Whether you see gift shopping as a joyful holiday tradition or a seasonal chore, gift-giving is the love language of choice for this time of year. A thoughtful gift can make someone feel seen, loved and cared for.
Plus, each gift you buy from a small business or local artist is also a gift to our city. Supporting local shops keeps the hearts of our neighborhoods beating with beautiful storefronts and shopkeepers we can call friends.
To help you get the creative gift ideas flowing, we visited more than 50 local shops and collected gifts at a range of price points.
So — what kind of vibe are you shopping for?
Trendy and original 🔝
These gift ideas are for your cool friend who is always on the lookout for new ways to express themself — whether it’s through music, art or fashion.
“Hip-Hop is History” by Questlove
Hip-hop isn’t a new genre. It has evolved throughout time, but the style we know today started fifty years ago. In this book, Questlove explores the history of hip-hop and the musicians and inspirations that shaped the genre.
📍 Square Cat Vinyl, 1054 Virginia Ave.
💵 $17
Handmade leather keychain
Howl + Hide designs and makes leather goods by hand in Indy. This keychain has a rich, durable feel and ages beautifully. It’s embossed with a gold skull, giving the simple design a bit of an edge.
📍 Howl + Hide, 1046 Virginia Ave.
💵 $29
Wes Montgomery art print
Indy artist Rebecca Robinson creates paintings of musical icons from concrete, tar and latex. This print features Wes Montgomery, one of Indy’s jazz guitar greats.
📍 Rebecca Robinson, online shop
💵 $75 for a 24×30” print
Cherry and cigarette earrings
Handmade accessories are the best conversation starters. Add a little whimsy to their outfit with cigarette or cherry earrings.
📍 Lapis Lily Market at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
💵 $16 for cherries, $10 for cigarettes
Skateland gift card
They deserve to embrace their inner kid with a trip to the roller rink. Skateland’s $20 super pass covers weekend admission, skate rental, a 12-credit game card and one glow stick.
📍 Skateland, 3902 N. Glen Arm Road
💵 $20
“All the Bad Stuff” Journal
This is the kind of thing that would blow up on journal TikTok. Made by People I’ve Loved, it provides a place to write down all those messy or negative thoughts, work through them and let them go.
📍 Rooftop Fruit, 1058 Virginia Ave.
💵 $18
Statement t-shirt
MELI stands for “More Equality Less Ignorance.” It’s a Black-owned clothing store in Indianapolis that is more than a brand — it’s a cultural movement creating sophisticated streetwear for the socially conscious.
📍 MELI at the G.C. Murphy Building, 1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 207
💵 $75 (on sale for $52)
Fancy triangles tote
A canvas tote bag is both a statement piece and endlessly useful. They’ll be proud to bring along this printed tote from the Eiteljorg on their next adventure or errand.
📍 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St.
💵 $22
Black and white film photography workshop
An analog art medium like film photography can be a much-needed antidote to digital fatigue. This gift invites them to put away the phone for a while and learn to develop their own film in a dark room.
📍 Aurora PhotoCenter, 1125 E Brookside Ave.
💵 $100
Fun and cozy 🔝
These gift ideas are for the culture addict on your list who loves to try new things and spend quality time with good friends.
Pacers photo print
The swelling of hope. Your pounding heart. Cheers ringing in your ears. This photo print captures in slow motion what it feels like to watch a Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
📍 Jes Nijjer, online shop
💵 $55 for 8×10” print
Hand-painted tea cups
For the friend who’s always ready to spill the tea, these hand-painted Japanese tea cups are the perfect conversation piece.
📍 Market Vintage, 9 Johnson Ave.
💵 $42 for set of six
Fishwife smoked rainbow trout
Tinned fish is having a cultural moment, and Fishwife is about as cute and tasty as it comes. Plus, it pairs well with that new sourdough habit they picked up this year.
📍 Amelia’s at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave. (multiple locations)
💵 $11
Fruit wallets
These zippered fruit wallets are weird, useful and sure to make them laugh. They come in lemons and limes, apples and oranges, avocados and even an ear of corn.
📍 Hampton & Co., 5515 E. Washington St.
💵 $12
Granny square blanket
Nothing says cozy like a granny square blanket. It’s handmade, so you can even pretend you crocheted it yourself, if you want!
📍 Market Vintage, 9 Johnson Ave.
💵 $25
Notebook
There’s something about a new blank notebook that makes it feel like anything is possible. And this isn’t just any notebook — it’s made in Sri Lanka from elephant poop.
📍 Global Gifts, 873 Massachusetts Ave.
💵 $19
“Universal Corner” by Mitchell L. H. Douglas
This new collection by Indianapolis poet Mitchell L. H. Douglas publishes Feb. 24. Preorder the book now for a gift that’s like a poetry seed waiting to flower as the winter wanes.
Walk and Talk tour vouchers
The gift of a Walk and Talk tour comes with making friends, learning about our city and kicking it with the very cool Sampson Levingston. Vouchers never expire and can be redeemed for any tour.
📍 Through2Eyes, buy online
💵 Two vouchers for $50
Loudmouth sweatshirt
Loudmouth Books is a Black, queer, woman-owned bookstore that’s cozy and colorful when you step inside. They’ll be delighted to show Loudmouth some love in this soft crewneck sweatshirt.
📍 Loudmouth Books, 212 E. 16th St.
💵 $40
Azul
Azul is a fun, easy-to-learn board game where you’re designing stained glass windows with colorful tiles, scoring points with certain patterns. It’s pretty and strategic without being stressful.
📍 Elf ‘N Moon, 1354 Shelby St.
💵 $40
Artsy and active 🔝
Some folks are hard to buy for because they seem to have the coolest things already! These local gift ideas will not only delight them, but also support local artists, businesses and orgs they love.
Typewriter
A typewriter is a charming gift that encourages slow, focused creativity. Whether vintage or modern, it doubles as décor and a creative tool. Its tactile keys and satisfying clacks make writing feel intentional, perfect for journaling, letter writing or sparking inspiration.
📍 Indy Type Shop, 2621 Shelby St.
💵 Typewriters in the shop range $150-650; the one pictured is $475
“LOVE” lapel pin
This gold pin is a mini version of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture. It’s a perfect way to carry a little love — and a reminder of Indy — everywhere they go.
📍 Newfields gift shop, 4000 N. Michigan Road
💵 $16
The Moonlit Garden herbal tea collection
This herbal tea collection contains five flavors of chamomile and honeybush loose-leaf teas, plus a stainless steel mesh basket for steeping.
📍 Stomping Ground, 1625 Nowland Ave.
💵 $48
Fish bolo tie
It’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve, but for sardine lovers with pretty necks.
📍 Amanda Marie Bell, online shop
💵 $20
Theater tickets
Making plans to see a play together does double duty as a gift and quality bonding time. Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre’s 2025-26 season includes a Shakespeare reimagining and a bilingual comedy.
“Heart throb” tail light
Bike safety has never been cuter. This rechargeable tail light fits any bike and reminds everyone else on the road that they’re loved.
📍 Bike People, 414 Dorman St.
💵 $22
Stand pencil case
This pencil case comes in lots of cute options, including a calico cat, a duck or a grumpy dog. Push down on the bottom, and it stands upright.
📍 Griffy’s Art Supply at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
💵 $20
Handmade leather purse
Howl + Hide’s Ocean leather is a gorgeous shade of a dark sea green. The Alice is a crossbody bag handmade in Indianapolis with a ’90s academia vibe to it.
📍 Howl + Hide, 1046 Virginia Ave.
💵 $249
Caring and creative 🔝
You probably know someone who’s always taking care of people — whether it’s their family, friends or community. These gifts invite them to spend some of that kind energy on themselves this year.
“Beautiful Soul” coloring book
This book promotes stress and anxiety relief through the contemplation of beauty and femininity, as imagined by Indianapolis artist Shaunt’e Lewis.
📍 Shaunt’e Lewis, online shop
💵 $10
Turquoise necklace
The details in this necklace are to die for, from the snake chain to the turquoise pendant. It’s the first in designer Nancy Lee’s new “Woodland Runes” series, inspired by her Lithuanian heritage and “the legends of a matriarchal society.”
📍 Nancy Lee, online shop
💵 $189
Zodiac earrings
These long, dangly earrings add a little bit of sunshine to their look.
📍 Harlot Apothecary, 2623 Shelby St.
💵 $14
Pomegranate candle
This pomme rouge candle smells like warm mulled wine and a cozy cuddle with the ones you love. Better yet, it comes in a pretty glass jar begging to be repurposed after the candle burns down.
📍 Grounded Plant and Floral Co. at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
💵 $26
Paint set
Painting can be a gentle reminder to make time to slow down and let creativity flow. This easy-to-use acrylic paint set invites them to unwind and express themself.
📍 Harlot Apothecary, 2623 Shelby St.
💵 $14
Pottery class
Get down and dirty at a one-night-only pottery class at Mass Ave Mudroom. It’s a beginner’s wheelthrowing class, so their creation may not turn out like this yellow beauty, but they’re sure to have a ton of fun in the process.
📍 Mass Ave Mudroom at Factory Arts District, 1125 Brookside Ave.
💵 $50
Self care gift set
This lavender and vanilla scented trio from Salt & Ash includes hand and body lotion, a bath bomb and shea butter sugar scrub. You can also build your own.
📍 Salt & Ash Market at Factory Arts District, 1011 Massachusetts Ave.
💵 $54 or build your own
Bath soaks
May these bath soaks melt away the tension of their day. Adding bath soaks into a bath can help soothe muscles, soften skin and add a blissful vibe to some much needed “me time.”
📍 Rooftop Fruit, 1058 Virginia Ave.
💵 $7-20
Tooth fairy
This adorable felt tooth fairy will be their treasured ally through the baby tooth-shedding years. Their kiddo can tuck a tooth into the pocket on the back of the wings and let the fairy whisk it away overnight.
📍 Global Gifts, 873 Massachusetts Ave.
💵 $19
Sweet and sentimental 🔝
These gift ideas are for the person in your life who feels like home. They’re the type to say that the only gift they want is you — but they don’t mind being a little spoiled now and then.
“The Art of Memory Collecting”
Whether they’re a pro crafter or a novice, “The Art of Memory Collecting” invites them to indulge their sentimental side. Find more than 15 scrapbook, collage, zine and trinket projects to commemorate treasured moments.
📍 Salt & Ash Market at Factory Arts District, 1011 Massachusetts Ave.
💵 $25
Sun catcher
They’ll hang this sparkling amethyst sun catcher in the window and love thinking of you every time they see it.
📍 Hampton & Co., 5515 E. Washington St.
💵 $14
Marbled poinsettia plant and pot
This marbled poinsettia is a gorgeous take on a holiday classic that will keep impressing visitors year-round. Better yet, pair it with a festive ceramic pot.
📍 Grounded Plant and Floral Co. at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
💵 $15 plant, $32 pot
Pomegranate tea
This loose-leaf tea from Tea’s Me Cafe blends pomegranate with blueberry and tiny cornflower blossoms for a vibrant red-violet tea that tastes fruity and floral.
📍 Tea’s Me Cafe, 140 E. 22nd St. (multiple locations)
💵 $10 for 1 oz. to $84.38 for 1 lb.
Brown butter ube blondies
These brown butter ube blondies melt in your mouth and get their pretty purple color from ube — a type of yam from the Philippines. They are made by a Filipino-American family business on Indy’s east side.
📍Salamat!, online shop
💵 From $6
Leather crossbody bag
The owner of Julian James Bespoke Leather Goods learned to sew at 8 years old and hand crafts leather goods here in Indianapolis. This leather bag can be worn around the waist or cross-body, with a rich blue color and luxe texture.
📍 Julian James Bespoke Leather Goods at The Stutz, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
💵 $175
Poinsettia garden flag
This flag will brighten up any front yard or garden bed. The pattern is a quilted version of a poinsettia, a bright red Mexican shrub that represents good spirits and success.
📍 Flags for Good, 646 Virginia Ave.
💵 $15
Teardrop labradorite ring
This labradorite ring is a little flashy and heavy — sure to have everyone asking them where they got it. And you know they’ll be glowing when they say it was a gift from you.
📍 Silver in the City, 434 Massachusetts Ave.
💵 $120
Local honey
Buy local honey at an urban farm and plan a day trip together to meet the bees that make it. Driving Wind Berry Farm also has a cafe and country store. On Saturdays during the summer, you can get a wagon tour of the farm for $5 a person.
Warm and useful 🔝
While you’re doing your holiday shopping, consider picking up a few items for folks who are starting fresh or weathering hard times. Here are a few groups who can get essentials to people who need them.
Julian Center is an Indianapolis nonprofit offering emergency shelter and assistance for people experiencing domestic violence. While its Amazon wish list is always changing, these are the items they need most right now, according to development manager Jenni Evans.
Twin comforter
💵 $25 from Amazon
Twin sheets set
💵 $13 from Amazon
Pillows, down-free
💵 $18 from Amazon
Trinity Haven is a nonprofit providing shelter and transitional housing for LGBTQ youth in Indianapolis. Their highest needs right now are laundry detergent, paper towels, hand soap, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, ethnic hair care products and rideshare gift cards, according to director of development and outreach Will Turpin-Doty. Here’s their Amazon wish list.
Laundry detergent packs
💵 $22 from Amazon
Hand soap
💵 $22 from Amazon
Paper towels
💵 $23 from Amazon
Circle City Mutual Aid keeps an Amazon wish list of items for the hygiene and care kits they distribute to unhoused neighbors during regular street outreach. The highest needs during winter months are hand warmers, foot warmers, hats, gloves, socks and underwear, according to one CCMA volunteer, Chuck.
XL body and hand warmers
💵 $30 from Amazon
10-pack of insulated winter gloves
💵 $40 from Amazon
12-pack of winter beanies
💵 $20 from Amazon
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
