Searching for the perfect gift for Mom, Dad, grandparents, friends, spouses, not-sure-what-we-are partners, coworkers, or Secret Santa? No worries – we have you covered in the Smoky Mountains! From high-end boutique shops and art galleries to As Seen On TV stores and outdoor gear paradises, there is truly something for everyone in Gatlinburg on your gift list this season. Maybe you just want a souvenir for yourself? Whatever the occasion, budget, interest, or relationship, this Gatlinburg gift guide has some great options for YOU!
Experiential Gifts
I think most agree that while gifts to open are awesome, gifts that are more than just items really elevate the season. If you’re looking for something really unique, especially for the person who “has everything,” an experiential gift is the way to go. And that’s SO easy in the Smokies.
There are tons of fun attractions for every age and interest. If you’re buying the experience for a family member or close friend, consider buying a ticket to join them! You’ll enjoy a fun day and some quality time – and what better gift could you possibly give?! Some ideas:
- Dollywood theme park – roller coasters, carnival games, and more
- Dollywood’s Splash Country – water rides, water slides, and summertime fun
- Pirates Voyage Dinner Show – a mARRRvelous dinner show
- Lumberjack Feud Adventure – action-packed show of athleticism and talent
- The Escape Game at The Island – a breakout game for the whole family!
- The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – a fun ride with great Parkway views
- Pigeon Forge Snow – year-round indoor snowy fun
- TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena – trampoline park + Ninja course in one!
- The Comedy Barn – a night of laughs
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies + 7 additional area attractions! – top-rated aquarium
- Titanic Museum Attraction – hands-on history
- WonderWorks – educational fun for kids!
- Hollywood Wax Museum + Outbreak: Dread the Undead – celebrity-themed fun and a zombie experience
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede – horses, dazzling costumes, glittering lights, and country music
For the Home
This may be the easiest thing to find in the Smokies, as almost every shop you stop in will have something for the home. The Incredible Christmas Place is dedicated to all things Christmas – year-round, and the Smoky Mountain Cat House is a must-stop for the feline fan in your life. You can also find paintings, kitchenware, bedding, nostalgic signs, wood carvings, books, and the list just goes on.
Unique to the Smokies
One of the things the area is most well known for is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. It’s a group of talented local artists and craftspeople who create and showcase some awesome work you can buy! Take a scenic drive along the 8-mile loop to find wood carvings, glass ornaments, baskets, paintings and photographs, pottery, birdhouses, candles, jewelry, sculptures, leather goods, quilts, and SO MUCH MORE.
Along with the loop, you can plan your trip around one of the many craft shows throughout the year. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community hosts Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas craft shows, perfect for finding homemade gifts no matter the season.
Sweet Treats + More
Gatlinburg is kind of well known for its creamy fudge…which you’ll smell along the Parkway as you stroll. You can buy prepackaged gifts or by the pound, and the candy shops here have lots of old-fashioned candies that are really fun to gift. You can also stop by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community for some homemade jams, jellies, mixes, and hot sauces. And don’t forget a gorgeous hand-weaved basket to put it all in!
An Outdoorsman’s Dream
Since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located right next to downtown Gatlinburg, it’s no wonder the city has SO MANY outdoor outfitters. Whether your gift recipient loves fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, climbing, hunting, and beyond, you can find the perfect gift at many local shops. Some favorites include:
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
The Day Hiker
GSM Outfitters
Columbia Factory Store
Coleman Factory Outlets
The North Face Outlet
Smoky Mountain Angler
The Ultimate Gift: A Cozy Gatlinburg Cabin!
Looking to go over the top with your gift from Gatlinburg this year? Treat someone to a stay in a Gatlinburg cabin! The best thing about a cabin for a gift? It always fits, and we can guarantee your recipient doesn’t have one of those at home! Whether you’re planning a birthday surprise, a Mother’s Day getaway, a fun father-son weekend, or a romantic weekend away, a stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin is always a great idea.
At Cabins for YOU, we have hundreds of options, all bursting with amenities for whatever your recipient likes. Some favorite amenities include:
- Movie theater room
- Pool, foosball, air hockey, and darts
- Shuffleboard
- Arcade games
- Fully equipped kitchen
- DVD and Blu-ray players
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor fire pit
- Sauna
- Mountain views
- Waterfront location
- Private indoor pool