The 2024 Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Shop Local Guide

November 18, 2024

Here it is: Your ultimate guide to shopping local and making this holiday season a memorable one! Whether you’re splurging or saving, the Champaign-Urbana area’s local shops and festive markets offer an astounding number of gift options to bring joy to your loved ones (you might even want to keep some for yourself!).

FOR THE STYLE MAVENS

Know someone who’d like some sparkle in their wardrobe? Downtown Urbana’s Bohemia boasts vibrant apparel—including cozy sweaters, playful pajamas, and adorable baby clothes. Don’t forget to pop into their home section for a fun piece of art or décor! Circles Boutique celebrates one-of-a-kind style with indie designers, while family-owned Frenchie’s Boutique in Arthur is a great choice for effortless women’s fashion and chic accessories. Over in Tuscola, Shimmer & Sheek brings affordable style without skimping on quality, making it simple to find something special.

Kick an outfit up a notch—top it with a stunning hat! At Simply Pat’s Hats & Things in Paxton, no two hats are alike. Punctuated with feathers, ribbons, embroidery, and every color imaginable, each whimsical hat is handmade by Pat herself.

Of course, you can’t forget the guys—pop into Joseph Kuhn and Company, the oldest-running business in Champaign and one of the oldest in the country! They feature classic, refined menswear from dressy sport coats to casual sweaters, and so much more.

If you’re in the market to go big (really big) for that special someone, Robert’s: The Fine Art of Jewelry is your source for exquisite gemstones. Caitlin Hicks Design in Monticello specializes in one-of-a-kind, creative, and heirloom jewelry designs. And Champaign Jewelers, Champaign County Chamber’s 2024’s Small Business of the Year, focuses on fine diamonds, engagement rings, and wedding bands. (Add dinner at Nando Milano Trattoria and a post-meal pinot at Analog Wine Library, and you’ve just won the holidays.)

FOR THE KIDS & KIDS AT HEART

Aiming to surprise your kid with something they won’t stop talking about? Hunting for a game to keep the whole gang entertained? We have you covered for the holiday win. Dr. G’s Brainworks inside MarketPlace Mall is a great place to find a puzzle or brain teaser as fun as it is mind-melting. If you know someone just itching for the latest board game, Pokémon cards, or Magic: The Gathering booster box, check out Rad Lad Games in Mahomet. Gopher Games and Enchantment Alley, both in Urbana, are also solid choices to buy the latest collectibles, board games, accessories, and other gaming needs. Want to get your older kids away from their screens and into some family bonding? Grab a gift card to Brainstorm Escapes or CU Adventures in Time & Space for some good quality time tackling puzzles and challenges in a themed escape room. And if you have a friend who’s obsessed with the Marvel universe, be sure to gift them something from Dark Tower Comics. (Don’t worry, DC and Image Comic fans—they’ve got you covered too, plus lots of indies and one-offs worth checking out!)

If you’re thinking less games, more toys, a surefire gift-giving favorite is Art Mart, ready to bring a smile to your kids’ faces with the cutest Jellycat plushies ever, arts-and-crafts sets, science kits, and fun activities for all ages.

FOR THE HGTV-ERS & HOMESTEADERS

If you’re buying for someone whose home is their absolute haven, take a holiday shopping tour through Amish Country, where quality craftsmanship reigns supreme. Yoder’s Homestead Shop in Arcola offers beautifully crafted rustic Amish furniture in walnut, oak, quarter-sawn, cherry, hickory, and maple that they’ll enjoy for generations. Head to Winterberry Store & Antiques in Tuscola for tasteful home furnishings and décor, and if you’re searching for rustic farmhouse goods, stop by The Feathered Nest in Sullivan.

Back in Champaign, DIGS is more than an antique store—they boast a gorgeous collection of vintage home décor, furniture, draperies, art, and comfy finds. If your friend or family member is more of a collector, Out of the Blue in Monticello specializes in authentic, traditionally crafted Polish pottery. The signature blue patterns are exquisite and add a perfect, functional touch in the kitchen and dining room.

FOR THE HOSTS & HOSTESSES

The holiday season is party season, so show your hosts and hostesses some love. Ladro Enoteca, Sun Singer and Art Mart have incredible lineups of the world's best wines to pick up in-store. (Go the extra mile with one of their gift baskets.) For an eclectic, unique gift with a knowing wink, you can’t miss Checkered Moon. With impeccable gifts—for home, fun, even baby—at all price points, your selection is sure to be a hit.

FOR THE PLANT MOMS & DADS

We can’t forget about the plant parents in our lives! Plant Mode in downtown Champaign rotates their items frequently and provides a wide variety of plants, succulents, and exotic finds you can’t get anywhere else. At Planted, you can find seasonal plants as well as decorative indoor and outdoor home items. Looking for something festive? Country Arbors Nursery, a fifth-generation nursery in Urbana, has poinsettias and wreaths (but also plants and trees for any season). And Mahomet’s Flora Design Studio has a beautifully curated selection of seasonal wreaths and arrangements.

FOR THE ECO-FRIENDLY

Speaking of plants, if you’re into green gifting, check out Greener Goods Shop + Refillery for eco-friendly, zero- and low-waste home and body products. If their tastes veer more toward the runway, Raff Co. Clothing in downtown Champaign handcrafts cruelty-free, petrochemical-free, and exploitation-free made-to-measure garments. At consignment shops like Karen’s Kloset in Champaign and Briella’s Boutique in Savoy, you can find J. Crew, Banana Republic, and designer fashion like Tory Burch, Eileen Fisher, and Kate Spade in impeccable condition at a fraction of the cost. More into vintage duds? Mojo Retro, located in Savoy’s Homestead Vintage Market, has you covered. And for fans of mid-century décor and other retro home furnishings, Furniture Lounge is a great place to find a pre-loved chair, table, or lamp while leaving a way smaller carbon footprint. Oh, and if your honey’s an avid gardener and interested in all-things-beekeeping, The Hive Honey Beetique in Mahomet is a perfect pick—every purchase supports local beekeepers and the environment!

FOR THE BOOKWORMS & INTROVERTS

For your friends and loved ones who just want to get hygge with it, it’s tough to beat a great read. A gem in the downtown Champaign shopping scene, Jane Addams Book Shop stocks 70,000+ titles on three floors. In Monticello, Hartfield Book Company carries new books and book-related products and gifts—guaranteed to please the bookworm in your life. The Literary is a crowd-favorite in the heart of downtown Champaign with a curated collection of the latest trending reads (bonus—it’s a great place to enjoy a bite to eat, a glass of wine, or a latte to refuel for more holiday shopping!).

Snug up the scene with candles from Fire Doll Studio, Champaign-Urbana’s premier artisan chandlery, featuring comforting scents like Sweater Weather and Cinnamon Chai. (If you’re willing to venture out, take your friends and family to make their own custom-scented candles for a real treat!). Level up the coziness even more with an amazing tea blend from Walnut Street Tea Company (with over 500 varieties) and a warm blanket from Monticello Mercantile.

FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO RUN AT 5AM

No matter if someone is looking to get fit or has been active for years, fresh gear from a local Champaign-Urbana area retailer or specialty shop is a guaranteed winner. Savoy’s Body N’ Sole is a favorite of runners for a reason, with clothing, socks, and shoes to prep them for their next race. Do they prefer wheels? With locations in Champaign and Urbana, Durst Cycle & Fitness features a wide selection of two-wheelers, adult trikes, tandems, and unicycles. And if your loved one is more into ollies than off-roading, check out the skateboard gear at downtown Urbana’s Skeuwep, with brands like Thrasher, Spitfire, Bones, Vans, Adidas, and more. DICK’S House of Sport, one of 7 facilities in the entire country, is a sports and athletics-lover’s dream. You might get distracted while you’re there—on top of apparel and sports gear, you can try your hand at rock climbing, bat at the batter’s cage, test out golf clubs at the Performer’s Range…now get back to shopping!

Ok, so not everybody wants to brave the elements (especially during winters in the Midwest). How about the gift of staying active indoors? A gift card to Urbana Boulders—the only dedicated climbing facility in Champaign County—is a great option, whether they’re new to climbing or not.

FOR THE EATERS & EPICUREANS

Really, aren’t we all? Gift some local flavor with chevre from Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery. Their gold-medal winning Everything Bagel chevre is an absolute must for lactose lovers. CU is also home to the Center for Honeybee Research’s international choice for the World’s Best Honey at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch! Their shop is still open with great gift items (and you can’t leave without grabbing an apple doughnut, apple fritter, and a coveted apple slushie). If you’re looking to buy a local treat that stays fresh no matter the distance it ships, Mom and Pop’s Kettle Corn Shop in Paxton is a community favorite, with fresh-made flavors like Lemon Delight and Snickerdoodle. Be sure to purchase a couple bags for yourself —they’ll run out fast! For more popcorn and other specialty treats, CBPB Popcorn is a sure thing. A proud Illinois Made recipient, their famous caramel apples just might be the best in the area. The holidays are designed for carb consumption, and a gift box from The Great Pumpkin Patch’s Homestead Bakery in Arthur is pure comfort. Enjoy fresh-made cinnamon rolls, bread loaves, cookies, and more, straight from Amish Country. Can’t live without chocolate? With recipes passed down from generation-to-generation, Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola boasts chocolate as beloved as it is delicious.

You can also surprise a friend, family member, or loved one with a gifted meal at one of our incredible local establishments. We pride ourselves on our diverse, global food options. Try the perfectly-seasoned ox-tail at Stango Cuisine (the only Zambian restaurant in the US!), sample authentic Laotian and Thai cuisine at Sticky Rice, treat yourself to Korean comfort food made from scratch at San Maru, or indulge in a soul-food brunch at Neil Street Blues. Gift certificates are also offered at many local restaurants and make wonderful presents for locals and out-of-towners planning to visit!

FOR THE IMBIBERS & MERRY-MAKERS

Some of the best grain in the world grows right here, so it’s no surprise local breweries and distilleries thrive. Riggs Beer Company uses their own family farm for their German-inspired brews. Try the Hefeweizen—it’s the real deal. The award-winning Triptych Brewing offers their delicious brews you can purchase online and pick up at their location in Savoy. You can’t go wrong with their Dank Meme. Paxton’s family-run Silver Tree Beer & Spirits offers their Down East Vodka at Harvest Market. For the wine drinkers, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Alto Vineyards, with over 22 premier wines (amassing over 1,000 State, National, and International awards), or St. Joseph’s Wyldewood Cellars, which specializes in elderberry wine—grown with elderberries from the family farm.

Prefer alcohol-free options? For a fun, bubbly beverage without the buzz, stop by Lincoln Square Mall for a few bottles of Cloud Mountain Kombucha! Using herbs, vegetables, fruits, and teas from the CU area, they earned a silver medal for their Carrot Turmeric and Gold Beets blend at the 2023 Kombucha Kup; their seasonal flavors also include Apple Cinnamon Basil and Pear Fennel. If your loved one’s more of a caffeine craver, a bag or two of Page Roasting Company or Columbia Street Roastery coffee beans are sure to please.

FOR THE COMMUNITY & ILLINI PROUD

Got a Chambana native on your gift list? Our retail space is a must-visit! We have t-shirts, tote bags, hats, sweatshirts, and stickers. What’s more, all of our t-shirts are designed by local artists, and we’ve got a theme for everyone: Whipped cream in a can (invented here), the modern web browser (also invented here), super sweet corn (yep, invented here), CU Pride, and general CU love. We’re also proud to house items from locally owned makers, such as artisan soaps from The Wright Soapery, mugs and dishes by Piper Pottery, and wooden birch jewelry from Pipapo! All can be found at our office in downtown Champaign, or you can purchase them online at chambanaproud.com.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a CU holiday season without Illini gear. With a number of diehard fans likely on your list, you can’t go wrong with the Illini Union Bookstore, stocked full of everything orange and blue. Another fantastic option? GameDay Spirit, featuring official Illini wear for every season, occasion, and day of the week! With locations in Campustown and on Neil St., you can easily grab the gifts you need or a gift card. If you’re looking for something orange and blue that’s a little more, well, fashion forward, stop by En Route Boutique in Mahomet. Along with super cute clothes and accessories, their tasteful game-day threads will keep friends and family cheering from the stands in style.

FOR THE CREATIVES & CRAFTERS

For the artists and makers in your life (or those who say they’re not creative but really are), get them supplies or a gift card to one of the few independently owned art stores in the country! Art Coop is a glorious haven for shiny new art supplies, queer vibes, and cheeky socks (yes, socks) at Lincoln Square Mall. If they’re more into fiber arts, pick up some gorgeous, top-notch yarn from Urbana’s Klose Knit or fun fabric from A Quilting Bee in Mahomet. You can also snag a gift card to The IDEA Store, a creative-reuse playground, or The Pottery Place, a relaxing space to paint ceramics. Are they a budding creative with a thirst for knowledge? The FARMS: An Allerton Folk School offers hands-on, experiential learning. Past classes have included drawing from nature, watercolor, mountain dulcimer, songwriting, beekeeping, and improv.

FOR THE ART AFICIONADOS

The greater Champaign-Urbana area is a thriving hub of creativity and artistic talent. Local art makes a fantastic gift, whether you’re the sentimental type, a lover of nature, or simply someone who likes cool, unique things. This season, explore the holiday markets (check the schedule below) for pieces in a wide array of media: Clara de la Fuente’s acrylic and watercolor landscapes; High in Fiber Rugs’ handmade, tufted hamburgers, donuts, and avocados; Ames Woodworking’s homewares and jewelry; and of course, so many more.

If you want to help someone add a feature piece to their home, Cinema Gallery in downtown Urbana is the area’s largest fine art gallery. Over 70 professional artists around the Midwest showcase their work here. Down the block, The Gilbert Gallery represents nearly 40 local artists and their work, from jewelry to sculpture and everything in between. Broken Oak Gallery in White Heath offers a wealth of local and out-of-state artists’ treasures, including photography and acrylic paintings. In Tuscola, a trip to The Vault Art Gallery is sure to net you a few holiday gifts. Across 12,000 square feet of space, you can shop the works of more than 60+ Central Illinois artists. Last but not least, consider something a bit more delicate—award-winning Prairie Fire Glass Studios in Monticello creates meaningful glass garden ornaments, jewelry, bowls, and glasses.

FOR THE ROCK STARS & HI-FI HEROES

Pump up the volume for your music lovers this holiday season. Corson Music, a staple in our community since 1999, is the place for percussionists and drummers, while guitarists can pick up new amps, music, and vintage six-strings at The Upper Bout to help them channel their innermost Hendrix. And if the only instrument they’ve mastered so far is air guitar? Gift them the real thing with lessons from Urbana’s Community Center for the Arts (C4A).

For their listening pleasure, go to Champaign-Urbana’s “Best Record Store.” Exile on Main St. has a massive LP selection of new and used rock, punk, jazz, soul, rap, hip-hop, experimental, and more. At Urbana gem See You CD & Vinyl, you can find limited-editions, rare imports, and a healthy selection of Midwest emo. Originally opened in 1979, Record Swap, located in Lincoln Square Mall, is your source for deep cuts, favorite hits, and band t-shirts.

FOR THE ONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING

Tired of wracking your brain for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member? Gift an experience!

We have an incredible music scene with local, regional, national, and even worldwide talent making its way to the Champaign-Urbana area. With live entertainment 364 days a year, The Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana can satisfy all music needs. In Paxton, The Cadillac is a recently renovated, massive music venue hosting a large number of touring musical and comedy acts. Large enough to attract big names, The Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign is intimate enough to feel like each act is performing just for you.

(For more options on live music venues, check out our Music & Entertainment page on our website.)

For those who enjoy theatrical performances, take your loved one to the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, where you can discover Broadway-quality entertainment right in the heart of the Midwest, or the cutting-edge Station Theatre in Urbana.

When you purchase a FlexPass from Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, you can gift a season of symphonies, international musicians, opera, ballet, theatre productions, and more. And for Broadway shows and superstar performers, State Farm Center is the perfect venue.

It’s hard to say no to delicious cuisine—gift a culinary class through Common Ground Food Co-op, Champaign Park District, and Urbana Park District. From basics like cheesemaking and cupcakes to themed events like French cooking essentials and a taste of Korea, each class teaches useful techniques, food prep, and best of all, a tasting of each dish prepared.

If you’re really aiming to impress, here are two fun overnight ideas: Book a room at the Mansion at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello. It’s a great opportunity to slow down, take in the natural areas and sculptures, and even enjoy a fire built just for you. Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola offers overnight stays at their Elk Ridge Cabin with wildlife views—you might see zebras, bison, camels, and more!

Finally, have your family and friends ever kissed a real Alaskan reindeer? They can at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. Take them on a tour and surround yourself with these magical animals of the north. This unique destination attracts visitors from all over the world and is well worth the visit!

NOTE: The Champaign-Urbana area is rich with retail that helps power our local economy, and we appreciate each business. We also realize that this holiday guide isn’t an exhaustive list of every retailer in the area, so we encourage you to explore our complete listings!