With the holidays getting closer by the day, it’s never too early to start grabbing gifts and stocking stuffers in Raleigh. We chatted with Holly Aiken, owner of Holly Aiken - Stitch and one of Raleigh's passionate minds, and she gave us a rundown of her favorite spots to stock up on holiday gifts.

Gift Cards Come in All Sizes

Gift cards are a hit, especially if they’re for a meal (or two) at one of your favorite restaurants. Holly recommends local favorites like Capital Club 16, Centro and Stanbury–or pick from more than 1,200 Raleigh area restaurants here.

Yellow Dog Bread Company

Known for their traditional hearth breads and Southern-inspired pastries, Yellow Dog Bread Company is a staple on N. Person St. They’re kicking things up a notch for the holidays, featuring gingerbread cookies, pumpkin walnut bread, stollen, cranberry apple pie and more.

Deco Raleigh

Lively, colorful and customer-centered, Deco Raleigh is the place to go for residents and visitors alike. They feature more than 60 local artisans’ work, including pottery, prints, cards, jewelry, textiles and local T-shirts. And don’t worry, they happily endorse self-gifting.

Oak City Cycling Project

A local, independent cycling shop in downtown Raleigh, Oak City Cycling Project offers something for the bicycle enthusiast (or novice) in your life. Go big with the purchase of a new set of wheels, or grab a stocking stuffer like their Oak City Patch Pack or Mural Water Bottle. 

Holly is one of Raleigh's smart and creative innovators "Rooted in Raleigh"—the reason why Raleigh is renowned for its culture and touted as an enriching and energizing destination. Holly's bags make for one-of-a-kind gifts in addition to the ideas listed above. Learn more about her and her business here or check out this video: