If you are on the hunt for a birthday present, or getting a jump start on the holidays this year and you haven’t found the perfect gift yet, my shop local Atlanta gift guide for 2025 has a list of presents and experiences that will show your special someone and the local economy some love.
I pulled this list together because part of what makes Atlanta so great to live in is all the incredible local businesses we’re surrounded by. Whether it’s Father’s Day, his birthday or the winter holidays, let’s invest in our guys and our communities.
Local Atlanta Gift Guide Experiences:
If your man can be trusted with an axe, take him to American Axe. They’ve got two locations in Atlanta and one in Marietta, and it honestly looks like a hoot. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking this could also be a really cool girl’s night activity. (P.S. If he can’t be trusted with an axe, maybe sign him up for a knife skills class at Cook’s Warehouse in Ansley Mall!)
If he has a woodworking hobby, get him a class at Atlanta’s own Highland Woodworking. They’ve got a variety of woodworking classes, as well as books and tools. I’m interested in taking the bowl turning class myself! This store has been serving Atlanta for decades and the city just wouldn’t be the same without it.
Food & Restaurants:
Community Q BBQ is giving the people what they want. You can pick up a bottle of their hot sauce or grab some of their barbeque rub. They also sell gift certificates if you want to take him to lunch or dinner. I’m obsessed with the brisket and the mac n’cheese.
Nothing says “I love you, man” like a bundle of New York strip steaks from White Oak Pastures. Get a dozen 12-ounce steaks shipped straight to your door. And when they’re in stock, I also recommend the Tomahawk Chop. I’ve visited this ranch several times and it is truly living up to it’s claims of regenerative farming.
Cook for Him! Nothing says “I love you” like a home cooked meal. Here’s a list of recommended recipes:
- Thai Steak Salad– hearty and healthy, this checks all the boxes.
- Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Collard Greens & Carolina Gold Rice- Southern home cooking with a twist.
- Roasted Chicken Thighs, Grilled Vegetables and Crispy Smashed Potatoes– Show him that grill tutorial actually paid off!
Books & Puzzles:
I’m loving local Chef Duane Nutter’s brand new cookbook Cutting Up In The Kitchen. Duane was a stand-up comic in a past life, so this book is filled with some great storytelling as well as delicious recipes that he’ll will get a kick out of.
Order him a signed copy of Rancher and Regenerative Agriculture Icon Will Harris’ Bold Return To Giving A Damn, the part memoir, part manifesto from a 6th generation rancher in Bluffton, Georgia. I highly recommend ordering some steaks from his ranch White Oak Pastures while you’re at it.
If he enjoys a good puzzle, I recommend an Atlanta or Georgia puzzle from Georgiagiftsandmore.com. It’s guaranteed hours of hometown pride-filled fun.
Knives:
Stop by the Cooks Warehouse to find a great in-store selection of high-quality kitchen knives of all shapes and sizes for your special guy. From carving and slicing to cleavers and chef’s knives, they’ve got the best selection in town; not to mention some very nice wooden cutting boards to go with them.
If you’ve got a little time before you need your gift, you need to know about Majime knives. They are crafted by a local artisan and former chef and they are breathtakingly beautiful works of functional art.
Blood Root Blades is a custom knife company based out of Athens, Georgia. This is another one that will take a little bit of time to get, but I think you should definitely take a look because one of these knives would make an unforgettable gift.
Shop Local Atlanta Gift Guide Stores:
The Beehive Atlanta is the ultimate intown shop for finding gifts made by local artisans. They’ve got artisan cutting boards, witty coffee mugs, bbq spice rubs and hot sauces. I’ve enjoyed walking through the store, it’s set up well and a lot of fun to peruse. You can find gifts for just about everyone in your life there.
Stop by my favorite the Cooks Warehouse to find a great in-store selection of grill accessories, bar items, and kitchen tools. They even have cooking classes if you’re looking to take their skills to the next level. I’ve taught many classes here over the years and it is a wonderful kitchen to spend an afternoon or evening in.
If he’s a sharp dresser, there’s no better place to shop for him than Sid Mashburn on the Westside in White Provisions. I’ve been slowly building my husband’s wardrobe here over the last decade. And because you’ve been so kind and generous to him, you deserve to step on over next door to Ann Mashburn and pick up something nice for yourself!
Did I miss a business in my shop local Atlanta gift guide that you think would be a good addition to the list? Let us know in the comments!
Hi, I’m Julia.
I’m a chef and wellness advocate passionate about helping others live well through nourishing food. I trained at the Culinary Institute of America and now work as a personal chef and community food advocate in Atlanta.
Want to know what inspired me to start Everyday Alchemy? Click the link icon below to read more.