Charles Mayer & Company has a long history in Indianapolis including 20+ years in its current…read morelocation at 56th and Illinois Street. Charles Mayer & Company is a "gift shop," though likely not in the fashion you're thinking. If your primary thought is "I'm on a budget," then Charles Mayer & Company is likely not going to be your first destination. This is a "premium" gift shop offering home decor, tableware, books, frames, candles/fragrance, linen, jewelry, fashion, decor, baby items and more. Charles Mayer & Company began in downtown Indy in 1840. Charles Mayer immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 19. It grew into a five-story building and operated until 1954 when its inventory was sold to L.S. Ayres. The building was then razed in 1959. Fast forward. In 1992, Claudia Ryan decided to revive the story alongside her husband, Tim. Tim just happens to be a maternal great-great grandson of Charles Mayer. A new tradition was born inside this store on the northside intentionally designed to resemble a home. It's also, much to my surprise, more accessible than I expected - though, given the price of some of its items I'll openly admit this is one store where I'm super cautious. Somewhat ironically, Ryan is also a former VP of Fashion Merchandising for L.S. Ayres. So, a few things here. First off, the customer service is impeccable. If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a slob. Hey, it's true. You can say it. I don't exactly radiate the vibe of being someone who's going to enter your store and spend a lot of cash. So, I'm always a little impressed when I enter a more luxe store and am treated well. At one point, for example, I wrote about the fact that I'd gone through the former Saks Fifth Avenue, not particularly dressed well but with cash in hand, and was completely ignored. That doesn't happen here. This is a neat little corner - you're talking places like Kids Ink, Byrne's Grilled Pizza, an art gallery, a butcher and more. It's quite cool. Charles Mayer & Company feels natural here and really fits in with the vibe of the area. The people were friendly. The store is surprisingly accessible. The selection is remarkable - I'm particularly dazzled by the MOVA Globes. While not everything on the website is in-store at all times, it seems like they can usually get it and in a pretty timely manner. Have you ever wanted a $145 designer fire extinguisher? They have them here (and they are incredible). This place is completely dazzling. However, again, it's definitely a more luxe gift shop. If you're looking for a gift on the finer side, this is definitely a place to check out.

I ordered a particular item for my wife as a Christmas present from their website. It turned out…read morethat the item was not in stock. An exceptionally helpful and friendly person made multiple attempts to contact me and was able to find the specific item I was looking for in a slightly different color that still fit in with the decor I was trying to match and which would still get to me in time to be under the tree. Even though it wasn't a big ticket item, Charles Mayer & Company made me feel like I was their most important customer.

Last year on a cold winter day we stumbled on this place while eating at Liter House. It is a…read morelittle kept secret... a true gem! We now check it out on a regular basis and always find some unique items. Prices are excellent, especially when compared to other vintage shops. The true treasure of the sho are the people that run it. They are so delightful and always make you feel welcome. Many times they have helped add to a collection by offering suggestions and remembering us when we came in. Though we don't always buy something we always learn something. Their knowledge and helpfulness is fantastic. I appreciate all the unique serving pieces and kitchen things available. My husband loves the record collection. Give this place a try... Parking can be utilized on either side of the building. You will have to look for it the first time but it is easy if you look for the grey building next to Liter House.

We went to see about a 1960s German China set that was purchased by my mom when stationed in…read moreGermany. Bone white with a simple platinum ring, complete settings and all the extras for setting a great looking special table. This was the perfect spot to display and sell our tableware. . The variety and quality of the other items (collectible posters, art, home decor, even pet clothes) are superb. We enjoyed visiting with nice lady working there very much. We will go back next trip to the next door eating location. Thanks

We recently discovered this cute little gift shop and it's such a charming spot! They carry a…read morevariety of unique items that make for great gift ideas--it was honestly tempting not to walk out with the entire store. Everything is very well-organized and thoughtfully laid out, which makes shopping easy and enjoyable. On the flip side, the staff could be a bit more attentive. When we walked in, we weren't greeted, and the employees continued their conversation instead of checking if we needed assistance. Even as we browsed, no one offered help. That said, my son loved the selection and ended up picking out a wooden vehicle as a keepsake, which made the visit special. The prices are fair for a privately-owned shop, though you may find some of the same items online for less. Still for the experience and the unique finds it's definitely worth a visit.

I love coming in here. I always find something I "need" or a gift. They have a great selection…read moreof items. Staff has always been friendly when I go in.

Not only will you find the most unique and one-of-a-kind gifts in this adorable little boutique on…read moreIndy's northeast side of town, but you will receive the most competent and gracious customer service there is to be had. Recently I needed to purchase some of the AmbreEssence products they carry-only to be disappointed that the product I needed was not in stock. But disappoinment quickly faded, as Amy kindly and helpfully made a phone call and was able to procure the product from the local company all in the same afternoon. Outstanding! And if you are lucky enough to visit on doughnut day-well you will be in for a surprise, because nice things happen on doughnut days!! Thank you Twisted Sisters! www.twistedsistersindy.com

Great locally owned store with a wonderful selection of gifts including jewelry, accessories, items…read morefor your home and so much more!

I'm OBSESSED with this cute little shop on Mass Ave. I've lived downtown for the last 5 years, and…read moream kicking myself for taking so long to visit this place. It truly is a treat to explore this homey little shop. Decorate has tons of cute housewares, candles, decor, jewelry, kitchen accessories, etc. My favorite collection of items Decorate regularly stocks is their Indianapolis neighborhood gifts -pillows, candles, glassware, and more items specific to Indianapolis, and even some specific neighborhoods (ex. Bates-Hendrix, Butler Tarkington, Meridian Kessler, Fountain Square etc.). The neighborhood candles are probably my favorite because they offer a great variety, each neighborhood has their own unique scent, and they make awesome house warming gifts. Even though the actual shop isn't very big, the variety of items is vast, and everything in the shop is carefully selected and laid out. I've always felt that everything I've bought from Decorate is unique and different than anything I've seen in similar shops. They also have the cutest seasonal items, so if you're looking for a gift for a specific holiday or time of year, you'll have plenty to choose from. PRO TIP: they usually have a selection of sale items available in store, so definitely make it a priority to stop in and shop. I promise you won't regret it.

Super cute shop on Mass Ave. They specialize in home decor. If. You want something with a Hoosier…read morevibe this is your place. A variety of candles, pillows, towels, kitchen items and small food items. Definitely worth a visit!

This place has some amazing finds. If you're looking for good quality furniture or decor, I highly…read morereccomend this place. They also have two locations not far from each other. One is like an overstock store and sometimes has lower prices, but still good deals at both places for the quality.

Nice selection of items with decent pricing. The service was fairly friendly. There's plenty of…read moreparking and I appreciate the option to shop online as well.

Still love this little shop...recently they ran a promo with 30% off the already discounted prices…read moreon everything in stock. What?! I had to go check it out! They had so many cool items in stock, namely many chairs of different sizes and styles. I was limited by what could be hauled in my car this time, but I found a very cute gray velvet swivel chair for my bedroom which was just the right size. It was a real bargain at 30% off! The kind clerks also helped me to find a console table I'd been eyeing on their page. I decided on just the chair during this visit (although it was a difficult)! This store has truly helped me decorate my little house on a budget.

I found this gem from a FB ad. They've been at this location for a year and were previously in…read moreWestfield. Most of their business is done via their website which they are constantly updating when a new truck arrives. You can view pictures of the items and its dimensions. It you find something you like, simply pay for it online, and pick up during their business hours Thursday-Saturday. They do allow in store shopping while open as well. They receive a variety of items for your home such as furniture, decor accessories, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile, and window treatments. Highly recommend following them on social media as well because they do live videos showcasing new items or announcing sales. I've bought a few items from them and will surely buy more in the future. Staff is friendly and helpful.

To say Creative is an understatement. They carry a never ending and always changing steady stream…read moreof cool shit. Catch the sales and check out their north-side location in Carmel City Center. I haven't been yet but if it's anything like the this location then it will blow your mind. This store is now called Uber.

Lots of ego here. The store is never open. When I called to as about it, no one returned my call…read more Never. I left 2 messages. When you go in, they ignore you as if you are not important and they are too busy for you. They are "too busy" to take on projects that they don't want that aren't one note. Their site says they will be glad to work with you on a room up to a full project. We interviewed Heidi to start with a focused project to see if she did well and had range, since most of her designs look exactly the same. They never got back to me. I followed up. Their excuse was that they were too busy to work "on our timeline." We never gave them a timeline. So this told us right up front a lot more about Heidi. She is not direct, is not client centric and really is not concerned with her reputation. We have since found out from talking with several others in Indianapolis who have large design projects, that this company is all about just taking the biggest projects and one same style of design. I mentioned our experience to a friend and prominent, great person in the community, who also had a sizeable project. That person told me they were told the exact same thing, "they were just too busy for their project" telling them no without really discussing how they come up with options. Funny that they just took another large home of someone we know. We will be sure to share our experiences. Don't trust someone who cannot be direct and honest in their business. It's about ego and elite for this company. Building a good, high-integrity reputation in such a small town is everything. We found a much better designer, who's not ego-centric and all about the client and their needs, so it did work out in the end. And we will be recommending her and her great team. Bottom line? If you don't want snooty, wasting your valuable time and energy, they are not for you. There are far better designers out there who really want the business and understand scheduling, plus are more authentic and "real."

What an absolute delight! I cannot believe this has been here for 4 years! Discovered on Instagram…read moreand my next door neighbor and I both went and were so impressed with the selection, prices, the way things were displayed and curated- just loved it! Can't wait to go again in Feb when they reopen. It's a little oasis in a stretch that can seem a little sad- a sparkling light in the darkness, with its sweet nods to Paris and the past.

We were introduced to this beautiful shop by friends. The owner is wonderful and the shop…read morebeautiful. Everything is beautifully displayed and the prices are reasonable. If you are looking for a unique gift for you or someone else, you must stop by and support a local business.

It's your typical Hobby lobby! Everything was clean and tidy and where it was supposed to be and…read moreyou know Hobby lobby always has 50% off of something which is always a plus! It's next to the mall so the location is great and it has a large parking lot! I had no idea they opened one up in this location and stumbled upon it when putting in the address to the the caramel location . I was so glad to have found this because it is a lot closer to me

The store was very clean and organized and filled. Easter was on sale 40% off so a great value…read more 4th of July was already out and very cute. The options were great. I kept being asked if I needed help. So I would definitely say check it out for holiday decorating. Lots to pick from. I picked Easter things that were very cute and birthday items.