My Favorite {New Orleans} Things

Let’s talk shop. I love spoiling the ones I love with thoughtful gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I love receiving them too, but I am one of those people who thoroughly enjoys going all out for Christmas presents. It’s my favorite time of year to show my friends and family how much I love them.
As I get older, I appreciate the thoughtfulness and presentation more and more too. The time and thought that goes into finding that one thing that perfectly fits their personality, wants, needs, desires (ok I need to calm down) all wrapped up in my latest gift wrapping pinsperations…and then the joy on their face…it’s just priceless and oh-so worth it! It’s truly a gift for me as much as it is for them!

And I expect no less from them. Kiddin ; )

So how does one choose this perfect, thoughtful gift? For starters, pay attention to their style – in fashion and at home. Check out their Pinterest boards and keep an ongoing “gift ideas” note in your Note app. (side note: for dudes, when in doubt, just buy them a pocket knife. Am I right guys?) When someone drops a hint or talks about how much they’re obsessed with something—jot it down!

If you’re starting from scratch, it’s always a good idea to start by shopping local. New Orleanians are ALL about shopping local, and what better gift to give someone who loves New Orleans than buying them something that supports the city they love and the people who live here!?

I keep a running tab of all my favorite items locally made in New Orleans, so I decided to select my top 12 to create my first annual ShowMeYourNola’s My Favorite {Nola} Things list! It just so happens most of these items I either already own, have given as gifts or they’re actually on my current wish list that I send out to close friends & family!

And let me just add, it was VERY tough to narrow this list down to 12 items. I could have easily made several lists and divided them into “for her,” “for him,” “for Mardi Gras,” “for Mom and dem,” etc… and who knows maybe I will in the future, but for now I’ll just say that I’m so unbelievable proud and inspired by anyone who decides to take the brave leap of starting their own business or sharing their craft. Thank you to everyone who is a local maker!

Without further ado, these are a few of My Favorite {New Orleans} Things:

1. 1. The Grove Street Press’ Parish Print….$50  

1. 1. Flying Fox’s Meg Clutch in Aubergine….$96

1. 1. KREWE du Optic’s St. Louis frames in Matte Au Lait (more colors avail)….$195

1. 1. Andi Eaton’s New Orleans Style….$19.99

1. 1. Frances Makes Art’s Gator Mug….$20

1. 1. Rise Boutique’s Domeland Security t-shirts…mens $28, womens $34

1. 1. What The Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo….$21.95

1. 1. Elizabeth Chronicles’ Snoball Diet tank….$35

1. 1. Sarah Ott’s string Saxophone bracelet….$10

1. 1. Loomed Nola’s Mardi Gras hand towel….$25

1. 1. Goorin Bros. Crystal Blue hat….$65

1. Lionheart Print’s Yeaux Leaux party cups…$75 for a set of 50

There you have it! Take a look at each one of their shops and scoop up a few special gifts for your loved ones who love New Orleans…and they’ll love you for it!

Now for some exciting news. I am teaming up with ALL of these makers/shops to bring you 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!! Every day on Instagram starting tomorrow, I will give away one of these items or a gift card to shop at their store!! See my Instagram account for more details, and here’s a hint: start thinking of friends who would love these items.

Happy Holidays folks!