10 Lafayette and Acadiana Gift Shops Locals Love to Share

(KMDL-FM) Giving is at the heart of who we are in South Louisiana, so it's no surprise that our part of the world is home to some of the most unique and stylish gift shops on the planet.

Submitted Photo via The Gift Pod/Jenn Primeaux

A lot of what you'll find is homemade, handmade, made by generational craftsmen, colored by artists who never had lessons, and curated and cared for by people who understand that a gift from the heart isn't an object; it's a connection on a more spiritual level.

Louisiana Gifts Can Have a Sense of Humor Too - We Love to Laugh

Then again, you might come across something Cajun, corny, or slapstick that simply would not be allowed inside homes with well-mannered people. Maybe our greatest gift in South Louisiana is the love of laughter, so a gift along those lines works as well.

One of the big questions that we often get from those who travel into Lafayette and Acadiana is Where can I get (fill in the blank), but I want it to be authentic. We can easily handle that with food, but we had never put together a list of gift shops for those who want to share a little bit of Acadiana and our spirit with those in other places.

What Are Some Gift Giving Trends As We Move Into Fall?

Jenn Primeaux, the owner of The Gift Pod in Youngsville at Sugar Mill Pond, tells me that for the fall and winter, silver is making a big comeback in jewelry. She says more and more trendsetters are layering mixed metals so they don't have to choose between silver and gold.

Submitted Photo via The Gift Pod/Jenn Primeaux

She also mentioned that Mahjong is continuing to grow in popularity across South Louisiana. Again, the "draw" no pun intended of Mahjong is social interaction and connection. It's a fun game that groups can play.

The game, quite popular in China, is great for social occasions, gatherings, and maybe there isn't as much violence as Bourré. But Jenn says game players are buying for themselves and others, plus those who are hosting Mahjong parties want host ideas and gifts too.

Submitted Photo via The Gift Pod/Jenn Primeaux

READ MORE: Lafayette's 10 Best Bars For Adults to Chill After Work

So, no matter whether your tastes run right along the banks of the bayou or you want to connect with friends and family on a wider scale, you'll find a collection and willing collaborators to ensure the moment becomes a memory.

READ MORE: 7 Spots in Lafayette to Share a Wonderful Glass of Wine

Our list was curated through conversations with countless individuals in person, online, and via social media forums. We also included online reviews and recommendations, and this is how we arrived at the choices we're presenting to you.