Give Love for Love's Sake.
Looking for a way to tell a special someone—or several—how you feel? Creative gift ideas are one of the things we do best in Downtown Knoxville, and we heart holiday specials like no one else. So we've collected local gift ideas for friends, parents, co-workers, and other people special to you. And giving a local gift spreads a little love to our local business community too. That makes gift giving even sweeter!
Share the love with everyone this Valentine's Day.
ACF Jewelry
There's a new jewelry shop Downtown, and we can't get enough of it! ACF Jewelry features sweet earrings, like these "Yummy Heart Studs," simple necklaces, endless chain bracelets, and custom pieces. If you want to customize a piece of jewelry for your partner, check out the Stackable Baby Signet Rings, where you can choose a single letter, number, or heart to engrave at checkout. Give the gift of jewelry this Valentine's Day!
Box of Chocolates
What's Valentine's Day without decadent chocolate? There's no better feeling than opening a luxurious box of hand-painted chocolates, and this year, Coffee & Chocolate has a beautiful rotation of featured chocolates, truffles, and macarons. Kilwins is also a wonderful choice for boxes of chocolate. Pair chocolates with some flowers from the Farmers Market for a double dose of sweetness.
Handblown Glass for Her
Pretentious Glass Co has done it again! Are you looking for a gift for that special someone that won't wilt or die on you? Look no further than their handblown glass rose. Their glass roses come in five colors, and are in bloom just in time for Valentine's day but will make a great gift for any occasion. Your sweetheart is sure to love it!
Handblown Decanter for Him
Pretentious Glass Co has their own line of small-batch decanters, and you can be one of the few to have one! The FACET Decanter is their twist on your classic bourbon or whiskey decanter. These handblown masterpieces stand out from the traditional mold.
Sweetheart Shopping
Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is stocked with all the latest trends for the perfect Valentine's pink outfit and jewelry. We are loving the gift idea potentials here, these adorable little finds that make gifting feel extra special! Thoughtful, charming pieces you can personalize with a handwritten note or pair with something meaningful, then tuck into a bag or surprise someone special. Such a unique, sweet idea!
Hot Sauce for Your Hottie
A perfect gift to turn up the heat! Each bottle of General's Hot Sauce contains 86% peppers (compared to 20% in many other sauces), has no thickeners, and no preservatives. It's just straight up fresh! The Maple Mayhem is perfect for a sweet-spicy kick. Shop Tree & Vine for these hot sauces!
Comfy Tees
Oh, just too cute! Wear your love for our city and shop at Nothing Too Fancy for more locally-printed East Tennessee merch, like their Tennessee-themed Jewelry, and of course, their huge selection of constantly rotating t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tanks with designs paying tribute to various areas of Knoxville and iconic locations.
Precious Metal Plated Roses
Boldure Gifts in the Old City is a hidden gem that was made for Valentine's Days, anniversaries, and all other special occasions. They specialize in romantic gifts, particularly roses plated in gold, silver, and other types of metals. This Valentine's Day, send a rose that lasts a lifetime. A real rose preserved and covered in a layer of real 24kt gold or silver.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Get your chocolate-covered strawberries at Ham'n Goodys and Kilwins! Plus, other unique sweets, like Kilwins' chocolate-covered cookies and rice krispies; Ham'n Goodys' heart-shaped tea cakes and pink & red iced lemon cookies, and more. Order Kilwins or Ham'n Goodys today!
Rent a Historic Theatre's Sign
Send a sweet message to your loved one for the world to see! Rent the Bijou Theatre or the Tennessee Theatre sign to pop the big question or send a shoutout. We have a feeling your special person will be speechless seeing their name displayed on Gay Street. You'll also send love to one of Downtown's historic theatres, since your rental fee will help support them during these hard times. Reserve the marquees at the Tennessee Theatre here and the Bijou Theatre here.
Handcrafted Works from Local Artists
Give the gift of art in all forms! From paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry and scarves, you'll find local art throughout Downtown. Explore exhibits at the Emporium at 100 Gay Street or shop the Arts and Culture Alliance's online store with works by more than 150 local and regional artists. The Art Market Gallery displays works of more than 50 local artists in the gallery on Gay Street and in their online store. Pictured is Milk and Honey by artist Shannon Johnson.
Museum Gift Shops
Tucked away in interesting spaces, Museum Gift Shops have wonderful gifts to choose from for Valentine's Day. The East Tennessee Historical Society has chocolate-infused and wine spiced tea, homemade soaps and lotions, and heart-shaped earrings. Knoxville Museum of Art has handmade ceramic art and vases, plus beaded, leather, and glass jewelry that are all truly one-of-a-kind. For the history enthusiast to art lover to basketball fan, there's something for everyone to love.
Valentine's Cards
This one is for your gals! Grab a humorous greeting card to let your friends know you're thinking about them and give them a laugh on Galentine's Day. Bethie Lou's has the best selection of cards, so you have to check out their sentimental, punny, and romantic cards – trust us, you won't find cards like these anywhere else. You'll also find a wide selection of jewelry, candles, puzzles, and other local gifts for your special someone.
Looking for online shopping? Good news!
Downtown local stores offer online shopping and/or curbside pick-up, so you don't have to sacrifice local if you want to shop Valentine's Day gifts from home. Shopping in-store is also safe with easy walkability, wide sidewalks, and required masks.