40+ North Carolina Gifts from Amazing Local Businesses

If you are like us, then you like to support local businesses, especially on special occasions. We like to look for the best North Carolina gifts from makers and artisans based in this wonderful state.

Inside this guide, we’ve curated a list of NC gifts made with love and with some of the highest-quality ingredients and materials. Many of them are sitting in our home right now.

We’ll highlight some of the big names you’ve heard of, along with smaller operations that we feel deserve some love.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift, house warming basket, or just something to #treatyoself, this list of North Carolina-themed gifts is where you will want to start every holiday season or occasion. 

Here’s how we’ve organized things, in case you’re seeking something specific or a certain type of gift:

• NC Tripping Shop
• North Carolina Gifts (Food and Drink)
• NC Gifts by Local Artisans
• North Carolina Travel Guides
• North Carolina Chef-Led Cookbooks

Read More: How to Spend Christmas in North Carolina (25 Holiday Events)

North Carolina Gifts Explainer

Beyond the NC Tripping Shop, this article will NOT contain any kickbacks to us. Many of these gifts from North Carolina have either been bought for us, we’ve bought ourselves, or were recommended by our Facebook Group members.

The photos used in this article are a mix of our own and product photos from the local business. All of the products and businesses listed in this article SHIP and we hope that you enjoy shopping from the makers of these North Carolina gifts.

NC Tripping Shop

Before we share North Carolina gifts from local business owners, we want to mention the NC Tripping Shop. Here, you’ll find shirts, stickers, coffee mugs, and more.

All the designs were created by us and are inspired by our love for North Carolina. We hope you enjoy and can find something to wear or decorate your home that will show off just how much you love this state, too!

Visit The NC Tripping Shop!

North Carolina Gifts (Food and Drink)

For the “Food and Drink” and “North Carolina Gifts by Local Artisans” categories, we’ve listed these incredible gifts from NC in alphabetical order by company name.

Ashe County Cheese

Address: 106 E Main St, West Jefferson, NC
Website

North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant makes the perfect gift for any foodie in your family! Making quality cheese since 1930, Ashe County Cheese is always a marker of deliciousness. 

Why we love it: Whenever we’re in a restaurant that features North Carolina products, we always notice Ashe County Cheese. The quality can literally be tasted in every meal!

Asheville Tea Company 

No In-Person Location
Website

With a slogan like, “steeping it local,” Asheville Tea Company embodies everything we look for in North Carolina gifts. Using local and sustainable farmers throughout the Southeast, their tea blends have no additives and focus on the leaves to bring impeccable flavor. 

Why we love it: Partnering with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Asheville Tea Company contributes to its mission of protecting local land and water resources. 

Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes

Bertie County Peanuts

Address: 217 US-13, Windsor, NC
Website

Home-grown, blister fried, and seasoned, Bertie County Peanuts are the creme-de-la-crème of legumes. They are the perfect NC-themed gift for a holiday party, or just that late-night binge session of Ozark.

Why we love it: Chocolate peanuts. Spicy peanuts. BUTTERSCOTCH peanuts! I don’t think this needs an explanation. 

Big Spoon Roasters

Address: 500 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC
Website

One of our favorite Durham-based businesses is Big Spoon Roasters. We regularly see the owners at the Farmer’s Market, and they are such delightful people! Also, their handcrafted nut butters are wonderfully fresh, palm oil-free, and made to order.

With a business model that cares about what we put in our bodies and how we treat the environment, you can be sure that once you have your first spoonful, you’ll be wanting more! 

Why we love it: You’ll fall head over heels for the Chia Spice Peanut and Almond butter just like we did. Have it on a Michael’s English Muffin and your day is made. They come in mini jars, too, which is perfect for NC gift-giving! 

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

Carolina Brewery

Chapel Hill Address: 460 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC
Pittsboro Address: 120 Lowes Dr #100, Pittsboro, NC
Website

I’m a sucker for NC products that can also be bought at the grocery store and Carolina Brewery has a few of them. Not only has their hoptastic brews, but you can also buy barbecue sauces and spice rubs to complement them!

Available for purchase direct at their Chapel Hill and Pittsboro locations, you can also pick up this awesome North Carolina gift at Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Ingles, and Lowes Foods across North and South Carolina.

Why we love this NC girt: No fillers. If you’re like us and like a clean product, then the sauces and rubs from Carolina Brewery are perfect. Use it on pork, chicken beef, seafood, or unapologetically as a dip for your french fries.

Read More: Staying at the Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro (and 7 Things We Love About It!)

Chapel Hill Toffee

No In-Person Location
Website

Family-owned and operated in Chapel Hill, there is nothing more decadent and lovely than showing up to Christmas or a housewarming than with a box from Chapel Hill Toffee!

Made with a homemade family recipe, this toffee comes from the Graves family, who decided to turn their hobby into a home-based business. Today, it’s in over 400 retail locations and travels great! 

Why we love it: Every box of toffee sold makes a donation to Dina’s Dynasty Ovarian Cancer Fund. Whenever we go to Christmas dinner, we show up with a box of Chapel Hill Toffee, and it’s gone in seconds! This is hands down one of our favorites to gift!

Read More: Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro (History + How to Visit!)

Charlotte Coffee Company

No In-Person Location
Website

You’ll find a great combination of coffee and community at Charlotte Coffee Company. Give a gift of their coffee and you can feel good about sustainability and fair wages in the coffee industry. Even better, they offer free shipping when you order two bags!

Why we love it: 10 percent of all retail coffee sales go to support local non-profits. including organizations such as Loaves & Fishes committed to ending hunger and homelessness. 

Chocolate Fetish

Address: 36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC
Website

Chocolate Fetish is a small but thriving chocolate shop that calls Asheville “home.” The owners have spent their whole lives traveling and perfecting their craft to make sure every single one of their batches of chocolate is top-notch quality.

Why we love it: They have seasonal chocolates, like Maple Walnut Caramel Cups and Pumpkin Pie Truffles (for the current fall season) that make eating them that much more fun!

Read More: The Best Breweries in Asheville

Cocoa Cinnamon/Little Waves

Hillsborough Address: 2627 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC
Duke Address: 2013 Chapel Hill Rd Suite A, Durham, NC
Downtown Address: 420 W Geer St, Durham, NC
Website

Woman-owned and with a strong focus on the community, Cocoa Cinnamon is a Bull City legend and absolutely one of our favorite coffee shops in Durham. Their coffee beans are sourced with sustainability in mind and roasted at their Lakewood location.

Whenever we send a gift from North Carolina, it’s a bag of Cocoa Cinnamon coffee.

Why we love it: Latina-led, this company pays a living wage and also has community coffee for those who are unable to afford a cup. This is a business we can stand behind knowing they love the community as much as we love them back. 

Dewey’s Bakery

Winston-Salem Address: 2876 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
Greensboro: 3326 W Friendly Ave #128, Greensboro, NC
Mebane: 4000 Arrowhead Blvd, Mebane, NC
Website

Is it even the holidays without a crisp Moravian cookie?! Dewey’s Bakery has been making its legendary paper-thin crisp cookies since 1930 and they are deliciously addictive.

Why we love it: If you’ve never had the pleasure of a Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sando, then you need to run to the closest grocery store right NOW! I’m not kidding when I say that I can kill a sleeve of these cookies in 5 minutes and that’s being generous.

They are so good and the best part is clean ingredients, no preservatives, artificial flavors, and all delicious goodness.

Read more: Things to do in Winston-Salem

Durham Toffee

No In-Person Location
Website

Talk about a love for family-owned! This North Carolina small business is filled with love and that shines through in everything that they do. Everything Durham Toffee makes is made by hand in their certified home kitchen amongst the chaos that comes with a large family.

Why we love it: We know we have two toffee companies on this list, but honestly- they are both so very different. Durham Toffee is thin, crispy, and just oh-so-gooey!

Not only is their toffee magical, but several other products combine the same love and deliciousness.

French Broad Chocolates

Address: 10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC
Website

Asheville-based French Broad Chocolates is bean-to-bar and handcrafted. Whether you want just to get a couple of items or a perfectly curated Self Care Package, French Broad Chocolates always makes for incredible gifts from NC. 

We also featured them in our guide covering Asheville restaurants, in case you need some ideas for your next visit.

Why we love it: Bonbons, bars, and vegan sipping chocolate. There’s nothing that would make us happier than being gifted some French Broad Chocolate!

Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)

Hops and Nuts

No In-Person Location
Website

A fun twist on your favorite alcoholic beverages and bar snacks comes to you from Hops and Nuts. This Greensboro shop offers a creative way to have your beer and drink it too.

Why we love it: This company loves what they do and has fun while doing it! Everything is made-to-order and makes for a great snack to go with your favorite beer. 

Read More: Restaurants in Greensboro

King Cobra Apiary

Address: 5955 Thom Rd, Mebane, NC
Website

Did you know that local honey can help alleviate allergies? As such, King Cobra Apiary‘s products are among the most unique North Carolina gifts to give.

Located in Mebane, this apiary sustainably curates honey through natural foraging and works with small farmers. They sell infused honey, beeswax candles, raw honey, and more. Shipping is also free for orders over $35! 

Why we love it: Local honey has so many health benefits, and King Cobra Apiary is run by two incredible humans who care about both the quality of their product and the land in which the bees live. 

Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn

No In-Person Location
Website

Poppy Popcorn in Asheville provides you with Non-GMO popcorn, Non-GMO corn syrup, and no artificial flavors or colors in any of their popcorn. Enjoy classic options as well as more unique flavors such as Cotton Candy, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate & Cherries, and more!

Why we love it: Poppy’s gives back to their community through their Asheville High School Student Fund, showing their appreciation for the town that has helped them survive through uncertain times. Seasonal favorites make for a fun way to celebrate the holidays as well! 

Simply NC Goods

No In-Person Location
Website

If you love supporting small businesses then this is the perfect NC gift! SimplyNCgoods is a quarterly subscription box that features a different NC city in each shipment.

In each box, you’ll find 5 to 6 full-size food items, home goods, and bath products made by small businesses in NC. Fill your home and pantry with unique, useful items while supporting small businesses!

Use the coupon code NCTripping and you’ll receive 20 percent off your first shipment!

Southern Distilling Company

Address: 211 Jennings Rd, Statesville, NC
Website

I mean, who doesn’t love liquor as a gift?! Southern Distilling Company is located in what was once the “liquor capital of the world,” producing high-quality bourbon, rye whiskey, brandies, and more through their custom “Double Barrel” spirit safe. 

Why we love it: Produced using local grains and supporting the agricultural community, we absolutely love this Statesville product. We think their creations make wonderful North Carolina gifts and will always continue to buy their Double Rye Whiskey for ourselves! 

Read More: 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Statesville

Southern Supreme Fruitcake

Address: 1699 Hoyt Scott Rd, Bear Creek, NC
Website

Nothing says Christmas like a fruitcake! Coming out of Bear Creek in Chatham County, Southern Supreme Fruitcakes are packed full of nuts, raisins, dates, pineapple, and candied cherries. The family recipe is moist, chewy, and a wonderful tradition and gift to give! 

Why we love it: It’s not too sweet, perfectly nutty, and a crowd pleaser!

Spicewalla

Address: 1 Page Ave Suite 147, Asheville, NC
Website

Know someone who is a chef without a coat? Spicewalla makes perfect North Carolina gifts for those who love cooking! Carefully blended by $4 James Beard-nominated Chef Meherwan Irani, they have the highest quality of spices and are roasted and ground to order.

Why we love it: What’s not to love about Spicewalla? The tins they come in are adorable and are extremely high quality. We love our Za’atar and Garam Masala! 

Videri Chocolate

Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC
Website

Bean to bar chocolate factory that makes the most luscious truffles you’ve ever tasted? Yes, PLEASE!

Videri Chocolate is in downtown Raleigh and has a wide variety of organic nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan chocolate options. This makes a great gift when you’re unsure about allergies, on top of just being incredible. 

Why we love it: There are no fillers and everything is sustainably produced, which means you are getting just straight cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and organic cane sugar. The bonbons are beautiful and shipping makes it even easier to send for that special someone who needs sweet North Carolina gifts. 

North Carolina Gifts by Local Artisans

These gifts from North Carolina are hand-crafted by some of the best artists in the state.

A Bit of Carolina

Address: 306 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC
Website

Robin came highly recommended by some of our Facebook group members and the reviews were so great that we reached out and did a Giveaway with her!

A Bit of Carolina is located in Fayetteville and curates the best North Carolina gift baskets. Her baskets are truly a wonderful gift for anyone who loves North Carolina!

Why we love it: Our giveaway winner had mentioned in her comments that she loves barbecue rubs, and Robin adjusted the basket to include some incredible products. We love how passionate she is and love recommending A Bit of Carolina to everyone!

Read More: Outstanding Things to Do in Fayetteville

Blue Hill Glass Studio

No In-Person Location
Website

Who doesn’t like adding something unique to their home or closet? Blue Hill Glass Studio provides just that, with items such as sun-catchers and earrings made using either the kiln fire fusible glass method or stained glass copper foil method. 

Why we love it: We love gifts that we can customize or design ourselves, as it makes them that much more special. At Blue Hill Glass Studio, we can always make our own custom gifts, like a custom-made pet sun-catcher showcasing your furry friend. 

Crossnore Weavers

Address: Crossnore, NC
Website

Enjoy hand-woven goods from this company that also serves as a school and children’s home. Crossnore Weavers aims to preserve the Appalachian hand-weaving arts while giving economic opportunities to women through their work. 

Why we love it: They offer an array of products from table linens to women’s clothing, all hand-woven by the women of Crossnore. They also offer weaving classes, which make for a fun learning activity! 

Freaker USA

Address: 10 N Front St Unit C, Wilmington, NC
Website

Like to keep that cold beer or beverage cold? Then look no further than Freaker USA! Their cozies are made from recycled plastic with elastic woven throughout, making them usable for different-sized beverages! 

Why we love it: Freaker USA has cute and quirky designs that stick out compared to other cozies! This is the perfect gift for those who like to kick back with a cold drink.

Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)

Good Juju Herbal

Address: 8810 Westgate Park Dr STE 108, Raleigh, NC
Website

Good Juju Herbal is a Raleigh-based all-natural skincare company that provides products tailored to those that can’t find what they need at their local store. Stop by for some lotions, soaps, oils, and more!

Why we love it: Good Juju Herbal’s CEO suffers from eczema and, as such, has made products that can be used to treat sensitive skin and other issues, like chemo, post-partum, and babies. The inclusivity is amazing, and that’s why we love this brand! 

Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours

Hawks & Doves

No In-Person Location
Website

Hawks & Doves is a leather goods company providing durable, long-lasting items made to withstand everyday use. From computers to handbags and now face masks, enjoy a variety of items made with love and care. 

Why we love it: We love the choice of items that range from vintage and military-style to rustic cowhide. They also offer stamped keychains to donate to human rights groups–it’s always amazing when a company gives back! 

Hummingbird Candle Company

Address: 82 N Lexington Ave #100, Asheville, NC
Website

Enjoy candle-making workshops from Hummingbird Candle Company in their Downtown Asheville location, the original Fayetteville shop, or order unique candle scents on their website. Whichever route you go, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here.

Visit our home, and you’ll see this amazing NC gift on multiple tables.

Why we love it: This company cares about the planet and we love that! Black-owned by a fierce and loving human, Hummingbird is more than just incredible scents. They also look out and advocate for women in their community by using their voice and the platform they have created.

Joel Cocker Photography

No In-Person Location
Website

Joel is an incredible photographer and a great friend to NC Tripping! Joel has taken his travels and turned them into enjoyable art that can be hung in your house.

Why we love it: We especially love Joel’s mini canvases! Show your love for North Carolina by displaying it in your home and supporting an overall great person, too!

Lemons and Blessings

No In-Person Location
Website

Beautiful handcrafted and custom-made jewelry! What could be a better gift from NC?

Lemons and Blessings is owned by a Mooresville-based single mom who works hard to provide for her three daughters and to provide a great product for all her customers!

Why we love it: Though she’s been through a lot, the owner continues to count her blessings and work hard to show that dreams can be accomplished! We love the products she makes and her hard efforts to make every item to our liking.

McRae Design

No In-Person Location
Website

McRae Design offers gorgeous and colorful hand-made jewelry in so many different designs! If you want something that showcases your style and sticks out from the crowd, then this is it.

Why we love it: Creative collection names match the different designs perfectly! From names like Little Black Dress and Purple Rain, each collection name showcases the different, fun patterns available. 

Old North Shrub

Address: 126 W. Marion Street, Shelby, NC
Website

What started as providing boutique and high-quality ingredients to local craft breweries and cocktail craftsmen have turned into what is now Old North Shrub. They provide Shrubs, drinks that are made of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. 

Why we love it: These Shrubs provide high-quality drinks bottled for your convenience. Each bottle is packed with yummy, all-natural flavors that are sure to tingle your taste buds!

Outer Banks Candle Company

No In-Person Location
Website

At Outer Banks Candle Company, enjoy hand-poured candles filled to the brim with fragrance. Choose from a variety of vintage candles, mason jar candles, and even pillar candles! OBX Candle Company is sure to have something you’ll love. 

Why we love it: If you’re not exactly sure what you want or what to gift, no problem! They offer gift baskets, candle subscriptions, and candle sampler packs for the perfect gift.

Read More: Things to Do in the Outer Banks

Ron Philbeck Pottery

No In-Person Location
Website

Ron Philbeck creates one-of-a-kind pottery in Cleveland County. If you’re looking for something that you can’t get anywhere else, this is the place to go!

Why we love it: His pottery makes for great décor and usable art, such as mugs, to fill your home. New collections mean that you won’t run out of new items to buy. As we stated above, they’re one-of-a-kind, so once you buy it, no one else can have it! 

Thorlos

No In-Person Location
Website

Thorlos is a sock company that cares about more than just looks. Their comfy socks also help those with foot problems or injuries. Beyond that, the socks’ exclusive padding is clinically tested to provide the best comfort possible.

Why we love it: The care they give to their customers shows in the way they tailor-make their socks to fit each individual person. They understand that no two feet are the same! We were gifted some while visiting Statesville and fell in love, now pretty much exclusively using their socks for hiking in North Carolina.

The Zen Succulent

Address: 123 Market St B, Durham, NC
Website

This one is for all the plant lovers out there! The Durham-based Zen Succulent creates custom terrariums as well as other plant crafts. You can even book private classes, which is a great option for a group of friends, team bonding, or even date night. 

Why we love it: What more could you want as a plant lover? Custom-made terrariums? Check! Plants of all kinds available for local pick up and/or shipping? Check! They also offer gift certificates if you don’t know what your fellow plant-obsessed family or friend doesn’t have (because we all know if you love plants, you have a ton of them)!

North Carolina Travel Guides

The next set of NC gifts starts with a personal addition, followed by a collection of travel guides by someone we know very well!

The North Carolina Bucket List by NC Tripping

Of course, and we may be biased but we think the best gift you can give someone is our North Carolina Bucket List book! Filled with checklists, tips, and original photography, NC Tripping’s book is our favorite gift to give.

Buy a hard copy or digital and enjoy exploring with NC Tripping!

Moon Travel Guides

If you, someone in your family or a friend needs some guidance on things to do in North Carolina, grab a travel guide produced by a local author.

We absolutely love paper guides! I can assure you that Wilmington-based Jason Frye’s Moon Guides are always sitting on our shelf unless they’re with us during a trip!

Here are the titles he has available for you to order today (links from these books and others lead to your local bookstore.

• North Carolina (find at your local bookstore via Abe Books)
• Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains (buy via Bookshop)
• North Carolina Coast (buy via Bookshop)
• Blue Ridge Parkway (buy via Bookshop)

Before searching elsewhere for these titles, read about the true cost of Amazon to our local communities.

Read More: North Carolina Travel Guides with NC Tripping

North Carolina Chef-Led Cookbooks

We’ve eaten such amazing food from North Carolina’s chefs throughout the years that the wonderful smells and tastes still remain on my mind. Luckily, I can attempt to recreate some of these wonderful dishes with cookbooks offered by some of our state’s best.

• Of course, we couldn’t mention books by NC’s chefs without sharing Vivian Howard’s Deep Run Roots, which is special for the personal nature of her stories and recipes.
• Sam Jones of Skylight Inn and Sam Jones BBQ’s Whole Hog BBQ and Matthew Register’s Southern Smoke are great starters if you love North Carolina barbecue, which we do!
• And don’t forget about the folks at Buxton Hall in Asheville, who share their wood-smoked, flavorful recipes in this cookbook.

We shared these essential cookbooks and more in this guide!

Which of These North Carolina Gifts is For You (or Your Loved Ones)?

We hope you find exactly what you need for your Carolina friend or family member! Heck, check out some of these amazing North Carolina gifts for yourself!

What NC-themed products do you want to see more of? You can let us know in the comments section and we’ll be happy to respond!

More Things to Do (Beyond North Carolina Gifts)

Beyond these NC-themed gifts, we’ve created many travel guides that cover things to do throughout the state.

17 Things to Do in North Carolina in March (Great Local Events and Festivals)

50+ Important Facts About Maggie Valley (History and More!)

4th of July Events in NC from the Mountains to the Sea

Off-Season in the Outer Banks: 10 Things to Do During the Colder Months

20+ Essential Cookbooks by North Carolina Chefs and Food Writers

30+ Amazing Things to Do in Statesville (and Iredell County)

5 Ways to Reach Carter Falls In Elkin (a Beautiful Yadkin Valley Waterfall)

35+ Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours