Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
2020 Bloomington-Normal Gift Guide | #SupportLocal
Holiday shopping season is upon us! ‘Tis the season to give thanks for not only our family and friends, but also those in our community. Let’s show our local, small businesses some love and #shoplocal this gift giving season. Picking up curbside is just as convenient as shopping online from a big box store!
Here is the 2020 Bloomington-Normal Gift Guide just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! For a full list of local retailers to shop at, check out Omnia, LLC’s list here.
Shopping Events
Downtown Bloomington Season of Small
Downtown Bloomington is celebrating #supportinglocal for an entire month! Starting on Small Business Saturday and going through December 24th, customers can pick up a “Passport” from any participating retailer. Every purchase made at a participating shop will grant a stamp on the customer’s passport. Once the passport is completed, customers can turn in their card for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $800!
#IllinoisMade Gifts
Beer’s best friend is perfect for a stocking stuffer! Made only right here in Bloomington, Illinois, Beer Nuts is a great local gift to give to any family or friend.
Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup is opening their store on Small Business Saturday! Grab some locally made pancake mixes, whole wheat flour, fruit wowzers, maple candies, and maple ice cream! They also always have Funks Grove and Route 66 memorabilia for those who love the history of the Mother Road.
Give the gift of homegrown cheese this holiday season! Ropp has gift boxes available where customers can choose a variety of cheeses to gift to their loved ones. They even ship anywhere in the United States! In addition to their famous cheeses, the farm’s store also has ice cream, meats, jarred goods, local raw honey, and more.
For the Foodies
Add some spice to your presents this year! Whether you purchase a gift card or hand-pick a few whole or ground spices, this is the perfect shop for those in your life that love to cook or grill.
Chocolate is the way to anyone’s heart. The Chocolatier serves specialty chocolates, caramels, toffees, truffles, and turtles. Their assortment boxes and seasonal items are perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
Find kitchen gadgets, specialty cookware, cookbooks, aprons and more in this unique shop! It’s filled with items that are made to make our lives easier, tastier, and more enjoyable. And no trip to The Garlic Press is complete without getting their delicious homemade popcorn!
With plenty of options for gift baskets and boxes, The Olive Bin is a great place for that one-of-a-kind but practical gift! With over 60 types of olive oils and balsamic vinegars to choose from, they also sell pastas, olives, and seasonings that pair perfectly.
For the Drinkers
Whether you’re looking for a red or a white, sweet or dry, Stave will have a wide variety of wines for that special someone.
Boycott bland and treat the craft beer lover in your life to a 6-pack of Destihl beer. Their flavors include sours, Dosvidanya® Russian Imperial Stout, many Belgian-style beers, IPA’s, wood-aged beers, classic styles and seasonals.
Gift crowlers, growlers, cans, drinkware or merchandise from Keg Grove! Their selection includes refreshing ales, bold IPAs, and classic American styles. Because of their location here in central Illinois, they make corn an integral part of every beer.
If you have someone who loves stouts in your life, grab a gift card or a pack of Lil Beaver Brewery beer! While you’re there, pick up some of their limited time holiday merchandise to add to your gift!
For the White Oak lover in your life, purchase a 4-pack of stouts, ales or IPA’s, koozies, stickers, or merchandise from the brewery!
For ISU’s #1 Fan
Find all the Illinois State Athletics gear you need at this campus bookstore. From hats and shirts, to license plate holders and cups, the Alamo II has any gift for your biggest ISU fan.
Get customized Redbird apparel for a loved one this holiday season from Campustown Supply. They also sell traditional ISU clothing for adults and children, accessories, and gifts.
For the Kiddos
Children’s Discovery Museum Store
Continue the Power of play at home this season! The CDM Store is filled with education toys, puzzles, games, plush, and more! Museum members receive 10% off any purchase.
The wide array of toys that the Gingerbread House has is amazing! No matter what age you’re shopping for, you will find a mix of classic toys, new and trending toys, games, puzzles, educational toys, and plush.
Known as one of Illinois’ largest board game stores, Red Raccoon has endless options for the little ones who love games! In addition to board games, this store sells card games, miniature games, children’s games, and role-playing games.
For the Outdoorsman/Outdoorswoman
This cycling shop sells a wide variety of mountain, road, tri and comfort/commuter bicycles and has a great location for a test ride – right on the Constitution Trail! They also stock a huge selection of bicycle parts, accessories, and offer quality repair services.
This store sells everything the adventurer in your life needs. Wild Country sells outdoor clothing, hiking shoes, swimming and diving gear, camping equipment and more! Some brands they carry are The North Face, Patagonia, Kuhl, Merrell, K2, and Oboz just to name a few.
Vitesse Cycle Shop provides the highest quality products, service and support for those who love cycling.
For the One with the Green Thumb
This shop is ideal for any garden lover! Originally a market that helped feed locals and Route 66 travelers, this family business is now a full-service florist and garden center that has served the surrounding area since 1949. The very friendly and knowledgeable staff will be able to help you pick out the perfect flowers, pots, or garden décor.
Brighten up your gifts with fresh flowers from Growing Grounds. Distinctive pottery, bird baths & accessories, extraordinary home decor, and beautiful fresh bouquets can also be found at this home and garden center.
If you’re looking to gift a floral arrangement or gift basket, consider Original Niepagen Flowers. They create custom floral arrangements to meet any needs.
For the Fashionista
Uptown Gifts offers a great variety of gifts, hand bags, clothing and more. They typically carry popular lines such as Vera Bradley, Spartina, Haute Shore, Consuela, Simply Southern, Brighton, Katie Loxton and Mud Pie.
This adorable boutique specializes in vintage items, decorative objects, clothing and accessories.
Located in Downtown Bloomington, gigiBOTEGGA sells contemporary clothes and accessories for all ages.
Refine 309 is a chic clothing, accessory and gift boutique dedicated to bringing you the latest in fashion trends in jewelry, handbags, and more!
For the Readers & Music Lovers
Find a new read for the book lover in your life! Bobzbay is a used & new book and media store in Downtown Bloomington. They buy and sell all types of media – from collectible books to vintage video games and everything in between.
Browse Waiting Room Records’ large selection of new vinyl and CDs, DVDs, rare record searches and special orders for imported and domestic releases.
For the History Buff
The Clover Lawn Museum Shop offers a unique shopping experience for people looking for special mementos to take home. Among the items available in the shop are Mansion magnets and Christmas ornaments, as well as two new books, Christmas at Historic Homes, and Christmas in Illinois, both of which include stories about the Mansion. There are also old-fashioned candies, sticker books and puzzles, 19th century fashion, history and biographies, and classic literature for adults and children.
The Mansion is currently allowing private shopping experiences for those would like to schedule an appointment and shop in a small group with your family or friends.
Cruisin’ With Lincoln on 66 Gift Shop
The Cruisin’ With Lincoln on 66 Gift Shop will be open on Small Business Saturday ONLY. Whether you are looking for distinctive souvenirs and original gift items unique to the area, Route 66 publications, books about Abraham Lincoln and other local history, this is the gift shop for you! They also will be selling a limited supply of Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup! All shoppers will receive 10% off their purchase.
