A to Z: Sensory-Inspired Holiday Shopping in StL

Holiday shopping is full of vibrant sensory experiences. I love cozy, local shops — they often provide pleasant aromas, tasty treats, beautiful colors, and opportunities to touch everything from soft sweaters to satin stockings. Another thing I love: A to Z lists! So in order to celebrate the season, I bring to you a list of local shops and products from across St. Louis. I hope you enjoy this list, and perhaps it will give you some ideas for finishing up your holiday shopping, all while supporting small businesses in STL!

Arch Apparel - This St. Louis and midwest-inspired street wear (think hoodies, hats, onesies, sweatpants, t-shirts, coozies, etc.) is available online and in several local shops. 
 

Blush Boutique - Dresses, accessories, yoga pants, sweaters, booties, and button-ups abound at this Kirkwood shop. The clearance room in back has stellar deals!
Civil Alchemy - This Webster Groves store just opened, and it's packed with great gifts: barware, blankets, party supplies, journals, outdoor gear, and more.
Di Olivas - An amazing array of olive oils and vinegars are sold here, and when you visit any of the 3 locations, you can sniff and sample them all!  The Coconut Balsamic Vinegar is a unique find, and I highly recommend the Olio Nuovo Cortona — it's fresh from Italy and only around for a limited time. 

East + West - High quality men's clothing in the Central West End.
Four Muddy Paws - Stop by this Lafayette Square store (or the Edwardsville, IL location) to pick up some treats, accessories, or gift cards for the pets or pet lovers in your life.
Grand Petite Market - Unique kitchen wares, culinary treats, and wine, on Chouteau.
Handcrafted chocolates - Wrapped in brightly colored foil, molded in every Christmas shape from Santa to snowflakes — Kakao and Bissinger's are hard to beat.

Intaglia Home & Garden - Furniture and home décor in Maplewood. I can't get enough of their mini framed canvases by Greenbox Art.

Joya - This STL-based online jewelry shop features handmade accessories from artisans around the world. Silver, gold, druzy, labradorite, tassels, beads, fringe, and more! Follow on social media to find out about pop-up shops and promotions (both of which there are many)!

K. Hall Designs - Candles, cleaning products, travel items, bath bombs, soap, seriously cozy apparel, and even storybooks for kids. The hobnail glass candles are amazing!

Love for SO many local shops that start with L:
Launch - Women's apparel, from casual to cocktail attire, on the Hill.

Lemon Gem - Kitchen goods galore, in the Grove.
Leftbank Books - Local bookstore, in the Central West End.
Larder & Cupboard - Cheese, chocolate, pickles, beer, cocktail shrubs by Heirloom Bottling Co. — specialty food from across the area, in Maplewood.

Mexican clothing in St. Louis - Not much is more "merry and bright" than Beautiful Mexicana apparel! Follow social media to catch a pop-up shop.

Natterdoodle - This fabulous lettering artist is actually one thing on the list that's not St. Louis local, but she has been to St. Louis for events this year. As a small business artisan who produces lots of heartfelt handwriting, her website is full of affordable, festive, and often very funny gifts, from wine bags to wall art. 

Olympic Sporting Goods - Great local shop for St. Louis area sports team apparel, on South Hampton.
Paisley Boutique - Women's clothing, accessories, and jewelry in Webster Groves.

Q Boutique - The gift shop of the World Chess Hall of Fame, located in the Central West End, is full of chess-inspired goods, from autographed boards to ornaments.   
Roughneck Beard Company - An array of beard grooming products, in Maplewood.
The Spotted Pig - Unique home décor, accessories, and gifts in Ladue.

Too Blue Boutique - Fun and casual women's clothing, in Columbia, IL.
Urban Matter - Eclectic treasures, many by local artisans, on Virginia.  
Vom Fass - This Maplewood franchise has a variety of unique spirits, wine, olive oils, vinegars, and an array of great gift sets.
Winter market - these pop up all over town, but my favorite is at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood — I'm always on the lookout for the Tamale Man, Ludwig Farmstead Creamery, and Two Men and a Garden.
Xmas decorations from the Gifted Gardener - Big, small, classic, or kitschy, in Brentwood - Who doesn't want a slinky reindeer ornament?

Yoga - Stock up on gift cards or holiday class packs from your neighborhood yoga studios, like Namaste in Kirkwood, or Yoga Six.

Zee Bee Market - Unique gifts from a shop renowned for selling handmade, fair trade, and sustainable.