The 2025 Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Shop Local Guide
The best gifts have a story—and around here, those stories start with local makers, indie shops, friendly faces, and those little quirks you just won’t find in the land of big boxes. When you shop small in the Champaign-Urbana area, you’re supporting families, dreams, and the creative spirit that makes this community brilliant.
Read on for cozy classics, hands-on experiences, and small-batch treats across Champaign-Urbana and our neighboring communities. Your future self, feverishly wrapping presents at midnight, will be very pleased with you.
Style & Spark
For the trendsetter in your life, downtown boutiques like Circles in Champaign—with its avant-garde silhouettes and gorgeous drapes—and Bohemia in Urbana—where they can channel their inner Stevie Nicks in layers of flowy, boho goodness—are full of looks worthy of the runway. You’ll also find fashion inspo at Bella Mia in Champaign, En Route in Mahomet, and Blush + Velvet in Paxton, where vibrant knits, fun accessories, and statement pieces make it easy to put together a fit they’ll wear on repeat. For the guys on your list, Joseph Kuhn & Company in downtown Champaign is the place to go for polished, classy menswear, because as we all know, everybody’s “crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man.”
If they appreciate gently used treasures, Karen’s Kloset in Champaign and Briella’s Boutique in Savoy are gold mines. Think cashmere sweaters, luxe dresses, silk scarves, and even designer shoes at a fraction of the cost. Seriously, “I got it on sale” has never been truer. If you’re looking for a curated selection that all the thrift-happy kids are raving about, DEVOTION in Urbana and Resistance Threads in Champaign offer Y2K, soft grunge, and gas-station core (yes! it’s a thing!) in one scroll-stopping rack after another.
You always have that one person who demands a little extra sparkle. Wow them with a special ring, pendant, or pair of earrings from Roberts: The Fine Art of Jewelry or Christopher & Co., both in downtown Champaign. The designers at both shops are true artists of the craft, with unique gemstones and innovative designs you can only find in C-U.
Homebody Deluxe
For the friend who loves a night in more than a night out, local shops are stocked with everything they need for a cozy, enchanting winter. Fire Doll Studio in downtown Champaign fills shelves with beautiful, hand-poured candles in scents like cinnamon chai, Icelandic moss, and warm hug —perfect for turning any living room into a winter retreat.
Beads N Botanicals in downtown Urbana offers handmade incense, empowering books, and other calming treats for the friend who’s always recommending a new tea or tarot deck. Reverie & Rule in Sullivan leans into the dreamy and slightly gothic side of things, ideal for the person who loves moody sketchbooks, dark florals, and stationery with a little edge.
In Mahomet, Yellow & Co. is packed with charming—and delightfully irreverent—décor and gifts, all wrapped up in a wicked sense of humor. Simply JJ in Monticello has that small-town, “come in and browse a while” feel where you’re bound to find something pleasing. Ten Thousand Villages in downtown Champaign is a fair-trade retailer offering ethically handcrafted goods sourced from artisans around the world, so you’ll be getting something that does good while it looks good. (Go you!)
If you’re looking to gift something that will become part of someone’s home for years to come, try Texture Home in Champaign for a clean, modern aesthetic that says, “Yeah, I read Dwell. Don’t you?” You also can’t go wrong with Amish craftsmanship. Both Premier Design Furniture in Arcola and The Woodloft Custom Amish Furniture in Arthur—check out the beautiful quilts, too—are perfect for heirloom-quality pieces that might just outlast all of us (in the best possible way, of course).
Active Days
If your loved one would much rather be up and moving, skip the furry slippers and go straight for passes or memberships to Horizon Climbing in Champaign and Urbana Boulders (with their additional Boneyard Boulders location!)—perfect for climbers-in-training or chalk-covered pros.
Body N’Sole in Savoy is a trusted source for running shoes and gear, while IttyBittyBikeShop and BR Bikes & Repairs in downtown Urbana can get cyclists ready for their next ride or spring tune-up. And for the skaters, Skeuwep in downtown Urbana rounds out the list with gear and streetwear options that help them land their tricks in style.
Kids, Games, & All Things Play
Kids and kids-at-heart will love gifts that spark curiosity! If you're buying for kids who are up for a challenge and promise not to yell “You cheated!” at their siblings and participate in the mayhem that follows, Dr. G’s Brainworks inside Market Place Mall is perfect for mind-melting puzzles and boardgames that encourage cooperation. Have a gamer in the family? Check out out the options at Live Action Games in downtown Champaign, fully stocked with retro favorites and next-gen titles.
While we're on the topic of gaming, you probably know someone who’s into Pokémon TCG, Disney Lorcana, Magic: The Gathering, or D&D. (This is Champaign-Urbana, after all.) Rad Lad Games in Mahomet and Enchantment Alley in downtown Urbana are your go-tos for decks, dice, and gear.
If the outdoors is how your kids roll, the tiny-but-mighty Nature Store at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana has educational toys, fun plushies, books, and vinyl stickers—perfect for budding naturalists.
Creative Spirits & Art Lovers
For makers, artists, and crafty types, the right supplies can be the start of something big. Art Coop in downtown Urbana is your ultimate go-to for high-quality supplies and materials (their gift section is pretty fun, too), and the nearby Idea Store is a dream destination for creative re-use and inspiration—perfect for the person who looks at a pile of odds and ends and envisions a masterpiece. In Champaign, family art studio CU Create offers classes, workshops, camps, and more, while The Pottery Place is perfect for gifting a paint-your-own pottery experience—especially fun for families, couples, or friend groups.
If they’d rather appreciate art than make it, consider a piece from The Vault Art Gallery in Tuscola, which features over 50 local artists working in jewelry, painting, ceramics, photography—you name it. In downtown Urbana, check out Cinema Gallery and The Gilbert Gallery, where local and regional artists are front and center. Over in Monticello, Prairie Fire Glass adds more than a touch of color and craftsmanship to any home with hand-blown glass pieces that are both functional and beautiful.
Animal Lovers
Need something for your four-legged friend? The Scratching Post Cat & Board Game Café in Champaign offers special treats and toys for your favorite feline—plus you can grab a snack and say hi to some adoptable kitties while you’re there. Prairieland Feeds in Savoy is a great spot to spoil the furry members of the family with treats, toys, and supplies. If your preferences run a bit more scaly, Sailfin in Champaign—serving the community since 1954!—offers everything from aquariums and accessories to fish and reptiles. Basically, if it swims, slithers, or scuttles, you’re in the right place.
Foodies & Sippers
Make your best friend feel like Ina Garten with an array of pantry-themed gifts from Olive & Orchard in downtown Urbana and Grovestone in Champaign. We’re talking gourmet olive oils, vinegars, and specialty ingredients that are sure to inspire some life-changing meals. Martinelli’s Market in downtown Champaign offers kitchen staples, cheeses, and treats that make a simple dinner feel like an occasion. Nearby, Ladro Enoteca offers thoughtfully curated wine, tinned fish, and other small bites that are just begging to be part of a charcuterie board, while Art Mart in Champaign is a longtime favorite for wine, chocolates, cheese, and international treats.
On the sweeter side, The Homestead Bakery in Arthur makes baked goods that taste like they came straight from your grandma’s kitchen (well, if she were Amish and made absolutely everything from scratch), while Tasty Tart in Champaign features buttery, handcrafted pastries with flavors like white-chocolate blueberry, Biscoff cheesecake, and fresh lemon. For the friend who runs on carbs, a box of CU-style bagels—handmade by Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar in Urbana—is an easy win. And if you’ve got someone who loves baked goods but can’t do gluten, RegCakes in Savoy has you covered. This dedicated gluten-free bakery turns out cupcakes, cookies, and custom cakes (many are vegan, too).
For the serious snacker, Mom & Pop’s Kettle Korn Stop is a sure thing. This family-owned institution in downtown Paxton brings their own spin to popcorn, with big, fluffy kernels and fun flavors (their snickerdoodle and lemon delight are universal favorites) that are guaranteed to disappear about five minutes after they’re opened.
Merry Makers
Consider a toast to local flavor. Pick up a pack of craft beer The Takeout calls the best in Illinois: Indistinguishable from Magic from Triptych Brewing in Savoy. (Really, you can’t go wrong with any of their brews.) Riggs Beer Co. in Urbana harvests the wheat on their farm to craft German-style beers that reflect their heritage and a whole lot of local pride. At grain-to-glass distillery Silver Tree Beer & Spirits in Paxton, homegrown ingredients and local craftsmanship come together so every bottle of whiskey and vodka tells a local story. Got wine lovers on your list? Alto Vineyards in Champaign offers Illinois-crafted wines just right for building a basket or slipping into a stocking.
We get it—not everyone on your list drinks alcohol. For celebratory options that don’t cause headaches, Cloud Mountain Kombucha in Urbana provides refreshing, small-batch kombucha that’s as giftable as any bottle of bubbly. And Ladro Zero, located at The CU Flower House in Champaign, carries a (non)intoxicating selection of NA wines, spirits, teas, aperitivos, and mixers—everything you need for zero-proof sips, sparkling or otherwise.
Plant People
For the person who talks to their plants (and if they name them, no shame here!), our area is full of green options. Plant Mode and Planted, both in downtown Champaign, are ideal for houseplants and stylish pots that brighten up long winter days and windowsills. Over in Urbana, Country Arbors has seasonal arrangements, wreaths, and outdoor-ready plants to keep porches and patios looking festive.
Main Street Botanicals in Mahomet offers a mix of houseplants, botanical gifts, local art, and plant-inspired décor, while Delight Flower Farm’s farmstand in Champaign provides blooms, teas, and salves that feel like a breath of fresh air. Both places offer fun workshops, so you can even gift an experience along with the greenery. Right on campus, Fern & Flora leans into thoughtful arrangements, accessories, and plant-themed gifts; while Fleurish in downtown Champaign ties it all together with vibrant florals that make any space feel special.
Vintage Vibes
For the friend who loves something with a little history, the Champaign-Urbana area is a secondhand treasure trove. You can hunt down mid-century furniture, art, and curiosities at Needful Things Warehouse & Gallery and Furniture Lounge, both in downtown Champaign. Crossroads Corner Consignment and DIGS in Champaign offer an eclectic mix of home goods and décor that practically insist you buy them. Ruby Jewel Antiques & Gifts in Paxton is full of beautifully curated nostalgic pieces that feel instantly special. And if you’re looking for quirky finds that make you exclaim, “Hey, we had that as kids!”, Hippie Chick Thrifts in downtown Arcola is packed with retro gems you didn’t know you needed.
Pages & Playlists
For bookworms and audiophiles, a stack of pages or a new record is still hard to beat! The Literary and Jane Addams Book Shop in downtown Champaign, along with Hartfield Book Co. in Monticello, offer shelves upon shelves of stories waiting to be gifted—from timeless classics to brand-new bestsellers.
For the music lovers, downtown Champaign’s Exile on Main Street and downtown Urbana’s See You CD & Vinyl and Record Swap are packed with records, including imports, rare editions, limited releases, and all the serendipity that comes with crate digging. It’s the perfect excuse to say, “I saw this obscure German proto-prog-punk-jazz trio and totally thought of you.”
Illini & Local Pride
For the person who loves to show off their orange and blue, or simply wants to rep where they’re from, Gameday Spirit in Champaign and the Illini Union Bookstore on campus are must-stops for official Fighting Illini gear.
If their local pride travels to unexpected places, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District offers surprisingly fun public transit–themed merch! And why not? NYC does it! MTD’s collaborations with local artist EKAH—which turn everyday items into iconic pieces of local art—are not to be missed!
Finally, the Chambana Proud store in downtown Champaign is all about celebrating community pride with locally designed apparel and goods that say “yep, this place is home.”
Experience Seekers
Sure, it sounds like a cliché: the best gifts can’t be wrapped. But it’s true.
For families, a trip to CU Adventures in Time & Space in downtown Urbana makes for an unforgettable escape room outing, because nothing says “bonding” like solving puzzles under pressure! Pair it with lunch or dinner at The Yard on Broadway nearby, where six locally owned eateries and a full bar set the stage for a fun debriefing session. Salt Fork Paintball in Rantoul is perfect for the adrenaline lovers on your list. Follow it up with a Mexican-style smashburger at Flavor Fusion to compare battle stories. In Mahomet, The Hive Honey Beetique offers sweet, bee-centered workshops that pair perfectly with brick-oven pizza from Briks Pizzeria next door for a day of creative, sticky fun!
For an Urbana date night, an elevated dinner at Silvercreek, followed by a world-class performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana, make a thoughtful, experience-forward gift. In downtown Champaign, catching a national touring act at the Virginia Theatre combined with an otherworldly dinner at The Space sets the stage for a classic night out. If you want to create the ultimate rom-com day trip, consider a musical at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, with a side trip to Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola for old-fashioned sweets and ice cream.
When you really want to go big, turn gifting into an overnight escape. A farmhouse stay at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign, especially when paired with dinner at their on-site restaurant Caprae, is an unforgettable way to build a gift around a farm experience. It’s local food, coziness, and adorable goats—all in one go.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello offers English manor-style lodging in a stunning natural setting, with a creative or nature-focused workshop through The Farms: An Allerton Folk School as a perfect add-on. If your tastes run a little more wild, a stay at Elk Ridge Cabin at Arcola’s Aikman Wildlife Adventure is about as close as you can get to a safari! Zebra, elk, bison, camels—they’re all part of the scenery, with wide-open skies making it feel a world away from the everyday.
Make It Personal. Make It Local.
The holidays in the Champaign-Urbana area are all about connection—between neighbors, small business owners, and the people we love. (Even the ones who are impossible to shop for.) Whether you’re gifting a handmade mug, a favorite book, a climbing pass, or a weekend staycation, shopping local turns every purchase into something way more meaningful than a last-minute “add-to-cart.” This season, let your gifts tell the story of here: our shops, our farms, our main streets, and the brilliant people who make C-U feel like home.