Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

Searching for the ideal holiday gifts can be exhausting. Fortunately, Carefree and Cave Creek are home to some of the most unique merchants on this side of the North Pole. To help you check off your naughty and nice lists this month, Images Arizona has put together a festive guide garnished with 11 local businesses at which you can find gifts that are guaranteed to generate smiles of joy on Christmas morning.

Gourmand Gifting
Every foodie’s taste buds will rejoice when Santa brings them a gift basket filled with gourmet goodies from Cave Creek Olive Oil Co. Fill a decorative bowl or festive gift bag with bottles of delicious high-quality infused olive oils and specialty aged balsamic vinegars in Southwest flavors that you won’t find in any grocery store. Blood orange and chipotle will recall the tastes of Sonoran cuisine, while Baklouti green chili, harissa and gochujang will transport diners to faraway lands. Add in some spices, hot sauces and salsas for a gift that out-of-town guests will enjoy long after they return home.

Cave Creek Olive Oil Co.
6201 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite. A, Cave Creek
cavecreekoliveoil.com

Light Up The Holidays
Arizona’s pioneers probably decorated their Christmas trees with tiny candles. While we now use string lights for illumination, candles remain an important part of the season. Cave Creek Candles & Gifts, located in Frontier Town, continues to hand-pour pillars, votives and tapers in the tradition of the early American craftsman. The flickering glow of 100% beeswax is complemented by sweet-smelling fragrances. Try such holiday-influenced scents as vanilla, cinnamon spice, Christmas tree and perennial favorite Pinon Pine.

Cave Creek Candles & Gifts
6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
cavecreekcandles.com

All Things Fine
Having opened in October, Simply D’Vine quickly became a must-visit destination for treasures from the past and present. Owner Annie Bates has curated a collection of antique, luxury and one-of-a-kind items, including home furnishings and decor, fashion, self-care products and jewelry, including her own creations. Can’t decide what to get? A vintage Chanel bracelet is sure to make her Christmas morning merry and bright.

Simply D’Vine
37555 N. Hum Road, Carefree
instagram.com/simplydvinecarefree

Boutique Handbags
Finding a beautifully wrapped handbag under the Christmas tree never fails to delight. That’s why a custom-made bag by Baron Paris is a timeless gift. Each limited-edition handbag, clutch, tote and travel bag is exquisitely crafted in the US of luxurious leathers, such as ostrich, cayman and stingray. Celebrate the season in style with the green Lady Victoria Clutch, made of python leather with hand-painted gold accents.

Baron Paris
31313 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite A-155, Scottsdale
baronparis.com

Purses With Purpose
’Tis the season for giving — giving back, that is. Purse-Impressions provides purses filled with personal essentials to women graduating from rehab. In keeping with the theme, the nonprofit’s boutique, located in Mariachi Plaza, offers a selection of pre-loved handbags, as well as jewelry and accessories, the sales of which help fund the charity’s mission. From quirky crossbodies to luxurious classics, each bag truly embodies the Christmas spirit.

Purse-Impressions
7171 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
purse-impressions.com

Sonoran Style
Celebrate the look that made the West famous. Sue Bickerdyke — owner of the eponymous Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, Home Furnishings & Art Gallery — has been designing some of the Valley’s most beautiful living spaces for 25 years. Her showroom specializes in furnishings, art and accessories that will make your home say “Welcome.” Pick up a comfy reversible faux fur throw for every member of the family, or find that special artwork, such as Bryce Pettit’s bronze sculptures (shown) that will remind out-of-town guests of the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, Home Furnishings & Art Gallery
36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree
suebickerdyke.com

Something For Everyone
Next time you’re in Stagecoach Village, stop by the expansive showroom of Stickhorse Gallery, situated near the central gazebo. Here, you’ll find a large selection of decorative items, art, clothing and much more. From antique pottery and vintage barware to home accessories by today’s top luxury brands, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. And why get dear old dad another tie, when you can stop by the Men’s Corner for the perfect humidor, coffee table book, game or desk item?

Stickhorse Gallery
7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 139, Cave Creek
stickhorsegallery.com

Bring The Wild West Home
Located in the heart of Cave Creek, Big Bronco is two shops in one. The Furniture Barn offers Southwest-influenced furnishings and home decor — how about a custom cowhide-upholstered office chair for the executive in your life or throw pillows in a colorful Navajo print — while the General Store features an array of gift options inspired by the desert surroundings. She’ll love an embossed leather Western purse, while the little ones will enjoy Western-style clothes and boots. There’s even an assortment of kitchen items and an entire wall of handcrafted folk-art crosses.

Big Bronco
6602 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
bigbroncocavecreek.com

Striking A Chord
Remember that joy you had when you found your first guitar under the tree? Relive those memories by passing on the love of music. At Black Mountain Guitar Co., you can find acoustic and electric instruments at all price points for every musician, from beginners to master artists. Don’t forget to check out the extensive selection of accessories, from strings and straps to amps and pedals. Black Mountain even offers lessons, so your loved ones can learn to play like a pro.

Black Mountain Guitar Co.
6220 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
blackmountainguitar.com

Season To Shine
Tucked into the picturesque historic Spanish Village, Grace Renee Gallery offers a meticulously curated collection of artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art and stunning ceramics. The gallery also is the exclusive destination for fine jewels by renowned British designer Stephen Webster. Showstopping rings, bracelets and earrings, all crafted from 18-carat gold and showcasing dazzling diamonds and colorful gemstones, will add sparkle to any holiday outfit.

Grace Renee Gallery
North Hum Road, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree
gracereneegallery.com

Wow-Worthy Western Wear
For 10 years, Watson’s Hat Shop has been hand-making high-quality hats for men and women. Gift him with the experience of having a 100% beaver fur cowboy hat, fedora or jaunty bowler` made-to-order for a custom look and fit. Or, for the woman in your life, choose a pastel- or jewel-toned Western hat or bolero from the Lady Watson Collection, which can be personalized with hand-embroidered designs.

Watson’s Hat Shop
7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 148, Cave Creek,
watsonshatshop.com