As you prepare your “to-do” list for the holidays, do not forget to weave in some stops at a small Geneva business.

Our independent shops have a perfect gift for everyone. Keep reading for 10 places to find amazing gifts. You will find treasures not sold at big box stores and have the satisfaction of sustaining a small business. Our independent shops and restaurants make Geneva a unique destination in the far west suburbs.

We hope you will enter their doors on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 and throughout the year. Your purchases are an impactful way to show support and preserve the vibrancy of our community. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 25, the Geneva merchants are hosting a contest, the Shop Local Geneva Challenge. For a chance to win weekly prizes, simply promote our independent shops by posting a photo of yourself shopping using the hashtag #shopgenevail2022. More details will be available at Experience Geneva IL.

This year the Berry House at 227 S Third St. has welcomed a handful of exciting new shops, including Midwest Nice, Bloom + Bread, Tinker Belz Art, Les Cadeaux Boutique, The Uncommon Find, and The Cottage Geneva. Midwest Nice plans to open this month, just in time for your holiday shopping. They will feature artists and makers from all over the Midwest, including Kane County. Check out these cool Tri-Cities pennants at the shop.

Bloom + Bread is the place for traditional southern baked goods, fresh flower arrangements, and workshops. No time to bake? Order a pie or cake made fresh by the owner or pick up a pastry at their artisan market. Their Holiday Bloom flower arrangement would be an amazing gift (with free concierge delivery to the Tri-Cities).

Tinker Belz Art is a flameworked glass gallery and studio that offers classes. The handmade ornaments, made right at the studio, are a local one-of-a-kind treasure, sure to delight anyone. Jewelry and sculptures are also available for purchase.

Les Cadeaux Boutique is a new eclectic gift shop with jewelry and home accents. Their very own handmade soaps would make excellent stocking stuffers. Order a custom bar with your preferred fragrance, color, and shape. Their cute Do-Nut Eat! bar is scented with chocolate cake and vanilla/marshmallow frosting.

Trek just north of the Berry House to find Artemisia, another small business with impeccable style and uncommon finds. From artwork to pottery to handmade rings, this is the place to find that creative gift. These earthy handmade pottery pieces would surely make a special holiday gift.

Speaking of the holidays, Chi-Cuterie Boards and More has you covered with amazing gift baskets and charcuterie trays to bring a bit of special to your get-together. They also have boxes ready to bring home or enjoy in their dining room and they offer classes. Imagine giving a handmade Legacy Board loaded with meats, cheeses, and other goodies to a great friend. The boards can be custom engraved and shipped.

Who does not love a nice birdhouse? For hand-crafted, high-quality birdhouses, stop by The Birdhouse Lady store, which is open Thursday through Saturday or by appointment. Amazingly, they give 90% of their proceeds to their charity partners. The person who is lucky enough to receive a birdhouse from you is also part of a greater gift to those in need.

Scentcerely Yours is a fun stop on State Street to pour your own gourmet soy candle. They have more than 120 fragrances, and you can even invent your own signature scent. The moody Oscuro vessel, a customer favorite meaning “Dark” in Spanish, is available in one or three wick sizes.

If you have a Fiddo or Fifi on your shopping list, remember to stop at Wet Nose at Geneva Commons. This place is a dog and cat paradise with more than 250 gourmet treats, food, and toys. They even have a “Chew Bar” with quite a selection for your pup.

Across the street, head to Swish Avenue, a new independent business with beautiful apparel and accessories for women. These cozy sweatshirts and hats would make a great gift. Whenever it is possible, shop small and shop local, because every purchase benefits the health of the Geneva economy.

One of the best parts about shopping in Geneva is the many ways you can relax and renew while you are here. You can stop to rest your tired feet on a public bench and take in the scene. Visit a cozy independent coffeehouse or a winery to make time to talk with a friend. You can start or end your shopping day with a rewarding meal at one of our local restaurants or stay overnight. It can be a wonderful holiday retreat.

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