50 Top Shops

For Gift Giving

40. International Spy Museum; Washington, D.C.: Visit this awesome museum store for walkie-talkie watches, silk houseplants that have hidden cameras, or safes that look like peanut butter jars.
41. Route 66; Oklahoma City, OK: From handmade jewelry to good-smelling soaps to cute clothing, unique finds abound here. 1900 Northwest Expy; 405-848-6166.
42. Hové Parfumeur, Ltd.; New Orleans, LA: French milled, perfumed soaps and fragrances are made on-site.
43. The Villa; Hot Springs, AR: Clothing, gifts, and bedding--you'll get it all. 110 Central Ave; www.thevillagifts.com.
44. Helix; Athens, GA: This eclectic shop sells everything from hand-painted pillows to stylish laptop bags. 146 E Clayton St; 706-354-8631.
45. Bathos; Franklin, TN: Batches of all-natural soaps, scrubs, and masks are mixed here. 416 Main St; www.bathosonline.com.
46. Panache, The Aromatique Gallery; Heber Springs, AR: Bask in candles, soaps, oils, and other elixirs for the home and body. 3421 State 25 N; www.aromatique.com.

For Clothing and Accessories

47. Lois Gean's; Magnolia, AR: This high-fashion boutique, hidden in small-town Arkansas, draws celebrities and socialites in search of designer finds. 109 S Jackson St; www.loisgeans.com.
48. The Tiecoon; Dallas, TX: Men's things rule at this small store where you'll uncover cuff links, watches, money clips, shirts, funky gift items, and, of course, ties.
49. Skif International; St. Louis, MO: Try on a few asymmetrical, free-form sweaters made by local designers and fashioned to flatter any shape.
50. Sister Dragonfly; Louisville, KY: Snatch up baubles at reasonable prices, including fun rings and silver bangle bracelets.

Web Exclusive: Editors' Picks

We asked Foods Editor Shannon Sliter Satterwhite, Homes Editor Sara Anderson, and Garden Editor Gene B. Bussell to pick their favorite shops in the South. Here's where they like to shop.
•  Visit Charleston Cooks! to find everything you need or want in a kitchen. Foods Editor Shannon Sliter Satterwhite says, "Charleston Cooks! is the all-purpose kitchen shop for any level cook. They have gadgets galore, a great selection of appliances, and Lowcountry food products made by local chefs. You can even take a cooking class or watch a demo to learn more about regional food."
•  Simple. Comfortable. Elegant. That's how Homes Editor Sara Anderson describes home decor store Bungalow Classic in Atlanta. "It's a really fresh, light, and airy space with an amazing lamp collection,"she says. "It feels relaxed, like a beach house, with all these great finds."
•  Garden Editor Gene B. Bussell lists Gardens, a fashion-forward Austin store where plants and design-intensive interior pieces rule, as one of his favorite garden shops. "Where else can you buy great plants, beautiful containers, and smoked chocolate at the cash register? It's a neat store,"says Gene.