As a small business, we can’t hide how much we love shopping local. It’s not just about finding what you need. It’s about supporting the people and places that make a community feel like home. Each purchase helps to keep your community strong, your neighborhood lively, and your neighbors’ dreams becoming reality. When you choose small businesses, you’re not only giving back to your community; you’re supporting real people.
At Smith’s, we strive to carry local vendors and one-of-a-kind Alabama gifts – because we know how much of a difference it makes. That’s why we curated this gift guide to highlight a small number of the Alabama vendors we carry at Smith’s. Whether you’re welcoming an out-of-town guest or just wanting to shop local, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our Alabama gift guide for supporting local.
Local Flavors
It’s no secret that food is a big part of southern culture. From slow-cooked BBQ to boiled peanuts, there’s no way to really experience Alabama without sampling all of its delicious flavors. While we don’t have a kitchen in store (we wish!), we do carry a selection of Alabama gourmet food, so you can take the local flavors wherever you go.
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Alabama Peanut Co. - Roasted right in the heart of Birmingham on Morris Avenue, Alabama Peanut Co. is renowned for their unique flavors of roasted and boiled peanuts. Each batch is roasted in an antique roaster and captures the authentic flavors of the South. These snack-sized bags of their famous roasted peanuts are perfect for out-of-town wedding gifts or corporate events.
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True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard - Sweet and tangy with a touch of heat. That’s how Trueheart makes her beloved hot mustard. Hailed by Southern Living, local grocers, and your next-door neighbor alike, True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard is everything its reputation claims it to be. Batch-made in Birmingham, True’s is as local as it gets.
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Full Moon BBQ - Two brothers, one love for southern-style BBQ. What started in Birmingham has grown to 16 locations across Alabama and Mississippi. From their award-winning BBQ sauce to iconic Chow-Chow relish, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Full Moon.
Local Authors
From Harper Lee and Zora Neale Hurston to Winston Groom and Daniel Wallace, Alabama has produced numerous award-winning authors. Though your best bet for finding their work is at O’Neal Library, you can still find several Alabama and Birmingham authors at Smith’s.
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Martie Duncan - Born in Birmingham, this award-winning chef brings her Alabama love to the kitchen and on the road. Her books, The Alabama 100 and Sweet Home Alabama, highlight her favorite restaurants, recipes, and road trips from the Heart of Dixie.
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David Graves - Another Birmingham native, David Graves views his love for Alabama through a camera lens. In Alabama Faith and Alabama Hope, Graves captures over 350 photos of stained glass windows across the state. Each copy is signed, making this a unique conversation starter or gift.
- Ivy Odom - The official Southern Belle has called Birmingham her home for quite some time now. In addition to being a Southern Living icon, she is also the author of My Southern Kitchen: From Suppers to Celebrations, Recipes for Every Occasion. You may just catch her signing copies in store!
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Kari Kampakis - This bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster has appeared on The TODAY Show, EWTN, Jesus Calling, and other national outlets as well as local venues. Her work approaches raising teens through a biblical lens, offering advice, encouragement, and hope for parents. Her devotional, Yours, Not Hers, helps readers stop comparing and start loving their life.
Local Artists
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Bailey Made Art Co. - Bailey Made Art Co. is known for her vibrant renditions of Alabama icons. From Tuska the Elephant to the Alabama Theatre, her neon takes on beloved locations bring a pop of color to any space.
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Dogwood Hill - New England-worthy designs made right in Birmingham. Dogwood Hill is a luxury paper goods company, offering everything from stationery to placemats and more. Their signature hand-illustrated look is one-of-a-kind.
When you shop local, you support real people with real dreams. It’s a simple way to make a huge difference in your community.
Find all of these vendors and more local favorites at Smith’s Variety, your neighborhood store since 1950.
