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HOLIDAY MARKET AT THE ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER

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Dec 2023

Sat 16

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Featured HOLIDAY MARKET AT THE ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER

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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

Find some inspiration for everyone on your list wi

Find some inspiration for everyone on your list with the 2023 Downtown Iowa City Gift Guide.

The guide offers a seasonal glimpse at some of downtown’s finest gifts from your favorite small, independent businesses. Here’s a look at just some of the many featured items.

Whether you explore these unique finds online or visit the stores in person, you'll encounter an extensive array of fantastic merchandise and offerings.

www.issuu.com/downtowniowacity.com/docs/lookbook

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #gifts #giftguide #downtown #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #shoplocal #tistheseason

Theo is ready to start his holiday shopping! He lo

Theo is ready to start his holiday shopping! He loves adventuring downtown through the stores to find the perfect gifts. This year he is excited to shop for his mom and little brother at @akardesignstore, his dad at @raygunshirts, # and his best friends from school at @daydreamscomics.

"My friend Ozzie and my other friend Mack love Scooby-Doo. I'm going to get them books at the comic book store just like Sheldon on Big Bang. They are going to LOVE it!”

"My dada loves cats. He's going to think these are so funny. I'm going shopping for my mommy and little brother too. She loves buying things here. She always gets me fun toys from here and I think my brother will like them too.”

"My favorite store is the candy store @sweetsandtreatsic, but I also like @prairielightsbooks where I can pick out books. Harry Potter is my favorite.”

#downtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #tistheseason #holidays #gifts #holidayshopping #comics

Six new local shops are joining us at the Downtown

Six new local shops are joining us at the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market this week! Visit the shops from 11am - 7pm to shop sneakers, jewelry, candles, socks, and more gifts.

Monday - Wednesday:

- @viceiowacity - premier shop for sneakers, streetwear, and vintage clothing with rotating deals and Supreme accessories

- @shopstrawberrylane - handmade jewelry, cups, shirts, hair accessories, keychains, and more

- Sock Shop - cozy boutique dedicated to the art of foot comfort and style with an array of different socks from downtown retailers

#dowtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #iowacity #holidays #popupshop #thisisiowa #tistheseason #gifts

“You can always find something unique and unexpe

“You can always find something unique and unexpected at Artifacts. It’s all about the thrill of the hunt when you go to a thrift store. You never know what fun item you’ll discover next." - @nkaeding

See where Nate Kaeding likes shopping for gifts downtown. Two of his favorite places during the holidays are @artifactsiowacity and @johnsgrocery.

"We make sure to stock up on wine from John's Grocery. With a big family at home...sometimes you need those extra libations to get through the holidays! Plus, I can treat myself to a rare bottle of whiskey I can't find anywhere else."

“Downtown is always fun for last-minute shopping and the full experience. You can grab a cup of coffee, walk store-to-store, and have a great meal afterward.”

“I lean on an assist from Catherine and Kara on something nice for my wife from @catherinesboutique. And they get bonus points for doing the gift wrapping!”

“@prairielightsbooks never fails for a unique book to accompany some larger gifts. I often stumble upon a new title that they've curated that I hadn't heard about before.”

#thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #downtowniowacity #iowacity #tistheseason #happyholidays #iowacity #gifts #thrifting

This week we got to hear from Tony Branch about wh

This week we got to hear from Tony Branch about where he’s shopping for the holidays. Iowa Artisans Gallery is at the top of his list for his must-get gifts.

@iowaartisansgallery is known for its dedication to showcasing handmade, local artwork from intricate ceramics and unique jewelry to vibrant paintings and home decor. Tony appreciates the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into each piece making them the perfect one-of-a-kind gift.

@blk_tony said he would be picking out some jewelry from the store for his wife this year. She enjoys its stylistic appeal and is always surprised by each gift. It's the kind of gift that makes you excited to give someone and see their reaction. Knowing it's made by hand, right here in Iowa, adds an extra layer of meaning.

There’s a wide selection of locally crafted necklaces, earrings, and bracelets reflecting the creativity and skill of the artisans. With modern and minimalist designs to more intricate and bohemian pieces, each product has its own story and the knowledgeable staff is there to help. Whether it's a contemporary look or something with a bit of vintage charm, there's always something that matches the personality of who you’re getting gitfs for.

#downtowniowacity #tistheseason #gifts #happyholidays #shoplocal #giftgivingseason #thisisiowa #thinkiowacity #happyholidays #art #artisans #localart

Stacey Houseman is shopping through downtown this

Stacey Houseman is shopping through downtown this holiday season. For her, the atmosphere and ambiance the downtown businesses and community curate help make holiday shopping feel extra special just like a hallmark movie.

One of her favorite stores to visit during the holidays is @revivaliowacity. @staceyhouseman says you can’t beat all of their unique options with the resale clothing that helps you find one-of-a-kind items no one else in the area will have. It’s sustainable and gives a second life to apparel.

Every year she makes sure to get a new hat and set of gloves to keep warm. She received an amazing cashmere hat as a gift from @catherinesboutique years ago and always gets compliments when she wears it every winter.

Her go-to shops for local gifts are @revivaliowacity for shoes, sweaters at @catherinesboutique, kitchenware at @prairiekitchenstore, and @theshopiowacity.

Stay tuned to see which downtown holiday shopper we will hear from next!

#downtowniowacity #tistheseason #gifts #happyholidays #shoplocal #giftgivingseason #thisisiowa #thinkiowacity #happyholidays

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