Holiday Gift Guide By Susan Salaz

You don’t need to wait until Small Business Saturday to support your favorite boutiques around town. We’ve curated a luxurious gift guide aimed to please everyone on your list and give some love to the local shops.

The customizable house-made bath salts at Bath Junkie (741 Hanover Place, Carmel City Center, bathjunkiecarmel.com) will leave you glowing. “Lavender essential oil is one of our most popular scents, but going into winter we love the Spa Day blend with eucalyptus, peppermint and green tea,” says owner Melissa Farmer.
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Sustainable and ethical retail is essential this shopping season—therefore, clothing and accessory company Sidney Byron (sidneybyron.com) should be at the top of your list. We love the cork yoga mats and quilted mat bags, and owner Christina Kite agrees. “Going into the holidays is the perfect time to find your Zen by getting down on the mat for a stretch,” she says.

“If you're looking for great age-appropriate gifts for the little ones, we have what is on their list, and wonderful games and crafts for the whole family,” says Teneen Dobbs, Principal at Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys (723 Hanover Place, Carmel City Center, kitsandkaboodletoys.com). She encourages families to play together this winter holiday, and recommends the stacking game Animal Upon Animal, from HABA, perfect for the young and young at heart

Out Of The Blue Polish Pottery & Gifts (727 Hanover Place, Carmel City Center, outofthebluepottery.com) is the best destination for unique and functional bakeware and table service. Each item is hand-painted, and owner Ruth Burgard especially loves the playful soup mugs, with their whimsical handle. She insists they aren't only for soup, but are perfect for snacks and ice cream sundaes, too.

Give a toast to this magical time of year with a colorful set of Jaime Haydon Chateau Baccarat tumblers from Charles Mayer & Co. (5629 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, shop.charlesmayer.com). Claudia Ryan, owner of the city’s premier gift destination, points out the different faces on the bottom of each glass, saying, “I think these offer something new and fun, but also with a contemporary aesthetic.

For a high-quality fashion statement that will last many holidays to come, Hammitt handbags will have you at hello. They are a best seller at Purse Strings (Clay Terrace, Hamilton Town Center and The Fashion Mall, pursestrings.shop), the only local purveyor of the designer brand. Owner Paul Braun makes it a point to feature in-demand handbags and home décor items at his three locations, but also stocks local labels like DD Bird and Re-Issue Books.
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The tie-dye Weekender Pullover from Z Supply, available at Lily & Sparrow (724 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, lilyandsparrowboutique.com) is laid-back luxury. “It’s the ultimate cozy piece, and it pairs great with both leggings and denim, making it so versatile,” says owner Jen Miller, adding that it checks all the boxes that make a perfect gift: classic, easy and cute. And don’t forget the stocking stuffers—Miller also suggests the Melati Natural Perfume, made with essential oils.

Petite G Jewelers (5609 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, petiteg.com) is a true gem among Butler-Tarkington/Meridian-Kessler boutiques, with a range of sparkling inspiration any time of year. Owner Dana Friedman loves layering her jewelry and insists it’s okay to mix styles, colors and textures. The Walters Faith chain-link toggle bracelet is a tasteful bit of modern arm candy to add sparkle to any holiday wardrobe.

For all things chocolate, visit Lori Sonner and her team at DeBrand Fine Chocolates (8685 River Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, (317) 669-0955). While it’s difficult to choose just one, Audree Beere (business operations manager at the headquarters in Fort Wayne and daughter of DeBrand founder Cathy Brand-Beere) believes DeBrand truffles are the perfect gift for the ultimate chocolate lovers in your life. “These twelve incredible variations seem almost too beautiful to eat…almost,” she says cheekily, adding, “Every oversized piece is individually and artistically designed, but their true beauty lies within. Each silky, rich truffle is like a petite luxurious chocolate dessert.”
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Celebrate all 12 days of Christmas with a Pawty Pack from Daniel’s Vineyard (9061 N 700 W, McCordsville, danielsvineyard.com). Kim Cook, owner, says this collection is one of their favorite traditions. “Our eldest daughter and artist, Jenna Cook, recreates 12 very special pets in watercolor to adorn each can.” You can feel good about indulging in the Fireside Sangria, Winzer White and Rosé wines—a portion of the proceeds benefits the Humane Society of Hamilton County.