With the holidays just around the corner, it’s becoming the most wonderful time of the year.  

Thankfully, it’s possible to make this season even more wonderful. When we shop from locally owned, small businesses, we give two gifts rolled into one:  

A gift to our loved ones. 

And a gift to our local economy. 

The Chattanooga Chamber proudly offers gift ideas from four Chattanooga-owned small businesses and start-ups. As member businesses, these four companies all participate in the growth of our larger economic community; as part of our INCubator community, three of these start-ups receive ongoing mentorship, training and access to our specialized experts and expansive business ecosystem.  

After all, who doesn’t love coloring books, beautiful clothes and whiskey? 

Fusion Threads Collective

Consciously crafted clothing. 

Those three words summarize the mission and work of Mariel Rico and Audrey Loyd, whose Fusion Threads Collective produces and sells handcrafted clothes and apparel. 

“All of our collections are created in small-batches and made from plant-based fibers by a small team of talented women,” they declare.  

Fusion Threads Collective offers a large, diverse selection. There’s a butterfly sleeve wanderess wrap top. The fall equinox collection. Bralettes and camis. Tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses and jumpsuits, jackets and dusters.  

Loyd and Rico created Fusion Threads Collective with intention and attention on “sustainability and care.” Their products are organic and plant-based and create minimal waste, according to their website.   

“Every piece is cut, dyed and sewn in-house and made with so much love,” they proclaim. “Each piece is consciously crafted by women in Tennessee.” 

To shop, visit www.fusionthreadsco.com

Wondering Watercolor

Konstantin Chinkov began drawing as a two-year-old. Then, as a teenager, he fell in love with watercolors.  

As an adult, he began producing watercolor coloring books for his nephew. 

Then, instructional videos. A community of followers formed. 

Now, decades later, as an adult, he’s launched Wondering Watercolor: a small business that helps all of us – kids and adults – fall in love with watercolors.  

Wondering Watercolor is a Chattanooga-based business that provides watercolor-coloring books, supplies, video tutorials and instructions for beginners and artists alike.  

“Our immersive tutorials take you step by step through each painting, unveiling the secrets behind techniques that breathe life into your artwork,” the website states.  

Each book includes 10 pages of designs on high-quality watercolor paper with a hard-mat board backing and paint-along instructional videos.  

Plus, there are a dozen different watercolor book topics, all delightful and engaging: Date Night. Cute Cats. Chattanooga Scenery.  

And the Plant and Flower Watercolor Coloring Book.  

“Whether you’re seeking a relaxing pastime, a new artistic challenge, or a thoughtful gift for a fellow creative spirit, our Plant and Flower Watercolor Coloring Book is the perfect choice. Let your brushstrokes bloom as you infuse nature’s colors into these elegant designs, creating your own botanical masterpiece,” the website proclaims.  

To order, visit www.wonderingwatercolor.com

The Catalogue Collection

A women’s boutique that curates a collection of elevated and everyday styles for modern women, The Catalogue Collection makes a bold, exciting declaration:  

We offer the perfect blend of luxury yet comfortable fashion to feel your most fabulous self! 

The Catalogue Collection is both a brick-and-mortar women’s clothing shop and an online store that combine “classic luxury and contemporary sophistication.”  

Formerly Whiskey Nights Candle Co., the Catalogue Collection held its June grand opening in Ooltewah with a mission to sell an expansive collection of fashion, clothing and home decor, including dresses, handbags, tops, bottoms, accessories, candles, shoes and home decor. 

“We strive to bring you high-quality products and exceptional customer service,” its owners declare. “As industry experts, we are dedicating to providing you with the best shopping experience possible.” 

Visit The Catalogue Collection at 5926 Howe Lane in Ooltewah or shop online at www.cataloguecollection.shop

10AC Whiskey

Founded by Pat Reilly, 10AC Whiskey is a new label of Tennessee bourbon. 

Distilled and bottled in Tennessee, 10AC Whiskey is aged in North American white oak barrels, each with a char level 4.  

The bourbon whiskey blends 80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley. Processed in Lincoln County using “sustainable sourced resources,” it carries a taste of sweet brown butter, maple, oak and light vanilla.  

10AC calls itself a “different spirits brand.” 

“It will have the same premium flavor ofTennessee whiskey, the same attractive translucent dark amber color,” its producers state, with plans to “use traditions and knowledge to deliver a whisky that blends quality and value.” 

Oh yes, and its unique name. 

10AC? 

“Ten-uh-see.” 

Shop for it www.10ac-whiskey.myshopify.com

Corporate Gift-Giving: A Thoughtful Touch of Local Flavor

Consider elevating your corporate gifting strategy with unique and delightful options from local businesses. Here are three exceptional highlights that can add a personal and memorable touch to your corporate gifts:

Clumpies Ice Cream

Make this season sweet and simple with Clumpies Ice Cream! Their pint packs make gift-giving a breeze. Place an order through their bulk gift order page online and have it delivered straight to the recipient’s door. Choose from their Holiday Collection or one of their other collections—there’s a flavor for everyone! Let Clumpies take the hassle out of your gift-giving list by downloading their bulk order guide. They’ll handle all the details for you.

Shop online at https://clumpies.com/pages/gifts

Locals Only Gifts & Goods

Step away from the mundane branded swag and opt for local gifts that can strengthen business relationships with Locals Only. Whether you need five gifts or three thousand, they are here to help. Passionate about making your business thrive, Locals Only assists in choosing the best pre-made or custom-made gift boxes to fit an array of budgets. Their boxes feature locally made goods, supporting small businesses with each purchase. Let Locals Only help you showcase your commitment to the community and elevate your corporate gifting game.

Build your box at https://localsonlygiftsandgoods.com/

Massage Heights

Massage Heights offers a refreshing take on corporate gifts with their versatile gift cards. A service includes an $80 massage or facial, with additional features ranging from $12 to $25. For every $500 spent on gift cards (five $100 cards), the employer also receives a one-hour chair massage event at their place of business—perfect for the “new year, new you” month of January. Every $500 equals another hour of a chair massage event, providing a rejuvenating experience for your team.

Book your service at https://www.massageheights.com/gunbarrel-road/

By incorporating these thoughtfully curated options, you can ensure your corporate gifts leave a lasting impression, reflecting both quality and value. Make this holiday season remarkable with unique flavors, refreshing experiences, and locally sourced treasures.