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Frankie Schneckloth gave us a sneak peek at where

Frankie Schneckloth gave us a sneak peek at where she’s shopping downtown this holiday season. @fjs222 also gave us an inside look at the recommendations she made for a staff picks gift guide at @velvetcoat.

“I really value the effort our retailers put into curating their shops. I get so excited when I find something that I've had my eye on from MoMA at @akardesignstore or a specialty food item I've seen in a magazine that shows up at the @breadgardenmarket. It's nice to be able to purchase it locally and be able to pick it up and look at it.”

“I love @blickartmaterials. As someone who likes to create and make things, I have no trouble filling a shopping basket with goodies there, especially with items that will help with my handmade gifts. I have been dyeing socks the last few years to give as gifts and they have a great selection of fabric dyes that would round out my supply shelf nicely. My husband loves to draw and paint so it's easy to shop for him too.”

“A few years back I started gifting my family books to open on Christmas Eve after I read about the Icelandic tradition ‘Jolabokkaflod’ meaning Christmas Book Flood. I thoroughly appreciate the sentiment of gifting books this time of year, so I've adopted the practice. I can always find something for every reader on my list at @prairielightsbooks. I usually spend quite a bit of time in the children's section nostalgically browsing and looking for sweet titles for my son and nephew. George is currently a big fan of @harrystyles so he would get a kick out of this. I also make sure to see what new cookbooks they have. Their recommendations have been some of my favorites.”

"My first pick for the gift guide was a Pascale Monvoisin single fish earring. I love that you can purchase them individually so they can be mixed and matched into your jewelry lineup. I also chose Hansel from Basel socks. I have so many pairs. I love the sheerness, the patterns, and the slight sheen on the solid colors. They are a great stocking stuffer or little addition to round out a gift. There’s also an outrageous pair of shearling Birkenstocks—supreme comfort and totally cozy at the same time.”

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #gifts

Tammie Walker is another one of our featured downt

Tammie Walker is another one of our featured downtown holiday shoppers and a neighbor from the University of Iowa. See where she’s shopping this holiday season and what gifts she has her eye on from downtown.

“@akardesignstore has incredible one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends! We have purchased their Iowa City map glassware as retirement gifts for our School of Music faculty over the past couple of years, and I can always find something special for any occasion. There's also something very special about the vibe of a "corner store" with so much natural light... it's always an enjoyable experience to spend time at AKAR, especially around the holidays.”

“@prairiekitchenstore and RSVP never disappoint in having something truly unique to give as a gift. Be it a beautiful bowl, olive oil, the kitchen gadget you never knew you needed, or a truly one-of-a-kind stationary item, these two stores always have something special.”

“@prairielightsbooks is always a perfect choice. And I really enjoy the pop-ups… most recently, I was excited to see @westmusiccompany occupying the space. Check them out and buy the perfect musical gift for your friends and family!”

“I'm buying myself time this year. Coffee shops and concert tickets... two things that make life worth living.”

“It is so important to support small businesses and our downtown. As someone who works downtown every day, I so appreciate the energy our downtown businesses bring. When we are promoting the University, we are promoting the downtown area - we are so fortunate to be so intertwined.”

“@raygunshirts never disappoints in having the perfect T-shirt in the window at the perfect time.”

#DowntownIowaCity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #shopsmall #thisisiowa #holidays #holidayshopping #tistheseason #supportlocal

Wondering where to shop this holiday season? Look

Wondering where to shop this holiday season? Look no further than Downtown Iowa City, which boasts a collection of unique shops and boutiques that make it the ultimate holiday shopping destination. Whether you’re in search of shoes, books, jewelry, makeup, art, or greeting cards, our stores have the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #thisisiowa #holidays #gifts #holidayshopping #tistheseason #shopsmall #smallbusiness

Thanks to our friend Manny Galvez, we got to hear

Thanks to our friend Manny Galvez, we got to hear about a few more stores in our downtown that offer some of the best gifts. See what @truequeiowa has to say about where he enjoys shopping downtown for the holidays and why he continues to support his favorite downtown businesses.

“For the holidays this year, I'm considering a few specific items. Firstly, I'm interested in purchasing some tasty cooking oil from the Middle East which is known for its rich flavors and health benefits. The olive oil can add a unique taste to holiday cooking and is a great addition to the kitchen. Additionally, I'm looking to refresh the ambiance of my living space and embrace the festive spirit with some new seasonal home decor.”

“@omgiftsiowa is a haven for unique, holistic gifts, ranging from jewelry to wellness products. It features a diverse array of handmade items from around the globe, celebrating global artisan craftsmanship and cultural diversity.”

“At @villages_iowacity, every item is ethically sourced, contributing to fair trade and supporting artisans worldwide. This store is more than a retail space; it's a platform for economic justice, empowering global artisans and providing high-quality, durable products.”

“Shopping at these stores is not just about finding unique items; it's a meaningful journey that supports ethical practices, artisanal skills, and cultural diversity, enriching both your life and those of the artisans.”

“Something that you can not find anywhere else is that the Ped Mall provides a vibrant community atmosphere. It's a place where locals gather, creating a sense of community and belonging. This social aspect can make shopping a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience while also boosting the local economy. Money spent at local businesses tends to stay within the community, supporting local job creation and fostering economic growth.”

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #traveliowa #thisisiowa #thinkiowacity #gifts #holiday #tistheseason #happyholidays

@austinkorns took some time out of his day to meet

@austinkorns took some time out of his day to meet us at a few downtown stores to shop for the holidays. He is excited to shop for the newest member of his family and get his son Macintyre a few new toys and clothes from @223babyco this year.

“Each year I look forward to @fontenellesupplyco coming to the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market which brings a variety of vendors and fun way to shop for the holidays. It seems like I end up with a new sweater or flannel from them each year they pop up in the Ped Mall. I got one of my favorite sweaters when they were in town last year.”

“@revivaliowacity is perfect when it's time to get something for my wife. They always have great new stuff and you can find really nice used brands as well.”

“I love that I can walk from work and get everything I need for so many different people in my life. Working downtown around all these great shops makes it all so much easier and supporting local businesses makes it all the better.”

“I will surely head to @prairiekitchenstore for stocking stuffers, @brixiowacity for a bottle of wine, and @johnsgrocery for some nice bourbon. I will definitely make my way over to @rec_collect and @prairielightsbooks as well to get something for my friends... and a few records for myself.”

#DowntownIowaCity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #holidays #holidayshopping #gifts #supportlocal #shopsmall #tistheseaon #happyholidays

3 new shops have joined us in the Holiday Pop-Up M

3 new shops have joined us in the Holiday Pop-Up Market. West Music and the ICDD Basket Boutique will be open through Wednesday with Ulysses Modern until Sunday!

🛍️ @westmusiccompany - The Coralville West Music store has been servicing the Coralville and Iowa City area for over 50 years! Stop by to pick up gifts and stocking stuffers for all the musicians and music lovers on your list. Fender Squire Guitar Packs, Remo Kids Djembe Drums, Casio CT-S1 Keyboards, Ukuleles, and other fun gift items.

🛍️ @ulyssesmodern - Discover a selection of high-end Midcentury Modern furnishings and vintage streetwear apparel. The pop-up will have a curated selection of vintage housewares, clothing, and art perfect for gifting. Maybe even bring a piece of furniture or two! Bring your friends and family, meet the owners, and come find out what Ulysses is all about!

🛍️ ICDD Basket Boutique - Who doesn’t love a good gift basket!? Come shop a selection of handmade gift baskets from our downtown shops. There’s Iowa-themed baskets, holiday decor baskets, stationary-lovers baskets, cozy socks, hot sauce, and more!

We had a great time meeting up with Shereena Honar

We had a great time meeting up with Shereena Honary to talk about the holidays downtown. @shereenarae gave us an inside look at her go-to spots for shopping and some gifts she’s picking out for her loved ones this year.

“To me, the holidays are about giving back, and Ten Thousand Villages is not only a way to give back by supporting a locally-owned business, but also by empowering artisans from communities from all over the globe who need it most. The products are eco-friendly & and fair trade, which all align with my values to be as conscious as possible in my purchasing. It feels great knowing I play a small role in making an impact and supporting this mission each time I shop here.”

“This year I have my eye on some beautiful woven baskets from @villages_iowacity, Iowa City. I'm planning to get a book on mushroom foraging from @prairielightsbooks for a good friend, and a deck of animal oracle cards from @omgiftsiowa for my sister that I think she'll love!”

“Shopping downtown is a whole experience. Everything is within walking distance and there are plenty of restaurants or cafes interspersed between the shops. It’s a great way to connect with friends or to spend the day by yourself.”

“My go-to spot for gemstones is the Museum of Natural History! Pulse they have a variety of animal toys and books for kids. Everyone always loves the adorable Baby Rusty Sloth plushie.” @pentacrest.museums

“I believe it’s important to support local because these businesses are run by people who genuinely care about our community. They will likely become your friends, colleagues, and neighbors if you live here long enough, and will go out of their way to get to know you. Our downtown shops are truly like family, and that’s always worth supporting.”

#downtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #happyholidays #holidayshopping #gifts #iowacity #traveliowa #shopsmall #supportlocal

Hop on a tractor wagon ride through downtown this

Hop on a tractor wagon ride through downtown this Saturday at @hillsbank. Rides are every 15 minutes from 10am - 4pm with cozy blankets, jingle bells, and candy canes.

This Saturday will have a few special guests including one of Santa’s elves and Olaf! @dunkiniowacity will join us to start the morning and welcome riders with donuts. Carolers from @old_gold_uiowa will perform in the afternoon around 1 and 2pm. Come take in all of the sights and sounds of downtown!

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #thisisiowa #holidays #tractor #tistheseason

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