When it comes to Christmas shopping, Black Friday gets all of the attention. If you ask me, however, Small Business Saturday is the one worth braving the crowds and the lines for … but, maybe that’s because there are fewer of them since the day is often overshadowed by its predecessor. Start your Christmas shopping by enjoying the gift of Edenton’s shopping scene. These locally owned small businesses burst with personality and charm, and they feature lots of treasures that are often unrivaled by the products in chain stores. What’s even better is that by participating in Small Business Saturday, you support your neighbors and the local economy, all of which helps the shops in Edenton flourish. Wondering where to start your gift shopping this holiday season? This blog guides you to places for all the good boys and girls on your list – and all at Edenton shops.
The Wee Ones
Is it really true that children get all of the Christmas gifts? Maybe it’s my own jealousy or maybe I’m finally realizing what adulthood means, either way most every gift shopping list is bound to include one or two tots. Shoppes on Broad is your one-stop shopping spot for finding children’s gifts. They sell boutique clothes and toys for young children from beloved brands like Sarah Louise and Kissy Kissy Baby. And, if you’re feeling ambitious enough to tackle additional people on your Christmas shopping list, this retailer houses four of Edenton’s shops all under the same roof. In one trip, you can pick up clothes, antiques, jewelry, cosmetics and even fine crystal. Talk about productivity!
The Fashionista
Edenton’s many boutiques with women’s apparel and accessories make it a destination for the style-savvy shopper. Downtown Diva offers the season’s cutting-edge styles on clothing that ranges from dresses for special occasions to leisure wear that lets you lounge while looking effortlessly cool – there’s something for every taste. Down the street and around the corner, The Polka-Dot Palm specializes in outfitting women in brand-name favorites, such as Lilly Pulitzer, and it also complements any ensemble with trendy accessories like colorful jewelry, polished scarves and monogramming services.
Photo credit: The Polka-Dot Palm
The Homemaker
For those who love spending hours making their home look like a picture pulled from lifestyle magazine, get them beautiful, handcrafted decor from the craft store at Byrum True Value Hardware, Gifts and Crafts. They make custom decorations, like wreaths, faux bouquets and garlands that dress up every home in seasonal finery. And, for those who love channeling their inner Martha Stewart with DIY projects, Byrum True Value also sells paints, textiles and other crafting supplies.
Do any of your friends have homes that you enter and feel like you’re stepping into a chic cottage in the French countryside, or everything is curated in a simultaneously homey and upscale aesthetic? Go above and beyond the standard scented candle or paperweight when you get their gift from the summerhouse of Edenton. Shop the selection of rugs, ceramics, diffusers, pillows, art and other home goods that will add a blend of country-coastal class to any room. If you’re getting a gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, you’re in luck, as Summerhouse also offers interior design services, and the owners know what will add that just right touch of elegance to any room.
Photo credit: summerhouse of Edenton
The Artist
Downtown Edenton is a wonderful place to shop for the artists and art enthusiasts among your family and friends. Chowan Art Council and gift shop’s ever-changing assortment of wall art, decor, ceramic items and other assorted multimedia art lets you find gifts that everyone can appreciate. Many of these pieces capture influences of Edenton and northeastern North Carolina in their design; this makes it a treat for faraway family members who love to visit as well as the Edenton natives who brim with spirit for their hometown.
Photo credit: Chowan Arts Council
The Foodie
The holidays are all about good food and drink, and that extends to under the Christmas tree as well. Edenton Bay Trading Company is like a little taste of New Orleans brought to you, and their specialty market keeps the good times rolling. Shop their selection of craft beers and wines. They source their stock from a number of local and global vintners and brewers, and you can give niche favorites to the beer lovers and esoteric European wines to the self-proclaimed wine snobs among your friends. Their selection of artisan cheese makes a delicious complement for any of these drinks, but I don’t recommend wrapping that up under your Christmas tree …
Photo credits: Edenton Bay Trading Company
The Bookworm
I can’t think of a single holiday season that doesn’t involve wrapping up book after book in shiny Christmas paper. Instead of ordering books from online retailers or shopping at big business brands, browse the shelves of independent booksellers. The Garden of Readin’ in downtown Edenton pairs your shopping experience with a complimentary cup of Rishi tea, and their assortment of comfy chairs is an excellent spot to flip through the fiction, biography and children’s literature titles. They sell both new and used books, and you can score Black Friday-worthy deals every day on the used books.
These are just a few of many amazing characters among Edenton shops. All of the above-mentioned stores are located downtown, so park your car and complete your shopping trip on foot. Wander in and out of each place that catches your eye. Check out our Edenton Shopping page to learn more about all of the options in the area. If you want to take advantage of these stores’ signature items, be sure to see what’s recommended on our Must Haves page.
About the Author Hannah Lee Leidy
Hannah Lee is a fiction and creative nonfiction writer living on the Outer Banks. She graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Traveling is her passion, but nowhere ever feels as much like home as the Outer Banks. When not planning her next trip or adventure, Hannah Lee loves aimless drives down the Beach Road, spending copious amounts of time in coffee shops and reading every short story collection she gets her hands on. 