The Left-Field Gift Guide

This year, I've promised myself that I won't sludge through the TJ Maxx aisles for bargain candles and yearly planners to give as gifts to my girlfriends, thrown in with a few soaps and lotions from that chaotically hypnotizing beauty aisle. I will not spend endless hours doom scrolling on Amazon to find my dad yet another wallet that he does not need, nor my mom another owl-shaped anything.

No. This year I want to come straight out of left-field. I want to gift experiences! Memories! The Christmas Spirit!!! (And okay, maybe get my loved ones some really cool stuff too.)

In my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, we have so many local artists whose talents lie beyond the music scene. When you think of Nashville and picture honkytonks, whiskey and country stars, I raise you to consider that we're also quite an artsy community, with a lot of other cool, imaginative stuff going on. :) Below is my list of favorite holiday gifts that are homegrown, homemade and unconventionally fun for all. These gifts can be shipped to wherever you are, visited locally, or used to inspire a gift search near you.

Tertiary Sight: Aura Photography in East Nashville

www.tertiarysight.com | Instagram @tertiarysight | [email protected] | 1108 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Have you ever wondered what color your aura is? With the help of a rare camera that uses biofeedback imaging and Kirlian technology, Jane at Tertiary Sight in East Nashville is able to guide you through the hues and shades that make up your aura. She breaks it down with a 10- or 30-minute intuitive reading after taking and printing your photo, guiding you through the colors of your own personal rainbow. The sessions start at $55 and come with a photo, the reading of your choice, a color chart, and a keepsake box. This gift makes for one of the most unique experiences, and Jane's clear, calming presence makes the whole process really fun and introspective. If you're not in Nashville, perhaps your city may offer this experience as well! It's definitely worth a Google search to find out.

East Nashville Disco Balls: Mirrorballs Made With Love

www.eastnashvillediscoballs.com | Instagram @eastnashvillediscoballs | [email protected] | East Nashville, Nashville, TN

A disco ball is exactly the type of gift that can brighten up anyone's 2020, right? After Covid halted her 9 to 5, Maddie at East Nashville Disco Balls taught herself how to literally hand make - mirror by tiny mirror - these EPIC disco balls. They come in a huge range of sizes, starting at $15 for a 2-inch ornament to $295 for a 24-inch+ bad boy. And did I mention you can choose what color?! There's the traditional silver, then gold, rose gold, red, and a pretty pastel rainbow. She ships to anywhere in the US, too! I feel like opening up a shiny new disco ball during this holiday season would be a pretty fantastic dose of cheer, sparkle and shine for anyone. If you catch her before the holiday season ends, you might even score a buy 2 get 1 free deal on 2- and 4-inch balls!

Bead and Cowrie Jewels: Black-Owned Handmade Gems

www.beadandcowrie.bigcartel.com | Instagram @beadandcowriejewels | [email protected] | Nashville, TN

For the jewelry lover in your life, look no further than Nashville's own Bead and Cowrie. Curry, who owns the creations, said on Instagram that her autumn collection was inspired by black horror stories and black ancestry, using beads and gems that represent the "beauty and pain of black life, and how we seek to find where we truly belong." She even has a pair inspired by the film "Get Out." In addition to designing intricate jewelry, she provides education in the community on black hair culture, creative direction for art projects, and is a hairstylist, model, actor and speaker. Her work is a true force for equality and justice through creativity in the Nashville community.

Williams Honey Farm: Give the Gift of Bees

www.williamshoneyfarm.com | Instagram @williamshoneytn | [email protected] | 2020 Fieldstone Pkwy, Suite 900 143, Franklin, TN 37069

Got someone who's the bees knees in your life? Of course giving the gift of a jar of raw, ethically made honey to anyone for Christmas is a good idea, but what if you could gift the experience of actual beekeeping? At Williams Honey Farm in Franklin, TN, you can both of these and more. From products like honey, merch and lip balm, the farm has plenty of stocking stuffers that are good for the planet and ship right to you. You can also give the very cool gift of sponsoring a hive for just $60. This is a great present if you're doing social distancing this holiday season. Need something bigger? They have a course starting in early March that walks you through the basics of beekeeping. If you can't make it to Tennessee, they have plenty of online resources on their website, and you can also do a quick Google search for bee farms in your area to see if they offer any products, merch or classes.

Pre to Post Modern: The Ultimate Stop for Kitsch

Pre to Post Modern | Instagram @pretopostmodern | 615-292-1958 | 2110 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

In the 10 years I've spent shopping at this colorful, beloved store, I have never once left empty handed. With an always-rotating collection of vintage clothes, furniture and kitsch, Pre to Post Modern is my go-to store for holiday shopping as well as treats for me. They have children's toys and games, book shelves with a stunning science fiction section, rare furniture such as a 90's Taco Bell installation, mid-century pieces galore, UFO lamps, locally made jewelry, magnets, pins, vintage name patches, EPIC posters, and the best priced vintage clothing collection in Nashville. (I once scored a faux fur coat in pristine condition here for just $35!) If I'm having a hard time finding a gift for someone, a spin through Pre to Post Modern never fails.

Artofficial Makeup and Photo: The Photoshoot Experience

Artofficial Makeup and Photo | Instagram @artofficialmakeupandphoto | [email protected] | 1908 Church Street Suite A, Nashville, TN37203

We often of think a go-to relaxation gift as a massage, or maybe a pedicure. But have you ever sat poised in a professional makeup artist's chair and let them transform you, turning to look in the mirror and seeing a stunner when it's done? It's cathartic, and there's a certain zen in letting someone do what they will with your face, followed by absolute delight when you see their creation on you. That's what it's like with Brittany Muse at Artofficial. Proudly serving LGBTQIA clients and beyond, it's the place where "fantasy becomes reality." Muse's conceptual flair lies in photoshoots with poignant cultural perspectives and major editorial looks, which are always a serve. Gift someone who loves to be pampered the experience of a professional makeup session with Muse, followed by a photoshoot with Nashville's top black creatives such as Elijah Rodney, Keniece the Curator, and more. I don't know why more people don't gift experiences like this! Definitely do an Instagram sweep for talented creatives in your area.

Wild Medicine: Not Your TJ Maxx Soap Section

www.wildmedicine.us | Instagram @wildmedicine

Co-founded by Fawn Embry and Nashville sister duo Jessie and Angela Laino, Wild Medicine beats the TJ Maxx soap section by miles. Each soap is vegan, handmade and contains essential oils and a crystal or stone. They also make body salve, face and body oils, and bundle together palo santo and sage packets. They're stocked in stores all across the US, so make sure to check their website to find one near you or to place an order for delivery. All female led and all vegan, too? Sign me up. These make great stocking stuffers, full presents or little treats for yourself - because literally no one on earth hates being squeaky clean. Prepare to give the gift of tranquility.

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Whether you're looking for a unique experience, a sustainable gift, or to support a black-owned business, I hope my favorite Nashville vendors have inspired you. To me, shopping small business means shopping personal. I didn't want to pull from Etsy shops I've never bought from, or suggest items from people I've never personally met. These Nashville-based makers and creators are the real deal. Support for their work means sharing love, joy, and creation on an intimate, personal level - which is what the holidays are all about. :)