ajc.com Holiday Guide

Holiday shopping at the mall can be convenient, but if you're in the mood for something different, try this selection of "mallternatives" — local stores and markets that offer a variety of unique, gift-worthy merchandise that you won't find everywhere else.

Buckhead

• BEEHIVE CO-OP

1831 Peachtree Road NE, 404-351-1166

Holiday hours (beginning Dec. 1): Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Reduced hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Dec. 28-31. Closed Dec. 25- 27, Jan. 1.

Store features everything from clothing to cupcakes made by local and regional designers who each have display space in exchange for several hours of work.

• SHOP SCAD

3096 Roswell Road, 404-816-0247

Holiday hours: Mon. - Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed on Sun.

Three levels house fine art, jewelry, stationery, beauty and more. All designed by students, faculty, staff and alumni of Savannah College of Art and Design.

• FESTIVITY (four locations)

2359 Peachtree Road in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, 404-841-8051

Holiday hours: Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. noon to 6 p.m.

The newest location of this well-known gift store offers seasonal items, jewelry, books, glassware and more. There's also a great collection of affordable clothing and high-end fashions.

• ENTEBELLO

324 East Paces Ferry Road, 404-477-2933

Holiday hours: Mon., Tues., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wed. , Thurs., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The go-to spot for everything beauty including some hard-to-find brands such as Akhassa bath and body and Daub and Bauble products.

• SWAN COACH HOUSE GIFT SHOP

3130 Slaton Drive NW, 404-261-0224

Hours: Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The gift shop at the Swan Coach House offers jewelry, home accessories and unique books. Table top trees, holiday table wear and holiday clothing for children is included in the seasonal merchandise.

Decatur

• HELIOTROPE

248 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-371-0100

Holiday hours: Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Gifts for pets, music lovers, oenophiles and people who just like to have fun (see the Slang Flash Cards by Knock Knock and the Snoopy Sno Cone Maker). Wreaths in the shape of a peace sign are a big holiday hit.

• WHIT'S END

431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, #2, 404 - 377-3310

Holiday hours: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. noon to 5 p.m.

Find gifts for men at this new affordable men's clothing store which stocks Tom's Shoes, handcrafted pewter cufflinks, novelty ties and other souvenirs.

Downtown/ Castleberry Hill

• NO MAS HACIENDA

180 Walker Street, 404-215-9769

Hours: Tues. - Sat., noon to 9 p.m.

Home goods, leather goods, glassware and more at this retail center attached to No Mas Cantina restaurant.

Marietta

• CASABELLA

4400 Roswell Rd Suite 128A, 770 -321-1708

Hours: Mon. - Sat 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun., noon to 6 p.m.

Spend hours browsing the selection of jewelry, home fragrance, bath and beauty, home goods, etc. in this massive store.

Midtown

• ATLANTIC STATION HOLIDAY ART & ANTIQUE MARKET

Nov. 3-4, 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 14-16, 22-23, 29-20 (dates subject to change).

Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open-air market features up to 56 vendors selling handcrafted items, art, edibles and more.

• NANI SENSORIUM

264 19th St. NW (in Atlantic Station), 404-446-4080

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

As the name implies, this store has something to suit each of the five senses, from clothing and music to home items and novelty gifts.

• TWELVE BOUTIQUE

860 Peachtree Street, Suite F, 404-961-7676

Holiday hours: Tues. - Sat. , 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. , (will be open on Mondays after Nov. 22)

Jewelry, scents, decor and handbags by local and national artists. Gift consultations available by phone.

Vinings (Vinings Jubilee)

• ETC. EAST

4300 Paces Ferry Road, 232, 770-434-6360

Holiday hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sun.

Range of jewelry in all price points, fur trim wraps and other accessories appropriate for gift giving.

• LIMETREE (5 locations)

4300 Paces Ferry Road, 678-213-5463

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun., noon to 6 p.m.

The newest location of this specialty gift shop offers home decor, collegiate items, bath and body products, gifts for the pampered pet and more.

• BELLES CHOSES (2 locations)

4300 Paces Ferry Road, 770-435-8384

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Children's clothing, linens, decorative objects, bath products and candles along with a selection of French antiques and Pandora jewelry.

Virginia-Highland

• ECO-BELLA

1046 N. Highland Ave. NE, 404-815-3552

Hours: Mon. -Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. noon to 6 p.m.

Eco-friendly gifts for infants and children as well as other items such as blankets and soy-based candles.

• TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES

1056 St. Charles Ave., 404-892-5307

Holiday hours: (Beginning Nov. 23) Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fair trade jewelry, home decor, gifts of all sorts including a selection of items for under $25.

• METROPOLITAN DELUXE

1034 N. Highland Ave. NE, 404-806-1864

Hours: Mon. - Thurs.; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gifts, personal care and home accessories are just some of the goods available at this store formerly in Atlantic Station.

• BELLA CUCINA

1050 N. Highland Ave. NE

Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. noon to 6 p.m.

Gifts include Bella Botanicals Organic Soap Dish and an Antipasti Gift Box set at this store devoted to the artful food of Italy.

West Midtown / Westside

• 1FIVE0

1000 Marietta St., 404-474-4102

Holiday hours: Mon. to Sat 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Closed Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

Fun lifestyle gifts for the hipster including music, books and home accessories. All clothing under $150.

• STAR PROVISIONS

1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410

Holiday hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sun. Will be open Dec. 24.

Cookware, tableware, and cookbooks are available at this foodie haven, as well as the unexpected such as gifts for pets, ornaments and Orla Kiely handbags.