We’re full steam ahead into the busyness of the holiday season, and between the decorating, entertaining, traditioning, and gift shopping, there is a lot to check off your holiday “to do” list. While shopping for the perfect gift can be overwhelming, with just a little effort and intention you can find something unique for everyone on your list while also supporting our local businesses.
LOCAL ART
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was when my husband gave me an original painting from a favorite local artist. Over the years I’ve collected more original art and handcrafted items, and purchased many more as a unique, one-a-kind gift. And you don’t have to go to a fancy art gallery to snag a one-of-a-kind artwork!
Check These Out:
- Now through the end of December, shop for paintings, prints, holiday cards, ornaments and more from Fishers-based artist Stephanie Carignan’s Pop-Up Shop at Fishers District.
- Grab a pint while you shop for unique gifts from local artists and artisans during the Winter Art Market at Sun King Brewing Fishers on Thursday, December 19 from 6-9 p.m.
- Visit the Fishers Art Center in the heart of downtown Fishers and shop for artwork and wares from local artists during their Winter Art Sale on Saturday, December 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
CREATE YOUR OWN GIFT BOX
I’ve been sending friends these Something Splendid gift boxes for years. If you’re in a hurry, you can also purchase a pre-made, curated gift box themed around a specific interest or special occasion. This woman-owned and operated business started online, but I was so excited when they opened their store in Westfield where you can shop in person, too!
Check These Out:
- Some of my current favorite items from their holiday collection include the white chocolate & peppermint cocoa popcorn from Indy-based Just Pop In and the Rifle Paper Co. Christmastide tea towel.
- The Call Me Old Fashioned box is a quick and easy gift for the whiskey lover on your list.
- The Visions of Sugarplums gift box is packed full of tasty seasonal treats and are perfect to send a friend, client, or coworker this holiday season!
MAKE A ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT
There’s just something special about making a gift for someone, and is also a fun holiday activity to enjoy with others!
Check These Out:
- Pour your own candle at Penn & Beech Candle Co, with locations in Camel, Fishers, and downtown Indy. This is such a fun activity to do with a group of coworkers, friends, or for a date night! Grab a glass of glass of wine or mimosa and make your own one-of-a-kind candle blend— my whipped cream & dark chocolate blend is one of my favorites to date! They also have pre-made candles if you are short on time, including a holiday pack of mini candles that would make the perfect teacher gift.
- Design a bracelet at HopeAnchor & Crew in Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville. This philanthropic jewelry store donates 15% back to local and global causes. This is such a fun activity to do with kids and make a special bracelet for a mom, grandma, or sister!
- Paint your vintage ceramic Christmas tree at the uPaint Pottery Studio, also located in Hamilton Town Center, on Thursday, December 12 from 6-8 p.m.
LOCAL FOOD & DRINK
I’m a big fan of consumable gifts. They are always a big hit, never get returned, and are a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. Plus, sometimes the giftee will share as well!
Check These Out:
- The Carmel Christkindlmarkt makes for the perfect date night or family adventure, but I also love shopping for European treats like candies, chocolates, cookies and more!
- Fishers’ brewery Four Day Ray sells grab & go six-packs with a variety of their signature and seasonal brews. The Snow Shed Winter Ale is a favorite of mine!
- For a NA option, Orangily (formerly known as Loren’s Alcohol-Free Beverages) in Carmel is the perfect spot to stock up on some great tasting gifts! They carry a variety of non-alcoholic beer and wine, spirit alternatives, barware, and more. I love their Mingle mocktails and TOST sparkling white tea.
- Pick up some Pixie Jam & Jelly, chocolate truffles, macaron gift box, and other treats from The Cake Bake Shop at Carmel City Center.
GIFT AN EXPERIENCE
An experience gift is another favorite of mine, both to give and receive! Whether it’s a one-time event or a membership to enjoy all year long, gifting an experience is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Check These Out:
- Gift a pasta making class at Angelo’s Italian Market, a family-owned market in downtown Fishers.
- I was so excited when the boozy bookstore Chapter Book Lounge opened in downtown Noblesville earlier this fall, and I love that they offer memberships so you can enjoy discounts, exclusive access to events, free drinks, and other benefits all year long!
- My kids are big Conner Prairie fans, so a few years ago I gifted the grandparents with a membership so they could enjoy it with the kids as well. Along with free admission all year long, members get discounts on seasonal festivals (like Headless Horseman and Merry Prairie Holiday, two of my favorites!) and special events and classes.
- Fishers Flower Farm offers flower subscriptions, so your loved one can enjoy fresh flowers throughout the spring, summer, or fall!
- The new Fishers Event Center has an amazing lineup of winter shows that would make for great experience gifts, such as Cirque Du Soleil, Tom Segura, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. You could also gift tickets (or a season pass!) to Indy Fuel or Indy Ignite, which will call the event center home.
Happy Holiday Shopping!
HAMILTON CONNECTION
Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) and Invest Hamilton County have launched a community ambassador program. The partnership, called HAMILTON CONNECTION will highlight the personal stories of HCLA alumni and allow those Connectors to help personalize the things that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work, learn, and thrive. Meet the Hamilton Connectors HERE.
