If you’re anything like me (Editor Brianna here), you have lots of celebrations to attend this summer, and you’re also totally lost on where to find good gifts during the holiday shopping “off-season.” 🎁

Enter: Sophie’s Shoppe, a local business that offers curated gifts created by artists + makers. Read about my shopping experience + discussion with shop lead Zeen Oehmig — and how you can #TryThis.

What we tried:

While speaking with Zeen, I learned that Sophie’s Shoppe has been open for ~18 years, starting out at the former Southside Galleries before moving to its current Northshore location.

Sophie’s Shoppe has an abundance of succulents + cute pots and vases to display them | Photo by the NOOGAtoday team

According to Zeen, the shop prides itself on providing goods created by small artists + makers (including several locals), its customer service, and the shop’s aesthetic environment.

What not to miss:

Andrea Davis batik prints | These prints by local artist Andrea Davis are created through a process of wax, dying, and layering + are one of Zeen’s favorite products in the store.
The local gifts | I only want to sip wine out of a Chattanooga map tumbler from now on. 😍

Zeen’s favorite display is the shop’s art wall full of batik prints created by local artist Andrea Davis | Photo by the NOOGAtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

The curated gift boxes ($45+) — they’re such a unique and cost-effective way to score the perfect gift. You can bring the shop your price point + a general idea of what you want, and they’ll create a one-of-a-kind gift box.

How you can experience this:

You can visit Sophie’s Shoppe’s Northshore location (401 N. Market St.), purchase items online for curbside pickup, or get free local delivery.

My personal favorite section had all the local merch — from tumblrs featuring a map of Chattanooga to dish towels illustrating the Walnut Street Bridge | Photo by the NOOGAtoday team

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Shopping local goods + gifts at Sophie’s Shoppe
Price: Product prices vary
Website: https://sophiesshoppe.com/
Address: 401 N. Market St.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Ⓟ