News & Insights

NC IDEA 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Published November 16, 2023

You’ve made your list and you’re checking it twice. Or maybe you’re still trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone.

NC IDEA has compiled its 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide to help free up some time and make your shopping stress-free … all while supporting North Carolina born and bred products from the entrepreneurs that are part of our NC IDEA family.

We are big fans and believers in these products, and we’re pretty sure your gift recipients will be too!

For Foodies and Beverage Connoisseurs

Darë Vegan Cheese
Artisan plant-based cheese

Devil’s Foot Beverage Company
Organic, low-sugar, non-alcoholic craft beverage alternatives

Dojo Fresh
Fresh, locally made plant-based food products

Elaka Treats
Indian and Middle Eastern inspired, Cardamom-infused frozen desserts and flavor narrations

Embrew Tea
Ethically-sourced, lightly-sweetened, premium tea bags

Grill Pinz
Innovative grilling accessory that holds food items together while grilling, instead of a toothpick

Haw River Mushrooms
Delicious, nutritious mushroom-based treats that make it easier to build this amazing functional food into your daily diet

Jabin Beverage Company
Persian sports beverage with only 7 natural ingredients

Matcha Nude
Clean, organic energy without the jitters

No Evil Foods
Meat from nothin’ but plants using ingredients that are sustainable, simple and kind

Piedmont Pennies
Cheese snacks with a Carolina kick

Queen’s Jollof Sauce
Making African culture accessible to everyone

Robert Rust Foods
Premium, handmade burritos and bowls

Southern Snacks
Seriously crispy, sweet-savory deliciousness from sweet potatoes grown in North Carolina

Spring & Mulberry
Exploring a world of sweet beyond sugar starting with date-sweetened chocolate

Tom & Jenny’s
Dentist-crafted, delectable sugar-free caramels

Well Seasoned Table
Farm-grown seasonings, infused sugars & sea salts

For Improved Health, Beauty and Well Being

AlonTree Company
Rehabilitation devices and equipment for stroke victims by a stroke survivor

Blue Ridge Aromatics
Essential oils that are distilled in-house

Core Snatcher
A unique exercise and physical therapy device

ExstoBio
Creating the future of personalized cannabinoid therapeutics

GreySun Technologies
A Wearable Breathalyzer With Associated iOS & Android App

Gryppers
Intelligent, game-changing innovation that every professional athlete and passionate recreationist needs to WIN

inStryde
Custom foot orthotics designed to fit ANY shoe

MyPeriodPal
Achieve painless periods without the use of medication

Plantrgy
Mindfully handcrafted protein and superfood mixes

Pollynation Apothecary
Plant-based products created with your health in mind

Rebundle
Synthetic hair that is better for your scalp, and better for the environment

Three Strands Recovery Wear
Dedicated to enhancing the healing journey of post-surgical patients through their revolutionary product, the Resilience Bra, and additional loungewear garments

WH Farms
Premium hemp blends backed with a certificate of authenticity

For Parents and Their Children

Beeloo
Endless options of fun activity books for kids

Jayla’s Heirlooms
Handmade Dolls of Diversity

Nurtured Nest
Improving outcomes for Millennials and Gen Z parents through online education

Project Heel
External shoe orthotic to stop toe walking

Smart Girls HQ
STEM education, character and confidence-building resources for girls aged 3-12

Zaria’s Milk
Homemade lactation treats, cookies and goods

For Pets and Pet Lovers

Botanical Bones
Clean label, nutrient-dense dog treats made with superfoods, adaptogens and lots of peanut butter

Canine Harvest
Farm fresh food for dogs

Oncotect
World’s first at-home cancer screening test for dogs

For the Home

Bloomify
Beautiful blooms from maintenance-free plants

Calico Sol
Eco-friendly products designed to decrease the carbon footprint of your household

Cicil
All natural rugs for home and habitat sustainably made in North Carolina

Spoonflower
Custom fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap from indie artists around the world

Wallwerx
Innovative, patented, storage and organizing products

For the Techie

Cardstalk
Great cards printed on demand at a retailer near you

Phase Dock
Universal WorkBench system that solves most electronics education, prototyping and project building challenges

For the Auto Enthusiast

Charvonia Designs
Billet Tie Downs offering a stronger, more useful, and better-looking option to the basic, factory tie downs that come on every truck

WheelPrice
Marketplace for enthusiasts to buy and sell wheels

For the Fashion Forward

Descalza
Clothing and statement pieces woven by artisans in Latino America and made to measure in NC

Fun Mom Band
“Mom’s Fanny” denim pack that goes with everything, carries everything, and is proudly sewn in NC

NURV
Adaptive activewear to empower people of all health conditions to get active

Rite of Passage
A slow fashion label inspired by the darker, delicate details found in nature

Sani
Apparel inspired by South Asian culture

Thrift Pony
Secondhand and vintage consignment in Charlotte, NC

Unbox the Dress
Transform your family wedding dress into heirlooms to love for a lifetime