It’s been wonderful to see how the “Shop Local” and “Buy Local” messages have become mainstream over the decade, and we at the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) wholeheartedly support buying “Made in North Carolina” when possible. This year, we suggest adding shopping “hyper local” to your gift buying plans. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene on Western NC will take many, many years to repair, and the impact on businesses – many very small – has been catastrophic.
Thanks to the trails, rivers, mountains and stunning fall foliage, tourism and outdoor adventure often come to mind immediately when we think of that area, but manufacturing is an important part of its economy, too, with 16% of the state’s manufacturers and 17% of the state’s manufacturing workforce located there. And those manufacturers produce a wide variety of products! Take a look at the manufacturers below to see if you can cross a gift for someone off your list. Your purchase will help these manufacturers to stay open and in many cases, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to relief organizations.
While I can’t promise you a jet engine (Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace) or a parachute (Mills Manufacturing) in your stocking, I bet you can find something made in Western NC that you or someone else would love. Perhaps you can be a little naughty AND nice this holiday season!
Thanks to the trails, rivers, mountains and stunning fall foliage, tourism and outdoor adventure often come to mind immediately when we think of that area, but manufacturing is an important part of its economy, too, with 16% of the state’s manufacturers and 17% of the state’s manufacturing workforce located there. And those manufacturers produce a wide variety of products! Take a look at the manufacturers below to see if you can cross a gift for someone off your list. Your purchase will help these manufacturers to stay open and in many cases, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to relief organizations.While I can’t promise you a jet engine (Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace) or a parachute (Mills Manufacturing) in your stocking, I bet you can find something made in Western NC that you or someone else would love. Perhaps you can be a little naughty AND nice this holiday season!
- Spicewalla, small-batch, fresh spices and blends for your kitchen
- French Broad Chocolate, small-batch chocolate made “from bean to bar.”
- The Scullery, small-batch jams, hot sauces and pickles
- DeFeet, a “microsockery” with a focus on making socks from local, sustainable sources for athletes and everyday wear
- Rockgeist, custom, waterproof “bikepacking” bags made with advanced materials
- Pirani, sustainable tumblers and cups to reduce reliance on single-use items
- Aluminati Guitars, high-tech guitars made from aluminum and carbon fiber
- East Fork Pottery, usable and beautiful pottery for your home
- ENO Hammocks, comfortable and user-friendly hammocks for every occasion
- Firewalker Hot Sauce, hot sauces with heat AND flavor to enhance your food
- The High Fiber, hand-printed home goods with whimsical designs
- Delta Glow Asheville, natural self-care products to nourish your skin and soul
- Industry Nine, Bike hubs, wheel systems and components where performance and style meet
- C&Co, hand-crafted and plant-based skincare and beauty products
- TektonSupplyLLC, French artisan rolling pin
- Botanical Bones, locally-made, high-quality dog treats
- Asheville Tea Company, tea crafted with local ingredients reflecting its mountain origins
- Legally Addictive Foods, sweet and salty treats in a variety of flavor combinations
- Recover Ornament, handmade ornament by Asheville Timber Designs using local wood
You can also find many (many, many) other gift ideas from this site.
No matter what you find under your tree, we at NCMEP wish you a wonderful holiday season and a joyful new year.
