The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Germantown’s shops are brimming with holiday magic. This season, we’re celebrating the spirit of giving by highlighting fun finds from local businesses that make gift-giving personal, meaningful and fun.

Over the next few weeks, we’re unwrapping a series of local gift guides designed to make your holiday shopping merry and bright, not to mention easier. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect hostess gift, a stocking stuffer with personality or something special for him or her, you’ll find inspiration right here at home.

Each local purchase supports our neighbors, strengthens our economy and helps keep our business community thriving. So grab your cocoa, hit the shops and let’s sleigh those holiday gift lists, Germantown-style!

This Week’s Finds: Hostess Gifts
Show your appreciation for the people opening their homes this holiday season with thoughtful gifts that go beyond the ordinary. From beautifully packaged gourmet treats to charming home accents and handcrafted keepsakes, these finds from Germantown’s shops make saying “thank you” both easy and memorable. Each selection celebrates the art of hospitality and reflects the care and creativity that define our local retailers, helping you arrive with something as special as the gathering itself.

Bella Vita,1730 S. Germantown Road Suite 105
Bella Vita’s signature blend of Southern hospitality and curated style make for an enjoyable shopping experience, while the warm, personable staff can help you find special gifts to fit any budget. Pictured: A rustic wooden tray full of holiday cheer and home accents is sure to bring a smile to any host’s face. (Tray: $23; holiday cocktail and picnic napkins, $7.50 and $9.50, by ihr; tea towel in picnic gingham by Geometry, $21; white and gold cement bowl, $59; stemmed champagne coupe glass in red, $19 each; Southern Soy Scents candle in Christmas Nectar, $35; holiday tube matchbox, $5.50.)

The Gift Horse, 2095 Exeter Road, Suite 90
At The Gift Horse, you’ll find a wide range of beautiful works by regional artists, offering distinctive, Southern-inspired pieces that are perfect for that hard-to-shop-for “hostess with the mostest.” (Pictured: Rosaline Pottery, handmade and painted by artists Johnathan and Bree Stegall in Mississippi, $32 - $185.)

Friends Bookstore, 1925 Exeter Road
(inside Germantown Community Library)
Here’s the perfect chance to shop for a cause! Friends’ popular Holiday Book Bundles are back, and these festive gifts are perfect for that host or hostess who loves to cozy up with a good read during chilly winter months. The $5 sets of gently used books cover all types of topics and genres - there’s even a special section of kids’ books - and the proceeds benefit The Friends of the Germantown Library, helping fund programs and services for the community.

Dinstuhl’s Candies, 7730 Poplar Avenue, Suite 3
No holiday gathering is complete without something sweet from Dinstuhl’s Fine Candies, and these gift baskets and tins fit the bill while making a stunning impression. You can choose from a variety of sizes and items, all in beautifully wrapped packaging. (Pictured: Large tin, $150; hot cocoa canister, $22.95; basket, $59.95.)

Germantown Village Wine and Liquor, 7730 Poplar Avenue, Suite 5
For the host who loves a good toast, Germantown Village Wine and Liquor recommends Peppermint Bark RumChata - Caribbean rum with real dairy cream and a festive peppermint finish ($24.99). Or, the staff recommends a bottle of Venge Vineyard’s Scout’s Honor Proprietary Red Blend ($34.99), a crowd-pleaser sure to liven up any celebration.

Katie’s Kitchen, 9056 Poplar Pike, Suite 109
For potluck get-togethers, you’ll be the star of the party with Katie’s Kitchen’s most popular dish, Rotel Chicken Spaghetti, made with white meat chicken and angel hair noodles in a creamy cheese Rotel sauce ($38, feeds 8 to 10). Combine it with a Katie’s Kitchen gift card and cheery holiday accessories for the hostess and you’re all set! Visit the website for more menu and size options. (Pictured: Small-size Rotel Chicken Spaghetti, feeds 2-3, $13; holiday placemat, $25; holiday napkins, $6.95; wood-handle reindeer spreader, $15; gilded holiday tree candles, $14.)

John Mark’s, 9076 Poplar Pike, Suite 102
Leave it to John Mark’s to offer the perfect mix of Southern charm and subtle sophistication. This paper flower oil diffuser fills the room with “Y’all”- a breezy blend of saltwater, driftwood and citrus. Presented in a delicate glass bubble vase, it’s a beautiful way to thank your favorite hostess and add a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering. (Pictured: Triple-bloom set, $120; also available, single blooms for $60.)

Stay tuned as we unwrap even more local treasures perfect for everyone on your list. If your local business has a great gift idea for our gift guide, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Erinn Figg at EFigg@Germantown-TN.gov.