Thanksgiving came late this year which means the holiday shopping season just got a little shorter. Stress not, because we’ve curated the best presents—all with Indiana roots—to help ease your holiday shopping anxiety and make you look like a regular gifting guru.
FOR HER (OR YOU)
Clear quartz is prized for its cleansing, healing energy, so give the gift of good vibes with these spectacular raw quartz earrings, set in nickel-free brass and handmade by Rana Salame in her 1890s-era farmhouse in the Indiana countryside.
Triple quartz earrings, $38 at SalameJewelryDesigns.com
Take 10% off these earrings from 12/1/19-12/24/19 with code INDYMAVEN at checkout.
A posh handbag and pump crafted entirely of dark chocolate and golden sprinkles? Yes, please. This luxurious set from chocolatier Joann Hofer of Xchocol’Art Gourmet Chocolate in Carmel would make the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and a taste for glamour.
Chocolate shoe and bag, $40 at XChocolart.com
Let’s be real: Not everyone has time to soak in the bathtub, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some pampering. On-the-go types will appreciate these incredible-smelling exfoliating sugar cubes from Indianapolis brand Harper + Ari. Bring a single cube into the shower, break it up in your hands with a little water, gently massage over rough skin, and enjoy the silky-soft results.
Exfoliating sugar cubes, $24 at HarperAri.com
The next time you’re at Newfields, pick up this hardcover book at The Museum & Garden Shop. Featuring more than 400 artists from 50 countries, it’s a celebration of female creativity and worth prime placement on any coffee table.
Great Women Artists, $59.95 at Newfields or Shop.DiscoverNewfields.org
Fanny pack, bum bag, hip pouch—no matter what you call it, this timeless yet on-trend find is a must-have. Made in Indianapolis by Val Campbell of Cosmic Leather, the luxe leather design is roomy enough for all the essentials and is available with different strap options.
“The Pack is Back” fanny pack, $100 or $115 with personalized initials, Facebook.com/cosmicleather11/ to place an order.
FOR HIM
Tell a guy on your gift list that he’s “the bomb” with one of these bath fizzies. Created by Lynette Newman, a certified aromatherapist in Bloomington, these tub treats feature activated charcoal and black sea salt to detox the skin, while hints of juniper berry and cedarwood add a fresh, outdoorsy scent.
Man bomb, $6 at NumaAromatherapy.com
Whether the recipient of this mustard is a gentleman or not, they’ll dig the fact that it’s downright delicious. Whipped up by Indianapolis-area partners Ted Saul and Kyle Dietz, the five flavors include horseradish, spicy brown, and original—with touches of beer, brown sugar and honey.
Mustard, $6 at GentsMustard.com
There’s no doubt this leather roll-top rucksack—handmade by Christian Resiak in his store just east of downtown—costs a pretty penny, but when you consider that Howl + Hide has a lifetime warranty on its craftsmanship, it’s really the gift that keeps on giving.
Rucksack, $349 at HowlAndHideSupply.com
Dorman Street’s Smoking Goose has earned its reputation as an Indy foodie favorite, turning out craveable sausages like wild fennel and addictive Andouille. Pick up a single pack for $13-$15 at the store, or go hog wild and order a gift box with your choice of three varieties. While many men will relish this meaty gesture, we know that sausage love isn’t gender-specific, so send one to your aunt or grandma, too.
Sausage gift box, $50 with free shipping at Shop.SmokingGoose.com
Know someone who’s seriously into their facial hair? They’ll flip over this beard wash from Indy born-and-bred (and bearded, obviously) founders Matthew Ferguson and David Hill. With shea butter and hints of mint, juniper, and lemongrass, it helps soften rough strands and keep them smelling fresh.
Beard wash & conditioner, $16 at CircleCityBeard.com
FOR THE KIDDOS
Nicole Lewis of McCordsville was working as an elementary school art teacher when inspiration struck to create her Art 2 The Extreme line of rainbow crayons—like this stellar personalized set that’s sure to make any little one smile.
Personalized crayon gift set, $19.95 and up ($21.95 as shown) at Art2TheExtreme.com
If you’re searching for unique, well-made children’s clothing—you’ve found it in Vivie & Ash. Owner Sara Hood creates all of the whimsical prints herself, and everything is sewn by hand in Indianapolis. One of this season’s standout pieces is this “leaves and berries” patterned pullover, available for newborns up to kids’ size 9.
French terry pullover, $32 at VivieAndAsh.com
Up your tot’s selfie game with this adorable organic wooden camera from Fact + Fiction; every toy is designed, made, and packaged by Joni Morgan in her workshop in Indianapolis.
Wooden toy camera, $28 and up at FactAndFictionToys.com
Inspire a little one to learn about the Hoosier state and its history with a children’s book from Cardinal Publishers Group—they have titles spanning everything from IU basketball to the inimitable Madam C.J. Walker.
Children’s books, $5.99-$8.99 at CardinalPub.com
FOR THE BFF
This mug pretty much says it all, and thanks to the creativity of Yorktown’s Autumn Kanedy, owner of Little Elk Handmade, it can be customized with you and your BFF’s hairstyles, skin colors and drink of choice—whether you toast with Moscow mules or Diet Cokes.
Personalized mug, $15.99 at LittleElkHandmade.com
Indy’s Sloane Swayze takes personalization to the next level with her handwriting necklaces. Simply send in an image of a line of text—anything from your bestie’s personal mantra to a message scribbled by her kids—and in about two days Swayze can create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Handwriting necklace, $45-$55, SloaneJewelryDesign.com to order
This really only works if you buy one for yourself too, but how fun would it be to show up somewhere with a bunch of ladies in these hoodies? Talk about instant respect. Printed at United State of Indiana’s workshop at the old Central State Hospital campus, there are also crewneck sweatshirts and tees to choose from if hoodies aren’t your thing.
Hoodie, $35 at UnitedStateofIndiana.com
Tell your pal you think she’s a future legend with this sassy bracelet trio. Designed by Jennifer Adhlakha in her Carmel studio, each bracelet is accented with 24-karat gold-plated beads for the perfect shine.
Set of 3 bracelets, $48 at ShopJNicoleJewelry.com
Take 10% off this bracelet set from 12/1/19-12/24/19 with code INDYMAVEN at checkout.
FOR THE DRINKING BUDDY
Dogs and drinks are all anyone needs for a good time—right? Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville knows what’s up, so they created this festive 12-can medley—the equivalent of six bottles of vino—featuring their Fireside Sangria, Winzer White, and Rosé. Bonus: A portion of proceeds go to the Hamilton County Humane Society.
Pawty Pack, $50 at Daniel’s Vineyard, call (317) 248-5222 to order
Gift this stainless steel flask, designed by renowned Indy artist Walter Knabe, along with a bottle of a locally distilled spirit, and you’re practically guaranteed to cement a friendship for life.
GIRL POWER flask, $22 at WalterKnabe.com
Spread some boozy Christmas cheer with this cute koozie from Clothes With A Cause. Kelli McLaughlin’s boutique in Carmel donates 100% of the profits from every sale (yep, you read that right) to a different charity each month—for December, Heifer International is the recipient of her generosity.
North Pole koozie, $7 at ClothesWithACause.net
Treat your brunch pals to a jar of Indianapolis native David VanWye’s mouth-watering Bloody Mary mix. Made from local Red Gold tomatoes and the perfect dash of spiciness, it’s delicious straight up or paired with a healthy swig of vodka. We’re big fans of regional faves Hotel Tango, Cardinal Spirits, or Kentucky-distilled Jeptha Creed.
32 ounce Bloody Mary mix, $10 at AmazingHazels.com
FOR THE HOSTESS
This wooden charcuterie board, handmade in Indy by Lauren Holt and accented with a rustic leather handle, is about as chic as it gets. Wrap it up with a fresh baguette, some Capriole goat cheese and the aforementioned Smoking Goose sausage or a jar of Revival Food Co.’s almond butter, and you’ll be the hero of any gathering.
Charcuterie board, $30 at BearHomeGoods.com
Sure, it’s become customary to bring a candle as a hostess or housewarming gift—but you’ll still wow your host if you show up with one of Fishers native Tami Crawford’s versions in its stunning cement vessel. To up the ante, bring a small succulent plant—it can be tucked into the pot after the wax has burned away.
1 lb. candle, $38 at TLCCandleCo.com
Taking a pint of Circles ice cream to a party is a surefire way to get invited back. The downtown creamery focuses on seasonal, small-batch concoctions like Gingerbread House, Peppermint Bark, and Coffee Cake Crumble, flavored with locally roasted beans from Tinker Coffee. The company offers free delivery to Indianapolis area addresses every Saturday, and pints can also be pre-ordered for pickup at Wildwood Market in Fountain Square.
Ice cream, $12 a pint, CirclesIceCream.com to order
A good cup of Joe is always appreciated, and Circadian Coffee near Indy’s Meridian-Kessler neighborhood makes some of the city’s best, like this seasonal Winter Solstice brew, with notes of baking chocolate, red fruit, and warm spices. Keep a bag or two in your pantry in case a last-minute invite lands in your inbox.
Winter Solstice coffee, $15 at CircadianCoffee.com
STOCKING STUFFERS
Just Pop In! has just the perfect mini bag of popcorn for the nice, naughty, or terrible people on your list this year. Available in their Broad Ripple store in flavors like spicy cheddar and dark chocolate sea salt, these snack-size gems are worth stockpiling. And if you want to know more about the dynamic twin sisters who are behind this popcorn phenomenon, check out Indy Maven’s exclusive interview.
Mini size popcorn bags, $4-$5 depending on flavor, 6406 Cornell Ave., justpopinpopcorn.com
Although it’s black like a lump of coal, The Mad Optimist’s fir needle body bar gets its hue from activated charcoal—known for gentle yet deep cleansing. Note: If you’re into gifting unique experiences, the Bloomington company offers soap sculpting workshops on the first Sunday of every month.
Fir-Ever Young soap, $10 at TheMadOptimist.com
Get a free mini lip balm with your order from 12/1/19-12/24/19 with code INDYMAVEN at checkout.
Chocolatier Julie Bolejack creates these scrumptious sugar plum truffles in her studio in Shelbyville, featuring almonds, dried plums, dates, and apricots. Dipped in dark chocolate with a crunchy sugar topping, they’re oh-so unique and worth every single calorie.
Sugar plum truffles, $12 at ChocolateForTheSpirit.com
Muncie’s The Lotion Company specializes in small batch, cruelty-free moisturizers, like this peppermint-scented variety that’s ideal for spicing up the season.
Perfectly Peppermint lotion, $16 at TheLotionCompany.com
Kids and grownups alike will devour this merry mix of snowflake-shaped gummies in blue raspberry, pineapple, and watermelon flavors from the beloved Albanese Confectionery in Merrillville.
Christmas Snow Flurries, $2.99 for 1 lb. at AlbaneseCandy.com
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer in Indianapolis who dreams of a stocking full of gummy candies, dry shampoo, and Prosecco.
