Five Great Gifts from the Natural State

In the spirit of the season, I have put together my own special Arkansas-based gift-giving guide of ideas to share with you this holiday time.

article by P. Allen Smith

December is one of the most hectic and anticipated months of the year, especially here at Moss Mountain Farm where holiday activities are added to an already busy schedule of feeding chickens and chasing daylight. Even with the additional fuss, it still remains one of my most favorite times of year. How could one not love the season of giving?

When it comes to selecting gifts, the pressure is on to give the season’s new-fangled, trendiest or must-have presents. It can be downright intimidating! This year I say sidestep the crowds and opt for affordable, creative ideas that support locally-owned retailers. That’s what I plan to do, starting with these five Arkansas-based products (including one of my own). Take a gander at just a few of the goods we’re making across the border in the Natural State. I’m sure you will discover a gift that will bring joy and convey thoughtfulness.

Aromatique Candles
The holidays would not be complete at Moss Mountain Farm without aromatic decorative candles from Arkansas’s premier candle maker Aromatique. Single and double wicked candles with decorative detailing designed to complement any décor with a luxurious warm and inviting fragrance. My seasonal favorites are The Smell of Christmas, Smell of the Tree and Pumpkin Spice—it’s the perfect way to give the gift of holiday cheer.  Aromatique home fragrance collections include a variety of scented candles, oils, potpourri and room sprays. Aromatique fragrances are available at numerous locally owned gift shops in northern Louisiana. Check their retail finder at www.Aromatique.com/easy-finder.

P. Allen Smith Water Colors Garden Hose Collection
Make a splash with a gift of water colors exclusively from my Water Colors Garden Hose Collection.  With the premium construction and revolutionary design of Flexzilla®, the Water Colors Collection comes in warm, inviting colors of Blue Skies, Coral Candy, Crazy of Cocoa and Green Envy. Best of all, Flexzilla® garden hoses have a lifetime warranty. You’ll find these hoses at local garden centers and online at www.shop.pallensmith.com.

JK Woodworking
Add a perfect touch of functional rustic charm that will last past the holidays with authentic kitchen tools handmade in Quitman, Arkansas. Choose from spoons, spatulas, mortars and pestles, salt cellars, bowls and, my favorite, biscuit cutters.  These heirloom quality pieces are made with reclaimed wood and polished with a natural wood rub or food safe finish. Surprise the foodie, chef or aspiring chef with a one of a kind kitchen collectable. Available from Eggshells on Kavanaugh (www.EggshellsKitchencompany.com) and The Green Corner Store (501-374-1111).

Southern Girl Soapery
Southern Girl Soapery creates handmade bath and body products inspired by the traditions, stories, and scents of the South. Each is a nod to some part of our Southern heritage, from the first strand of pearls to that first sip of home brew.  Product gift packages are available for men and women online at www.southerngirlsoapery.com.

Lambrecht Chocolates
Don’t get caught wrapping the usual suspect this holiday season—a fruit cake.  Instead, give a gift that delivers sweet decadence on a new level. Indulge someone special with the richness of milk chocolate, roasted pecans and rich crisp butter toffee with Lambrecht Gourmet’s award-winning Southern Pecan Toffee. Based out of Heber Springs, Arkansas, this family owned business ships their confections to 40 plus states. You can buy these sweets online at www.lambrechtgourmet.com.

­