Fun fact: Downtown Raleigh is made up of over 90% locally-owned stores. Shopping these local shops is not just a great way to uplift the community — it’s also one of the best ways to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

Plus, Downtown Raleigh has just about every type of retailer you might need for gifting, including:

Beer and wine
Clothing and accessories
Flowers and plants
Gourmet foods
Home furnishings and antiques
Jewelry
Music
Sports and fitness
And more

Here are some of the DTR Gift Guide finds we're eyeing + the events you'll see us at this year:

Designed by Joy's acorn bell ornament is hand-made right here in Raleigh. | Photo provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance

Downtown Raleigh favorite finds

Blackbird Books & Coffee:Books, mugs, candles + coffee. Need we say more?
Unorthodox Vintage: Embrace the warm and cozy with a hand-curated selection of vintage sweaters and jackets.
The Pour House: Browse thousands of new and used vinyl records.
Self Care Marketplace: This holiday gift box is perfect for your wellness-loving friends.
Copperline Plant Co.: We’re guessing you know someone who would love the gift of greenery.
Unlikely Professionals: Check out their masculine-vibed curated mystery gift box.
Artspace: For the OG in your life, get an original piece of artwork made by local artists.

Holiday Events

Make a day (or evening) of your holiday shopping with these Downtown Raleigh events:

The Rink: Take a spin on ice skates through Jan. 15.
Illuminate Art Walk: Get stars in your eyes over DTR’s large-scale, interactive, light-based art pieces lining the streets.
The Dessertery: For the ultimate dessert experience, indulge in all-you-eat desserts + hot cocoa (yes, you read that right).

Getting Around

Shopping downtown is simple, with over 8,000 parking spaces (free on nights and weekends) within easy walking distance of local shops and curbside access for simple pickups.

Pro tip: There are also plenty of restaurants and locally-owned coffee shops to refuel, snack, and caffeinate — and a fun Sip n’ Stroll alcoholic bev experience to check out.

See the gift guide + plan your holidays.

Poll

How do you like to pick out gifts for everyone on your list? Share your shopping style.