Spending hours trudging through crowded malls can be taxing enough to sap the Christmas cheer from even the most enthusiastic shopper. So if you’re looking for that perfect present and don’t want to torture yourself in the process, check out some local shops that offer an array of unique gift options without the holiday rush hassle. Although this is a very small sampling of all that Memphis has to offer, visit our shopping section on the website for the complete list.

Burke’s Book Store
936 S. Cooper St.

Opened in 1875 by Walter Burke, Sr., the Midtown landmark, which is now owned by Corey and Cheryl Mesler, is a book-lover’s dream, offering an impressive collection of used and rare books, including signed copies, first editions, and books by local writers, as well as some new releases. You can order a book online from their website, but I recommend dropping by the store to enjoy browsing their shelves. And, if you’re looking for a rare book that Burke’s doesn’t have in stock, don’t fret, they’ll help you track down a copy.

Maggie’s Pharm
13 Florence St.

You may never feel compelled to shop at Bath and Body Works again after you’ve set foot in Maggie’s Pharm. Housed in a bungalow on Overton Square in Midtown, Maggie’s has everything you’d want for a little self-pampering. For over twenty years Maggie’s has offered customers a mélange of natural soaps, lotions, essence oils, herbal teas, gourmet coffees, candles, and more that are sure to sooth the body and the spirit.

Wags and Whiskers
5101 Sanderlin Ave., Ste. 104A

Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat for the family dog or cat or a gift to delight a pet lover, be sure to visit Wags and Whiskers. Since 2003, the store has offered an array of pet-related merchandise, from breed-specific beds, collars, bowls, treats, food and shampoo to photographs, handbags, toys, and apparel. And, if you’re wanting to add some canine flair to your Christmas décor, check out Wags and Whiskers’ line of ornaments and stockings.

The Peanut Shoppe
24 S. Main St.

Well, although you won’t find chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll find an assortment of delights to satisfy all your munching and sweet tooth cravings at the Peanut Shoppe. People nuts about nuts can choose among four different nut mixes, pecan halves, giant cashews, honey roasted peanuts, and roasted peanuts in the shell. The shop also offers 13 gift sets of nuts. And chocolate fans will find it hard to choose from among the Peanut Shoppe’s extensive list of chocolates and chocolate-covered treats.

Tobacco Corner Limited
669 S. Mendenhall Rd.
This store—like a cigar or a pipe—is best enjoyed slowly. Take your time in this tobacco emporium with an atmosphere that recalls times gone by and be sure to have a smoke and conversation with regulars at the table in the back. This is the place to shop if you’re looking for a gift for a serious smoker—low-priced pipes to hand-carved meerschaum pipes, fine tobaccos, a humidor chock full of domestic and imported cigars.

Toad Hall Antiques
2129 Central Ave.
You don’t have to dig through broken bric-a-brac to find a hidden gem here. Wander the 5000 sq. ft. of Toad Hall’s two cozy, well-lit floors and choose from hundreds of gently worn antiques, artwork, pottery, jewelry, china, and collectibles. The warm atmosphere, wide selection of merchandise, and friendly staff routinely garner Toad Hall high marks in the Memphis Flyer "Best Of" readers’ polls.

Shangri-La Records
1916 Madison Ave.

Goner Records
2152 Young Ave.

Spin Street
3484 Poplar Avenue

If you’re buying music for someone this Christmas, don’t settle for an iTunes gift card; go visit one of Memphis’ terrific independent record stores.

Voted one of the "17 Coolest Record Stores in America" by Paste Magazine, Shangri-La Records, now in its 20th year in business, is veritable goldmine for music aficionados, offering classic new and used music in a number of formats—LP, 45, 7", CD—and boasting a bigger collection of home-grown and regional music than you’ll find anywhere else in the city. Not to mention, all merchandise is 20% off until Christmas.

Goner Records has more than its fair share of new and used music in a variety of formats as well, with a selection that includes an extensive collection of garage rock and punk as well as jazz, blues, soul, jazz, and country. Of course, if you’re looking an album from an act on the Goner Records label, this is the place to find it. And, while you’re in the store, be sure to drop an extra $.25 to tour the "Elvis Impersonators Shrine."

Serving Memphis for 14 years, Spin Street is an entertainment mega-store if there ever was one. From used LPs to new CD releases and VHS to Blu-Ray, you’ll find it all here. Spin Street also sells video games, books, instruments, posters, hats, t-shirts, and much more.

Sun Studio
706 Union Ave.

It goes without saying that any of Sun’s memorabilia and CDs would make a great gift for anyone with an appreciation for the history of rock’n’roll, but Sun offers visitors another way to give the gift of song. You can record your own song for $30. Elvis recorded his first song at Sun as a birthday gift for his mother, so why not record a ditty in the hallowed studio for a Christmas gift?