Local Shopping Guide: 40 Products To Order From Indy Boutiques & Makers
People for Urban Progress messenger bag
We didn’t hear this from the CDC, but it’s safe to say that online retail therapy is an acceptable form of self-care right now. Not only is it a great way to boost your spirits and maintain the normalcy of buying gifts for special occasions, but Indy’s boutiques need us right now. Here’s a round-up of locally sourced gems to indulge in for your well-being—and the community’s, too.
Support the Greater Good:
“Courier 15” messenger, $146, People for Urban Progress
This Indy nonprofit aims to boost civic sustainability with local artists, designers, and fabricators creating new products out of recycled materials, like this messenger comprised of old fabric from the RCA Dome. This weekend (March 27 and 28), PUP is holding its Almost Perfect sale of slightly flawed bags online, along with 20 percent off all other merchandise.
“B07 Agent” backpack, $385, People for Urban Progress
Last year, PUP introduced a line of products made from repurposed Amtrak business class and first class leather seats and reclaimed seatbelts, which made for awesome utilitarian essentials like this backpack and more.
“Sudsy Saint” t-shirt, $42, Vardagen
Hoosier-owned Vardagen recently released the PNDMC collection, which was designed to make the best of the current worldly situation by donating 20 percent of proceeds to independent freelance creatives that are currently out of work due to COVID-19.
“Sudsy Saint” sweatpants, $58, Vardagen
The PNDMC collection’s street-chic look adds philanthropy and flair to an otherwise bleak time.
Kikoy scarf with breaded fringe, 24, Global Gifts
Global Gifts is a nonprofit that promotes sustainable economic opportunities and safe working conditions for underprivileged craftspeople around the world by offering fair trade goods like this handmade scarf from Kenya. And it has free shipping in March.
Soak Sway the Stress:
Clay mask trio set, $36, Nine + Roxy
Pampering your pores with this clay mask set makes a perfect addition to your wellness bath time routine.
Sugar scrub, $10, Indiana Soap Co.
Impurities be gone! Use this exfoliating sugar scrub to polish skin to perfection.
“Bath Meditate” bundle, $36, Onatah
This tranquil treat comes with soap, Breu resin, Palo Santo, White Sage, Chacrona and Jagube artisan incense sticks, and a hand-pressed incense bar to incite bath-time bliss.
Gem & honey infused bath salt, $5, Onatah
This detoxifying concoction of crystal quartz charged Mediterranean sea salt, epsom salt, organic honey, essential oils, and resins will melt away the day’s unrest.
Look Good From a Socially Responsible Distance:
1970s Diane Von Furstenburg midi dress , $125, Rebel Vintage
What’s more chic than a funky print in a classic silhouette by the one and only, Diane Von Furstenburg? Answer: nothing!
“Kyla” jumpsuit, $100, Lily + Sparrow
This chic, cotton jumpsuit sets the stage to be dressed up or down depending on your mood and occasion.
“Star” sneaker by Zadig & Voltaire, $369, Beauty + Grace
Spunky and stylish, these kicks will make you feel like a superstar for certain.
“Bre” straw hat, $78, Lily + Sparrow
And you thought the perfect straw hat didn’t exist.
“Market” tote, $269, Howl + Hide
Unique in color and downright sharp, this essential tote bag is made of premium oil tanned leather for sturdiness beyond compare.
“Shop Local” t-shirt by Felicia Tees, $22, Boomerang BTQ
Amplify the message of supporting small businesses in Indy by flaunting this awesome t-shirt designed by Boomerang BTQ’s own, Felicia Kiesel.
For a Birthday Boy:
This flask is rugged, refined, and poised for your sip of choice.
“SSBD” shirt, $165, James Dant
Fresh for spring, this sakura print shirt has details like coconut buttons for a unique twist.
Beard oil, $10, Indiana Soap Co.
A must for any mountain man, this moisturizing beard oil blend keeps any unruly strands at bay.
“Be Not Conformed” hat, $25, Blacksheep Collective
This denim baseball cap, with an inspiring embroidered message, adds a casual and stylish touch to any outfit.
Pre-potted planter, $15 and up, Indy Artsy
This Indy maker is sitting on $30,000 of plants and pots that she makes herself thanks to the cancellation of the Indianapolis Flower & Patio Show. She will sell them through Kickstarter soon for delivery or pick-up once Indiana’s stay-at-home order is lifted.
“Light of the Midwest” tee, $20, Silver in the City
This screenprinted cotton shirt spurs sweet memories of summer nights and fireflies in the Hoosier state.
Making Working from Home More Fun:
“Plan of Indianapolis” journal, $120, James Dant
This leather-bound journal, etched with an 1876 map of the city, is excellent for chronicling your Indy adventures.
“Energy Pattern” sketchbook, $22, Onatah
Doodle your heart out during a conference call.
“High Five Nifty Notes” notepad, $6, Silver in the City
If there was ever a better time to send notes of support and positivity, it’s now.
“Write Bite” pencil sharpener, $10, Silver in the City
This T-Rex is ready to take a bite out of dull pencils.
For Sweet Dreams:
Lavender dot silk eye mask, $36, Lily + Sparrow
This eye mask is made of 100% mulberry silk, which blocks out bright light and feels oh-so soft on skin.
“Tik Tik” wool slippers, $18, Global Gifts
Keep your tootsies warm and cozy in these wool slippers, which are handmade in Nepal.
Tassel toss pillow, $78, Nine + Roxy
This oblong and artfully designed pillow has added pizazz with small, fringed tassels at the corners.
“Lavender Fields” candle, $18, Penn & Beech
Make burning this candle a must-do for your pre-bedtime ritual.
Rose hydrosol spray, $20, Onatah
Spritz this refreshing and relaxing rose spray on your face and body before bed and let its sweet scent whisk you away to dreamland.
Cook Up Something Spectacular:
“A Couple Cooks: Pretty Simple Cooking” book, $27, Silver in the City
Re-create these tasty recipes by local bloggers and podcasters Alex and Sonja Overhiser.
Spice Grinder, $35, Nine + Roxy
This handheld porcelain tool takes a simpler approach over electric alternatives to perfect your own seasoning blend.
Tree of Life wooden trivet, $20, Global Gifts
Carefully carved out of shesham wood, this beautiful trivet comes handmade and fair trade from India to liven any kitchen.
6″ Nakiri vegetable knife, $500, Ash Blaeds
Every star cook has a trusty chef’s knife at their side. Invest in a custom one with hammer-forged high-carbon steel by Ash Blaeds today. The local company is running a contest to win a free chef’s knife for those who support local restaurants and markets. Find details here.
“Likely To Microwave” oven mitt, $15, Silver in the City
So maybe you’re not the most seasoned stovetop chef. Don’t worry, this oven mitt won’t judge.
Kid Stuff and Easter Baskets
“Happy Hoosier” onesie, $22, Nurture
There’s no denying a happy lil’ Hoosier, born and bred.
“80’s Game” pocket crop top, $20, Little Lov by Lok
This quirky, retro tech–inspired top will spur nostalgia for moms and dads alike.
Spring Floral handmade headwrap, $11, Little Lov by Lok
This adorable hair bow is perfect to dress baby for springtime.
“Mayoral Deep Sea” tee, $19, Nurture
Prepare to win Parent of the Year with this T-shirt that glows in the dark.
“How to Draw Comic Book” kit, $13, Nurture
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they dream up their own superhero to save the day.
