Gift Guide — 2019
It’s the most (stressful?) time of the year! We love the holiday season, don’t get us wrong, BUT shopping for our loved ones can sometimes put a damper on the jolliness. We thought we would help you out by providing some of our favorite go-to stops for gift shopping. And, of course, they’re locally owned by our fellow Indianapolis peeps. What’s better than supporting our local entrepreneurial community AND getting the best gifts for the people in our lives?! Well, nothing.
ONATAH
ONATAH is a general store and creative studio that has a visible appreciation for the artistic community. Seriously- everything in here is art in itself! ONATAH partners with over 100 independent artisans nationwide and ensures all products are well-desigend and ethically made. The mission of their brand is to give back to the Earth; a percentage of every purchase goes straight to organizations that support nature preservation and Native American efforts. We love stores who not only have amazing goods, but also have a passion for making the world a better place. Also, ONATAH hosts fun, creative workshops with featured artists—an upcoming one is their Holiday Wreath Workshop! Make gift-giving super easy this year by getting your loved ones some of these gift kits! Already made for you, these gift sets are ready to make someones holiday bright.
1339 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203 shoponatah@gmail.com
Silver in the City
Known for its homegrown charm and unique products, Silver in the City has more than enough gift-worthy-goods to go around. From jewelry, to home decor, to apparel, to games and quirky extras, this store has pretty much everything for everyone. Their store has even won “Best Gift Shop in Indianapolis” awards on the regular, so if you don’t trust our judgment, then trust the award-giving guys. We could list heaps of giveable goods from Silver in the City, but here’s a cute pair that can’t go wrong:
434 Massachusetts Avenue, Downtown Indianapolis 317-955-9925
Indy Artsy
Indy Artsy is a pottery studio and gift-shop that is perfect for both artists & interior lovers! The gift shop offers both handmade pottery, as well as other art and handmade goods from local artisans. You can purchase your gift either in-store, or from the comfort of your couch through their Etsy page (perfect for those especially cold lazy days). Even better, they take custom orders, so you can give your loved one that unique, personal gift that they deserve! You should definitely check out their collection in person, but here are some favorites to look out for that are available online:
1125 E Brookside Ave Suite C8, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 956-2025
Homespun: Modern Handmade
Homespun: Modern Handmade is a boutique filled with contemporary handmade goods, collected from over 300 crafters and artists from across the U.S. & Canada. Their products range from wall art and housewares, to apparel and jewelry, to artisanal foods and stationary, to bath and hygeine care, and wow, yes, the list goes on! You can find any gift for any persona in this crafty little place. Although there is plenty to choose from, these are some personal favorites that truly can’t go wrong:
869 Massachusetts Ave,Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 351-0280
Cargo Streetwear Boutique
Housed in a shipping container, Cargo Streetwear Boutique is the place to be for shoppers, especially urban-fashion enthusiasts! Cargo Streetwear is the homestead of local streetwear brands Komӓfi and Wishful Thinkin,’ but also provides a consciously curated collection from other local and nationally-known brands (such as Nike, Supreme, Adidas, etc.). From garments, to accessories, to shoes, Cargo Streetwear has it all. This place is the perfect gift-stop for streetwear lovers and sneaker-heads!
2328 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (317) 679-6270
Global Gifts
Global Gifts is a non-profit organization with an amazing mission to help impoverished artisans and vendors from developing nations. They collect ethically-made, handcrafted goods from over 40 countries, helping artistans in these communities getting payment and recognition they deserve. This store really has everything: accessories, apparel, coffee, chocolate, home decor, toys, instruments...must we go on? Gifts from here are not only unique and charming, but will also support their phenomenal cause. Did we mention they also have holiday goodies? How can you say no to these woodland-creature ornaments from Nepal? They are off-the-charts adorable.
446 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 423-3148
Just Pop In!
The perfect gift for anyone in your life— from close family and friends, to neighbors and coworkers: a big ole tin of Just Pop In popcorn! You can choose from a variety of tin sizes to fill, and up to three flavors to fill it with! Making it even more personable, Just Pop In also offers a wide range of different tin designs for you to pick from. We included a few faves, but definitely check out their website to see the whole list!
6406 Cornell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317)-25-SWEET
People for Urban Progress
PUP is an Indy-based non-profit organization that focuses on civic sustainability and thoughtful design. Not only is the PUP team actively making improvements around the community, but they also utilize used materials, repurposing them into beautiful products. Through the use of old signs, posters, backdrops, and so on, PUP designs exquisite bags, wallets, and organizers. These products are all unique from one another, because they derive from one-of-a-kind pieces of whatever is ready to be thrown away and re-used. Although the brand is sold in some retail stores around Indy, we recommend you check out their website so you see the full scope of their greatness! (p.s. we included some favorites below):
160 Steeples Blvd, Indianapolis IN 46222
Penn & Beech Candle Co.
Get extra creative & personal this holiday season by giving your loved ones an experience. Penn & Beech is a super cool candle workshop and store that allows you to create your own unique candle (or body spray, diffuser, room spray— whatever tickles your fancy)! You can choose up to 3 fragrances out of a collection of over 100 to curate your perfect candle tailored to you. It may sound overwhelming, but the cozy environment, drink menu, and expert staff will make you feel right at home! After choosing your favorite scents, the experts will bring your candle to life while you just hang out with some wine or beer of your choice. Candles are timeless and perfect go-to gifts, but take it to the next level by giving your peeps what they truly deserve: a bash of creativity with a splash of booze.
747 North College Ave, Indianapolis IN 46222
Indie Mane Salon
This is probably the most beautiful salon that you’ve never heard of — and that’s only because its brand new! Indie Mane is the newest salon Downtown that radiates some serious LA vibes with its bright, tropical interiors. The atmosphere is only the cherry on top of their premiere hair-care treatment! This holiday season, you should definitely take someone special in your life out for a serious, well-deserved self-care day! If you’re a busy-bee and don’t have that kind of time, then take the care home with you by gifting the incredible products that their stylists use! Indie Mane is the only downtown salon to carry UNITE hair products (which are unspeakably amazing) and have a variety of kits for sale. These are the ultimate pampering packs that are nothing but the best for your loved ones. And the real kicker? You get a free gift with your purchase of one of these bad boys (woo!)