Shop Local: Gift Set Ideas
This post isn’t just about gift set ideas… BTW, I LOVE putting together gift sets, hence why that is the direction I went (you can just keep it simple). Anyway, this post is really about supporting local businesses, which is always a good thing. Small businesses matter, and they need our support, especially in these trying times.
A simple google search will help you find some great local businesses, or ask on social media. Investigate a little, and find your new favorite local place to get the goods!
Tea & Coffee Lovers:
Know someone who loves tea and coffee? Like, REALLY loves it? Local tea and coffee shops, who make their own product, are always a much better choice than mass produced store bought stuff. The product is fresh, and very tasty! A lot of those cafes will usually make their own pastries and treats as well, if you’re lucky you can find some chocolate covered coffee beans! If they have their own mugs, and maybe even T-Shirts, that could make the gift set complete.
On a side note: Here in Indianapolis we actually have a place called Nine Lives Cat Cafe, if you have something like that it could be an interesting way to give a gift to someone who is looking to adopt a cat. Take them out for some coffee, and adopt a cat!
Sweets & Snacks:
Freshly made candy, popcorn, and pastry shops should be easy to find around town.
There are a few places where I live in Indiana that I love, Just Pop In! for gourmet popcorn, and The Flying Cupcake for, well, cupcakes (but they do offer a few other things as well), they even have a Butterbeer cupcake! They can be made into a delicious gift set of their own, or added to another gift set (like books or tea, etc).
Beer Lovers:
This one seems pretty easy. Just stop in to your local brewery, pick up a growler, a pint glass or two, and a T-Shirt. I’d also suggest hitting up a place that makes specialty popcorn, it would be a nice addition to a beer gift set. We have a brewery here in Indiana called Books & Brews, and it’s great. Locally brewed beer, and a used book store combined? How can you not love it?
Art & Music Lovers:
I feel like this is an often over looked area. There are so many talented locals, maybe find an artist who takes commissions. You may even find locals who make their own jewelry, home decor, and such. Find a local band, buy their music and a shirt. You may also find local authors, comic and game creators. Think outside of the box!
Mainstream Books, Comics & Games:
Instead of shopping online, or in big stores, visit your local, small businesses who sell these products, they need the money more than those other places. Used bookstores could be a great place to check out too. Many local comic shops have a good selection of things, not just comics. One of my favorite local comic shops in Indy is Comic Book University, they don’t just have a lot of comics, and figures, but also a decent game selection, they even have an area where people would get together to play table top games (though I am not sure that is a thing that is happening right now).
Anyway, those are just some of my ideas. Whatever the case, try to support your local businesses. There are a lot of small locally owned places, from diners, cafes, breweries, bakers, local creators, convenience stores, and more, who could really use the support right now.
