Shop Local Guide: Try these small metro-east specialty shops for the hard-to-buy for
Well, the holiday season is upon us (yes, already!), and with that comes having to decide what gifts to give your nearest and dearest.
And if your gift list includes someone like me, who’s incredibly difficult to shop for, then you certainly have your work cut out for you.
I’m gonna help you out, though. My gift to you, awesome readers, is providing this list of 40+ small retail businesses – all amazing places – in St. Clair County to start the search for great gifts for everyone.
Let me know if there’s another business or two that should be added to the list by sending an email to me at jgreen@bnd.com.
Happy gift hunting!
Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn
Address: 101 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Starting Friday, Nov. 29, hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: abesgourmetpopcorn.com, 618-233-9010
What you’ll find: More than 70 flavors of popcorn from sweet to savory; available in bags (individual and bulk), gift boxes and sampler packs
Alliance Comics, Toys & Games
Address: 110 W. State St., O’Fallon
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Contact Info: facebook.com/alliancectg, tiktok.com/@alliancetoys_games, 618-589-9890
What you’ll find: Vintage comic books, trading cards, toys, games and memorabilia; buy-sell-trade
Artisans Off Main
Address: 310 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Will expand hours some days during the holidays
Contact Info: artisansoffmain.com, 618-416-5577, artisansoffmain@gmail.com
What you’ll find: Art pieces by local artists and artisans including metalwork, glass, ceramics, drawing, painting, fibers, wood and more. Includes jewelry, accessories, dishware, cards, prints, decorative items. Classes available
The Bead Place
Address: 8 Plaza Drive, Fairview Heights
Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Private shopping appointments available outside of regular store hours
Contact Info: beadplace.net, 618-222-0772
What you’ll find: Beads, hooks, cords, clasps, charms, buttons and other supplies needed to make custom jewelry, tools, gift cards; classes available
Beatnik’s
Address: 215 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/pages/Beatniks/119037254815599, 618-355-4600
What you’ll find: Stag swag, Bellevegas gear, T-shirts, hoodies and more; screen printing services available
Belleville Books
Address: 20 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1; holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday-Monday
Contact Info: bellevillebooks.com, 618-744-7323
What you’ll find: New and used books, all genres, branded merchandise including tote bags, umbrellas and coffee mugs, puzzles, stationery and more
Belleville Christkindlmarkt
Address: Public Square, Downtown Belleville
Hours: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15 and 19-23; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays
Contact Info: bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com
What you’ll find: Unique European and handcrafted items, food and beverages from multiple vendors including Austin’s Mohair Socks, Brick Pick (LEGO), Irie Elements, Kimberly Smith Art & Design, Siostra Polish Pottery, Unique Ornaments & Gifts, Welcome Gnome and many more
Bigfoot Comics
Address: 101 E. B St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday
Contact Info: bigfootcomics.org, 618-406-4364
What you’ll find: Comics, coins, collectibles, models, signage and more
Blanquart Jewelers
Address: 111 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: blanquartjewelry.com, 618-233-0968
What you’ll find: Fine jewelry and gifts including engagement/wedding rings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and more made with precious metals and gemstones, Swarovski jewelry and giftware
Blanquart’s Rust Gem Vintage Market
Address: 26 E. Main St., Belleville
Holiday Hours: Starting Friday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: facebook.com/BlanquartsVintageMarket
What you’ll find: A treasure trove of vintage items – dishes, tools, books, signage, crates and containers, vinyl records, clothing, holiday/seasonal decorations, toys, and newer items from vendors including jewelry, soaps, candles and more
Brick Street Books & Curiosity Shop
Address: 210 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/BrickStreetBooks, 618-720-0058, BrickStreetBooks@gmail.com
What you’ll find: Used books, dishes, decorations, jewelry, crystals/stones, purses and bags, and much more
The Candy Bar
Address: 3 S. High St., Belleville
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: 618-744-7044
What you’ll find: A wide selection of candy, including Jelly Belly, chocolate, gummi candies, gum, and fountain sodas, ice cream treats
The Cheesekeeper
Address: 6500 W. Main St., Suite 214, Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Contact Info: cheesekeeper.com, 618-398-7184
What you’ll find: A selection of cheeses and wines from around the world, bread and meats, imported and small brewery beers, coffees, teas, crackers, cookies and candies, gift boxes; watch for tasting events
Circa Boutique + Gifts
Address: 128 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: ilovecirca.com, 618-257-0163
What you’ll find: Women’s, men’s and children’s items, clothing, accessories, bags & purses, bath & beauty items, home & gift, stationery, candles, pet merchandise, gift cards and more
Collector’s Corner/I Had That
Address: 116 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: collectorscornersports.com, heyihadthat.net, 618-825-9075
What you’ll find: Sports memorabilia – cards, jerseys, autographed items, photos; pop culture collectibles – dolls, action figures, posters, lunchboxes, games, books, T-shirts, comics and more
Down the Hall Homebrew
Address: 225 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; Special hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 30, 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24-25, 31 and Jan. 1
Contact Info: downthehallhomebrew.com, 618-277-2550, info@dthhomebrew.com
What you’ll find: Everything a homebrewer needs – beer kits, barware, caps and corks and more; glasses, cups, mugs, gift certificates, candles and soaps, coffee, fun custom décor and more
Drop Dead Vintage
Address: 25 Lebanon Ave., Belleville
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; Thanksgiving week hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, closed Thanksgiving Day, noon to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact Info: facebook.com/dropdeadconsignment, instagram.com/dropdeadvintage__
What you’ll find: Men’s and women’s stylish vintage clothing, accessories, shoes and more
Elated Hearts
Address: 25 E. Main St., Suite B, Belleville
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Contact Info: elatedhearts.com, 618-416-2581
What you’ll find: Apparel and accessories, jewelry, candles, fragrances, bath & body care, and more
Fantasy Books
Address: 1113 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday
Contact Info: facebook.com/fantasybooksbelleville, fantasybooksinc.com, 618-235-0844
What you’ll find: Comics and graphic novels, trading cards, toys and collectibles, posters,
Fantasy Books and Games
Address: 1977 W. Highway 50, Fairview Heights
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday
Contact Info: facebook.com/Fantasybooksandgames, fantasybooksinc.com, 618-624-0920
What you’ll find: Graphic novels and comic books, models, action figures, trading cards, toys, posters and other collectibles
Furchild Pet Boutique
Address: 105 E. First St., O’Fallon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: shopfurchild.com, facebook.com/shopfurchild, 618-726-2152
What you’ll find: Pet food and snacks, collars, leashes, toys, clothing, care supplies and more; spa services available
Grannys Loft Centric
Address: 209 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: grannysloftcentric.com
What you’ll find: Assorted women’s apparel and accessories, hats, scarves, gloves, jewelry, home & garden, and more
Green Root Gallery
Address: 125 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: greenrootgallery.com, 618-416-1505
What you’ll find: Original art by local artists including painting, photography, woodwork, mixed media and more
Grimm & Gorly Flowers and Gifts
Address: 324 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: grimmandgorly.com, facebook.com/grimmandgorly, 618-234-4455
What you’ll find: Ornaments and holiday home décor; candles, soaps, socks, cards, toys, spices, sauces, popcorn, coffee, art and more
Halo Boutique
Address: 24 E. Main St., Belleville
Holiday Hours: Starting Friday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087798444630, haloboutiques.com, Boutiquehalo@yahoo.com
What you’ll find: Women’s apparel, loungewear, accessories, jewelry, candles and wax melts, holiday items and more
Hangar 18 Guitars
Address: 204 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: hangar18guitarshop.com, 618-537-8870
What you’ll find: Guitars, parts, accessories and gear (new and used), amps, horror movie memorabilia, miscellaneous goods including socks, mugs, jewelry, occult/fantasy items
Impact Gaming Center
Address: 49 Ludwig Drive, Fairview Heights
Hours: 3-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: impactgamingcenter.gg, 618-720-0090
What you’ll find: Board games, trading card games, role playing games, miniatures and model kits and paints, supplies for card collections and more
Keil’s Clock Shop
Address: 109 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: 618-233-0822
What you’ll find: Clocks of all sizes and styles, desk and table clocks, mantle clocks, wall clocks, grandfather clocks; repair services available
Local Lucy’s
Address: 122 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday (after Nov. 29)
Contact Info: locallucys.com, 618-277-5829
What you’ll find: Clothing for babies, young children and women, jewelry and accessories, household/kitchen items, pastas, olive oils, honey, bath & beauty items, seasonal and holiday items, pet goods and more
Minerva Boutique
Address: 208 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: facebook.com/Minervaboutique, instagram.com/minerva_boutique_lebanon, 618-808-0281, minervajewels@yahoo.com
What you’ll find: Fun, artsy clothing – all styles and sizes for all ages, artisan jewelry, accessories, shoes and boots, gifts and more
Minerva Too (aka The Rack)
Address: 220 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: instagram.com/minervatooboutique
What you’ll find: Women’s designer apparel, accessories and shoes at a discount. Older/Previous season merchandise from Minerva Boutique, including Magnolia Pearl and other known brands
Moon Penguin’s Emporium
Address: 206 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon
Hours: 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/p/Moon-Penguins-Emporium-100064034850553, 618-537-6625
What you’ll find: A wide variety of collectible and vintage items, including games, clothing, drinkware, electronics, toys, books and more
Muttley and Me
Address: 2427 N. Illinois St., Swansea
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: muttleyme.com, 618-641-8176
What you’ll find: Everything for beloved cats and dogs, including food and treats, leashes, collars and accessories, toys, beds, grooming supplies, clothing and gifts for pet parents and more
Needful Things
Address: 227 E. Main St., Mascoutah
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving week
Contact Info: needfulthingsmascoutah.com, 618-566-0010
What you’ll find: Clothing and accessories, jewelry, essential oils, bath and body care, greeting cards, blankets and towels, crystals/stones, spirit gear, embroidery/crochet/knitting kits and more
Paper Moon
Address: 108 E. Main St., Mascoutah
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday
Contact Info: facebook.com/p/Paper-Moon-LLC-100094695446039, 314-348-1734
What you’ll find: Clothing and accessories, jewelry, fresh coffee, candles, soaps, toys, arts and crafts, seasonal and home decorations, school team gear and more; classes and events
Peace by Piece
Address: 2427 N. Illinois St., Swansea
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: peacebypiececo.com, 618-233-1519
What you’ll find: Women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, handbags, baby items, bath & body products, eyewear, socks/slippers, greeting cards, candy & snacks, home fragrance and more
The Perfect Pop Gourmet Popcorn
Address: 134 St. Clair Square, Fairview Heights
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: theperfectpopgourmetpopcorn.com, 618-270-4008
What you’ll find: Sweet and savory flavors of popcorn (bags, tins and sample sets), including Sugar Cookie, White Cheddar, The Perfect Dill, The Perfect Caramel, The Addictive Turtle, Insanely Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake, Creamy Oreo Cookies, Fully Loaded Baked Potato, Caramel and Cheddar Mix and many more
Saddleback Chocolates
Address: 129 W. 1st St., O’Fallon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: saddlebackchocolates.com, 618-628-2462
What you’ll find: Chocolate. A lot of glorious chocolate. Chocolate barks, bars, dipped marshmallows, pretzels and rice krispy treats, bonbons, stamped and molded shapes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate. Fun shapes/themes include St. Louis landmarks, St. Louis Blues hockey, holidays. Gift boxes and more
Sage Style
Address: 6500 W. Main St. (The Arcades), Belleville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039827724708, 618-213-6884
What you’ll find: Upscale resale – designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes, accessories, coats and more
Sawdust & Glitter
Address: 16 S. Illinois St., Belleville
Holiday Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Contact Info: sawdustnglitter.com, 618-607-4880
What you’ll find: Fun homemade products that include travel mugs and tumblers, home décor, hand-poured candles; wax melts, custom T-shirts and other clothing, jewelry and accessories, pet gear, DIY kits, bath & body items, planters and vases, holiday items and more; classes/private parties available
Seasons of Spice
Address: 121 E. State St., O’Fallon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/p/Seasons-Of-Spice-61558287781671, 618-779-1380
What you’ll find: Locally sourced spices, coffee, tea, flavored syrups, sauces and seasonings, holiday candies, macarons and meringues, cocoa mixes, holiday and seasonal gifts and décor, much more
Three Sisters Crafts & Gifts
Address: 129 E. State St., O’Fallon
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/morefunthanhome, 618-624-7193
What you’ll find: Jewelry, hair accessories, holiday/seasonal decorations, note cards, kids crafts, craft/art supplies; classes and events
Toast & Table
Address: 227 W. 1st St., O’Fallon
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: toastandtable.com, 618-206-8069
What you’ll find: Kitchen supplies including cookware, baking and serving dishes, utensils, mugs, bakeware, tools for all cooking/baking needs, dish towels and cloths, oven mitts and potholders, barware, tableware, drinkware, trays, boards and platters, aprons and much more; cooking classes available
Toots’ Cake and Candy Supply
Address: 314 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: facebook.com/TootsCakeandCandy, 618-277-7373
What you’ll find: Baking pans, candy molds, cookie cutters, cake and cookie decorating supplies, cookie gift bags and boxes; classes available
Waterfall Glen Soap Company
Address: 1511 E. Main St., Belleville
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday – It’s best to call or text first.
Contact Info: waterfallglensoap.com, 630-220-5242
What you’ll find: Locally-made products – soap bars (all vegan), body butters, shave kits, beard oils, skin care products, apparel; subscriptions and bundles available
Water Sweets Soap Company
Address: 705 Cambridge Blvd., O’Fallon (also at 6108 Shoger Drive, Suite C, Edwardsville)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Contact Info: watersweetssoap.com, 618-206-6043 (Edwardsville - 618-692-5221)
What you’ll find: Bar soaps, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, holiday-themed bath products, gift boxes
Weave & Wobble
Address: 1537 Donna Drive, Belleville
Hours: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Contact Info: weaveandwobble.com, 618-670-9625
What you’ll find: Handmade ceramic art (decorative and functional), supplies for ceramics/pottery, yarn, weaving, knitting and crochet tools and materials, gift cards; classes available
White Barn Antiques & Mercantile
Address: 11401 Route 161, New Baden
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Contact Info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560937161174, 618-531-2732
What you’ll find: Numerous vendors offering jewelry, home and holiday décor, collectible and vintage items, antiques, furnishings, jams and jellies, pickled/canned produce and more
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
