Shopping local is a huge part of Louisville’s culture — just like horses, bourbon and basketball!
The Derby City offers a plethora of gift options. And who best to help you find the perfect gift than the Louisville experts, the Yelp Louisville Elite Squad, our most active and influential reviewers! These influencers and uber-consumers tell the story of this great city via their Yelp reviews, photos and videos, helping others adventure with purpose in their footsteps. Learn more about becoming Yelp Elite at yelp.com/elite.
The 20 businesses highlighted in this year’s gift guide include local favorites and under-the-radar spots, offering items, experiences, food, drinks and services. Cross loved ones off your shopping list with the help of Yelp! And be sure to add your own reviews and pics to help others on their shopping quests.
Shopping
These shops and businesses have several items for people on your list!
The New Blak (Butchertown)
Perfect for: fashionable women who enjoy signature closet pieces. Online ordering and shipping available.
“The New Blak is a woman-owned, sustainable clothing company… Most of the clothing they carry are their own brand and made right there in the shop, with the other items in the store being from other sustainable, woman-owned companies.”
Regalo (Downtown and New Albany, Ind.)
Perfect for: that eclectic person who loves unique pieces and has a bit of a sense of humor. Online ordering and shipping available.
“It’s bright and has plenty of room for browsing and is chock full of items that can be gifted to people local… or from someone who lives here and has family elsewhere. Or let’s be real: a gift to yourself.”
Quest Outdoors (St. Matthews)
Perfect for: the nature lover in your life. Online ordering and shipping available.
“Easily the best outdoor store in Louisville. Encompassing selection of outdoor products… Prices are pretty competitive. Service is always great — very knowledgeable and helpful staff.”
Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market (Paristown Point)
Perfect for: the loved one with an appreciation for antiques and one-of-a-kind wares.
“Obsessssssssed… Nothing was over-picked or junky. I am so happy a space like this is in Louisville… Most of my home is decorated in vintage wares and can’t wait to continue adding to my collection.”
Carmichael’s Bookstore (Highlands and Crescent Hill)
Perfect for: the bibliophile on your list. And if you need a children’s gift, check out Carmichael’s Kids. Online ordering and shipping available.
“I really appreciated how they highlight local authors, and I even signed up for an upcoming author event! They offer a lot more than books, too, from stationery, gift cards, and magnets to games, reference materials, calendars, and even stuffies for the kids.”
Experiences
Happy memories can be the best gift of all!
Craft night or DIY kit from The Craftery (NuLu)
Perfect for: your fave DIYer, who also loves crafty libations. Online booking and ordering and shipping available for kits.
“If you like to craft and enjoy a great cocktail, this is for you. Very nice new venue in NuLu Marketplace. From leather crafts to painting to you-name-it, they feature it.”
Tour with Derby City Brew Tours (throughout Louisville)
Perfect for: anyone with a love of Louisville and love of beer. Bonus: Derby City Brew Tours also recently launched 502 Foodie walking tours. Online booking available.
“Keith, the owner, is energetic and enthusiastic about beer!.. We began our adventure at Akasha Brewing Co. I had never visited before, so I was extremely interested to learn about the background and drink a beer — or four!.. It’s safe to say that we had a fabulous day filled with beer, friends, and a phenomenal tour guide!”
Tour of Angel’s Envy Distillery (Downtown)
Perfect for: bourbon aficionados and people who love seeing how things are made. Online booking available.
“Honestly, this was one of the best bourbon tours that I have been on! Our tour guide, David, was so animated, laid back, and funny, yet very informative!.. A bottle of Angel’s Envy may have made its way home to our bar, but I’ll never tell!”
Hip hop class with Safiyyah Dance Co. (near Lyndon)
Perfect for: that active friend or child who can find the beat.
“They offer a variety of classes with different levels of difficulties for kids and adults… New songs and dances every week, so it won’t be too repetitive. Whether you can dance or not, I believe you’ll have fun and enjoy yourself.”
Season pass to Actors Theatre of Louisville (online)
Perfect for: friends and family who love theater and miss seeing it in person. A season pass includes a selection of Actors Theatre productions, reconfigured to be viewed virtually. Online ordering available.
“It started by seeing two or three shows a year. Over the past few years, that has morphed into being a season pass holder… Actors Theatre is one thing that I couldn’t live without. It is one of my favorite things in the city.”
Food and drink
These businesses have treats (or gift certificates for a delicious meal) for loved ones — or for yourself!
Bourbon Barrel Foods (Crescent Hill)
Perfect for: Food lover? Bourbon lover? Lover of just delicious things? Take your pick! Online ordering and shipping available.
“The employees at this location spent time with me, helping me pick up the products and made recommendations on packaging… They also offered to ship the items for my staff who are out of town for a nominal fee.”
Barn8 (Goshen)
Perfect for: anyone who would love a gift certificate for a food experience. Plus Barn8 has a great art walk, bourbon bar and horse barn. Online booking and online gift certificates available.
“I can honestly say I’ve never been anywhere else like it. I would recommend it for the experience alone, but the food was good as well!.. I definitely recommend this restaurant for foodies and people who enjoy experience dining as the atmosphere is awesome.”
Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co. (online)
Perfect for: loved ones who wouldn’t mind a sweet treat like a mini sweet potato pie. These also make a great option for individual portions of desserts if you’re nixing buffets. Online ordering available.
“This is definitely something to talk about! The pie was delicious and full of flavor. The pies are homemade with quality ingredients. The customer service and staff were great and very helpful. I look forward to purchasing several items for my holiday events.”
Westport Whiskey & Wine (Westport Village)
Perfect for: the person who fancies themselves a spirits expert. Westport Whiskey & Wine also has great gift packages to make the gift-buying even easier. Online ordering available.
“They purposely stock stuff the big box stores don’t, so there’s really good and rare stuff both in the bourbon department and the wine department. I’m embarrassed to tell you how much we spent there!”
Paul’s Fruit Market (Hikes Point, St. Matthews, and Brownsboro)
Perfect for: colleagues you’ve been working with remotely. Send them a fruit basket! Online ordering and shipping available.
“Paul’s has the most gorgeous fruit. If you are looking for a gift for a co-worker, consider getting a fruit basket from Paul’s. They also have an array of vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, wreaths, and more.”
Services
Maybe you can call it “adulting,” but it can still be a gift to cross things off your to-do list and to savor some me time!
Flotation therapy session with Acqua Wellness (Springhurst)
Perfect for: that person in your life who needs some help relaxing. Online booking and memberships available.
“This was a great experience; pods were amazing… Staff is so hospitable and friendly and make the experience worth it. This is a great way to relax and ease your mind if you are feeling stressed!”
Home cleaning from Maid To Clean (in your home)
Perfect for: busy or new parents who would welcome some home help. Quick tip: You can also request a cleaning quote from Maid To Clean via its Yelp page. Online booking and online gift cards available.
“When I moved into my home over a year ago, I was already grossed out by the main bathroom… They were not intimidated by the bathroom, and they quickly did an amazing job, getting it clean and shiny… I feel like it was money well spent.”
Pet grooming from Poe’s Pet Depot (East End)
Perfect for: furry friends … or the human friends who love their furry friends. Online booking available.
“Easy to book the appointment online, and the instructions for drop off and pick up were very clear! He looked great after his trim! Reasonably priced, especially compared to others I looked at.”
Car detailing from All In The Details (mobile)
Perfect for: someone who takes a lot of pride in their vehicle. Online booking available.
“Made my appointment online and had easy communication with him leading up to my appointment time. Of course the day I picked had rain. And he was more than willing to reschedule me, but he also knew I had company coming and wanted a clean interior really badly! He waited out the rain and detailed my car! The car looks perfect in and out.”
Brows or nail service from Dollface Brows & Beauty (NuLu)
Perfect for: the friend who could use some me time. Online ordering and online gift cards available.
“I was drawn in immediately by all the Dolly Parton decor, and I got great service there as well… I got a fantastic manicure and will go back when I want to treat myself to some fancy nail art. They have a monthly manicure menu with cute nail art options that changes every month.”
