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Local Shopping Guide: 40 Products To Order From Indy Boutiques & Makers

Amazon doesn't need your shopping dollars. These Indianapolis stores and entrepreneurs do.

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:

“The Flask,” $49, Howl + Hide

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.

Monica Sallay is a writer, maker, and daily risk-taker. Previously, she held multiple roles in the fashion industry from web design and editorial work to feature film costume coordination. Today, Monica contributes to Indianapolis Monthly on the subject of fashion, lifestyle, and more. In addition to writing, she has a strong passion for volunteering and making the world a better place by contributing her time and efforts to many nonprofits in the Indianapolis area.
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