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It’s time to pull out your running list of Christmas gifts still to buy. I’m talking guys, hosts, teachers, crazy aunts, dog sitters…well, I think you get the point. I’ve had to organize my list of lists and found a recent visit to my downtown knocked off several names with a visit to a local kitchen gift shop. It sounds wild, but they had everything and even things I didn’t know I needed.
Who can I shop for at an Arkansas Kitchen Store?
I love an intentional gift, especially at the holidays. As you look at those on your list, slow down and think about what they really love. Don’t grab the first thing you see. Consider how they will use it in the coming year or evoke a new sensory experience.
- Hostess Gifts – what do they love? If they are hosting, chances are dishes and platters or accessories that make hosting easier are always something they could use – cute hand towels, scrubbers or cleaners, hand soap, kitchen cleaners, platters, charcuterie boards, party paper goods, an ornament
- Foodies – freeze-dried treats have taken everything by storm. Find their favorite treat that is now a crunchy burst of flavor, sweet or savory. Jams, spreads, pickles, sauces, salsas, and honey are always fair game.
- Coffee lovers – coffee mugs with many sayings, handheld foamers, or individual cup coffee presses always win! Coffee syrups, dye-free sprinkles, and shaped marshmallows are always fun additions they would never buy themselves.
- Teacher Gifts – while new classroom supplies or books are really at the top of their list, most teachers love everything that makes a home beautiful.
- Sisters or Girlfriends – these are your “get them one of everything” girls. Look for all the kitchen gadgets like hand pie makers or the stockpot cheesecloth bag. While you can count on her to love a new Razorback popcorn bowl or bacon platter, a taco tray may be what she really needs.
- Grandma/Aunt – for me, this is the most challenging category to conquer; they already have everything. Did they DM you a recipe in a reel? Get them the supplies or gadgets to make it. Better yet, did you notice at Thanksgiving, it’s time to replace some of the pans or appliances they still use from 40 years ago? They will never buy themselves the “fancy” vanilla or parchment paper liners for their dishes…you will take them to the next level.
- Grill Guys – we forget about the guys when we come to the kitchen stores, but many of them are loaded with grill accessories like a fish platter or veggie basket. All the brine mixes, cocktail jars, meat rubs, and barbecue sauces come in various flavors, from sassy to habanero.
- Stocking Stuffers – look in every nook and cranny of the store. Consider dish scrubbers, little ornaments, sauces and salts, cleaners, tea balls, seasonings, coffee mixins or ramekins.
- Experiential Gifts – gift experiences are the best way to stretch out the gift-giving. If you have someone who loves to cook or has been wanting to learn a new skill like cookie decorating, cheese boards or perfecting cold foam, giving the gift of a class is the perfect gift they will always appreciate!
- Yourself – let’s be honest, sometimes the easiest way to get what you want for Christmas is to buy it yourself. A wishlist with a local store is an easy way to avoid takebacks. Or, just walk-in and buy yourself the new skillet, Dutch oven, silicon mat, or pie bird you’ve had your eye on!
What are popular kitchen gift items for 2023?
- Serving dishes with thematic phrases – taco platter, bacon mug, chili platter, popcorn and candy bowls
- Natural and essential oil hand soaps
- Charcuterie boards and accessories
- Reusable paper towels
- Personal coffee press, by the cup
- Razorback tailgate platters and dishes
- Counter-top butter dish
- Relish trays and divided dishes
- Character utensil rest
- 5-blade herb scissors
- Food huggers and bowl covers
Where can I find kitchen stores in Arkansas?
Fancy Frog | Bentonville/Rogers is a store with something at every price point. Fine Dining dishes, gourmet cookware and high-end cutlery adorn walls with kitchen towels, specialty teas and handmade shelf goods nearby. It is an excellent place for an elegant wedding present and Arkansas-made goods under one roof.
The Kitchen Store and More | Conway – a collection of beautiful things that are perfect for gifting or buying yourself. My favorite part is always their table of cookbooks, unique finds curated for every type of eater. Look around displays for attractive spreads, chocolates and seasonings.
Tummy Ticklers | Eureka Springs – a unique kitchen shopping experience for nearly 40 years. Customers say, “If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it.” A specialty curated blend of everyday kitchen gadgets and unusual handmade kitchen gifts.
Creative Kitchen | Fort Smith – a kitchen store that recognizes that life happens in the home and offers housewarming supplies for creative cooking, beautiful tablescapes and easy hosting.
The Savory Pantry | Hot Springs – knowing that every taste tells a story and every product comes with a desire to resolve a problem, they focus on telling the stories behind the products throughout their store. This holiday, they help with the hard stuff – people who love oysters, campfires, hot beverages and kid chefs.
Surfras Culinary District | Hot Springs – a kitchen store focusing on food service, including specially shaped baked goods pans, cake and cookie decorations, party paper goods and cooking syrups.
Everyday Chef | Jonesboro – gourmet essentials for the everyday chef.
Eggshells Kitchen Co. | Little Rock – “a toy store for foodies and amateur chefs,” this cornerstone store offers unique gifts like personal coffee grinders, electric corkscrews, meat claws, and Arkansas symbols sack cloth tea towels that are perfect for any occasion.
Krebs Brothers Restaurant Supply | North Little Rock – an Arkansas-based restaurant company equipping home or commercial chefs to cook like a pro!
Honeycomb Kitchen Shop | Rogers – a specialty kitchen store in the entertainment district of historic downtown Rogers. The unique part of the location is The Kitchen classroom next door, where local chefs and artisans teach classes for couples, business groups, and individuals wanting to learn something new.
The Dotted Pig | Rogers, 2 locations – gifts for all occasions emphasizing entertaining and hosting. Beautiful platters, wedding registry items, and decor to make your home feel comfortable and welcoming to guests. Purchases always include complimentary gift wrapping.
Kitchen Essentials | Russellville – a little of everything you need in your kitchen. The main focus is on kitchen gadgets and everyday items you need to keep a functioning kitchen. Watch for Simple Saturdays and upcoming events and classes.
Food Service Equipment Brothers | Springdale – commercial equipment, restaurant supplies and appliances, including dinnerware, concessions and janitorial supplies.
And, if any of these locations are not near you, many offer an online store. Visit their websites or message them directly through their social media accounts for a perfect gift that they can ship directly to your recipient.
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