We all know that the holidays can be stressful, but thanks to this comprehensive holiday gift guide, your seasonal shopping might be a little bit easier this year. Whether you feel like treating a loved one to a unique experience, going all-out on a massive splurge, or finding a tasty treat that’ll save you time in the kitchen, these local finds will help check everyone off of your list. Another bonus? Every one of the businesses featured here is at least co-owned by a woman.
PERSONALIZED PICKS
Jackie Renick of Fishers paints these stunning acrylic ornaments to order, and at $8 a pop (plus shipping if applicable), they’re worth stocking up on, and perhaps even using as wow-worthy gift tags.
Painted ornaments, $8 each, fill out this digital order form to order.
For something whimsical and unique, consider ordering custom mini bags of popcorn from Carly Swift and Mandy Selke of Just Pop In!—you can adorn them with your corporate logo, family name, or a brief holiday message.
Custom mini bags of popcorn, visit JustPopinPopcorn.com for more information.
If you know someone who is enamored with a certain “elf on the shelf” every season, give them this personalized mug from Autumn Kanedy’s Little Elk Handmade to help keep the elven magic alive.
Personalized elf mug, $20 at LittleElkHandmade.com.
Treat your favorite grill master to this BBQ set from the husband-and-wife duo at FirePoint Creations; you can choose any name to engrave the case, serving tongs, brush, knife, and spatula.
Engraved BBQ grilling tool set, $59.99 at FirepointCreations.com.
Founded by social worker and mother-of-five Lindsay Schloss, HopeAnchor & Crew is a philanthropic jewelry company that makes beautiful baubles like these matching mother and daughter bracelets that can be customized with your child’s name.
Mommy daughter glass statement bracelet set, $35 at HopeAnchorAndCrew.com.
BOOZE AND BEVERAGES
Here’s a sneak peek: Ash & Elm will be releasing a “Cider of the Month Gift Box” on Black Friday that will include one can of cider from each of this year’s twelve coveted “Cider of the Month” releases.
Cider of the month collection, $45, available starting November 26th at AshAndElmCider.com/BuyCider.
Sharon Moore has transformed the third floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in the Fashion Mall at Keystone into the must-visit Tilly’s Tea Room, and she offers a variety of loose leaf teas, scones, and locally made fresh clotted cream for sale as well, so you can share her tearoom experience with friends and loved ones. Moore’s “Holiday Black Tea,” an Indian black Nilgiri tea flavored with vanilla pods and cinnamon, is medium-bodied and ideal for the season.
Java aficionados will adore this “Sweater Weather” blend from Bee Coffee Roasters; it’s a limited-edition combination of Peruvian coffee mixed with green coffee beans that were aged in a Bear Wallow Distillery barrel to create an aromatic brew that’s perfect for ushering in chilly temperatures.
“Sweater Weather” coffee, $17 at BeeCoffeeRoasters.com.
The “7 Words” wine sampler set from Nicole Kearney’s Sip & Share Wines includes single-serve bottles of seven of her signature wines with names like “Manifest Chardonnay” and “Gratitude Red Blend,” as well as a “Ruby Red” dessert wine and two branded wine glasses.
“7 Words” wine collection single serve gift sampler set, $85 at SipandShareWines.com.
Inspired by military MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), Hotel Tango’s holiday gift pack consists of a collectible metal tin that contains their specialty bourbon, which has been aged two years and has aromas of caramel and rye.
Hotel Tango holiday gift pack, $29.99, HotelTangoDistillery.com for where to buy.
BEAUTY AND GROOMING
Handmade by Melissa Wrin in Fishers with all-natural, organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, these adorable lotion bars are available in festive shapes like a gingerbread boy, Santa, and the Star of David. To use, just glide the bar across your skin, and it will moisturize your hands, heels, and elbows with ease.
Holiday lotion bars, $10-$12 at BeeSweetMelissa.com.
Pam Rodgers recently launched the 2021 holiday collection of her Stella Chroma nail lacquer, and she describes the line as “Vintage Holiday Glam.” You can opt for a single shade like “Tangled Tinsel,” or splurge on the entire 5-piece set of polishes.
Holiday nail lacquer, $11-$57 at StellaChroma.com.
The husband-and-wife team behind Dr. Doug’s Balms has created an all-natural lip balm that will soothe even the driest of winter lips. Their “Lip Logic + Clear Zinc” version also adds naturally protective zinc oxide to help protect your pucker from the sun.
“Lip Logic + Clear Zinc” lip balm, $12 at DrDougsBalms.com.
You may want to keep this one for yourself: Ope Ojo, the creator of ORIRE Organics, has come up with a luxurious gift-wrapped set of pampering items including a trio of bath steamers, 4 ounces of a natural clay face mask, a bath bomb, relaxing bath salts, and two scented soy tea light candles.
“Spa Get Away” gift set, $33.99 at OrireOrganics.com.
Granola Girl Skincare has an array of plant-based, natural offerings, but their seasonal bar soaps are especially on-point for gifting. The unisex “Forest” bar features hints of lime, juniper, and fir, and is adorned with olive leaves on top. Owner J.D. Grove makes everything in an interactive soap lab in Greencastle, where you can also stop in to create your own bath goodies.
Forest bar soap, $7.50 at GranolaGirlSkincare.com.
JUST FOR KIDDOS
WeHaveEars is a fantastically fun line of headbands created by Mary Koon of Fishers. Minnie Mouse fans will flip over her “Light Up Wreath” and “Christmas Donut” designs, but there are several other versions that are worth checking out.
WeHaveEars headbands, $25.50-$41.50 at etsy.com/shop/WeHaveEars.
Nakeisha Washington is the founder of Nyla Nova STEMversity, and she and her six-year-old daughter Nyla Denae’ are the co-authors of this activity book that’s aimed at children ages 2-5. Featuring puzzles, mazes, coloring pages, and more, the book is designed to encourage all little girls to grow up to be future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) leaders.
“Nyla Nova: The STEMsation” activity book, $9.99 at NylaNovaStem.com.
If you’re looking for a holiday-themed stuffie for your little one, this dandy candy cane from Nurture Family is about as sweet as it gets.
Amuseable candy cane, $35 at NurtureOnline.com.
Lori Lovely is the owner of Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch in Brownsburg, where she raises alpacas and sells items like blankets, socks, and ultra-soft teddy bears, all made with alpaca fleece. She has also written a children’s book called “Isadora’s Dance,” which is about a blind baby alpaca who courageously overcomes the challenges she faces.
“Isadora’s Dance” book, $15 at MontroseFarms.com.
The adorable wooden desserts from Sanded Sugar help make playtime fun. Whether you opt for a set of three chocolate chip cookies or a pastel-striped piece of cake, these sturdy wooden toys, handmade in Broad Ripple, are destined to become a household favorite.
Wooden toys, $5-$18 at SandedSugar.com.
UNDER $25
CannedGood soaps are made in small batches will all-natural ingredients, and packaged with a reusable pump in an aluminum can in an effort to reduce plastic waste. There are three festive seasonal designs to choose from, so feel free to stock up on all of them in case you need some last-minute gifts.
Hand soap with reusable pump, $14 at CannedGoodSoap.com.
Jessica Landez’s BluePeppermint Boutique in Fishers is a must-visit any time of year, but the seasonal finds are definitely worth browsing. The store is currently stocked with an array of beaded earrings depicting everything from gingerbread houses to elf-themed wine glasses; they’re sure to brighten any fashionista’s holiday.
Beaded earrings, $15-$18 per pair at ShopBluePeppermint.com.
This water resistant dopp kit from Melissa Bernero’s Nolan James boutique is a no-brainer for anyone on your gift list that sports serious facial hair.
Beard essentials dopp kit, $24.99 at NolanJames.net.
Pair this dishwasher-safe mug from Martha Latta’s Sunday Afternoon Housewife with some locally roasted coffee, and it’ll make the perfect gift for any of the go-getters in your life.
“You Can Do Hard Things” Enamel Mug, $16 at SundayAfternoonHousewife.com.
Journal writers will adore this vegan leather softcover notebook with floral embroidery that features lay-flat binding and an attached ribbon bookmark. Pick one up at Lark & Lily Boutique in Broad Ripple.
Embroidered journal, $18.95 at LarkAndLilyBoutique.com.
LUXE AND LAVISH
Surprise your family or loved ones with a one-of-a-kind holiday balloon garland from Banzi Balloons, owned by Christina and Brian Getz. You can opt to decorate a stair rail, mantel, or doorway, to name just a few places, and there are numerous balloon colors to choose from to perfectly suit your space.
Deluxe balloon garland, $28-$33 per foot plus $50 delivery in the Indianapolis area, Banzi.events to order.
A year of flowers will brighten anyone’s 2022, and Stacy Molander’s Rusted Window boutique inside the Indiana Design Center is offering a year-long subscription where your recipient will receive a fabulous fresh floral arrangement every month for a year. There are also subscriptions available for less or more frequent deliveries, so no matter what you’re interested in, Molander has you covered.
Premium 12-month floral subscription, $1,200 at RustedWindow.com.
“The more, the merrier” definitely applies to jewelry, so if you’re in the market for a holiday upgrade, consider one of these Walters Faith charms and necklaces from Petite G Jewelers, Dana Friedman’s jewelry paradise on North Illinois Street.
Walters Faith charms and necklaces, $150-$18,000 at Petite G Jewelers, PetiteG.com for store information.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates, founded by Cathy Brand-Beere, is the gold standard for fine chocolate in the city, and your favorite chocoholic will surely adore this artisan dark chocolate box draped in genuine 24-karat gold leaf and filled with a decadent assortment of truffles.
“Draped in gold” art box of chocolates, $443.75 at DeBrand.com.
Barb Boyd knits each of the stunning hats in her Twenty Paws Knitting line from ultra-soft Merino wool. Located on the Southeast side of Indy near Wanamaker, Boyd can create a custom hat with your choice of colors and a faux fur pom pom in about two weeks—so order now if you’d like to receive yours in time for the holidays.
Handmade knit hats, $55 each, email twentypawsknitting@gmail.com to order.
HAUTE HOSTESS GIFTS
You’ll be sure to impress if you show up with one of these fresh wreaths from the mother-daughter team at Fishers Flower Farm. Made with a variety of all-natural evergreen and red berries, the price includes local delivery—just check on their website to see if you’re in their delivery zone.
Fresh winter wreath, $55 at FishersFlowerFarm.com.
Lined with Indianapolis landmarks like White River State Park and Trafalgar Square, this oval-shaped platter was made especially for Amy Minick Peterson’s store Decorate on Mass Ave.
Indianapolis oval platter, $57.95 at Decorateindy.com.
Dress up the six-pack you bring to your next holiday soirée with this plaid beer caddy from Holder Mattress, located in the Indiana Design Center.
Plaid beer caddy, $17.95 at HolderMattress.com.
Spread some holiday cheer with this cute cookie cutter and spatula set from Clothes With A Cause. No matter whether you purchase online or in-store, the owner Kelli McLaughlin donates 100% of her profits from every sale to a different charity each month.
Spatula & cookie cutter gift set, $15 at ClothesWithaCause.net.
Charm your host with this set of five resin coasters in a wooden box; you can find it at Barbie Turner’s Be the Boutique.
Set of five resin holiday coasters, $21 at BetheBoutique.com.
FOODIE FINDS
Satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with an adorable gift tin of cupcakes from Marsha’s Specialty Desserts & Tierney’s Catering. Your recipient will be treated to an assortment of decorated cupcakes in six fun flavors: hot chocolate, gingerbread, cranberry white chocolate, peppermint, snowflake vanilla, and cookies ‘n’ cream.
Gift tin of cupcakes, $20, call (317) 271-8300 or email sales@MarshasSpecialtyDesserts.com by December 21st to place your order.
In a hurry? Let Goose the Market handle your gift baskets this year. Simply choose your size preference, and Goose will deliver an all-local array of goodies from brands like Broad Ripple Chip Co., B. Happy peanut butter, Frittle, and of course, Smoking Goose.
All-local gift baskets, $60-$115 at GooseGiftShop.com.
Created by Kim Harvey, Kim’s Key Lime Cookies are a uniquely flavored, one-of-a-kind treat. They’re available dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in white chocolate, but it seems silly not to just try both.
Kim’s Key Lime Cookies, $6 per bag at KimsKeyLimeCookies.com.
Send some cozy teatime comfort to someone on your gift list with a holiday spreads package from Tina’s Traditional. You’ll get your choice of two of Tina’s homemade jams or jellies in flavors like “champagne elderflower” and “fig & ginger jam,” plus a 6-ounce jar of clotted cream, all packaged in an attractive gift box.
Holiday teatime spreads package, $20 at TinasTraditional.com.
No Label at the Table Food Company is Shelly Henley’s gluten and dairy-free business whose mission is to employ those on the autism spectrum and provide job training skills. There are so many items worth ordering, but “The Bacob Cake,” a peanut butter bacon cake with peanut butter maple frosting, is decidedly different and delicious.
The “Bacob” cake, $30-$60 at NoLabelAtTheTable.com.
MUST-TRY EXPERIENCES
A dinner party by Chef Tanorria Askew, owner of Tanorria’s Table, is bound to be an experience to remember. Tanorria is renowned for putting a modern spin on American comfort food, and if you book a private party with her, she will prepare three courses featuring a protein of chicken, shrimp, or salmon (a different protein or additional guests will vary the price) and create a meal that’s worthy of a special celebration.
Dinner party experience for six guests, $1,290 and up, email hello@tanorriastable.com for inquiries.
Take a friend to “open pouring hours” at Unplug Soy Candles in Fishers for a little impromptu candle making party. The company provides all the materials you need, the staff gives step-by-step instructions, and prices begin at $18 depending on the vessel you choose. Another bonus? Outside food and beverages—including alcohol—are welcome.
Candle making experience, $18 and up, visit UnplugSoyCandles.com for more information.
Tamika Catchings’ Tea’s Me Cafe is hosting a “Tea, Santa & Me” event at their Tarkington Park location on December 4th where you and your favorite little ones can enjoy a paper bag lunch (including a delicious hot tea, of course), receive a take-home goodie bag with an ornament to decorate and have the opportunity to snap a socially distanced photo with Santa.
“Tea, Santa & Me” event, $15 at TeasMeIndy.com.
Whether you know someone who is a cosmetics novice or a glamour queen, a makeup lesson with Lori Boykin is worth every penny. Boykin offers a one hour, one-on-one makeup lesson where the recipient can bring their own makeup bag and walk away more knowledgeable and confident. Boykin will include a full product list of her recommendations, a set of “before” and “after” photos, and illustrated photos of what products she applied and where.
Private one-hour makeup lesson with Lori Boykin, $90, email lorijeanboykin@yahoo.com to book.
Instead of buying packaged holiday greeting cards, consider treating your friends to one of Hand Stamped by Cheryl’s hands-on card making classes. For $15 per person, you and your guests can each make five cards under the tutelage of owner Cheryl Piotrowski, and all you need to bring is your own adhesive and scissors.
Card making class, $15 at HandStampedByCheryl.com.
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer in Indianapolis who really, really loves shopping for gifts.
