Gallery 35

Right in downtown Alpharetta shoppers can find a variety of unique shops with a plethora of gift ideas. At Gallery 35, owner Buddy Gash works to feature unique handmade items by local artists.

Current highlights include space photography by local photographer Paul Tankersley. The custom-framed photos range in price from $22 to $220.

There are also several paintings, mosaics, jewelry designs, yard art, woodwork, candles and other one-of-a-kind gifts.

Gallery 35 is at 35 Milton Ave. in downtown Alpharetta. It is open Monday through Saturday form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery will also recognize extended hours for holiday shopping sporadically through the season.

Information: www.gallery35.com.

Heavenly Gourmet Popcorn

For those gift-givers looking for a unique gift for friends or family, Heavenly Gourmet has selections of popcorn for every pallet – literally.

“We’ve got a little over 120 flavors of popcorn,” said owner Dawn Nelson. The local popcorn shop has flavors divided into three categories: cheese, candied and gourmet.

There are the tried-and-true flavors such as butter, cheese and caramel, but for those looking for a little more adventure the selection extends to flavors such as cotton candy, banana pudding and dill pickle. In fact, Nelson said one of the more popular flavors is the Chicago style popcorn, which is caramel and cheese.

There are also popcorn replicas of popular candy bar flavors such as Snickers and Baby Ruth.

“The list goes on and on,” Nelson said. “There isn’t a bad one in the bunch.”

She also said there are special seasonal flavors for the holidays including candy cane, gingerbread, pumpkin pie and white chocolate peppermint.

Heavenly Gourmet Popcorn is at 875 North Main St., Suite 305 in Alpharetta. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Information: www.hgpopcorn.com.

The Twisted Thread

Cozy downtown Crabapple has several options for those looking for holiday gifts, and The Twisted Thread is one of the unique shops offering a variety of items.

The Twisted Thread is a high-scale consignment shop that also offers brand new candles, room fresheners and jewelry.

“The great thing about our jewelry is that we have pieces made by local artists – two in particular,” said owner Robin Lupica.

Aside from the new items, savvy shoppers may also find a sweater or dress among the consignment racks with the tag still attached.

“We have a variety of things people can find,” Lupica said.

They also currently have one vintage fur cape and three fur coats which might pique the interest of a gift recipient.

The Twisted Thread is at 12660 Crabapple Road in Milton. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and occasionally on Sundays.

Information: www.thetwistedthread.com.

Ivy Interiors

For the men who have a hard time shopping for their wives, Ivy Interiors is making it easy this year. Owner Debbie Zimmerer said her quaint gift shop will host Secret Shopper Days and Nights Dec. 19 to 21.

The women will go in early and make their lists then hand it off to the man in their life. Then, Dad and kids go shopping for Mom complete with cookies and milk for the kids and complimentary gift wrapping.

“We’re trying to make it convenient for dads to shop for moms,” Zimmerer said. “It also gives an opportunity for kids and dads to bond while shopping together.”

Aside from the usual gifts at Ivy Interiors such as purses, scarves and jewelry, Zimmerer said she has several Christmas items including Christmas towels and ornaments that are popular this time of year.

Ivy Interiors is at 52 N. Main St., Suite A in Alpharetta. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most Sundays.

Information: www.ivyinteriors.net.