: online at www.brentburns.com, 251-948-8863

Price: $15 + shipping and handling ($2.50)

FOR THE HOME:

Item: Do-Rag Lady Tin Wall Hanging

Selma folk artist Charlie Lucas creates a world of personalities with his pieces of roofing tin shaped and welded into female heads and tied in an assortment of colorful do-rags. Lucas says the purchasers must choose their own names for each piece.

Purchase Information: Tinman Gallery, 1205 Broad Street, Selma, 334.872.3956

Price: $100

Item: Magnolia Springs Soap

These soap and bath products are made by local artisan Elle Goodall and make wonderful stocking stuffers for all.

Purchase Information: Foley Art Center, www.foleyartcenter.com, 251.943.4381.

Price: $4.00 - $10.00

Item: Boll Weevil Soap

With scents like Southern Belle, Southern Romance and Pink Cotton Blossom, these bath bars make great gifts. They are made in Enterprise from olive oils, shea butter, goat milk and other natural ingredients. The company also offers moisturizers, bath salts, candles and scrubs.

Price: $6 per bar

Purchase Information: www.bwsoap.com, 334.393.7627

Item: Orbix Glass

Cal Breed started this glass studio with his wife more than 10 years ago in Fort Payne. You can purchase items online, at the studio or make a visit to craft your own creation. Even Oprah has bought the Roxy Pitcher from the studio.  Other items available include wine bottle stoppers, ornaments, bowls, and vases. The studio shop is open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Purchase Information: Orbix Glass Studio, 3869 County Rd 275, Ft. Payne, 256.523.3188 http://orbixhotglass.com/.

Prices: range from $15 for candy canes to $260 for a Roxy Pitcher and more for bowls.

Item: Monroeville Birdhouses

These beautiful birdhouses are designed, constructed and hand-painted by various area artists and include scenes of Monroeville and To Kill A Mockingbird. Funds raised help create additional locally made items by local artists and craftsmen.

Item Information: Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, 86 N. Alabama Ave., Monroeville, 251.743.2879

Price: $140

Item: Roll Tide and War Eagle mugs

These mugs designed by Brenda Robinson, Spanish Fort make a great gift for the Alabama or Auburn football fan in your life.

Purchase Information:  The Art Room, 50 N. Alabama Ave., Monroeville, 251.743.2190

Price: $15

Item:  Stoneware Pottery from Earthfire Studios

Potter Jim Gasser’s work is high fired reduction glazed and unglazed stoneware, producing beautiful hues and textures. Each handmade piece is wheel-thrown or hand-built and is intended to provide the owner with a piece of art that can be used in daily living.

Purchase Information: www.earthfirepotteryandsoaps.com, 256.396.5599, Lineville

Price: Bowls $18 and up

Item: Goat Milk Soap

Soap maker Marie Gasser hand makes the soap in small batches using fresh goat milk, natural oils, natural fragrances and colors. The only liquid (non-fat) ingredient in the soap is milk from Nubian Goats.

Purchase Information:  www.earthfirepotteryandsoaps.com, 256.396.5599, Lineville

Price:  from $2.00 – 5.50 

Item: Oyster Shell Dishes

These original handmade oyster shells are formed from stoneware clays by area potter, Khani Ewing. 

Purchase Information: Susan Kangal, Kangal Gallery in the Sail Loft, 58 N. Royal Street, Mobile, or online at www.kangalgallery.com, 251.434.0330

Price: $8.00 each for small holders

Item: Handmade Chart Journals

Journals are hand sewn by Kaoru Oka using Coptic binding developed by Cops, early Christians living in Egypt in the 2nd/3rd C.E. The inside pages are archival and are covered in local nautical charts exclusive to Kangal Gallery.   

Purchase Information: Susan Kangal, Kangal Gallery in the Sail Loft, 58 N. Royal Street, Mobile, or online at www.kangalgallery.com, 251.434.0330

Price: $28.00 – 38.00 each, depending on size.

Item: Wooden Bowls

Bowls, plates, vases and cake stands are carved and handcrafted by local artist George Kearney.

Purchase Information: Cathedral Square Gallery, 612 Dauphin Street Mobile, 251.694.0278

Price: $8.00-$800

Item: Floor Cloth Paintings

Artist Laura Grossman has created unique works of art for your floor and you can walk on it.  

Purchase Information: Selma Art Guild, 508 Selma Ave., Selma, 334.874.9017

Price: Varies

Gift Shops:

Item: Build your own Alabama Gift Basket

At the Alabama Gift Company in Gadsden you can pick your own basket and fill it with locally made products from soaps and collectibles to foods and artwork and books.

Purchase Information: Online at http://www.thealabamagiftcompany.com/index.html, retail store located at 528 Broad St., Gadsden, 877.843.2544

Price: varies

Item: Clay and Wooden Crosses

The clay crosses are hand-made in Prattville while the wooden crosses are made by Lindsey Reed in Montgomery.

Purchase Information: Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, Finley Ave., Montgomery, or online at  http://www.alabama.travel/tourism-department/online-gift-shop/

Price: Clay Cross $23.95, Wooden $16.95

Item: White Serving Platter, Glass Rockets, Tea Towels

The platter is hand painted by Melissa Riley, Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Glass Rockets are created by Susan Knecht at Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment, and the

Tea towels are made by Southern Traditions.

Purchase Information: All gift items are available at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center®, 500 Church Street NW, Suite One, Huntsville, 800.772.2348, www.huntsville.org

Price: Platter $40

Glass Rockets $45

Tea Towels $12

Item: Pine Needle Baskets

These unique baskets are woven from Alabama pine needles by artists Misha Cader and Bonnie Pritchard

Purchase Information: Goat Hill Museum Store, Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, 334.353.4969

Price: $25-$134

Information Source: Alabama Tourism Department