What's that? You need compelling reasons to shop mom and pops this holiday? Predictably, you offer that chain stores are open later, stocked better and hawk their wares for bargain-bin prices. Well, go ahead and stuff that in your made-in-Taiwan stockings, because this is the definitive argument settler: Handmade gifts are just cooler. Unique presents make people feel special. And giving them makes you look smart and sophisticated. It's a chance to pass yourself off as cultured and finger-on-the-pulse. The sort of person who's always recommending some cool, out-of-the-way restaurant or obscure, interesting film. A guy or gal who thinks outside the box, dares to dream, gets the big picture, moves to the beat of a—oh, you get the idea.

Look, anyone can slap a bow on a DVD player from Walmart. But choosing quality over quantity? Seeking out the lovingly produced over the coldly manufactured? It's the stuff of superior gift-givers. But we're still pragmatists. So while Walmart, Target and their ilk are scrambling to give you outsourced prices and family-depriving hours, we've isolated eight little guys with all the heartily crafted and home-grown you can handle—whether you'll scrimp or splurge. The staffs are warm, welcoming, and happen to be experts in the items they sell. Give them the skinny on who you're buying for, and they'll jump to accommodate—without all the surly apathy that so often accompanies those chains. And come shopping time, their selections won't be mercilessly picked-over—what chain can boast that?

Alegria
307 N. 16th St.
Open Tues.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
This cozy East Nashville boutique hosts a well-curated collection of chic handbags and popular Dan Post cowboy boots, but it also boasts five sought-after local jewelry makers who create pieces ranging from funky to sophisticated. A recent stop saw an out-of-towner who'd driven all the way from Atlanta to browse the work of Carol Ann Davis, whose high-quality beading, hand-laid silversmithing and unexpected combinations make her the top seller in the store, according to store owner Bil Breyer. The jewelry selection ranges in price from $50-$200, but thriftier budgets will enjoy the handmade writing pens perfect for professional gifts ($32).

Serendipity
2301 12th Ave. S.
Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
For the sophisticated boho-chic woman, Serendipity offers a slew of handmade items that incorporate trends with a stylish understatement. Owner Julie Lutz stocks a wide range of jewelry from local artisans that combine copper and stones starting at under $30. Crystal Gardens makes a leather strapped copper locket that updates the antique without completely modernizing it. Also on hand are much in-demand local Thistle Farms goods including candles, body balm and lip balm. There's a small selection of handmade headbands, belts fashioned from vintage ties and vintage purses updated with unique prints.

Local Color Gallery
1912 Broadway
Open Tues.-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
We're the first to admit that buying someone art is a tricky proposition: One false move and you just dropped a sloppy Impressionist on a devout Cubist. It may be a gift better suited for folks you know reasonably well, but having a general idea of someone's taste is all it takes to find a suitable piece if you're in the right place. Midtown gallery Local Color happens to have already done most of the work for you. This time of year, owner Brooke Robinson curates a selection of smaller works (at around an actually affordable $75) from local and regional artists in a collection called Small Treasures. Featured are locals like watercolorist Daryl Steele—who draws on local classic landscapes—and established local favorites Jennifer Padgett and Gay Petach—once commissioned to do pieces for Margaret Thatcher. Folks intimidated by selecting the right piece need only ask Robinson for help. "I'll just need a few pieces of info to guide them," says Robinson. "If someone comes in and says they know someone who's wildly contemporary, I'll know where to point them. Or, I can point them toward things well liked by many people. I also just encourage people to walk around and get a feel for these artists."

Local Honey
1207 Linden Ave.
Open Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Any 20-something fashion-forward will thank your profusely for a gift certificate from Local Honey this season, the centerpiece of Nashville's buzzing young fashion movement. Owner and designer Shea Steele is its den mother, and her discriminating eye stocks goods from a rotating cast of the city's best-known up-and-coming designers, including her own fresh line White Rabbit. Perfect seasonal gifts include her addition of a line of locally made knit hats, gloves and arm warmers from label Prairie-Go-Round ($24), new mixed-media work from local artists ($28-$58), two new jewelry lines and the debut of two new designers: Amy Breen and Sophie Diehl.

The Green Wagon
Sylvan Park: 4429 Murphy Road
East Nashville: 1100 Forrest Ave.
Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Some 70 percent of the goods in this eco-holic shopper's delight are handcrafted, locally produced items. Standouts include their best-selling trio of lip balm, beeswax candles and skin salve made by Franklin beekeepers ($14), soy candles and soaps from Smyrna soaps 'n' salts maker Alchemy of Sol, and the organically printed T-shirts from sister trio Ask Apparel. (They grow their own plants organically, from which they extract the dyes to make T-shirts and baby onesies.) Pick up environmentally friendly holiday cards and gift paper—repurposed from scraps fabric printers use to test their prints on paper first. The Wagon also offers classes on everything from making green lifestyle changes (Nov. 21) to a green holiday gift-making class (Dec. 5) that teaches customers how to make three homemade items plus the eco-friendly wrapping ($55 includes supplies, eggnog and cookies.)

Imogene + Willie's
2601 12th Ave. S.
Open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Even denim devotees might shake their heads at a $175 price tag, but once you hear what that gets you at Imogene + Willie's handmade jeans store, you'll probably swoon. Given that any nip or tuck to their own brand of jeans is on the house, it's as if they've already designed your recipient's perfect pair. (A special-edition holiday jean is available for the season, which features a heavier winter-ready Japanese fabric.) Husband-and-wife duo Matt and Carrie Edmennsen are behind this superb retail niche—transplants who brought their background in denim manufacturing for top brands all the way from Kentucky. Elsewhere in this former transmission shop/gas station, peruse their shrewd collections of vintage boots, leather jackets, refurbished and hand-studded leather belts and small selections of men's chambray shirts, women's tops and a handful of kid's sizes, plus a rare collection of Ralph Lauren Polo RRL jeans—even a breathtaking scarf collection from India, hand-dipped in Indigo. Gift certificates include tax.

Center of Symmetry
212 Louise Ave.
Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Crystal and tarot-reading addicts will recognize this address as the former home of Cafe Coco neighbor Magical Journey; new owners cleaned and brightened the place with a chakra-aligning overhaul. There are still crystals and readings, but the business model has shifted substantially toward holistic healing. For the overworked stress factories in your life, try gift certificates for any one of the staggering range of therapies and massages on the menu: from hot-stone, swedish and bhakti massage to light, chakra and sound therapies. Additionally, there's a bounty of locally crafted goods: loose-leaf teas, jewelry, bath salts, soaps and even aromatherapeutic eye pillows for the weary traveler.

See Spot Eat Doggie Bakery
2815 Bransford Ave.
Open Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This tucked-away doggie bakery in Berry Hill features all-natural baked goods for the little pooch in need of a special diet or just a special treat. "There are lots of dog people in Nashville," says baker Treble Cierpke. "Lots of dog people who want to feed their pet healthy foods." See Spot Eat uses only the good stuff—flaxseeds, omegas, honey or molasses instead of sugars—so no worries about the no-no chocolate, onions or grapes that dog owners must vigilantly avoid. "So you know it's going to be safe, tasty and good for them," says Cierpke. Not to mention that the treats, cakes and pupcakes come in fairly adorable shapes and themes: Jimmy Chews are high-heel shaped, plus a host of other self-explanatory treats: Puparoni Pizzas, Football Hel-mutts, Pawballs, Sweet Pawtato Macaroons and more. They also offer gift mugs and baskets in a range of prices from $12-$20 that can also be custom ordered and include chews, treats and toys. Also on hand: handmade bandanas and locally made knit pick-up-poop pouches to disguise the dark side of dog ownership. And, for the friend with an unruly pet, try gift certificates for owner Kat Martin's group or private training lessons, which start at $75. Plus, the shop doesn't discriminate—there are also a few cat-friendly toys and treats in stock as well, such as their homemade line of salmon and tuna popsicles.