10 last-minute gifts you can pick up at CLT on your way out of town for the holidays
North Carolina is full of crafty people creating quality goods. From locally made barbecue sauces and Carolina-inspired coffees to ornaments starring the state bird, the Charlotte airport stocks dozens of great last-minute holiday gifts, easy to pick up during your seasonal travel.
Funky socks, baby gifts, freshly baked cookies, hand-poured candles and skincare round out the offerings at the nation’s seventh busiest airport. Here are a few to seek out on your next trip, especially if you have forgotten to bring along something for your holiday host.
For the host
(1) Ella B. Candles
On The Square, Concourse C
Hand poured locally, Ella B. Candles stock the shelves of most Charlotte gift shops. Enjoying initial success with neighborhood-inspired scents — Dilworth, Myers Park, Ballantyne — candles capture the essence of place, Ella B. has expanded to include pours evoking the Carolina Coast, Carolina Christmas and more. Each soy candle is poured in a cylindrical glass jar and packaged in a gift-ready box, finished with an elegant, black bow. Uptown, CLT and more are found in On The Square in Concourse C.
(2) Tastebuds Popcorn
1897 Market, Main Terminal
Created by Jay Pithwa, who uses special English caramel recipes in his locally made popcorn, Tastebuds hand crafts each flavorful batch using imported Madagascar vanilla, European sea salts and high-end chocolates. Assorted seasonal varieties and cotton candy are great gifts to thank your holiday hosts.
(3) Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts
1897 Market, Main Terminal
Bob Allsbrook has been in the peanut business since 1945. Aunt Ruby’s peanut products are shelled, processed and distributed nationally from the family’s plant in historic Halifax County — one of the largest peanut producing counties in the state — a few hours’ drive from Charlotte. Country-style, roasted redskin, honey-roasted, chocolate-covered and toffee peanuts are all available.
For the home chef
(4) Cloister Honey
1897 Market, Main Terminal
Local beekeepers Joanne de la Rionda and Randall York opened Cloister Honey in 2010 and have grown their bee business into a local staple. “We believe in caring for nature without pesticides and chemicals,” said de la Rionda. “Our honey is all raw, all natural … and we do everything in Charlotte, by hand, in small batches.” Though inventory changes with shipment, 1897 Market usually stocks wildflower, original, bourbon-infused, vanilla-infused and gift packs. For the sweet-tooth in your life, opt for the whipped variety, infused with cinnamon or cocoa. Honey combs are also available.
(5) Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale
1897 Market, Main Terminal
Queen Charlotte’s pimento cheese is a southern staple for any holiday fete. Each batch of Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale is handcrafted in east Charlotte. Owner John Morgan starts with a cream cheese base, and using less mayonnaise than the average pimento cheese, Morgan grates, blends and packages each container by hand. Flavors available at the airport include original, blue cheese, bacon and jalapeno.
For someone who’s been sweet
(6) Sweet Girl Cookies
1897 Market; Farmer’s Market, B Concourse; Ciao and The Local, D Concourse; Rhino Market
Stirring into their cookie batches only Ghirardelli chocolate chips, French-imported Valrhona dark cocoa, pure vanilla, organic raisins and other choice ingredients, the Felder family works with only the finest to bake their popular Sweet Girl Cookies. Pick up a five-pack of mini cookies in multiple flavors — chocolate chip, dark chocolate sea salt, lemon blueberry white chocolate, white chocolate cherry and oatmeal raisin — or spring for a big cookie in seasonal flavors like oatmeal cranberry white chocolate or (starting Dec. 1) peppermint bark.
For the fun-loving friend
(7) Freaker USA
On The Square, Concourse C
Established in 2011 and based a few hours east of Charlotte in Wilmington, Freaker USA has been “preventing moist handshakes” since 2011 with its funky drink koozies that keep your beverage — in any size — from sweating. Socks with caricatures of Carolina Panther Cam Newton and other NFL notables are also available.
For the little ones
(8) 124 Charlotte, ABC Charlotte
On The Square, Concourse C
Written and illustrated locally by Christina Berkau Pope and Thomas Berkau, 123 Charlotte and ABC Charlotte take the little ones on a whimsical journey through the Queen City and the Carolinas region.
(9) Bella Tunno
On The Square, Concourse C
Bowls, silicone pacifiers, bibs, and colorful baby plates featuring sayings like “Taco Tuesday!” and “Fries Before Guys!” are standouts from this Matthews-based company. For 15 years, the folks at Bella Tunno have not only created these on-trend baby goods, but they’ve donated proceeds to kids in need, too.
For the tree
(10) House of Morgan Pewter
Charlotte’s Landing, Concourse A
Hand-cast pewter cardinal ornaments made by the Morgan family in Wilmington and Mountt. Airy, North Carolina, are great keepsakes for your trip to the Carolinas or for a friend at home in the Queen City.