Celebrate the Season by Shopping Local and Supporting the Creative Economy
Knoxville, TN — November 21, 2025 — The Maker City has released its annual Holiday Gift Guide, a curated showcase of handcrafted goods, art, and experiences created by Knoxville’s most talented makers and small businesses. This year’s guide invites the community to shop local, gift meaningful, and celebrate the creative spirit that makes Knoxville shine.
The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide highlights dozens of unique items—from fine art and hand-carved decor to cozy textiles, jewelry, home goods, children’s gifts, botanical goods, and delicious treats. Each product is crafted by an independent Knoxville maker, offering residents and visitors one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the local creative economy.
“Every purchase from a Knoxville maker helps fuel creativity, community, and the people who make our city vibrant,” said Anne Templeton, Director of Maker Initiatives at The Maker City. “Shopping local isn’t just a feel-good choice—it’s an investment in the entrepreneurs who shape Knoxville’s culture.”
A Fine Lion Brings the Gift Guide to Life
This year’s guide features whimsical, joyful illustrations by Amanda Mohney, owner of A Fine Lion Illustration. Her custom artwork anchors each category—from “Nature” and “The Littles” to “Eat & Drink,” “Cozy,” and “Stocking Stuffers.”
“Three cheers for Amanda Mohney! She is a dream to work with and has good ideas for DAYS,” says Anne. “Her illustrations bring magic and personality to this year’s guide, and we appreciate her creative contribution.”
A Celebration of Knoxville’s Makers
The guide is an extension of The Maker City’s mission:
We help makers make an independent living doing what they love.
Founded in 2016 through a partnership between the Mayor’s Maker Council and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, The Maker City now includes:
- 900+ makers in the greater Knoxville area
- 350+ makers listed in the public directory
- Growing annual maker events that deepen community connections and opportunities
The Holiday Gift Guide reflects the strength of Knoxville’s vibrant creative sector and the continued growth of local small-scale manufacturing, artistry, and entrepreneurship.
Supporting Local, Strengthening Community
As Knoxville’s maker movement continues to flourish, The Maker City is committed to:
- Expanding awareness of the region’s maker ecosystem
- Championing local goods, services, and micro-economies
- Connecting makers with business resources and opportunities
- Addressing policies that impact creative entrepreneurs
- Building new revenue sources to support maker initiatives
Residents, visitors, and supporters can browse the full guide at:
👉 https://themakercity.org/holiday-gift-guide/
All featured makers—and hundreds more—can also be found in The Maker City Directory, which provides profiles, links, and ways to purchase directly from local creatives.
About The Maker City
The Maker City is the greater Knoxville-area community of artists, creatives, small-scale manufacturers, and supporters working together to strengthen the local maker economy. Led by the Mayor’s Maker Council, The Maker City fosters collaboration, education, advocacy, and opportunities for makers to build thriving, sustainable businesses.
Media Contact
The Maker City
📧 hello@themakercity.org
📍 Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
17 Market Square, Suite #101
Knoxville, TN 37902
🌐 themakercity.org