Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Shop local this holiday season and give your loved ones a little piece of Athens, GA! From handmade artwork and locally crafted soaps to unique finds and memorable experiences, Athens businesses have something special for everyone on your list.
Whether you're shopping for a Georgia Bulldog, an art lover, a foodie, or someone who already has everything, this Athens holiday gift guide makes it easy to find thoughtful gifts while supporting local shops, artists, and makers.
Browse our favorite local gift ideas by price, and don't forget to explore Athens' holiday markets for even more one-of-a-kind finds!
Spots We Love to Buy Local Gifts
Gifts under $25
Athens keychain
Price: $15
Seller: Visit Athens, GA
These cute Athens, GA keychains are the perfect stocking stuffer for the UGA alum or recent grad in your life! Help them show off their Athens pride with subtle flair. Made with high-quality hardware fittings, a TPU cover, and a robust acrylic plate, these keychains are as durable as they are stylish. Attach this custom key ring to any key set like a charm or onto a bag as a custom tag to help items stand out in the crowd.
Athens Original Classic Buttons

Price: $5
Seller: Visit Athens, GA
Featuring our "Original Classic" exclusive artwork, these Custom Pin Buttons are made from metal, yet are lightweight and durable with a strong safety pin. Buy a pin and show off your Athens pride this Football season! They make a great stocking stuffer for the Athens lover in your life! Whether they are a newly minted Dawg (congrats!) or a long-term Athenian, this button will look perfect on their bag or jacket.
Dog Bandana
Price: $20
Seller: Visit Athens, GA
In Athens, the Dawgs will always be #1! Our pet bandana collar puts a fun spin on standard animal accessories, for the Dawg fan in your life who loves their dog! It is made of polyester duck fabric and is sublimation printable on one side. The construction and printing is durable enough for machine washing. The collar fastening helps to keep the bandana fitting correctly, even during play.
Christmas Origami Kit

Price: $15.99
Seller: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop
Add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations with this festive Christmas origami kit! Perfect for crafty friends and family, this easy-to-use kit lets you create paper decorations for the tree, mantel, or anywhere that needs a little holiday cheer.
Where to buy: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., or the Winter WonderLights holiday market.
UGArden Tea
Price: Under $25
Seller: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop
Give the gift of something warm and cozy with locally crafted tea blends from UGArden! From peppermint tea perfect for chilly winter evenings to other garden-inspired blends, these make thoughtful stocking stuffers for tea lovers.
Where to buy: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop or Winter WonderLights holiday market.
Chia Planters
Price: Under $25
Seller: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop
Know someone with a green thumb? These adorable chia planters are a fun gift for plant lovers of all ages. Choose from a hedgehog, cat, or Dawg for a little greenery with personality!
Where to buy: State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop or Winter WonderLights holiday market.
Georgia Peach Hand Soap

Price: $18
Maker: Southern Glow Co.
Bring a little Georgia sweetness to someone's everyday routine! This handcrafted liquid hand soap combines the scent of juicy peaches with a touch of vanilla, making it a practical and thoughtful gift.
Where to buy: Southern Glow Co.
Go Dawgs Bar Soap

Price: $8
Maker: Southern Glow Co.
Shopping for a Bulldog fan? This Athens-made soap features a cozy blend of crisp red apples, wild sage, cedar, and vanilla. It's a fun way to bring a little Georgia spirit into someone's daily routine.
Where to buy: Southern Glow Co.
Gifts under $50
Harold Rittenberry: Love is All

Price: $29.99
Seller: Georgia Museum of Art
Celebrate Athens' creative spirit with Harold Rittenberry: Love is All, a publication exploring the life and work of the beloved local sculptor. Featuring interviews, essays, and photographs, this book highlights Rittenberry's imaginative artwork and the messages of hope, joy, and love woven throughout his creations.
Where to buy: Georgia Museum of Art Museum Shop, 90 Carlton St., or Georgia Museum of Art.
Mountain Candle by Brick + Mortar

Price: $28
Seller: G H O S T
Bring the cozy scents of the season home with this candle featuring crisp balsam fir and warm amber. Created and poured in Atlanta, it's a thoughtful find for anyone who loves making their space feel extra inviting during the holidays.
Where to buy: G H O S T, 1662 S. Lumpkin St.
Food Is a Feeling Cookbook

Price: $26–$50
Seller: G H O S T
For the foodie on your list, Food Is a Feeling by Carla Lalli Music is filled with 65 comforting recipes and stories that celebrate the joy of cooking. It's a great gift for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen.
Where to buy: G H O S T, 1662 S. Lumpkin St.
Chop Chop Card Game

Price: $26–$50
Seller: G H O S T
Bring a little friendly competition to your next game night! This fast-paced culinary card game lets two to five players race to complete food orders while throwing challenges at their opponents. Perfect for food lovers and game-night enthusiasts alike.
Where to buy: G H O S T, 1662 S. Lumpkin St.
Pop Art Prints

Price: $26–$50
Maker: Will Eskridge Art
Add a pop of personality to any space with colorful animal-inspired prints by Athens artist Will Eskridge. Reproduced from his original paintings using archival inks and museum-grade paper, these playful prints make unique gifts for art lovers.
Where to buy: Will Eskridge Art
Classic Citiva x Little Light Co. Candles

Price: $15–$25
Seller: Classic Citiva
Hand-poured in Athens by Little Light Co., these candles feature earthy, spicy, and calming botanical-inspired scents. Choose from small tins or larger glass candles for a cozy addition to any home.
Where to buy: Classic Citiva, 2361 W. Broad St. or 2226 Barnett Shoals Rd.
Classic Citiva Hoodie

Price: $26–$50
Seller: Classic Citiva
Stay cozy this winter with a fleece-lined hoodie from Classic Citiva. Featuring a drawstring hood and spacious front pocket, it's a comfortable gift for casual days around the Classic City.
Where to buy: Classic Citiva, 2361 W. Broad St. or 2226 Barnett Shoals Rd.
Gifts under $100
Ciné Movie Passes

Price: $60
Seller: Ciné
Give the gift of a movie night at one of Athens' beloved local theaters! This six-pass package is perfect for film lovers looking to enjoy independent, international, and art-house cinema in downtown Athens.
Where to buy: Ciné
Handmade Pottery by R. Wood Studio

Price: Approximately $60
Maker: R. Wood Studio
Give the gift of something handmade in Athens! Known for its colorful ceramics, R. Wood Studio creates beautiful pottery that brings a little personality to any home. From serving pieces to one-of-a-kind cups, these locally crafted gifts are perfect for anyone who appreciates functional art.
Where to buy: R. Wood Studio
Pottery Classes at Good Dirt

Price: Varies by class
Seller: Good Dirt
Give the gift of creativity this holiday season! A pottery class at Good Dirt is a fun, hands-on experience for anyone looking to try something new. Whether they're learning to work with clay for the first time or exploring their artistic side, this unique experience is a great alternative to traditional holiday gifts.
Where to buy: Good Dirt, Athens, GA. Contact the studio for current class offerings and gift options.
Concert Tickets at the 40 Watt Club

Price: Varies by show
Seller: 40 Watt Club
For the music lover on your list, there's nothing better than a night of live music in Athens! Treat someone to a concert at the legendary 40 Watt Club, a cornerstone of Athens' iconic music scene. With a calendar full of performances, it's the perfect gift for someone who would rather collect memories than things.
Where to buy: 40 Watt Club
Gifts over $100
Custom Pet Portrait by Will Eskridge

Price: $500
Maker: Will Eskridge Art
For the pet parent who has everything, give them something truly one of a kind! Athens artist Will Eskridge creates hand-painted custom pet portraits bursting with bold colors, personality, and imaginative details. Each original captures the spirit of a beloved furry friend and makes a memorable gift to treasure for years.
Where to buy: Will Eskridge Art
Athens-Inspired Wall Art
Price: $100+ depending on size and customization
Seller: The Avenue
Give someone a reminder of their favorite city with Athens-inspired artwork! Whether they're a proud UGA graduate, a longtime local, or someone who simply loves the Classic City, locally themed wall art makes a meaningful addition to any home. It's a thoughtful gift that brings a little Athens spirit wherever life takes them.
Where to buy: The Avenue. Confirm current artwork options and availability with the retailer.
Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Stockpot
Price: $165
Seller: Athens Cooks
For the home chef on your list, upgrade their kitchen with a beautiful Le Creuset stockpot from Athens Cooks! This 12-quart pot is perfect for preparing homemade soups, hearty stews, pasta, and family meals. It's a practical yet elevated gift for anyone who loves cooking and entertaining.
Where to buy: Athens Cooks
The best holiday gifts come with a little local love! Beyond these unique finds, Athens is full of independent boutiques, talented artists, specialty shops, and holiday markets waiting to be explored.
Spend an afternoon shopping in downtown Athens, browse locally made goods at seasonal markets, or discover something special at one of the Classic City's many independent businesses.
Looking for even more gift ideas? Explore our Athens shopping guide and check out the Athens events calendar for upcoming holiday markets and festive shopping opportunities.
This holiday season, shop small, support local, and give someone a piece of Athens!
Need more ideas? Check out our holiday market roundup!