2022 Holiday Gift Guide By Susan Salaz
Ready or not, the holidays are here. If you haven’t finished your shopping (or even started), don’t worry! We’ve rounded up our favorite boutiques and specialty shops that make finding something for everyone not only easy, but fun. Whether you are shopping for your fur baby or a real baby, your kids, your mom or your crush, you are sure to find unique items from local retailers without driving all over town or worrying about ordering online. Read on for great gift ideas for the fashionistas, the bag addicts, the crafters, the collectors and the sports fans in your life.
After making your list and checking it twice, be sure to mark your calendar for the special shopping events we’ve included at the end of this section. Many shops and districts hold events for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but these additional specialty pop-up shops, trunk shows and festive gatherings are a great way to support your community and make shopping social once again.
After making your list and checking it twice, be sure to mark your calendar for the special shopping events we’ve included at the end of this section. Many shops and districts hold events for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but these additional specialty pop-up shops, trunk shows and festive gatherings are a great way to support your community and make shopping social once again.
Hammitt by Purse Strings
Let’s be honest—leather bags always make a great gift, especially designer styles. Whether you’re looking for soft pebble-textured leather or Italian suede, a crossbody or a clutch, Hammitt has something for everyone on your list. The new Indianapolis location in the Fashion Mall, a partnership with local retailer Purse Strings, is the best resource around for these highly desired luxury handbags. “We could not be more excited to be partnering with Hammitt, which is the fastest growing luxury handbag company,” says Purse Strings owner Paul Braun, noting this store is only the third of its kind, and the only location outside of Southern California, where the brand is based. “Once customers are able to feel the quality of the leather and hardware, it is easy for them to understand why so many have fallen in love with Hammitt,” he adds. Visit Hammitt by Purse Strings in the Fashion Mall at Keystone at 8702 Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis. Find more information follow @hammitt_indy and @purse_strings on Instagram. |
Addendum
“For two decades, Addendum has been the source for the ultimate holiday gifts for everyone on your list,” says owner and Carmel native Shane Hartke, the first retailer to open shop in Carmel City Center in 2011. Addendum has grown over the years, recently adding a second location within City Center exclusively dedicated to the whimsical, handmade décor by MacKenzie-Childs. This bright and welcoming space is dedicated to the coveted brand, known for its enameled stoneware in checkered motifs, but features other fabulous gift ideas found only here, including the popular Stoney Clover Lane line of colorful, customizable handbags and Lele Sadoughi headbands. “From grand gestures to small tokens, we have your gift giving needs well covered here at Addendum,” Hartke adds. Visit the one-of-a-kind Addendum - MacKenzie-Childs shop at 751 Hanover Place, Suite 159, in Carmel City Center, to see the beautiful hand-painted collections for yourself. For more information, find them online at addendumgallery.com and follow @addendumgallery on Instagram. |
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Petite G Jewelers
Throughout time, jewelry has always been an impressive and most beloved holiday gift. The smallest box under the tree often proves to be the most significant. For the best selection in boutique jewelry, visit Petite G Jewelers at The Shoppes at 56th and Illinois Street, in the heart of Butler-Tarkington and Meridian Kessler neighborhoods, where owner Dana Friedman has curated an exclusive selection of classic pieces, eclectic finds and designer styles, along with the city’s premier estate jewelry case. The knowledgeable and experienced team here can help you select the perfect gift for a loved one, or for yourself, this holiday season. Some of Dana’s favorites this year are the inspired Love Explosion Heart Charm earrings by Three Stories Jewelry, and anything by Sorellina, which melds vintage and modern, bold and delicate, to create timeless designs. Stop in at Petite G Jewelers, 5609 N. Illinois Street, or visit petiteg.com online and follow @petitegjewelers on Instagram for dazzling holiday inspiration. |
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The Shop
Hometown gear always makes a great gift for friends near and far, and at The Shop you’ll find an amazing selection of tees, hoodies, hats, drinkware, stickers and more. Dedicated to sports, collegiate and hometown apparel, The Shop’s newest brick-and-mortar store, which opened in Carmel City Center earlier this year, is not your average T-shirt shop.
First of all, the shirts are not only high quality, but they are soft and comfortable—they are pre-laundered to ensure there is no shrinking when washed. Secondly, they are cool. Of course, you’ll find your Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers on display, but you can also find rare and vintage logos from Roselyn Bakeries, Showbiz Pizza Place and Deer Creek Music Center, just to name a few.
Stop by The Shop, located at 836 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel City Center. Visit online at theshopindy.com and follow @theshopindy on Instagram for sales and specials.
Hometown gear always makes a great gift for friends near and far, and at The Shop you’ll find an amazing selection of tees, hoodies, hats, drinkware, stickers and more. Dedicated to sports, collegiate and hometown apparel, The Shop’s newest brick-and-mortar store, which opened in Carmel City Center earlier this year, is not your average T-shirt shop.
First of all, the shirts are not only high quality, but they are soft and comfortable—they are pre-laundered to ensure there is no shrinking when washed. Secondly, they are cool. Of course, you’ll find your Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers on display, but you can also find rare and vintage logos from Roselyn Bakeries, Showbiz Pizza Place and Deer Creek Music Center, just to name a few.
Stop by The Shop, located at 836 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel City Center. Visit online at theshopindy.com and follow @theshopindy on Instagram for sales and specials.
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Hey Little Diddle Baby
In its second iteration at Carmel City Center, Hey Little Diddle Baby takes everything down a notch, in size at least. While the original Hey Little Diddle offers gifts and designer clothing from ethical brands for birth through childhood, this new edition features unique take-home outfits and organic layettes, beautifully illustrated books, eco-friendly baby toys, stocking stuffers, décor and more—all with a focus on gifts you will feel good about giving. “I am thrilled to be able to expand Hey Little Diddle and offer more thoughtful, beautiful gift options for new parents, family members and friends,” says owner Celeste Nance. “Carmel City Center is the perfect backdrop for shopping locally and supporting small businesses—all while customers receive the best and most unique items available.” Visit Hey Little Diddle Baby at 736 Hanover Place in Carmel City Center, or shop online at heylittlediddle.com. Follow @heylittlediddle on Instagram to stay updated on new items and holiday events. |
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317 Home
Recently celebrating its first anniversary, 317Home has found a groove and is looking forward to another fun holiday season. Located in Carmel City Center, the studio, owned and operated by Becky Null, maintains the city’s exclusive stock of Annie Sloan supplies, including chalk paint, wall and satin paint, waxes, brushes, lacquers, decoupage papers, quarterly magazines and more. “I carry stencils, transfers, molds and stamps,” says Null, adding that she also custom paints furniture for clients, along with teaching the techniques in classes and workshops. Beautifully decorated every week to match the spirit of the season, 317Home is a gorgeous oasis of inspiration, offering seasonal décor, ornaments and unique home items. You’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for all the crafters, decorators and DIYers in your life, or maybe decide to take on a project yourself. Visit 317Home at 715 Hanover Place in Carmel City Center. Find them online at 317home.square.site and follow @317homestudio on Instagram for more beautiful ideas. |
Canine Cloud Nine
When it comes to gifts, you can’t forget your pooch this holiday season. Canine Cloud Nine in Carmel City Center is more than a full-service grooming salon and puppy play care facility—it’s a unique pet boutique with all of Fido’s favorites. Owned and operated by professional groomers Heather Bauer and Amber Hosford, Canine Cloud Nine carries a wide variety of unique toys, items and treats, including Cosmo's Chicken Jerky made here in Carmel, Indiana. According to Heather, holiday shopping ideas should include Soggy Doggy Doormats (for those slushy, snowy, wet pet messes), treats from Shameless Pets Treat Company (made with upcycled superfood so they’re better for your pup and better for the planet), and a Starbarks Peppermint Frappuccino toy from Haute Diggity Dog (because dogs deserve coffee, too). Visit Canine Cloud Nine, located at 885 Monon Green Blvd. Suite 114 in Carmel City Center, for the best for your pet this holiday. Find out more online at caninecloudnine.com and follow @caninecloudnine on Instagram for all the cute puppy pics. |
Special Shopping Days and Events
November 10 Visit the Indiana Design Center for their Holiday Preview Night, featuring trunk shows, pop-up shops, holiday gifts and décor, along with wine and hors d’oeuvres by Corks & Caps mobile wine bar. November 10 Stop by the Shoppes at 56th and Illinois Street for the annual Holiday Stroll. Be sure to visit our Absolute favorites, including Petite G Jewelers, The Secret Ingredient and Charles Mayer & Co. November 17 – 20 For more than 50 years, the Junior League Holiday Mart at the Indiana State Fairgrounds has been the city’s one-stop-shop for all of your gift giving needs, while raising vital funds for the community. November 18 – 19 Stop in at Petite G Jewelers for a Trunk Show featuring the stunning work of designers Lisa Nik and Cynthia Ann, who will also be on hand to meet and greet patrons. November 19 – December 30 (select days) Visit Carmel’s annual Christkindlmarkt at Carter Green for unique, handmade gifts including specialty ornaments, limited edition Glühwein boot mugs, bier steins and more. November 25 – December 9 (Friday and Saturday evenings) Ride the Holiday Trolley through the Carmel Arts & Design District, stopping at all of your favorite local shops along the way. December 3 Not your average craft fair, the Handmade Vintage Market Holiday Mart, held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, is a juried event featuring the region’s finest makers, with gifts you won’t find anywhere else. |