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After Cassandra Austen’s drawing of Jane Austen (ca. 1810)

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Fresh snow for a fresh new year! There’s nothing

Fresh snow for a fresh new year! There’s nothing quite like the charm of a snowy downtown—snowflakes falling, warm drinks waiting, and many reasons to bundle up and visit. ❄️

Meet Amanda – Assistant Manager at @223babyco an

Meet Amanda – Assistant Manager at @223babyco and employee since the beginning in 2021. For her, the holidays are all about the little joys—whether it’s seeing kids light up at the toy displays, decking out the shop in festive decorations, or revisiting memories through her cherished ornament collection.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“I love watching all of the kiddies running around and being in awe of our toy displays! I also love getting to dig out the Christmas decorations and go crazy with displays!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“We did a collab with a local photographer and offered customers a holiday photo session and shopping experience. It was so fun to see all of the families dressed in their Holiday outfits. I especially loved watching the parents trying to keep the kiddos still for the camera!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“We have Christmas JellyCats in right now and I’m fighting the urge to buy one everytime I come into work!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“I love digging through all the ornaments I’ve collected over the years! It’s like reliving all of my past holiday memories all over again every year!”

Meet Brenna – Sales Associate at @ugphawkeyes, w

Meet Brenna – Sales Associate at @ugphawkeyes, where she’s been spreading festive cheer for over a year. Brenna knows just how easy and fun holiday shopping in Downtown Iowa City can be, especially when you can find all your gifts in one stroll through the city. When it comes to tunes, Last Christmas by Wham! is her holiday anthem, adding to the shop’s festive spirit while she helps customers find the perfect personalized gifts.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“Gag-gifts are always exciting to create with our printing process. Working with customers to create the silliest item possible and helping make their dreams a reality. Yes, we can help you make a T-shirt with a picture of your professor in sunglasses on it.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I always load my family up with all kinds of Iowa swag from UGP for Christmas. Our custom printing process makes for great gifts. A unique and personalized shirt can be the perfect surprise for the holidays.”

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“Honestly, a lot of my friends and family are nerdy, and Iowa City has some good shops like Bartertown Toys and Collectibles and Critical Hit Games that always carry a variety of unique gamer-centric gifts. There are so many shops downtown that you are bound to find a local business that has an item that is the embodiment of your recipient.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“The Grinch is a must-watch for me during the holiday season. On Christmas Day, I always watch A Christmas Story. I have friends that live abroad, and I try to visit them every New Year’s if I can. It feels so refreshing starting a new year traveling. It always helps me ground myself and my priorities.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹:
“Holiday shopping in Downtown Iowa City is dangerously easy. One day walking around the city is enough to get all your presents and even a gift for yourself too. I love that all types of individuals take this time to support our amazing local businesses.”

Meet Paige – Store Manager at @cieloiowacity, wh

Meet Paige – Store Manager at @cieloiowacity, where she’s been bringing her creativity and passion to the shop for the past year. Paige loves her family tradition of watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and adores the unique charm of the Ped Mall. From helping customers find personalized gifts at the Charm Bar to soaking up the downtown spirit in CIELO’s bright, welcoming space, Paige makes every moment merry and memorable.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“My favorite item will forever be the Cloud Blankets, designed by our founder, Monica! They’re the softest, coziest blankets I’ve ever experienced, so naturally I had to get one for myself. They’re a perfect barefoot dreams dupe, even coming from the same manufacturer! I think it’s the best gift for anyone in your life!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“Recently, I helped a customer create the perfect gift for her sister at our Charm Bar! She wanted something personalized, so we picked out a beautiful bracelet and charms that captured her sister’s personality. I put it together, and the customer was overjoyed—it’s moments like these that make my job so rewarding.”

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“Whenever I’m shopping for a gift, I always try to grab items that make me truly think of that person! This year, we’ve made it easier than ever to find a personalized gift with our Everlasting Jewelry and Charm Bar. Create customized charm bracelets or necklaces with hundreds of charm choices! Everlasting jewelry is also buy one get one, perfect for gifting a gorgeous bracelet!”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹?
“Downtown Iowa City will always have my heart when it comes to supporting and uplifting small businesses in the area. The atmosphere of CIELO’s location in the ped-mall is unmatched, as I get to watch all of Iowa City go about their shopping. Our wonderfully decorated windows provide natural light and keep the store bright and happy! This also makes the shop a perfect hang-out spot for studying, shopping, or even just having a chat!”

Running out of time for holiday shopping? Let Down

Running out of time for holiday shopping? Let Downtown Delivers help! With free delivery thanks to @greenstatecu, your favorite shops can come straight to your door—or be sent as a thoughtful gift to loved ones for the holidays and New Year.

Available to Iowa City, Coralville, Solon, West Branch, and North Liberty areas, our service makes sending gifts simple and stress-free. Just check with any downtown retailer to arrange your delivery. Skip the rush, shop local, and get your gifts on time!

Last-minute deliveries will be made this Monday, December 23rd. Deliveries will continue on the regular Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedule, excluding next Wednesday, December 25th for the holiday.

Meet Maggy – General Manager at @revivaliowacity

Meet Maggy – General Manager at @revivaliowacity l, and longtime holiday spirit expert with over 6 years at the shop. For Maggy, shopping downtown during the holidays is all about the unique blend of community and local businesses. With families browsing the shops and neighbors bumping into each other, the festive atmosphere makes gift-hunting a special experience. Her advice? Let the perfect gift find you as you explore the wonderful local shops!

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“This year, we have our customer favorite ‘The Tinned Fish Candle’ in two special holiday scents. They look so cute and smell even more festive.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about Revival at the holidays is the customers. We say it all the time, but we really have some of the kindest customers around and this really shines at the holidays. The customers bring an infectious energy to the store and make our jobs so easy. People are happy to be out shopping for people they love, and we’re lucky we get to help them find perfect gifts.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“There are two weekends that are so fun to work at the store. Right after school lets out and all the students are shopping with their families—the vibes are amazing and the energy is so high. I also love the week between Christmas and New Year’s at the shop—people are home for the holidays and excited to be back to catch up with friends and family.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“If you come into Revival and Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas is playing—it’s probably me working the floor.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“I’m originally from St. Louis, so I travel home for the holidays, and when I’m there all my retail friends from jobs past get together and have an ‘end of the season’ night, which I love!”

It’s the last weekend to catch Santa and enjoy a

It’s the last weekend to catch Santa and enjoy a festive Tractor Wagon Ride around downtown. These fun, free activities are the perfect way to celebrate the season with your family.

🎅 Santa’s making his final stop this weekend to spread some holiday cheer. Kids can drop off their wishlists, snap a FREE photo with Santa, and get in the holiday spirit before he heads back to the North Pole!

📍 The Chauncey with @icfilmscene & @sparemeic
📅 Saturday, Dec 21 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

🚜 Tractor Wagon Rides – DOUBLE the fun! Hop on a decorated wagon and enjoy a FREE whimsical ride through downtown! Cozy up with a blanket and enjoy a candy cane

– Today - Friday, Dec 20: Noon - 5:00 PM at Washington St. in front of @daydreamscomics
– Saturday, Dec 21: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at @hillsbank

Don’t miss out on the holiday magic—bring your family and make this weekend extra special!

Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowac

Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowacity and one of the original team members who helped bring this Fair Trade treasure to Iowa City. Her passion for helping customers discover meaningful gifts that tell stories from around the world and sharing the shop’s mission make shopping there a special experience.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about working during the holidays is…everything! It’s my favorite time of year. Being surrounded by such beautiful handcrafted goods, knowing that each piece was lovingly made and fairly paid for, makes each day working here a joy, no matter what time of year. I always tell people it’s one of my “happy places”. How often do people get to say that about their job?”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“The ornaments! We have so many beautiful, handcrafted ornaments made by Artisans from all over the world, and from a wide variety of materials - gourd, felt, capiz shell, olive wood, glass, etc. I’m always excited to see what new ones come out each year. Their craftsmanship and creativity always leave me in awe.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“I love it when a customer finds the perfect gift for someone - even if sometimes they’re with that person! This gives us the opportunity to really feel like one of Santa’s elves. When they bring up the item and hand it to you quickly and discreetly across the counter - you know that your job is to quickly ring it up and secretly tuck it away into the bag before their friend notices. I love being a small part of the surprise.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹?
“ICDD really helps coordinate the most festive holiday experience for all the local businesses downtown. From the ‘Tis the Season Kickoff until New Year’s Eve, there is SO MUCH HAPPENING! Hunt for the Elves, Holiday Open House, trolley rides, and more. It’s always fun to see groups of families and friends take that perfect holiday photo with @benosflowers arch at the pop-up shops right outside our window.”

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