Holiday gift ideas 2023: The 50 best gifts from Louisville

Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·20 min read

There's something for everyone this holiday shopping season when you shop local and from the heart. And there are tons of places to find that perfect gift for someone on your list.

We've rounded up some of our favorite gifts that can be bought around Louisville, from candy and tea to bourbon, gifts under $20, gifts for the family, gifts for men, gifts for self-care, and more.

So settle in and look at some gifts you can buy for your loved ones this holiday. Happy shopping, everyone!

Holiday gift ideas for the foodie from Louisville

Bourbon truffles from Art Eatables

Art Eatables, 9816 Linn Station Road; arteatables.com

Bourbon Country Collection small-batch bourbon truffles at Art Eatables
Bourbon Country Collection small-batch bourbon truffles at Art Eatables

Building on the beloved tradition of bourbon-infused candies, Art Eatables began making small-batch bourbon truffles in 2011. The “taste of the trail” bundle makes for a special treat while paying homage to Kentucky’s most-loved spirit. The 8-piece samples include truffles made with Bulleit, Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Jim Beam, Town Branch, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve bourbons.

COST: $23-$92, price varies by size

Cookies from Please and Thank You

Please and Thank You, multiple locations, wearepleaseandthankyou.com 

The recipient of this gift will definitely thank you. Please and Thank You has become a staple in Louisville for its chocolate chip cookie goodness that you just have to tell someone about. Thanks to their shipping program, you can just send them cookies instead to say, “Happy Holidays.”

COST: Please and Thank you cookie mix, $12, one-dozen cookies, $29

Froggy's Popcorn Movie Night Pack

Froggy's Popcorn, 974 Barret Ave., Louisville, froggyspopcorn.com

This Movie Night Pack from Froggy's Popcorn features an assortment of popcorn and sweet treats.
This Movie Night Pack from Froggy's Popcorn features an assortment of popcorn and sweet treats.

Take a cozy at-home family movie night to the next level with this epic snack basket from Froggy's Popcorn. The basket includes a sweet and savory assortment of snacks including one extra large bag of Froggy's freshly popped movie theater butter popcorn, four bags of from-scratch gourmet popcorn ― white cheddar, farmhouse cheddar, granny’s caramel, and birthday cake flavors ― as well as four boxes of classic movie theater candy and a set of five reusable popcorn buckets. This basket is available for purchase at the Barret Avenue store and online at froggyspopcorn.com.

COST: $59

Louisville-themed spices from Pinch Spice Market

Pinch Spice Market, 110 N 13th St., pinchspicemarket.com

The Portland spice blend, from Pinch Spice Market, is a blend inspired by Old Bay Seasoning. Use generously with grilled fish, crab boils, clam bakes, and chowders.
The Portland spice blend, from Pinch Spice Market, is a blend inspired by Old Bay Seasoning. Use generously with grilled fish, crab boils, clam bakes, and chowders.

With this sample of six spices, you’ll get to know specific sides of Louisville. Pinch Spice Market offers a “Taste of Louisville” gift bag, featuring organic spices influenced by six neighborhoods in Louisville. Known for its inventive spice vending machine at the Shippingport Brewery, Pinch Spice Market launched in 2018 by Thomas McGee and Meaghan Thomas.

”We’ve fallen in love with the city, its people and its vibrant neighborhoods,” they wrote on the market’s site. The gift bag encourages innovative cooking with spices tied to the Butchertown, Germantown, The Highlands, Old Louisville, Portland, and Russell neighborhoods.

COST: $36.99

Tea samplers from Louisville Tea Company

Louisville Tea Company, 9305 New La Grange Road, louisvilleteacompany.com

The 12 Days of Christmas Tea Collection is $12.85.
The 12 Days of Christmas Tea Collection is $12.85.

Nothing says self-care quite like a warm mug of tea. Louisville Tea Company, the city's premiere loose-leaf tea shop, sells a variety of products, including its popular tea sampler packs, like its "12 Days of Christmas" sampler. It features a dozen flavors, including "Christmas Morning," "Pizzelle Cookie," "Santa’s Cookies," and "Pepper Twist."

Each tea comes with brewing instructions, which vary by type. Not sure what to get? Try one of its popular sampler boxes, which in addition to the holiday sample, come in varieties including Green Tea, Classic Tea, Caffeine Free, Kentucky Tea and more.

COST: 12-day sampler $12.95, 6-bag sampler $26, top tea sampler $48, rare tea sampler $62

A ticket to a Louisville Food Tour

Louisville Food Tours, Louisvillefoodtours.com 

Louisville Food Tour Nulu Food Tour
Louisville Food Tour Nulu Food Tour

Here’s a way to really get a taste of the Louisville food and dining scene in one day. Louisville Food Tours was started by husband-and-wife team Lia and Jeremy Garcia on a “mission to showcase Louisville’s world-class food, delicious drinks, and unique history,” according to its website. On tours of the NuLu or Highlands neighborhoods, participants will get a taste of its interesting food, drinks and history.

COST: $89-109, price varies by tour

Bourbon holiday gift ideas from Louisville

Holiday bourbon bottle from Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve, woodfordreserve.com

The one-liter Woodford Reserve 2023 holiday bottle is available for $50.
The one-liter Woodford Reserve 2023 holiday bottle is available for $50.

To ring in the holiday season, Woodford Reserve has released its annual holiday bourbon bottle. The bottle has a white raised texture evoking snow and features a smooth glossy gold foil that compliments the rich color of the bourbon.

“A Woodford Reserve holiday bottle is the perfect gift this season, and it will make a beautiful addition to any bar cart,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said in a news release. “It’s the perfect gift to bring to a holiday party – or even a treat to yourself.”

COST: One-liter Woodford Reserve holiday bottle, $50

Bourbon flight board from Work the Metal

Work the Metal, 1201 Story Ave., workthemetal.com

Bourbon Flight Board with Four Snifter Glasses retails for $64 at Work the Metal in Louisville.
Bourbon Flight Board with Four Snifter Glasses retails for $64 at Work the Metal in Louisville.

For the bourbon enthusiast, consider getting something they can use to enjoy all of that premium bourbon in their life.

Work the Metal, a massive boutique in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood sells a variety of bourbon-themed gifts. Check out the bourbon flight board, made from reclaimed Bourbon Barrel Stave. It features four snifter glasses and a small symbol of the state of Kentucky is burned into the wood.

COST: bourbon flight board, $64

Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye and Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey

Angel's Envy, 500 E. Main St., angelsenvy.com/us/en/

Angel’s Envy has released its first-ever Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels, and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels for the 12th year in a row.
Angel’s Envy has released its first-ever Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels, and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels for the 12th year in a row.

Angel’s Envy has released its first-ever limited-edition Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels, and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels for the 12th year in a row. The new expressions mark the first releases under the helm of Master Distiller Owen Martin, who joined the brand last fall.

The 2023 Cask Strength Rye is the brand's first time releasing a limited-edition Rye Whiskey at Cask Strength and only 5,500 bottles will be available. The rye features creamy notes of pears, cream, and rye spice on the palate, which lead into a finish of cream soda, black tea, and a floral sweetness, according to a news release.

The Cask Strength Bourbon release includes creamy notes of cherry, caramel, and marshmallow on the palate, which lead into a finish of baking spice, oak tannins, and red wine, according to the release. Just over 22,000 bottles will be available.

Both expressions will be available at select retailers across the U.S., including the Angel’s Envy distillery in downtown Louisville, starting Dec. 1.

COST: Cask Strength Rye, $269.99, Cask Strength Bourbon, $229.99

Hardin's Creek Kentucky Series bourbon from James B. Beam Distillery

Hardin's Creek, hardinscreek.com

The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series features three Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, all aged for 17 years with the same mash bill, with the only difference being the location of aging. It retails for $169.99.
The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series features three Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, all aged for 17 years with the same mash bill, with the only difference being the location of aging. It retails for $169.99.

Over the past year, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Freddie Noe have released The Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Series, a three-part series of Kentucky Straight Bourbons. Each expression was laid down at the same time 17 years ago, with the same mash bill and production process. The only difference was the location of aging.

Each expression is named after the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus on which it matured: Hardin’s Creek Clermont (released June 2023), followed by Frankfort (released August 2023), and finally Boston (released September 2023).

The trio is the perfect chance to taste each release side-by-side to compare and contrast.

COST: $169.99

Kentucky-themed leather coasters by Clayton & Crume

Clayton and Crume, 216 S. Shelby St., claytonandcrume.com

Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.
Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.

Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.

The NuLu leather goods shop sells full-grain leather coasters featuring hand-stamped images of the state of Kentucky, the fleur de lis, and the Louisville skyline.

These thick, water-resistant coasters are sold in packs of four.

Horseracing fans may enjoy the horseshoe or jockey silk coasters and bourbon enthusiasts may want to outfit their bar with the mint julep recipe coaster.

Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.
Add some understated Bluegrass State flair to your home with a variety of Kentucky- and Louisville-inspired coasters from Louisville-based Clayton & Crume.

If you’re thinking of sending made-in-Louisville products to loved ones out of state, the company’s 50 State Collection and selection of city skylines can give them a local, handcrafted gift to help them show off their own state pride.

COST: $38, for a set of four

Self-care holiday gift ideas from Louisville

'Bae Butter' from BaeVibez Skincare

BaeVibez Skincare, facebook.com/baevibezskincare

BaeVibez, an online based small business creates vegan skincare products.
BaeVibez, an online based small business creates vegan skincare products.

This Black-owned and operated business makes skin care products in Louisville including "bae butters" for nourishment, body and hair oils, African black soap and more. All the skincare products are vegan.

In addition to shopping on its website, a variety of products can be found in Rainbow Blossom locations around the city.

"With a luxurious blend of exotic ingredients, including Kokum butter, Shea butter, Arrowroot powder, Avocado oil, Rosehip oil, Grapeseed oil, Vitamin E (Tocopherol acetate), and infused with invigorating scents of tropical, cherry, pineapple papaya, coconut mango, and island paradise essential oils, this butter is a true tropical indulgence," says founder Adriana Susso.

COST: BaeVibez bae butter 2-ounce container, $30, 4-ounce container is $45

Bourbon-infused skincare products from Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa

Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa, 124 S. 1st St., bourbonandblushspa.com

Bourbon & Blush salon and spa in downtown Louisville offers a full service salon with haircare, manicures and pedicures. The spa also provides massages and other body treatments where customers can use the signature products which are infused with bourbon.
Bourbon & Blush salon and spa in downtown Louisville offers a full service salon with haircare, manicures and pedicures. The spa also provides massages and other body treatments where customers can use the signature products which are infused with bourbon.

Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa in downtown Louisville offers a variety of self-care items perfect for all bodies.

If you're looking to gift someone special in your life with a pampering day, try a Moonshine manicure ($40), a signature facial ($120+ for 50 minutes), a Make It Neat massage ($115 for 50 minutes), or a Nourishing Body Wrap ($180 for 75 minutes).

Bourbon & Blush uses its Me Care Bourbon-Infused Bodyline, which infuses Kentucky bourbon into small batch, clean ingredient, body scrubs, body butters, and salt soaks. The products are used on-site and can also be purchased to take home to continue the spa experience after leaving.

COST: Bluegrass Bourbon body scrub, $34, 3 N 1 whisked sugar scrub, $30, Bootleg Body Butter, $30, Midnight Moon moisturizer, $24

Custom scents from Commonwealth Candle

Commonwealth Candle, 10526 Watterson Trail, commonwealthcandle.com

These soy, locally made and hand-poured candles from Commonwealth Candle come in a variety of scents, from Cedar and Bergamont and Cherry Wine to Cozy Cabin and Lavender Lemon. Some of its current fall scents include Tobacco Barn, Apple Bourbon, Banana Nut Bread, Cranberry Woods, Cinnamon Bun and more.

You can also pour your own candle and create your own scent. A walk-in appointment will allow you the chance to choose your own vessel, choose your own scent blend, and "pour a candle that is uniquely yours." The price to pour your own candle depends on the style of jar you choose. Prices start at $25 and go up from there.

Commonwealth Candle also sells sampler packs, including the popular "Kentucky Flight," which includes four candles with scents Kentucky Rain, Louisville Love, Tobacco Barn and Kentucky Bourbon.

COST: 8-ounce candle, $18, 16-ounce candle, $28

Luxury skincare products from Moss Hill

Moss Hill, 1201 Story Ave., mosshill.net

Tucked inside Work the Metal, an 8,000-square-foot gift shop in Butchertown, sits Moss Hill, a skin and body care shop that sells everything from candles to lotions, chapstick, and more.

This woman-owned shop sells a variety of products at any price point, meaning you won't have to break the bank while buying a thoughtful gift. Its bar soaps are $7, bubble bath retails for $9 and lips balms are only $5. Looking for something special for the man in your life? Moss Hill sells a three-piece shaving box which includes "a wide container of shaving soap available in two different fragrances, a matching after-shave lotion, and a boar bristle brush" in a variety of scents, for $37.

COST: 8-ounce lotion, $19, bubble bath, $9, body mist, $15, full-size hand and body wash, $18

Holiday gift ideas from Louisville for men

Monogrammed leather phone case or key fob at Clayton & Crume

Clayton & Crume, 216 S. Shelby St., claytonandcrume.com

Leather iphone cases, available at Clayton & Crume. $95.
Leather iphone cases, available at Clayton & Crume. $95.

Clayton & Crume, which makes high-quality leather goods, sells a variety of items perfect for anybody on your list. And you can make these items just a little bit more special with the option of monogramming.

First, for the tech lover in your life, try the monogrammed Leather Phone Case for the iPhone 13 and 14, which comes in a leather natural color, or the iPhone 15 case, which comes in three colors — natural, black and olive green. The case is made from world-famous hides from the Horween tannery in Chicago, Illinois, and is designed, processed, and personalized in the shop. Cases retail for $95.

Leather key fob, available at Clayton & Crume. $30
Leather key fob, available at Clayton & Crume. $30

For something a little less pricey, try the monogrammed Circle Key Fob, which will keep your keys handy in a classic style. You can customize your handmade key strap with a complimentary monogram (up to three characters).

COST: iPhone cases, $95, circle key fob, $30

Beard products at Handsome Fellows

Handsome Fellows, 3500 Frankfort Ave., 12005 Shelbyville Road, handsomefellowsbarbershop.com

Handsome Fellows Barber Shop, with two area locations, provides men with a luxury beard trim and haircut experience.
Handsome Fellows Barber Shop, with two area locations, provides men with a luxury beard trim and haircut experience.

A premium beard trim or a specialty haircut is the perfect holiday gift for the stylish man in your life. Handsome Fellows Barber Shop has two locations and offers everything from the aforementioned beard trim to a skin fade, head shave, and more.

The Premium Beard Trim ($30), is a "trimming, tapering and shaping of the beard." It is followed by a steam towel, hot lather, and straight razor shave of the upper beard line and lower neck. (Plus you can add nose waxing for $10 and nothing says "self-care" like nose waxing.)

The shop also sells a variety of beard oils, beard clays and other beard care products. All are roughly $24.

COST: Premium beard trim, $30, men's haircut, $30

Kentucky Derby 150 memorabilia at Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop

Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop, 704 Central Ave., derbymuseumstore.com

This Kentucky Derby 150 logo baseball cal retails for $30 at the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop.
This Kentucky Derby 150 logo baseball cal retails for $30 at the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop.

The Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop has a variety of Kentucky and Derby-themed gifts, local products, and specialty goods.

In May 2024, Churchill Downs will celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby, so get the racing fan a little piece of history with a gift with the 150 Derby logo. Choose from the Kentucky Derby 150 Icon Logo Tee that comes in black, cardinal red and royal blue, or the Kentucky Derby 150 Stratus Ball Cap that comes in white, black dark gray, demin blue, hunter green, and khaki.

COST:Tee shirt, $25, Ball cap, $30

Practice round tickets to the 2024 PGA Championship

Valhalla Golf Club, 15503 Shelbybille Road, valhallagolfclub.com

Professional golfer, and Louisville native, Justin Thomas.
Professional golfer, and Louisville native, Justin Thomas.

Give the golf enthusiast in your life the ultimate holiday gift with practice round tickets to the 2024 PGA Championship, which will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

Immerse them in the world of professional golf, offering the opportunity to be up close to their favorite players and the chance to snag coveted autographs. The experience extends beyond the greens with a food and non-alcoholic beverage inclusion program.

The PGA Championship takes place May 13-17. While tickets for May 17-19 are sold out, practice round tickets are still available. Tickets can be purchased through the PGA of America’s Official Ticketing Provider, SeatGeek. A bonus, the PGA of America’s junior policy, which states that two kids under 15 years old are able to attend the Championship free with a ticketed adult, means this is a gift good for the whole family.

COST: Starting at $59

Sports gear at JD Becker's UK & UofL Superstore

JD Becker's UK & UofL Superstore, 7521 Outer Loop, jdbeckerstores.com

For the Kentucky and Louisville sports fan, JD Becker's UK & UofL Superstore in Louisville has a large selection of Louisville and Kentucky gear for Christmas. Sweatshirts start at $44.99.
For the Kentucky and Louisville sports fan, JD Becker's UK & UofL Superstore in Louisville has a large selection of Louisville and Kentucky gear for Christmas. Sweatshirts start at $44.99.

For the Kentucky and Louisville sports fan, JD Becker has a large selection of Louisville and Kentucky gear for Christmas just in time for the big game in December. They also have golf accessories, hats, jewelry, novelties, accessories for each school, and items for infants and toddlers.

COST: Sweatshirts start at $44.99. Free shipping on orders $75 and more.

Holiday gift ideas from Louisville under $20

Leather cord snap from Clayton & Crume

Clayton & Crume, 216 S Shelby St., claytonandcrume.com

Handcrafted leather cord snaps are $6 a piece at Clayton & Crume
Handcrafted leather cord snaps are $6 a piece at Clayton & Crume

A tangle of tech cords is a common annoyance but Clayton & Clume has the answer. With a focus on creating leather goods in timeless designs and with durable construction, Clayton & Crume handcrafts these sturdy leather cord snaps. A tiny, inexpensive solution to the gaggle of phone and computer cords, the leather snaps start at $6 for a thoughtful stocking stuffer or $20 if you box up a bundle of five.

COST: $6 per cord snap or $20 for a bundle of five cord snaps

Initial rings from Revelry Boutique Gallery

Revelry Boutique Gallery, 742 Market St., revelrygallery.com

Initial wire wrapped rings available for $12 at Reverly Boutique Gallery
Initial wire wrapped rings available for $12 at Reverly Boutique Gallery

These initial wire-wrapped rings are a best-seller at Revelry Boutique Gallery, a carefully curated boutique and art gallery with many one-of-a-kind pieces from regional artists in NuLu. Louisville artist Gretchen Leachman creates the popular $12 initial rings, which are available in every letter of the alphabet. These affordable pieces of jewelry make the perfect personalized gift.

COST: $12 per ring

Novelty gifts from Carmichael's Bookstore

Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Ave.; 1295 Bardstown Road, carmichaelsbookstore.com

Pop Culture GIft Boxes are $9.95-$13.95 at Carmichael's Bookstores
Pop Culture GIft Boxes are $9.95-$13.95 at Carmichael's Bookstores

Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville's oldest indie bookstore, is well-known for filling out bookshelves, but it's also a great place to find novelty gifts at an affordable price. Pop Culture Gift Boxes ranging in price from $9.95-$13.95 make a fine gift for television and film fans and anyone who loves pop culture. From an Inigo Montyoya talking bust from "The Princess Bride" to a mini gavel with the iconic sound effect from "Law & Order," Carmichael's has dozens of pop culture options from which to choose.

COST: Pop Culture Gift Boxes, $9.95-$13.95

Fair Trade shoulder bags at Just Creations

Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Ave., justcreations.org

Shoulder bags block printed in Louisville designs handcrafted in Nepal exclusively for Just Creations. $20
Shoulder bags block printed in Louisville designs handcrafted in Nepal exclusively for Just Creations. $20

The Louisville Line is a Fair Trade exclusive brand at Just Creations. These roomy block print shoulder bags are handcrafted in Nepal, exclusively for the Frankfort Avenue shop. The bag is perfect for a phone and other essentials when you want to travel light. Assorted colors and designs including Fleur de Lis, cardinal birds, or horses are available. The line also includes Louisville-themed stationary, hot pads, coin purses, eyeglass cases, aprons and more.

COST: $20 for the zippered shoulder bag

Clever tea towels from Work the Metal

Work the Metal,1201 Story Ave., workthemetal.com

Layne Wilson Photoraphy tea towels avaible at Work the Metal
Layne Wilson Photoraphy tea towels avaible at Work the Metal

You'll clean up in the gift department with these clever tea towels at Work the Metal. The super-sized gift boutique in the Butchertown neighborhood boasts an entire wall with dozens of towels decorated with photos of popular Louisville themes and various humorous quotes (having nothing to do with Louisville or Kentucky.) Ranging in price from $12-$18, you can choose towels with designs of Thunder Over Louisville, jockey silks, a mint julep recipe, or snarky comments and quotes about housework and bourbon.

Ceramic coasters by Layne Wilson Photographery. $7 a piece at Work the Metal.
Ceramic coasters by Layne Wilson Photographery. $7 a piece at Work the Metal.

Created by Louisville's Layne Wilson Photography, these classic tea towels make a great hostess gift if you are attending holiday parties and are lightweight which makes them less expensive to ship. And because they are inexpensive, you might combine one with a $7 ceramic coaster also from Layne Wilson Photography. The coasters come in dozens of designs including retro horse racing themes, cityscapes, and racey quotes, which we can't print in this publication.

COST: Tea towels by Layne Wilson Photography, $12-$18. Ceramic coasters, $7

Holiday gift ideas for the 'Kentucky' lover

Local history books from Carmichael's Bookstore

Carmichael’s Bookstore, 1295 Bardstown Road and 2720 Frankfort Ave., carmichaelsbookstore.com

A copy of “Oldest Louisville” by Louisvillian Kevin Gibson sits on the shelf at Carmichael's Bookstore in the Highlands.
A copy of “Oldest Louisville” by Louisvillian Kevin Gibson sits on the shelf at Carmichael's Bookstore in the Highlands.

If you want to explore the past in Louisville and Kentucky without leaving your couch, the shelves at Carmichael’s Bookstore have you covered. “Oldest Louisville,” by Louisvillian Kevin Gibson, was just published in October and walks readers through the most aged parks, cemeteries, landmarks, and more in Derby City.

For those who enjoy bourbon beyond simply drinking it, “Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” by husband-and-wife writers Berkeley and Jeanine Scott adds depth and context to one of Kentucky’s most well-known exports.

“Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” by husband-and-wife writers Berkeley and Jeanine Scott takes readers back a century to learn about long-ago bourbon brands.
“Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” by husband-and-wife writers Berkeley and Jeanine Scott takes readers back a century to learn about long-ago bourbon brands.

Published earlier this year, the photo-heavy book explores the deeply rooted history of bourbon production throughout the state through the lens of “lost” distilleries, many of which never reopened after Prohibition.

COST: “Oldest Louisville” $22.50 (paperback); “Kentucky’s Lost Bourbon Distilleries” $23.99 (paperback)

Iconic Hadley Pottery at a reduced price

Hadley Pottery, 1570 Story Ave., hadleypottery.com

Haldey Pottery offers seconds of some of their most designs. This Turtle Cereal bowl is $15.50 while supplies last.
Haldey Pottery offers seconds of some of their most designs. This Turtle Cereal bowl is $15.50 while supplies last.

Louisville philanthropist Brook Smith purchased Hadley Pottery in November 2022 with the intent to honor the brand and legacy of Mary Alice Hadley and all of the people who have been a part of this Louisville icon since its inception in 1940. While moderately priced, you can pick up a Hadley cereal bowl for just $22, but for those who enjoy the hunt and a bargain, Hadley sells seconds like the Turtle design cereal bowl for $15.50. The Hadley Pottery website is a great place to browse since the sales room at the shop is open only Wednesday and Saturday. The thing is with the seconds, once they are gone, they are gone so if you find something you like, don't delay your purchase.

COST: Hadley cereal bowl seconds, $15.50

Kentucky beer can candles by Nerd Babes Co.

Revelry Boutique and Gallery, 742 E. Market St., revelrygallery.com

Candles using recycled West Sixth Brewing cans, made by Nerd Babes Co., are for sale at Revelry Boutique and Gallery in Nulu.
Candles using recycled West Sixth Brewing cans, made by Nerd Babes Co., are for sale at Revelry Boutique and Gallery in Nulu.

If you like to sip and smell local, a beer candle might just be the perfect gift.

These soy wax candles with hemp wicks are made with recycled West Sixth Brewing beer cans but don’t worry. They don’t actually smell like beer! Revelry Boutique and Gallery in NuLu has a selection of candles, which burn for 50-plus hours, in various West Sixth Brewing cans from Lexington-based Nerd Babes Co.

The shop also has a selection of candles in Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses.

Candles using Kentucky Derby glasses, made by Nerd Babes Co., are for sale at Revelry Boutique and Gallery in Nulu.
Candles using Kentucky Derby glasses, made by Nerd Babes Co., are for sale at Revelry Boutique and Gallery in Nulu.

Looking for a different style of candle? Nerd Babes Co. makes a variety of others with cans from Kentucky-based beer brands.

COST: $20 beer can candle, $26 Kentucky Derby glass candle

Assorted wood décor from A Taste of Kentucky

A Taste of Kentucky, 11800 Shelbyville Road, atasteofkentucky.com

For the foodie in your life, consider the fleur de lis or horse head silhouette cutting board made in Stanton, Kentucky by Appalachian Mountain Crafts. These boards are made from maple and walnut wood harvested from the Appalachian Mountains.
For the foodie in your life, consider the fleur de lis or horse head silhouette cutting board made in Stanton, Kentucky by Appalachian Mountain Crafts. These boards are made from maple and walnut wood harvested from the Appalachian Mountains.

As you can imagine, shopping at A Taste of Kentucky is a surefire way to gift a piece of the Bluegrass State to friends and family during the holidays.

For the foodie in your life, consider the fleur de lis or horse head silhouette cutting board made in Stanton, Kentucky by Appalachian Mountain Crafts. These boards are made from maple and walnut wood harvested from the Appalachian Mountains.

For the friend who is always losing their keys, may we suggest a magnetic key holder shaped like the Commonwealth? Veteran-made in Kentucky by Cruise Customs Flags, this American cherry hardwood wall décor is both functional and decorative.
For the friend who is always losing their keys, may we suggest a magnetic key holder shaped like the Commonwealth? Veteran-made in Kentucky by Cruise Customs Flags, this American cherry hardwood wall décor is both functional and decorative.

For the friend who is always losing their keys, may we suggest a magnetic key holder shaped like the Commonwealth? Veteran-made in Kentucky by Cruise Customs Flags, this American cherry hardwood wall décor is both functional and decorative.

COST: fleur de lis and horse cutting board, $30-$65; Kentucky key holder, $50

Holiday group, family gift ideas from Louisville

Tickets to the Derby Dinner Playhouse

Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Indiana, derbydinner.com

Everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this upcoming action-packed musical at Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience on a fun-filled adventure.
Everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this upcoming action-packed musical at Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience on a fun-filled adventure.

Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville is one of the oldest and largest professional dinner theaters in the country. This holiday season you can treat the entire family to a day at the theater with a kid-friendly show, complete with a kid-friendly meal. "Curious George ― The Golden Meatball" runs in late February and throughout March. "Fancy Nancy The Musical" hits the stage in late May and runs through June. To purchase tickets, call 812-288-8281 or visit derbydinner.com.

COST: $18 per person for a breakfast show, and $23 per person for a lunchtime show

A Corvette puzzle from the Frazier History Museum

Frazier History Museum Gift Shop, 829 W. Main St., fraziermuseum.org

This 1,000-piece Corvette Evolution puzzle is available in the Frazier History Museum's gift shop for $29.
This 1,000-piece Corvette Evolution puzzle is available in the Frazier History Museum's gift shop for $29.

With Louisville's often fickle winter weather on the way, it's always a good idea to have some extra activities around for the family to do. This 1000-piece Corvette Evolution puzzle at the Frazier History Museum Gift Shop nods to Kentucky's history in the automobile industry. With this gift, you're giving a family you care about hours of quality time together as well as an up-close look at how this iconic car has evolved through generations. This puzzle is available at the museum's gift shop and at its online store at shop.fraziermuseum.org.

COST: $26

Tickets to a magic show at J&B Magic Shop and Theater

J&B Magic Shop and Theater, 129 E. Spring St., New Albany, Indiana, newalbanymagic.com

Brent Braun was 20 when he first walked into a magic shop. Now 42, he's opening his own -- J and B Magic Shop -- in New Albany on East Spring Street which will also feature a small theater where two shows a week are planned, one for adults and one for kids.
Brent Braun was 20 when he first walked into a magic shop. Now 42, he's opening his own -- J and B Magic Shop -- in New Albany on East Spring Street which will also feature a small theater where two shows a week are planned, one for adults and one for kids.

Treat the whole family to an intimate, magical evening at the J&B Magic Shop and Theater in New Albany. The theater's "Never Not Amazing Show" is a "family-friendly adventure of spectacular thrills." The hour-long performance is known for exciting audience engagement that encourages everyone in the 30-seat theater to participate in the art of illusion. Showtimes vary and are listed online at newalbanymagic.com.

COST: $7-10 per person

A membership to the Kentucky Science Center

Kentucky Science Center, 727 W. Main St., kysciencecenter.org

A young child plays in the stretchy rope area inside the Kentucky Science Center's "Science in Play" area.
A young child plays in the stretchy rope area inside the Kentucky Science Center's "Science in Play" area.

This holiday season, give a family a year-long gift of learning, experimenting, and excitement with membership to the Kentucky Science Center in downtown Louisville. Members have unlimited admission to the Kentucky Science Center's permanent exhibits as well as free admission to more than 350 museums and science centers worldwide through the ASTC Passport Program. Members also receive discounts on downtown parking and in the science center's gift shop. To purchase a membership visit kysciencecenter.org/membership or call 502-560-7158.

COST: $129 for two adults and up to four children or grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Christmas gift ideas: Where to find local Louisville gifts for holiday