Need some last minute gifts to round out your gift giving? Here are some local ideas that will surely have your gift recipient ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
On/Near the Square:
There’s something so traditional and lovely about shopping for holiday gifts around a town square. The lights, the people, the shop owners … it’s a feeling that invokes cheer and spirit. So, pop a few quarters into a meter and shop with me!
1) Hair products at Royale Hair Parlor, $9.50-$19.96
If you have a well-coiffed person on your list, head into Royale Hair Parlor for some products to help battle dry-winter-hair woes. Products photographed here (Sebastian potion No 9, Wella Brilliance, Sebastian Trilliance, Kevin Murphy Dry Shampoo) will keep hair moisturized and protected. Also photographed is some hemp hand sanitizer ($6) that is moisturizing for your hands. I purchased it and put it right into my handbag, because sometimes the best shopping you do for yourself is done while shopping for others.
Royal Hair Parlor, 116 W. 6th St., Bloomington, IN 47404 • Phone: 812-360-1860
2) Sabun bar soaps, $4.99
Sabun soaps are showing up everywhere in Bloomington, but you can buy them conveniently at Bloomingfoods. These soaps are locally made and smell amazing. I popped a few into my shopping basket to give as fun little stocking stuffers for my out-of-town family who like to have a piece of Bloomington in their homes.
Bloomingfoods Near West, 316 W. 6th St., Bloomington, IN 47404 • Phone: 812-333-7312
3) Boris Loved Natasha eyeglass cases, $20
If you’re a fan of the Bloomington Handmade Market, you’ll love Gathering :handmade pop up shop: in Fountain Square Mall (open November 23-December 24. Wed-Th 12:30-6 p.m., Fri-Sat 12:30-7 p.m., and Sun 12:30-5 p.m.). Talia Halliday runs this adorable shop during the holiday season so you can still buy handmade gifts if you missed the market in November. These Boris Loved Nastasha eyeglass cases are cute cute cute!
Gathering :handmade pop-up shop:, 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 125, Bloomington, IN 47404
4) Oliver Winery Creekbend Catawba 2012, $18
A holiday season in Bloomington isn’t complete without a bottle of Oliver wine. There are plenty of options to buy under $20 at the Oliver Winery Downtown location. I picked the Creekbend Catawaba since “magical flavors of peach and cotton candy” piqued my interest.
Oliver Winery Downtown, 105 N. College, Bloomington, IN 47404 • Phone: 812-822-0466
5) BLU Boy chocolates, $19.50
Want to give a gift that’s made in Bloomington? Head over to BLU Boy for a delicious box of chocolates. While you’re there buying a gift for someone, fuel up/warm up for your shopping expedition with a Gingerbread Man Latte.
BLU Boy Chocolate, 112 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington, IN 47408 • Phone: 812-334-8460
6) Willy Wonka ticket, starting at $11.50
Are you buying a gift for a child who would love the magic of live theater? Buy them a ticket to Cardinal Stage’s 2013 holiday family musical, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Tickets start at $11.50. Nicole O’Neal (above) at the BCT box office will hook you up.
BCT Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington, IN 47408 • Phone: 812-323-3020
Off the Square:
You can’t buy everything on the square. Here are a few ideas at lovely Bloomington stores off the square.
7) e-racer Monza, $14.96
Kids absolutely LOVE this little car that you can buy at The Green Nursery. This little guy will be sure to be a win for the child on your list. Also under $20 at TGN is the Green Toys Submarine, Wee Can Too Edible Crayons, and Miyim Knitted Animal Teethers. All toys at The Green Nursery are environmentally-friendly so give these toys with a clear conscience.
The Green Nursery, 509 E. Hillside Dr., Suite 103, Bloomington, IN 47401 • Phone: 812-339-5090
8) Earrings, $16.99-$18
Rebecca & Me on South Lincoln Street that has the sweetest earring display showcasing the triple threat of beauty when it comes to earrings: intricate, sparkly, and dangly! All of the earrings photographed here are between $16.99 and $18 and any of them would be a welcome addition to the fashionista on your gift-giving list.
Rebecca & Me, 333 S. Lincoln St., Bloomington, IN 47401 • Phone: 812-334-7878
Thanks, Bloom, for showcasing these wonderful local shops. Although I now live in Oregon, I love staying in contact with Bloomington people and businesses. Rebecca & Me is one of my favorite places to shop. Rebecca has wonderful products and provides excellent customer service. Again, thank you for helping those who live afar continue to Celebrate Life in Bloomington!