Tis the season for caroling, tree trimming, celebrating with loved ones, and of course, gift giving. With holiday shopping already in full swing, now is the time to pick out the perfect gift for that special someone. While searching out an item to convey your gratitude and affection, consider seizing the opportunity to also show your appreciation to the region’s small businesses by shopping local! We went on a hunt around town for this season’s hottest gifts… for everyone on your list. Here’s what we found:
For Her…
Jewelry, prints and wall décor by Kelly Rae Roberts add color and inspiration wherever they are displayed. $12.99 to $80 at The Hyacinth.
The Hyacinth always stocks the newest Vera Bradley totes, purses, wallets, water bottles and more. $12 to $40.
Naturally Yours carries an extensive line of Mineral Fusion cosmetics, including makeup, nail polish, skin care and more—all free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS and phthalates. $7.99 to $29.99.
Hey Lola bracelets are hand-made by owner Jessica McGhee using an assortment of colorful, new and recycled beads. $22 to $38.
Handmade headbands by Allison Goodyear feature eye-catching designs and floral accents. $17 at The Main Statement.
The Best of Skin Dimensions: Anti-Aging Kit features a glycolic moisturizing cleanser, antioxidant exfoliation scrub, retinol plus 5X and retinol eye cream to rejuvenate her skin and give her a youthful glow. $154.95 at Skin Dimensions Day Spa.
Skin Dimensions Day Spa’s Simply Beautiful Holiday in Wonderland Kit has everything she needs for a holiday makeover, including Superwear gel liner in Noir, a compact duo featuring Silk Sheets and Purple Night mineral shadow, baked blush in Hibiscus, Luxury Gloss in Ice Wine, a chisel shadow brush and deluxe blush brush. $65.
Sweaty Bands and Bondi Bands feature colorful prints and sparkling accents so she can maintain her style, whether out on a run or at the gym. $15 to $18 at Running Central.
Sparkling with elegance, “The Center of My Universe” necklace features a Forevermark solitaire diamond surrounded by a halo of pavé-set diamonds. $995 and up at Bremer Jewelry.
For Him…
The only cookbook he needs: 101 Things to Do With Bacon by Eliza Cross. $9.99 at Relics.
Handmade ties and pocket squares by Peter Field come in an assortment of colors and dapper designs, the perfect accessories to any of his suits. $50 at The Main Statement.
A new Irish woolen sweater, hat, cap or scarf will keep him warm through the long winter ahead. $30 to $100 at Harp & Thistle Imports.
Stylin’ shades by Tifosi and Ryders feature interchangeable lenses and Fototec technology to protect from the elements and harsh glare of winter snow. $50 to $70 at Running Central.
A serious timepiece for a serious businessman, the water-resistant TAG Heuer Link Calibre 16 Chronograph watch features scratch-resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a screw-fitting case back with engraved decoration. $1,200 and up at Bremer Jewelry.
For the Little Ones…
What better way for a baby to show his or her state pride than with a Lincoln-head onesie? $19.95 at Relics.
Teamson Design children’s furniture features colorful characters and themes sure to inspire any child’s imagination. $120 and up at The Bronze Frog.
Bookworms will be delighted upon opening Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama Holiday Drama. $17.99 at I Know You Like A Book.
The Art Garage offers a variety of “drop in” art classes for little Picassos and Van Goghs. $5 and up.
Renowned for its pearls, Honora’s Girls Collection, featuring varying styles of earrings, bracelets and necklaces, is the perfect introduction to jewelry for children of all ages. $40 and up at Bremer Jewelry.
For Furry Little Ones…
The Main Statement stocks a snazzy supply of Collars With Color’s pet collars, leashes and harnesses, handmade with hemp and organic cotton. $13 to $21.
Pooch Couture offers colorful, squeaky and durable goDog toys for all breeds and sizes. $11.99 to $17.99.
I See Spot tanks, jackets, dresses, formalwear and more make the perfect gifts for fashionable pets. $24.99 and up at Pooch Couture.
A healthy and drool-worthy gift, Bubba Rose preservative-free biscuits and treats are made with organic and natural ingredients, free of wheat, corn and soy. $0.99 to $3.50 at Pooch Couture.
For the Eclectic Enthusiast…
Share a little holiday magic with one of Peoria native Mary Thompson’s handmade faery houses. $29 at Moondancer.
Locally- and Native American-made dreamcatchers banish bad dreams and add a little pizazz above the pillow. $10 to $50 at Moondancer.
Take home history and wrap up a piece of sunken treasure with an authentic Admiral Gardner shipwreck coin. $12 to $15 at Moondancer.
Help add to a collection of unique ornaments with one of Patience Brewster’s colorful Christmas Krinkles. $40 to $60 at The Hyacinth.
Writers and antique collectors alike will appreciate the aesthetic and nostalgic value of a vintage Underwood typewriter. $49 at Relics.
Made from 95-percent recycled post-consumer material, Blue Q Bags feature an assortment of eccentric designs and a portion of each purchase benefits The Nature Conservancy. $6.50 to $20 at Hey Lola.
Dust off your vinyl! Urban Artifacts carries a variety of retro-style turntables featuring modern amenities like USB ports. $55 to $125.
Recycled sign letters make for a truly distinctive monogram gift. $5 to $65 at Urban Artifacts.
Christmas in Illinois, edited by James Ballowe, features familiar images, memories and holiday recipes from well-known Illinoisans and everyday natives. $29.95 at I Know You Like A Book.
Know any aspiring artists? Help them brush up on their technique and take home a masterpiece by signing them up for an art class or workshop at The Art Garage. $10 and up.
For the Foodie…
Offering some international flavor, Harp & Thistle carries a wide selection of Irish-imported food and drinks. $2 to $12.
Uniquely flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars, from roasted walnut and Persian lime to espresso and cinnamon pear, will tantalize the taste buds of adventuresome eaters. $17; $48/3; or $60/4 at Olio & Vino.
Olio & Vino stocks an expansive collection of imported wines from around the world. $12.99 and up.
Galena Garlic Company’s Gourmet Chef Blends come in a variety of flavors and are perfect for seasoning, grilling or garnishing. $7; $18/3; $28/5 at Olio & Vino.
For the Fashionista…
Handmade in India, hairbands and accessories by Deepa Gurnani feature dazzling designs made from colorful beads and Swarovski crystals. $18 to $78 at Belle Mie.
Available in a variety of colors, sweater coats by Vince are perfect for those cold winter days. $375 to $475 at Belle Mie.
Flat, undetectable Invisibelts slim the silhouette and transform any outfit into a sleeker look. $20 at A Perfect Pear.
A cozy 360 cashmere sweater looks super-chic alone or paired with a Muubaa leather jacket. $245 and $545 at A Perfect Pear.
Combining style with social conscience, TOMS boot wedges come in variety of colors and designs. $84 and up at A Perfect Pear.
For the Home…
Locale pillows by kriss lecocq White Line feature hand-screened text displaying your hometown and global coordinates. $60 at The Hyacinth.
Primal Elements’ soap-by-the-slice is sold in an array of design and scent options to brighten up any kitchen or bathroom. $8/slice at The Hyacinth.
Easy-to-care-for succulents and air plants are unique alternatives to the classic poinsettia and holly plants. $3.95 to $5.95 at Relics.
Eco Candle Co. soy candles are long-lasting, clean-burning and help support American farmers. $11 to 14 at Hey Lola.
Urban Artifacts’ customizable wooden signs feature retro images with local flair. $35 to $125.
Restoration stocks a collection of repurposed, shabby-chic furniture, including tables, chairs, mirrors and more. $50 to $400.
Spell out a sweet message with a set of food-safe/dishwasher-safe letter plates. $40 at Restoration.
Refurbished glass bottles are great for storage or display. $15 at Restoration.
Sid Dickens Memory Blocks add timeless beauty to any art lover’s home. $86 at The Bronze Frog.
The Bronze Frog carries a large line of hand-blown Simon Pearce glassware, famous for its clarity and longevity. $65 and up
Bring home a little luck of the Irish with one of Harp & Thistle’s decorative Celtic crosses and symbols. $40 to $50.
For the Stockings…
A Scuba Toothbrush, featuring an extra-wide oval head and ergonomic handle for righties or lefties, helps scrub away those holiday sweets. $9.99 at Naturally Yours.
Sugar-free Xyloburst gum and mints are great for diabetics and others trying to control their sugar consumption. $1.29 to $9.99 at Naturally Yours.
Skin Dimensions’ Simply Beautiful Frost Bitten Kit includes two stocking-sized Superglosses, in Super Grape and Super Femme. $18.
Commando undergarments and shape wear are wardrobe essentials for any fashionista. $22 to $30 at Belle Mie.
Amphipod reflective tabs and accessories help keep walkers and runners safe during dark winter evenings. $7.95 to $26.95 at Running Central.
Perfect for athletes, Running Central stocks a large selection of moisture wicking socks in all styles and colors. $10.99 to $14.99.
For Yourself…
It’s not too late to send out those holiday greetings! The Bronze Frog offers an extensive selection of fine paper cards and invitations for every occasion. $18 and up.
Putumayo’s holiday CD collection features festive carols and tunes from around the globe, sure to get you into the holiday spirit. $14.98 at I Know You Like A Book.
Deliver holiday greetings to out-of-town loved ones with a Peoria postcard or greeting card. $1.50 to $4.95 at Relics. a&s
