On the first day of the month, have you ever heard someone say 'White rabbit'? According to…read moresuperstition, doing so gives you good luck. Well, this Iowa City gem will also give you good luck when it comes to finding gifts for friends, loved ones or yourself. It has so many locally made trinkets and treasures. There is new and old clothing. There is jewelry, accessories, mugs, candles, bath salts, cocktail infusion kits, art, cards, stickers, ornaments, coffee and more! It has something for everyone. Don't just take my word for it. My seven year old daughter, Cora, says this is where 'she finds ALLLLL her mom's favorite gifts.' (And she's not wrong.) I popped on to online shop on Small Business Saturday. I was in luck! 20% off the entire store. Score! I went and loaded my cart with Wake Up Iowa Coffee for my husband and a coworker. (If you haven't had this locally made brew-- do yourself a favor and get a bag.) I also snagged a Practical Magic Apothecary 'Holiday Cocktail' kit. I can't wait to serve it up this holiday season -- how does a mule with hibiscus, blood orange, cinnamon, cardamom and festive spices sound?! White Rabbit ships nationally ($5 flat fee!) and has free in-store pickup for you locals out there. White Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit! No matter if it is the first of the month or not, you'll feel lucky supporting this local, women-owned biz.

This place is the bee's knees. Could shop here for hours. So many cute things - clothes,…read moreaccessories, home decor, body and self care, thrifted pieces, and even some treats for your feline fam. Also, follow them on Instagram -- they often do a story shopping - meaning they post on their story, if you want it - you message them and like magic, it is yours (of course once you pay online)! They'll ship it to you or you can opt to pick up in store! So many great finds and they are considerate to limit the number of people in store, due to Covid-19. Appreciate that!

Catherine's 'Break the Internet Sale' simply put, was absolutely sublime…read more I'm all for shopping local. But I'm also a fan of sales and online shopping. Alas, Catherine's has an online store! Boom. I popped on to peruse shirts, pants, hats, cashmere, necklaces and more. Ultimately, I found gifts for the man in my life. Who knew? While Catherine's is primarily a women's boutique-- they do have some quality items for men. I ordered. And had it delivered for free on my door step mere days later. Catherine has got it going on. Check her out online if you're not able to swing by the store! https://catherinesic.com/

Great stuff good fashion and the staff is helpful. I often finds there for gifts as wellread more

"I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist." -- said every customer of Velvet Coat…read more Jokes aside, Velvet Coat has been a fixture in the downtown district for nearly two decades. Loyal clients. High quality women's apparel and shoes. A GORGEOUS, light and bright store. And friendly, kind service. To be honest, the high price tag most of their items have is a bit out of my budget. And with over half a dozen other women's boutiques in the area, I'd probably choose to shop at any of them. BUT I appreciate what this women-owned shop brings to Iowa City. Upscale goods not offered elsewhere in the area and a pleasant shopping experience. This is one of two locations in the state of Iowa (the other is in DSM.) If you're in need of women's apparel that is unique to the area and don't mind spending a bit more for it-- come shop local at Velvet Coat. It's approachable and fashionable! And probably is cheaper than a psychiatrist.

I bought some earrings that almost immediately had problems--the finish started pealing off…read more They have a "no return" policy. Most reasonable businesses do not want to sell you a faulty product. So, I called and they indeed offered exchange/credit. No problems with that, they seemed happy to help. The pair I got instead had no issues.

Great clothing selection! I just discovered this store and I will definitely be back.read more

From the owner: Women's clothing, shoe, and accessory boutiqueread more

The epitome of local…read more The business has been in the family since the first opened in Albia, Iowa in 1868. But this downtown location has lived here since 1915- four generations later. Anytime I have needed men's formal wear or someone I know has stopped in the shop-- it has been enjoyable. More than likely you'll be greeted by the co-owners themselves-- brothers, Bob and Bill. They have four floors of men's clothings and shoes, including Big and Tall sizes. When I got married I wanted something stylish and sleek that wouldn't put my newly graduated college friends MORE in debt. Ewers worked with me on colors, style and pricing. I've had extremely tall friends and family go to Ewers -- leaving with a smile and just what they came in looking for. Dress pants and shirts, suit coats, ties, shoes and other accessories. If you need them, they've got them! Shop local at Ewers.

Ewers is a terrific place if you need a suit. Custom fit rapid turnaround and saved over $200 from…read morethe department store stores.

Maker to market. Shop gifts intentionally--…read morehandmade, ethical. During these unprecedented times, I find myself thinking more and more about how I spend my family's hard earned dollar. Ten Thousand Villages is a fabulous retail spot to support. While the store has over a hundred locations in North America-- they do fair trade right. Every handmade purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker in a developing country. I hopped on their site one day during quarantine to shop with my mom in mind. The site is so, SO easy to navigate. There's a Gift Finder tab that I found extremely helpful. I opted for the Recycled Sari Flowers. No two flowers are entirely alike due to them recycling fabric. They were made in Bangladesh. (My mom does NOT have a green thumb. I feel like fabric flowers will be welcomed.) On the site, you get to see a blurb about the maker of each item. It makes you feel good to see who you're supporting with your purchase. Shop Ten Thousand Villages for any gift giving you may have. Whether it is during social distancing on their site, or at their store in the ped-mall. It is a literal treasure trove.

Non profit 100% free trade…read moreThey bring in products from over 30 countries Street parking and walk into peddlers area Great unique gifts Ornaments, jewelry, home decor, scarves stuffed animals Moderate price

Gosh. I am not sure there is anything I enjoy more than a good sale. Well... besides maybe online…read moreshopping while binge watching a show in my PJs? Oh, and of course shopping local! Enter the pandemic. If there is one positive that came out of the pandemic, it is that so many of my favorite downtown shops now have an online store! I was perusing Textile's Winter Clearance sale... and of course found items (at a whopping 80% off?!?!) I got a scarf and some gloves. I paid via PayPal. And a mere two business days later Iowa City Downtown District delivered my purchase to my doorstep... for free. A win all around. If you're looking for quality women's clothes, unique jewelry, fun handbags or stylin shoes stop by this local, women-owned biz. Whether that be IRL or online! (https://textilesic.com/)

Textiles has long been one of my go-to stops when I'm looking for a unique gift for a friend or…read morefamily member. I first wandered into this lovely shop with my mother while I was an undergraduate student, and it's become kind of a mother-daughter tradition ever since! They have a great selection of women's clothing that's appropriate for people of all ages, and a really great selection of designer jewelry and accessories that make for great gifts. Over the years, I've purchased a few "Hobo" wallets, some really adorable necklaces, and, one of my favorite clothing items which is a pair of black leggings that are attached to a skirt - most comfortable thing, ever, EVER! The women who work here are incredibly nice and helpful, and it's always a fun experience when I go in to pick out something for someone else. Love this place.

This place is dangerously good…read more So many fabulous and unique finds - women owned business that consistently gets new things in, while also selling vintage pieces. During Covid-19, they really upped their social media game and have (almost) daily story sales -- comment sold w/ email, they send invoice and you pay, then pick it up at your convenience. Often times, this is where you'll see vintage/used furniture and it sells fast! It's more county chic vibes so if that's up your alley, run to this store. I've gotten many a gifts and even picked up a few things for my own home. They also have a small curated clothing section.

The Shop IC has a fun, quirky little shop. They have a bit of everything from clothing to home…read moredecor and a unique selection of Hawkeye fan gear!

I love, love, love this Blue Haven in Red Iowa…read more Thank you Raygun for keeping our hope and sense of humor alive! I can never leave this fun store without a tshirt, magnet, postcard, etc. The staff is wonderfully sassy and helpful and I always leave feeling like a valued patron. The prices are competitive. Even if it was high, I would support this inclusive, brave store!!!!

Since my first "punting is winning T-shirt," these people never disappoint. With the protest…read moremovement and all the resistance going on, if you're not a MAGA person, you will love this store - from the "we're all going to die "Joni Earnst T-shirts, to the kitty pew pew's and anti-fascism stuff, you will find a great look for the next protest. Vee MAGA people can get hawk gear so it's very inclusive. See MAGA you're Joe forgotten . The cotton is very good and shirts range from $20-$30