YP Likes: Shopping Local for the Holidays

2020: the year we got asked to step up by staying home and ordering takeout. It’s almost like we’ve been training for this our entire adult life. Now it’s time to step up, yet again, by supporting local businesses during this holiday season. Give your Amazon delivery guy a break and check out these incredible local retailers (many offering delivery or curbside pickup!) There is something for everyone on this list - from your bestie to your boss!

3 Daughters Boutique

I always find something I need, and then some, at 3 Daughters. It’s a one-stop shop for any woman in your life. They have trendy and high quality clothing, jewelry and accessories for any age range. I especially love their Husker clothing section because they offer unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else! Check their offerings out online: https://3daughtersboutique.com/. 

Mesh 

Searching for that last minute holiday gift to make your loved one feel their most fabulous self? Look no further than Mesh Boutique in Omaha. With two locations in Omaha, in addition to an active website with the latest fashion trends, you are sure to find the perfect piece at a reasonable price. Mesh has everything from holiday wear to game day attire to that perfect date night outfit. Shop online: https://www.shop-mesh.com/?variant=32969816309821. 

Paint Yourself Silly 

If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, head over to Paint Yourself Silly and pick out one of their pre-made clay pieces that you can paint yourself and gift to a loved one! I love their planters and kitchen items. Or, get a gift card so your recipient can create their own DIY piece! Learn more at: https://www.paintyourselfsilly.net/. 

Wax Buffalo 

Wax Buffalo has numerous gifts that will instantly make any home a little bit better. From candles to hand soap, be sure to consider this local shop as you begin your holiday shopping. A personal favorite of mine is the whiskey glass candle. It’s two gifts in one: First, you burn the candle and once it is finished, you have a whiskey glass to keep! I think your friends and family will appreciate a Wax Buffalo gift as we are all spending more time in our homes. Shop online at: https://waxbuffalo.com/. 

The Chocolate Season 

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that chocolate and caffeine are absolutely essential. The Chocolate Season makes gifting these life-enriching substances easy. They offer an enticing array of gift boxes to suit any taste palate, from the “Sweet and Salty” gift box to a dozen fudgy, homemade brownies. They offer shipping to the lower 48, making sending holiday gifts to friends and family easy and stress-free. For local friends, a gift card would be the perfect gift, paired with a box of four artisan chocolates. Visit their website at https://www.thechocolateseason.com/. 

Paper Kite 

If you have any kiddoes on your holiday shopping list, the Paper Kite is the best place to shop. With an adorable array of stuffed animals - and plush food - you’ll find a unique toy to delight the children in your life. My daughter has her eye on the Bashful Seal and Amuseable Espresso Cup. Their selection of other toys, books and kids apparel is fun to browse through (socially distanced and masked) in person or on their website. You can also find funny and memorable greeting cards for any occasion, especially the holidays (I’m partial to the “I can now mute my family” card). Paper Kite also carries a great selection of giftables for adults, including Wax Buffalo candles and beautifully printed Hemlock bandanas. Since their shop is charmingly small, they only allow 3 shoppers at a time, so you can shop online at https://www.paperkiteshop.com/. 

The Mill 

Consumable goods are my go-to for anyone I don’t know that well - coworkers, neighbors, my cleaner, my Secret Santa gift exchange - you get the point. Enter: The Mill, a coffee shop that is so much more. At any of their three local locations, you can find locally made Mood chocolates, incredible coffee in every format and variety, and even a curated selection of wine. They are also known for having the coolest swag, like trendy travel mugs, colorful tees and pretty journals. Throw some chocolates in a branded campfire cup with a $5 Mill gift card, and you’re good to go! They offer free delivery in Lincoln with a order minimum of $14: https://millcoffee.com/

Francie and Finch
I stopped by this downtown book store over the weekend and found something for almost everyone on my list! A gorgeous coffee table book for my artsy friend, a cookbook for my mom, a historical nonfiction for my dad, and the CUTEST Lincoln themed coloring book for my little cousin - all gift-wrapped for free. Leslie, the owner, is basically your own personal shopper - just tell her who you’re shopping for and what they like, and she’ll find the perfect book! BONUS: Francie and Finch also sells gorgeous local art in a variety of price ranges, starting at about $100. Talk about a one-stop-shop! Shop online at https://francieandfinch.com/. 

Gaga’s Greenery & Flowers

Send a thoughtful bouquet of fresh blooms to anyone from Gaga’s Greenery & Flowers to anyone this holiday season! Flowers from Gaga’s will bring great scents and beautiful views to anyone’s home, office, or home office. Sending flowers is a great way to let someone know you’re thinking of them this holiday season or anytime! Visit GagasGreeneryandFlowers.com or call 402-464-8266 to place your order today!

Little Movements Apparel

Active and leisurewear are my go-to clothes while working from home. I may be professional on top, but I’m definitely wearing some cute and comfortable leggings on bottom.  Located in Hickman (20 miles south of Lincoln), Little Movements Apparel is owned by two boss-babes that are both moms and close friends that care about women empowerment. I love following along with their Instagram page. Their affordable activewear is made for all shapes, sizes, styles, and activity levels. I basically live in their leggings and the best part is that they have pockets on the side! Their apparel would be a great gift for any woman in your life. Visit their website at: https://www.littlemovementsapparel.com/about