These five shops are best bets when you’re under pressure to dole out holiday “thoughts” to hosts, coworkers, and neighbors.

Gifts for the Hostess
Diptyque
Buckhead Atlanta
Diptyque has a candle for every home—from the floral Jasmin to the spicy Pomander ($60) and, this month, a limited-edition holiday candle. The French perfumer, which opened in October, also carries fragrances and body goods.

Gifts That Say Atlanta
The Collective
723 Lake Avenue
The restored bungalow at Krog Street Market is filled with jewelry, pottery, home goods, and trinkets made by local artisans and vendors like Southeast Succulents. Find a large array of the ATL gift: coasters with Atlanta landmarks ($39 for 4).

Gifts for the Creative
The Merchant at Howell Mill
993 Marietta Street
This is a haven for those who love pretty things (letterpress, little soaps) in even prettier packages (wound with twine). You’ll find books, decorative pillows, locally made stationery, accessories, and unexpected curiosities. Notepad, $14 for 2; jotter, $8; card, $4.50; pencils, $8 for 8

Gifts for the Foodie
Preserving Place
1170 Howell Mill Road
In the Westside Provisions District, this shop is lined with jars filled with everything from steak sauce to award-winning sweet onion confit ($15). Cooking classes are available for those who want to make cheese, jam, or cocktails.

Gifts for the Executive
Montblanc
Lenox Square
It’s a one-stop shop for C-levels: durable leather goods for travel, steel case watches for staying on time, and sophisticated pens for note-taking. We like the Meisterstück Classique ballpoint ($420), which writes effortlessly and has classic gold-plated accents.
Check out more of the year’s best shopping picks in our annual Best of Atlanta list
This article originally appeared in our December 2014 issue.