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Meet Chris – a welcoming and passionate Store As

Meet Chris – a welcoming and passionate Store Associate & Culinary Guide from @prairiekitchenstore. For the past three years, he’s enjoyed connecting with fellow food enthusiasts, sharing his culinary expertise, and helping customers discover the joy of cooking, especially during the holidays.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“I love seeing little ones come into Prairie Kitchen holding their Elf Hunt cards searching for the hidden elf in the store. I also enjoy giving impromptu ‘Holiday Cat Tours’ through the store — we carry a multitude of ‘Cat-Themed’ items (Mugs, Cookie Jars, Hot Pads, Tea Towels, Chopstick rests, and much more), especially around the holidays!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I like to recommend products I’ve used to create special memories with our grandsons — like a First Chef’s Knife, Frosting Balls, and Whirly-pop corn poppers. Each of these items has helped build skills and create cherished moments in the kitchen with my family!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“My wife and I LOVE taking our grandsons Christmas present shopping for their parents and siblings. Over the years the boys have bought some truly unique gifts... And their excitement in finding the perfect item is, as they say, Priceless.”

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“As a senior, I regularly recommend ‘Consumables’ as a great gift idea for parents and grandparents. Many of us already have all the kitchen equipment and decor items we need. A gift item that complements our favorite dishes (Olive Oils, Salts), exposes us to a new flavor (Spice Rubs, Smoked Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegars), or just a decadent little treat (Chocolates, Coffee, Teas) always makes a welcome gift.”

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop, st

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop, stroll, and discover something new in downtown. With fresh arrivals hitting shelves every week, there’s always a reason to check back and find that just right gift for everyone on your list.

From local favorites to unique surprises, our 2024 Downtown Holiday Gift Guide is packed with inspiration for all your holiday needs. Whether it’s a cozy treat for yourself or a special present for a loved one, the constantly changing selection downtown guarantees you’ll uncover something memorable.

Shop the gift guide at the link in our bio.

Ready to track down some holiday mischief? Join th

Ready to track down some holiday mischief? Join the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, a free kid-frienldy scavenger hunt where over 50 elves are hiding in our downtown shops and businesses.

Print your own or pick up an elf card at the ICPL or Iowa Book to see where they are hiding. Once you find an elf, get your card stamped with the elf’s name. After finding at least 10 elves, turn in your completed card to ICPL or Iowa Book for a small prize and be entered in a drawing to win the grand prize basket!

It’s the perfect way to get the kids out of the house, enjoy some holiday fun, and sneak in a little shopping!

Meet Alea – the Store Manager at @akardesignstor

Meet Alea – the Store Manager at @akardesignstore for the last 8 years. Her passion for curating the perfect gift and helping customers find something meaningful is what makes her an essential part of Akar’s holiday magic. Alea’s art is featured in the shop, adding a personal touch to the unique finds.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“I love the holidays at AKAR for the unique gifts and our wrapping style! Our store owner Jigna does such an amazing job with finding new lines and the best products. I get so many of my gifts here now too. It’s a joy when folks come back year after year for the same reasons.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“One of my favorites is a recurring one that happens every year! We often have a new style of light-up tree, and within minutes of putting them on display at the start of the season, they catch someone’s eye and sell right away! It is so satisfying to have a display I put up be something that someone wants to take home to light up their lives.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“We have a couple of puzzle and game lines that I always love to steer folks towards as gifts and as family activities. Doing a pretty, snowy puzzle at Christmas or sitting around the table after Thanksgiving with a conversation game are things that I love facilitating.”

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩:
“If It Doesn’t Snow On Christmas Day” by Gene Autry

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“I always suggest you set aside a couple of different downtown days to shop during the holidays. I know that we’re getting a few new things every week, and from one week to the next, it might make a difference for the perfect fit.”

Meet Ann. She has been a part-time Sales Associate

Meet Ann. She has been a part-time Sales Associate at @textilesinc for an incredible 15 years. Her passion for style and her connection with customers make her a beloved part of the shop and the downtown retail community. Let’s get to know her a little better and hear about some of her favorite downtown memories during the holidays:

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“We have, ‘hands down’ the best selection of beautiful colorful scarves in stock right now. Each year, the scarves are selected in India and brought home by our owner. Come take a look!”

“Ritu, our owner, and a talented fabric artist, introduces unique, one-of-a-kind items each year. This season, along with our signature eco-print scarves, we’re excited to offer beautiful tableware, including table runners, coasters, trivets, and distinctive clothing pieces. These items, made from natural fibers like silk and imprinted with leaves, are truly special and thoughtfully priced. They’re some of the most unique and meaningful gifts we’ve ever had!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“The holiday season that stands out the most to me was a number of years ago when the Downtown District invited knitters from the community to create scarves for the trees in the Ped Mall and around the city. It was such a beautiful project, and even our owner joined in. Each knitter took responsibility for a tree, wrapping it in vibrant, handmade scarves. The result was stunning—colorful, community-crafted, and heartwarming. Seeing how much residents and visitors loved it made me so proud to be part of downtown Iowa City.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I love the classics. We use the Pandora app to pick a song list, but, if I hear “Alvin and the Chipmunks” starting.... I go running!”

Santa is making another trip from the North Pole t

Santa is making another trip from the North Pole to downtown this Saturday! Families and kids are invited to meet the jolly man himself, snap free photos, and drop off letters and wishlists. He’ll be spreading cheer at the Chauncey with @icfilmscene and @sparemeic from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

After your visit with Santa, enjoy the festive sights and sounds of downtown with a FREE Tractor Wagon Ride! Rides are available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting at @hillsbank. Snuggle up with cozy blankets, enjoy a candy cane, and take in the holiday magic.

With only three weekends left and warmer weather in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to gather the family for a fun-filled day in Downtown Iowa City. Don’t miss out!

This season, we’re shining a light on the incred

This season, we’re shining a light on the incredible employees who make holiday shopping downtown so special. From helping you find the perfect gift to spreading cheer with every interaction, these are the faces behind the magic.

Say hello to Christina, a Floral Associate from @willowandstock, and hear about some of her favorites during the holiday season:

Favorite part about working at the shop during the holidays:
“Decorating or making fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands—they smell INCREDIBLE and get us all in the spirit! I also love asking customers about the folks they’re shopping for and getting to know them and their families.”

Favorite gift in the shop:
“The curated gift baskets that come with a fresh floral bouquet, a bottle of wine from @brixiowacity, and yummy additions for the coziest afternoon or evening at home.”

Favorite holiday memory at the shop:
“We sell real mistletoe! We have fresh and felt, but I had never seen it live before! It really sets such a classic holiday mood. (But ironically, mistletoe is toxic, so beware!)”

Favorite holiday tradition:
“Making mulled wine and creating elaborate, oversized bows for wrapped gifts.”

Stay tuned to meet more of the hardworking, passionate individuals who bring the holiday spirit to life in our local shops.

– Give the Gift of Downtown Iowa City – This

– Give the Gift of Downtown Iowa City –

This holiday season, make gift-giving a breeze with the Iowa City Downtown District Gift Card. It’s the perfect gift that supports the local business community and gives the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they want.

Whether they want to enjoy a delicious meal, a shopping spree, stay the night, or catch a live show, this card can do it all! Accepted at over 160 businesses in the Downtown and Northside neighborhoods, it’s the one-size-fits-all gift that never goes out of style.

Purchase online at the link in our bio or in person at @midwestone, @englerttheatre, or the Iowa City Downtown District office, and start spreading the holiday cheer today! 🎁✨

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