Shop Small, Shop Local in Bloomington-Normal this Holiday Season

Steph Mazanowski • October 2, 2025

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Local Shopping Ideas for your 2025 Shopping List

Sunglasses and jewelry at a boutique store

There are so many great places to eat, shop and play, but these are some of our favorites!

Download the Printable Guide Here.


ANCHO & AGAVE

Ancho & Agave- Tacos & Margaritas make a great gift. Thank someone in your village with a gift card to this great restaurant.

ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

If it's antique or unique, it's probably here! Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, and Handcrafted Uniques all in one place! Head on over for those who appreciate the treasures!

ATHLETE FACTORY

I cannot tell you the transformation I have seen in my own kiddo. Whether it be for your kids or yourself, giving the gift of fitness and healthy lifestyle is priceless. Check into packages and pricing for the upcoming year.

BEYOND NORMAL

What a cute store with lots of goodies, including wine-themed presents, photo gifts, home decor, and more. This is a great place to shop for your friends!

BIAGGIS

Who doesn't love a big plate of pasta and a nice glass of wine? Thank friends or neighbors who have been helpful by sending them to a nice dinner.

CHI FAMILY EXPRESS

We have so many great food options on our list this year, but only one Chinese restaurant. Send someone on your list good fortune and grab a gift card for a friend or neighbor who has helped you out this year.

COFFEE HOUND CAFE & SIRIUS COFFEE ROASTERS

Treat the coffee lover in your life to locally roasted beans, handcrafted drinks, and fresh-baked pastries. Gift cards make the perfect stocking stuffer, or pick up a bag of our signature Sirius coffee to brew at home and share the ritual.

CORNBELTERS

Give the gift of summer fun with an affordable ticket membership to the CornBelters and Kernels Collegiate League. Add in some CornBelters 'swag' including a holiday ornament!

CRAFTED

Surely you have a coffee lover on your list—Mom, Dad, grandparents, co-workers, neighbors. Retail bags of coffee are available for purchase. Not sure what they like? Gift cards are also available

CRUISIN’ WITH LINCOLN ON 66 VISITORS CENTER & GIFT SHOP

On the ground level of the McLean County Museum of History, you'll find unique local items for the Route 66, Illinois, or Abraham Lincoln lover in your life such as candles, Funks Grove Maple Syrup, Beer Nuts, books, jewelry, t-shirts, puzzles, LaBuBu key chains, and more.

ETC SHOPPES & STORAGE

Here you will find something for every style! From timeless home decore pieces to modern accents you will find plenty of home decor options. Also on site are a wide variety of Prairie Built Barns. And when you're tired of shopping, try your luck at Gunner’s Gaming Parlor.

ESCAPETOWN

Bring the family together for an unforgettable adventure this holiday season! Escapetown’s escape games offer thrilling experiences that create lasting memories. Book your game today or grab a gift card for the perfect holiday surprise!

FITTINGLY YOU

Give yourself the gift of comfort. Find your perfect fit this holiday season. Professional bra fittings + supportive styles designed for every woman. Mention this ad in November and enjoy 10% OFF your purchase! Gift Cards are also available.

FORGET ME NOT FLOWERS

Receiving flowers always brightens my day. Send a splash of color during an otherwise dreary season of brown and white. Here you will find not only floral arrangements, but several gift options as well. Check out their sister store Uptown Gifts as well.

FOUR SEASONS HEALTH CLUB

Give the gift of Health & Wellness. A Four Seasons membership is perfect for loved ones, friends, or yourself. From personal training to group fitness classes, there's something for everyone. We also offer gift cards for memberships, training and massages. Make 2026 the year of health for those you care about!

GILL STREET SPORTS BAR AND RESTAURANT

This is the only place in town that has axe throwing and it is so fun! They also have a tasty menu which makes a gift certificate to Gill Street a gift that is sure to make the foodie in your life smile! It is also a great option for holiday parties!

HACIENDA LEON

You can't go wrong with a gift certificate for chips & salsa with margaritas! Thank friends or neighbors who have been helpful by sending them to a nice dinner.

ITEM SHOP

Located near Kroger on College, you are sure to find something for the gamers and collectors on your list. Watch for their “D20 Sale” on Small Business Saturday, where your dice roll equals the percent off of your purchase!

JASPERS JAVA

Located on GE road, drive on through either side of the drive thru and grab a gift card for your friends and neighbors. Their cold brews are amazing!

KEG GROVE BREWING COMPANY

Who doesn't love a good ice cold brewski? Grab your 4-packs including one of their delicious seasonal varieties or perhaps a crowler/growler club membership. Gift cards, t-shirts, sweatshirts. hats, glassware also make great gifts.

MAZPIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Book your family photoshoot now and get your photos back in time for Christmas gifts! This is perfect for all the grandparents on your list. Or if you want to give the gift of a photoshoot, gift certificates are also available.

MERLE NORMAN

Every woman loves a good pampering. Merle Norman offers facials, mani/pedis, waxing, spray tanning, makeup services and more! Check out their deals this holiday season including a free gift set with purchase of two or more product, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Wheel spins and in December the 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

NORMAL PARKS & REC

Purchase gift cards that can be used at Fairview and Anderson Aquatic Centers, for pool passes, programs, events and at Ironwood Golf Course!

PHEASANT LANES FAMILY FUN CENTER

So many things under one roof! A giftcard to Pheasant Lanes Family Fun Center would be a great stocking stuffer for anyone on your list! Between the arcade, bowling, the bar at Keglers, you're sure to have a great time. Also consider them for your holiday party on the lanes and/or on our heated, enclosed patio!

RADER FAMILY FARMS

The farm will be taking orders for pumpkin pies, pumpkin bars, apple bars, and other sweet treats for Thanksgiving. Also pre-order your Farm Fresh Fraser Fir wreaths for pick up on November 26th.


RED RACCOON


Whether you’re looking for Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, or Dungeons & Dragons. Their “Gameologists™”


pride themselves on helping every shopper find the right game.


REVERBERATION VINYL


What started as a record shop is now so much more. Here you will find music, movies, equipment, and vintage


media for the music and movie lovers on your list.


RUN N’ ERIN’S

Here you will find daily specials, live music, paint nights, gaming, and a great space to watch your favorite game. A gift card to Run N' Erin's is a great way to thank your neighbor for their help this year or for anyone else who could use a cold one.


TRES ROJAS WINERY

I feel like it's pretty safe to say that everyone of you have someone on your list that will receive a bottle of wine! Wine-not shop local and support one of our very own Central Illinois wineries?! Stock up today and be sure to have the perfect hostess gift on hand. Wine club memberships are also available and make awesome gifts!

UPTOWN GIFTS & ACCESSORIES

Stop on in and you're sure to find a little something for the ladies on your list.Top brands include Vera Bradley, Mudpie, Consuela, eNewton, Uno de 50, Brighton, Hammit, Jellycat, Kendra Scott, and Nora Fleming.

URBAN WARFARE PAINTBALL & LASER TAG

Give the gift of high-energy excitement this holiday season! Gift certificates are perfect for the adrenaline seekers in your family. With paintball and laser tag, they offer fun activities for all ages all year round! Check out the Pro Shop for paintball equipment, gear, merch, and accessories. Also a epic option for a holiday party or team building activity. this season!

WELL DRESSED WINDOW

Are the ladies in your life complaining about the house needing a fresh look? The team will help you choose the perfect window treatments, whether it be a simple covering or automation. Stop in and check out their selection!

WINDJAMMER

You can never go wrong with a gift card to the Jammer. Great for lunches or hanging out with friends. With various weekly events such as Trivia and Karaoke. There's always something fun happening at the Jammer.


Download the Printable Guide Here


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