CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman’s local merchants are full of popular and unique Christmas gift ideas. Thursday, The Tribune stopped by a few more of the city’s local businesses in an effort to find out what’s hot this year and to give the last-minute shoppers some great gift ideas.
In Cullman’s Warehouse District, you will find Leldon’s. Owned by craftsman Leldon Maxcy, the shop features mostly items handcrafted by Maxcy and other local artists. Some of the most popular items for Christmas 2020 are hot chocolate bombs. Thursday afternoon, Maxcy was planning to later in the evening pick up a large order of these delectable goodies.
While there, be sure to check out the wall of unique wood and blown glass Christmas ornaments. Many of the ornaments are Cullman County- or Alabama-themed, including replicas of the German Christmas Pyramid in Cullman. For the art lovers, there are one-of-a-kind art pieces from talented local artists, including Laura Walker.
Leldon’s also has homemade soaps, children’s gifts, shirts, fun socks and jewelry.
Next door, Riderz has everything for the skateboarder in the family. Whether you are looking for the long boards, which are really hot right now, or traditional boards, Riderz has a large selection of boards, wheels, stickers and gear.
“The skateboard scene is a lot bigger than we had expected,” Owner Scott Keller said. Keller’s wife Jacqueline said she thinks COVID-19 might have played a role in the resurgence of skateboarding around town.
Riderz has a wide selection of shirts and sweatshirts. One line, created by the Kellers, is called “Front Porch Sittin’” and features many of the murals around Cullman and Cullman County created by local artists. Portions of the sales of these shirts are given back to the community through charitable organizations. Riderz also has the popular “Grunt Style” line of clothing as well as classic Thrasher tees.
When you check out Riderz, make sure to say hello to Larry, the store’s zebra mascot.
Further down the street is A Touch of German, which currently has extended hours for the holidays. This local favorite has one of the hottest gifts of the season- German Christmas pyramids, perhaps made more popular by the addition of the City of Cullman’s Christmas pyramid.
Owner Judy Caples said, “The display was full just recently and I had them in all different sizes. I have some more coming in. I have some whimsical ones coming in that’s a horse carousel.”
Caples said she is expecting pyramids with different levels, traditional nativity and the whimsical types. A Touch of German is also where you can find the candles to complete your Christmas pyramid.
Also popular are the German smokers and nutcrackers. Chocolates, teas and spices are big sellers, too. Caples smiled, “You can’t go wrong with food!”
A Touch of German also has Russian nesting dolls, German ornaments, cuckoo clocks, vintage toys and hinge boxes, heirloom gifts that could be passed down.
Find part one at www.cullmantribune.com/2020/12/16/christmas-gifts-with-local-flavor.
