All right, here’s the deal. I hate shopping. Like, I loathe it.
That said, there are two reasons I’ll endure it. 1) To support small business owners in their passion to make our community better through entrepreneurship and 2) to get a truly unique gift or experience for someone this holiday season.
Also, a heads up that Shop Small Saturday is just a few days away, on November 30th, and I highly encourage you to get out and do some shopping at these or other local stores. It makes a huge difference to these small businesses. Trust me.
So, if I have to venture out (and I do), here are some of my favorite options right here in the Lafayette area.
The Wild Bird Shoppe
Starting in West Lafayette, head out on Kalberer Road to The Wild Bird Shoppe! Find some unique gift for the nature lovers in your life. They specialize in products for those who love birds, like bird feeders and birdbaths. The store also has seed delivery and maintenance plans for feeders.
Also, my son, Jack, always loved watching the store’s train drive around the store when he was little. (The train’s name is Will E. Waddle.) And you sit on the indoor porch swing and watch birds hop and play outside the window! It’s a fun wintertime activity.
Gretel’s Fine Gifts
While you’re in the area, check out Gretel’s Fine Gifts. Gretel’s is a delightful little store that leans toward the quirky and creative. Gretel’s truly has a reputation for one-of-a-kind gifts, including items for kids, home décor, and beautiful pieces for your outdoor space. If you want to find the gift for the person who has everything, this is the place to go. If you just want a shopping adventure, this is also the place to go!
KitchenArt: The Store for Cooks
Have you been to KitchenArt? It’s right next to Gretel’s, so if you haven’t stopped in, put it on your list. This is the best stop in town for gourmet kitchenware and specialty food items that aren’t available at the grocery store. If you’re not sure what to get, a gift certificate is a good choice. KitchenArt is also the home to many popular cooking classes on a variety of subjects, which could be a fun gift for the burgeoning cook in your life.
Feet Fleet
Got an athlete in the house? There are some great finds (not just shoes) at Fleet Feet in West Lafayette. You can’t replace the knowledge of employees at a local athletics store for getting exactly what you need. The employees at Fleet Feet are dedicated to finding the perfect fit. You can’t get that service at a department store.
Mad Love Boutique
I love clothes, but I hate looking like everyone else. Fortunately, we have some awesome, local boutiques here in town! One of my favorites is Mad Love Boutique.
Mad Love specializes in unique clothing and jewelry for women of all sizes. The owner, Stephanie, also offers personalized styling services if you or someone you love needs a little help (you can also get some great inspiration from the Facebook page).
The Farmer’s Wife
The Farmer’s Wife was an exclusively online gig that is now a brick and mortar store! Owners Alivia and Reagan have curated a fantastic collection of comfortable, unique, and affordable pieces. Now that can be hard to find! I guarantee you’ll find something you love at this store, for both yourself and the person you’re buying a gift for.
Dawson & Daisy
Dawson & Daisy is a cute little boutique next to campus. If you want a top with words on it (men too!) this is the place to go. They also have comfy leggings and sweats and plenty of game-day gear. Boiler up! Dawson & Daisy also just opened up a beauty bar, so you can have a luxury salon experience at an affordable price (or gift a luxury salon experience). Friends and family can also make a wish list online so you know exactly what to pick out for them.
Bloom Kids Collection
If you haven’t been to Bloom Kids Collection downtown, you need to get yourrself over there. Oh my land, their stuff is precious! I almost had another child just so I could shop here. They have every item you could possibly want for a stylish baby or kid. They also have a fun selection of toys and books.
Scout Lafayette
Looking for some unique items for your home? Scout has vintage furniture and other interesting pieces. The owner makes it a point to say that she never sells anything that she wouldn’t put in her own home, so you know that the quality is there. She also has home furnishings from other small business all over the U.S. I also love the selection of plants. Every home can use another plant (or two or three).
Two Tulips
Two Tulips is the place in town for personalized items, including hand-painted piggy banks, ceramic gifts, ornaments, frames, custom stationery, note cards, clothing, accessories, and more. If you’re looking for something that can be personalized, you’re likely to find it here.
Artists’ Own
Don’t pass up one of the coolest cooperatives in Lafayette! Artists’ Own is an artist cooperative with members from the Lafayette area. They work in a wide variety of mediums—you’ll see painting, furniture, pottery, sculpture, glass, drawing, photography, and more. This is the place to find the perfect artwork for a loved one’s home or office.
Kathy’s Kandies
We’ve talked a lot about things you can wear and things you can display, but how about things you can EAT? Kathy’s Kandies is all about sharing Kathy’s delicious chooclate with the world—she’s well known for her peanut butter cups, turtles, toffee, peppermint bark . . . well, you get the idea. Come check out the huge variety of candy and pastries in her shop.
Brokerage Brewing
I’m totally partial (ahem!), but Brokerage Brewing really does have some of the best beer in town. Our beer is consistent but creative, meaning that we have a number of diverse flagship beers that are always available, but we also have seasonal and innovative concoctions for sale, as well. We also have some fun brokerage swag!
Richelle in a Handbasket
Richelle in a Handbasket is the place for truffles. There is every kind of truffle you could want here, and they are all delightful. Word on the street is that she is now delving into delicious cheesecakes, as well. Richelle is especially good at helping assemble gift baskets for any occasion, so be sure to ask for help putting one together the perfect combination.
Your Stillness
You know what people often need after the holidays? Stillness. The holidays are crazy, and it’s smart to build in some time to unwind in January. Book a class for a friend or family member with our friends at Your Stillness.
Holden Pharmacy
I’m cheating a bit here because this one is in Frankfort, but yes, I’m serious. There are some GREAT stocking stuffers at Holden Pharmacy!
Browns Accents
I’ve also head great things about Browns Accents in Attica. This is the place to shop for beautiful farmhouse home décor, antiques, and a wide selection of candles. Their mason jar candles are so cute!
Big Bearded Coffee
If you don’t feel like going out but you still want to support a local business, some of the very best coffee in town is roasted by our dear friends at Big Bearded Coffee. It truly is the freshest coffee you’ll ever taste. So, buy online, and be sure to set up automated re-orders!
If you have a favorite local business that I’ve missed, be sure to tell me about it in the comments.
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