It’s not a secret that Joseph Beth, to me, is quintessential Lexington. From playing games as a kid, watching the fountains and riding the escalator a teen, to having my book carried in store as an adult, Joseph Beth holds a special place in my heart. Last year, I brought you a unique men’s gift guide from Joseph Beth. This year, I’m taking a look at major renovations completed throughout their space that make the shopping, networking, and relaxing atmosphere just that much better. I’m also sharing a few gift suggestions if you’re still on the hunt for a few people in your life, like me. As in late shopper, not gift recipient – you get the gist.
In 2019, Joseph Beth made some major changes under new leadership. Some of the best additions mean a greater, more nuanced experience than you might be used to in a traditional bookstore. In the renovations, they’ve added tons more seating – including chairs and workspaces throughout the two-story space where you can sit and work, meet with friends of colleagues, and have the option to order from Bronte Bistro. That means you can sip tea, coffee or wine just about wherever your heart desires.
Ultimately, Joseph Beth has tried to create a space that feels like home – including during your shopping experience. The sections of decor, gifts, apparel, and more feel comfortable and inviting, and are so thoughtfully curated. As a perk for the author and event organizer in me, Joseph Beth has added community space and will be offering more opportunities to bring people together – whether that’s seeing your favorite author speak, coming in for story time with family, attending a book club, or attending a class. They’ve got some fun ideas forthcoming – anything from learning how to write to taking a bourbon class from a distillery. Essnetially, Joseph Beth’s look and feels that of a traditional bookstore, but with a modern flair that truly serves all types of patrons. There busy spaces and quiet corners, craft cocktails and delicious entrees – all while still staying loyal to the hometown bookstore feel.
As for gift suggestions, I put a poll out on Instagram last week about what means most when shopping for a last minute gift. Responses came in across the board with folks valuing the following categories in a balanced way:
- Budget-friendly
- Unique or exciting
- Sentimental
- Practicality
- Time-saver
I think something for every gift giver can be found at Joseph Beth. Check out a few of my top picks in these categories.
If you’re looking to stick to a budget, the food and beverage section has your back. With so many local products, you can pick up something for any palette that doesn’t break the bank. Sauces, spice blends, teas and more make for a really thoughtful stocking stuffer or token of appreciation that is likely to give a nod to Kentucky Proud products. If your recipient isn’t crafty in the kitchen, boxed games like trivia make for an affordable, but useful gift. We have several of the game sets like the ones shown here ($10) and play them on rainy nights in or with friends at dinner parties.
Gifts that are unique or especially exciting always captivate attention. I’m recommending a pick or two from Joseph Beth’s bourbon heritage section for this category. From higher end gifts like glass decanters to thoughtful, handmade wooden coasters, bourbon-themed gifts are great for the loyal Kentuckian.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the gift of books is one of the most sentimental that can be given. While it might feel like a chore for some to read as the product of a gift, there can be immense thought placed in choosing a book for someone else. You might give a gift of a book that changed your life, helped you through a hard experience, or otherwise gave you a new perspective. Likewise, you may gift a book that helps the recipient explore topics that interest them on a deeper level. There’s no better place to find unique picks, not to mention books with beautiful covers, than Joseph Beth.
Joseph Beth has a number of ready-made gift boxes that truly make both time-saving and practicality priorities. Like the tea set pictured here, many of these boxes don’t even need a bow before they’re placed under a tree or delivered to the recipient. With boxes made for many different interests such as food, beverage, health, wellness, beauty, and more, these reasonably priced gift options make the task easier than ever.
If you’re local to Central Kentucky, add Joseph Beth to your holiday shopping list. You might knock out the rest of your gift purchases so easily you’ll have time to sink into one of the new couches with a warm beverage to really revel in the holiday spirit.
If you stop in, let me know what you pick up!
This post has been sponsored by Joseph Beth. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Space, Place & Southern Grace possible.
