With the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to shop for family and friends. Supporting local businesses in the C-U community is an affordable and courteous way to buy gifts this holiday season. Let this guide act as an inspiration to start the gift searching process.

The Clothing Lover

Circles Boutique: Currently offering 10% off everything throughout December, Circles Boutique offers adorable and one-of-a-kind women’s clothing, including fashionable dresses, beautiful handmade jewelry and cozy winter accouterments. Although it may be a bit of a splurge, this is a great business to support if you’re a fan of unique and high-quality items.

Fira Boutique: Located in Urbana, Fira Boutique offers a variety of comfortable, chic and casual clothing and accessories. A trendy hat or a matching loungewear set will make any clothing lover happy to receive a Fira Boutique gift.   

The Coffee and Tea Lover

Walnut Street Tea Company: A personal favorite, this tea shop offers international coffee and tea for purchase and any supplies one may need for their morning cup. Walnut Street Tea Company sells chocolate from around the world, such as “Irish Whiskey” truffles and “Endangered Species Espresso Beans” flavored chocolate. Another gift idea is to order a surprise box for a friend or family member curated by one of the tea shop’s friendly employees.

Columbia St. Roastery: A Columbia St. Roastery offers coffee and tea from around the world. They also sell coffees under the “Black Label” program, where coffees are made from small farming organizations from different parts of the world. One can buy single-origin coffee, hot and iced tea, a large selection of mugs, sauces and syrups for the perfect tasting coffee and other merchandise for coffee and tea creations.

The Romantic 

April’s Florist: Located in Champaign, Urbana, and Mahomet, April’s Florist offers high-quality and beautiful arrangements that will arrive just in time for the holiday season. April’s Florist’s team is willing to work with any customers to create the perfect arrangement that is budget-friendly for any occasion. 

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen:  Located just outside of C-U in Tuscola, customers say it’s worth the drive for some deliciously hand-dipped chocolates that are “made with love.” With toffees, buttercreams, caramels and more, Flesor’s Kitchen’s chocolate is sure to make any gift getter’s mouth water. The Deluxe Assortment box, featuring each chocolate, is the sweetest gift for any chocolate lover. 

The Photogenic

Wright Photography: Award-winning husband and wife team Blaine and Kelsey Wright offer beautiful photography sessions for any special occasion. The holiday season is a great time to update those family photos or arrange a roommate photoshoot with this Champaign-based photography company.

The Foodie

World Harvest: This international and gourmet market has unique food items from around the world. Delicacies like orange-peel chocolate, authentic mochi, powdered sugar candies and iced tea concentrates will make an excellent gift for anyone who loves trying new foods. 

Grovestone: With gourmet olive oil, spices, dips and seasoning inspired by my Grecian and Mediterranean tastes,  anything from Grovestone will be a unique and classy gift for a chef or foodie. The store’s gift baskets and collections make for sophisticated options to dress up a kitchen.

The Person Who Has Everything

Ten Thousand Villages: Located in Downtown Champaign, Ten Thousand Villages is perfect for anyone unsure what gift to get. The store has random items and collectibles and offers home decorating items, kitchen items, outdoor items, spa items and so much more. Any item bought from Ten Thousand Villages will not disappoint. 

Checkered Moon: Similar to HomeGoods and TJ Maxx, Checkered Moon offers home decorating items as well as adorable and quirky trinkets and collectibles, such as scented candles, clothing, chic bathroom accouterments and toiletries, and toys, puzzles and games.

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