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 will feature four new heart-shaped candies: Ruby Champagne, Dark Chocolate Cherry, Dulce de Leche, and Dark Espresso. Kilwins is also a wonderful choice for boxes of chocolate. Pair chocolates with some flowers for a double dose of sweetness.
Handblown Glass for Her
Pretentious Glass Co has done it again! Brought us a handblown glass that's not only perfect in size and shape, but in color too. The pink-and-white COLORIST beer mug is a unique gift for Valentine's Day. Your sweetheart is sure to love it!
Handblown Decanter for Him
Last year, Pretentious Glass Co was quietly working on a new line of decanters, and now, you can be one of the first to get one! They are selling their prototypes and explorations, some of which are inspired by classical decanter forms, while others are unlike any decanter before. These handblown masterpieces stand out from the traditional mold.
Scratch-Off Love Coupons
Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes is stocked with all the latest trends for the perfect Valentine's pink outfit and jewelry. What we're loving for a gift idea, though, are these adorable make your own scratch-off love coupons! You can write your own special handwritten message, then cover it with the scratch-off sticker provided, and slip into a lunch bag or coat pocket of 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, and also try Bourbon Barrel Hot & Spicy Kentuckyaki.
Kn♡xville Comfy Tee
Oh, just too cute! Wear your love for our city with this "Kn♡xville" t-shirt, and shop at Nothing Too Fancy for more East Tennessee merch, like this Tennessee Necklace with a heart over Knoxville, 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.
For Him
Haven't been dating that long, but want to get him a cool, unique gift? Make an impact with this custom engraved 20-ounce matte black water bottle featuring a map of Knoxville. This sleek bottle is double-walled insulated stainless steel with a bamboo top. It can be purchased in-store or online from Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes.
Visit Knoxville Gift Basket
Visit Knoxville has put together a lovely gift basket of local items! You'll receive a tin of Willa’s Shortbread Cookies (one-bite buttery perfection), an 865 Candle Co. Candle, two wine tumblers engraved with the Knoxville skyline, and two coasters, plus a Visit Knoxville Visitors Guide to plan a romantic night out.
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, Kilwins, and The Wildflour Too! 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 (available 2/12-2/14); and Wildflour Too's hot cocoa bombs, macarons, and more (order by 2/09 for pickup on 2/12). Order Kilwins, The Wildflour Too 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. Rala 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.