Reader Submitted Article/About the Author
This article was submitted by Alisha Cooper. Alisha is a devoted mom to three kids—and more pets than she can count—juggling parenting, work, and her passion for writing. Fueled by coffee, outdoor adventures and a determination to document it all, she loves creating content that inspires you to explore Hickory and find something to do!
Christmas shopping has become increasingly challenging for me over the years. Gone are the days when I could hand my kids a Toys R’ Us catalog and have them circle their favorite items. And let’s be honest—there’s no catalog for Rachel in HR to help her choose her gift. While my kids have endless wishes for holiday cheer, finding the right Christmas gifts for those secondary and tertiary relationships is another story.
Just when I thought I was getting everything under control, my husband casually mentioned he needed a White Elephant gift for his work holiday party—in just two days! It was the perfect excuse to tackle my last-minute shopping for coworkers, cousins, and friends of friends.
While some might see this as a hassle, I felt a surge of excitement. It was a chance to explore more of the city and visit the Valley Hills Mall, a place I hadn’t yet experienced. Plus, I was looking forward to impressing my husband’s coworkers with a standout White Elephant gift—reasonable, right? So, off I went on my mission, determined to find the perfect gift while also getting my steps in. I definitely clocked those steps, but unfortunately, nothing I found at the mall truly resonated with me.
With an empty stomach and bags, I turned to Google in search of a meal, feeling defeated and resigned to the usual 15 Amazon gifts everyone gets. As I drove to my favorite fast soup and sandwich spot, I noticed a large warehouse with an empty parking lot and an inviting sign that read “The Graceful Geese Mercantile.” Intrigued, I quickly turned my car around to check it out.
The Graceful Geese Mercantile stands out as a testament to the power of community and creativity. Nestled within the bustling Hickory Furniture Mart, this vibrant marketplace brings together over 100 artisans, each contributing their unique touch to the fabric of the mercantile. Visitors are treated to an eclectic array of handcrafted goods, from bespoke furniture and breathtaking artwork to delightful home decor items.
Check out Why Shopping Small and Local Matters This Holiday Season for reasons why it’s important to support our local businesses.
The market is organized like an antique mall or trade show, with each artisan showcasing their best work in individual booths. As I wandered through the aisles, I was impressed by the incredible diversity of options. I found myself drawn to several charming displays, quickly discovering unique gifts for nearly everyone on my list, as well as plenty for myself—all while supporting local businesses. Investing in these artisans helps create jobs and keeps money within the local economy, strengthening the community. While all the artisans were exceptional, and I ended up buying more than I can list, a few booths truly stood out as local gems.
Dad’s Sawdust Factory: Toys to Treasure for Generations
First up was Dad’s Sawdust Factory, and I have to say, WOW. This booth featured a delightful array of colorful and natural wood handcrafted children’s toys inspired by Montessori and Waldorf philosophies. As a mom, I was thrilled to see toys designed to be cherished and passed down rather than discarded. Dad’s Sawdust Factory offers toys that are safe, non-toxic, and free from plastics and lead. Each toy is meticulously handcrafted and built to last, ensuring they become family heirlooms instead of ending up in landfills all while being at a price point that is incredibly accessible to most. These toys would make a great gift for all the little ones on your list!
Linny Lou’s Sewn Stuffed Animals: Gifts with Sentimental Value
Next up was Linny Lou’s Sewn Stuffed Animals and Memory Quilts, a booth that immediately caught my eye. I love all things crochet and sewing, and I admire those who make it look effortless—based on what I saw, the owner of Linny Lou’s is definitely one of those talented creators. The handmade stuffed animals on display were stitched from donated clothing, showcasing incredible craftsmanship. With their cute designs and sturdy seams, these make for great gifts.
I’ve always seen online where people transform their loved ones’ clothing into stuffed animals, and I’ve considered using my baby’s clothes to create a snuggle-worthy keepsake. However, I was hesitant, fearing that the craftsmanship from a faceless storefront wouldn’t do justice to the sentimental value of the items being transformed. That concern is completely alleviated here; the quality of Linny Lou’s work is exceptional.
Sweet Salvation Candle Company: Luxury Scents for the Holidays
Lastly, Sweet Salvation Candle Company was one of many soap, candle, and wax vendors at The Graceful Geese. While all the options smelled amazing, the branding and aesthetics of this booth truly captivated me. After all, who doesn’t want a candle for Christmas? Sweet Salvation Candle Company positions itself as a luxury brand, and it’s easy to see why. They use the finest fragrance oils and a premium para-soy wax blend to create long-lasting aromas—I made sure to sniff every single one. Their candles certainly outshine those bulk-buy, three-wick candles from the mall. The attractive displays featured scents with delightful names like “Carolina Christmas,” which I thought would be a perfect addition to my husband’s white elephant gift (you didn’t think I forgot about that, did you?).
Ultimately, my impromptu visit to The Graceful Geese Mercantile became a much-needed escape from the holiday frenzy and significantly more peaceful than a trip to the mall. Not only did I successfully cross several names off my gift list, but I also made time for myself in the process. The thrill of exploring new shops and uncovering unique, handcrafted treasures was a refreshing departure from the typical hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
I left with hand-knitted hats, laser-cut ornaments representing various regions of North Carolina, and several delightful candles to stuff into my loved ones’ stockings. Plus, I found the perfect white elephant gift that I couldn’t wait to share.
This mini adventure was more than just an errand; it was an opportunity to support local artisans while treating myself to a creative and inspiring experience. As the holiday season approaches, I’m reminded that taking a little time for myself, even amid the hustle and bustle, can make all the difference. So, whether you’re shopping for family or friends, don’t forget to carve out moments for your own joy—you deserve it!
