Macon Reporter

Consider shopping local this year, because Decatur, Illinois has plenty of stores and small businesses to support.

The Art Farm has unique gifts that no one else in town will have. They currently represent over 80 area makers with something for absolutely everyone and at every price point. Chock full of unique pieces, the store's inventory changes continuously. The Art Farm is a fun place to visit, whether you buy something or not! Leave with the coolest, most thoughtful gifts, all bagged and boxed up, ready for giving. Address: 252 N Park St., Decatur, IL 62523

Penelope Boutique is a women’s clothing boutique located in downtown Decatur. It’s the perfect place to shop if you know a clothes horse or a jewelry lover. They are offering curbside pickup and free shipping over $40. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Address: 135 E Prairie Ave, Decatur, IL 62523

Lindsey Kirk, also known as Lindsey the Ladysmith, has been a certified metal smith and jewelry designer for nine years and owned her own shop in Mt. Zion called The Laurel & The Linden for five years. She has a line of stamped jewelry and a totally separate Artisan Collection, which is her demi-fine work in sterling silver with precious and semi-precious stones. You will also find Decatur-themed jewelry and keychains featuring the transfer house and bikini tree. Lindsey offers Macon County deliveries every Monday for orders placed on her website or in the Lindsey the Ladysmith VIP Facebook group.

If you have friends and family who love snacks (who doesn’t?), Del’s Popcorn Shop on Merchant is a great place to go. Have your choice from a vast selection of goodies like homemade fudge (our office can personally attest to its amazing-ness), the famous caramel popcorn, truffles, candies and many gifting options. There are several Christmas gift boxes available – something for every price range. Address: 142 N Merchant St., Decatur, IL 62523

Decatur Brew Works (DBW) is the first brewery in Decatur in over 100 years! Located in the heart of Downtown Decatur, DBW is also a taproom with 24 draught beers from all over the world. DBW beer is also available in cans. DBW always has a variety of beers for everyone's holiday needs. They also sell growlers, gift cards and DBW merchandise. Address: 102 E William St., Decatur, IL 62523

All Things Beautiful is a locally owned boutique offering uniquely designed rustic and primitive folk art gifts. For the holiday season, they have some events to look forward to, including the Christmas Walk, Small Business Saturday, Teachers Night Out and Black Friday in the downtown Decatur area. Address: 225 N Main St., Decatur, IL 62523

If you’re looking to capture memories, Child’s Play Photography on Merchant offers professional studio sessions. The photos’ quality is truly unbelievable – they are hand-printed on the finest European fine art paper with archival ink. It’s as fancy as it sounds. Their in-house team can create custom-designed holiday cards with their photos or yours. Call them to inquire for more information at 217-620-7851 or log in to their website at childsplayphotos.com.

Decatur Coffee Connection is striving to bring Decatur the best quality coffee and other specialty beverages. If you need some stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts, they recommend gift cards, 12 oz bags of house blend and hydro flasks. They also offer baked goods trays, wrap selections and boxes of coffee for your work meetings or offices. They can do individually bagged lunches as well – just email decaturcoffeeconnection@comcast.net or give them a call at 217-330-8065. Drive-thru Address: 2505 North Main St., Decatur, IL 62526 DMH Address: 2300 North Edward St., Decatur, IL 62526

Last year, Angi Lay created Plume Body Shop, a luxury bath product business in Decatur, Illinois. For Christmas, Plume is offering a variety of gift boxes, including shower and bath combinations. Over the last year, Angi has developed an array of new products, including body butter, body cream, sugar scrubs and shower products. She says her new shower products have been very popular. Website: plumebodyshop.com.

Local reviewers say, “Floating is something you cannot describe. It is an experience I would highly recommend” and “90 minutes of pure relaxation. I feel such a calmness that is hard to explain.” Float Decatur is offering a popular special during the Christmas season – a 60-minute float with a 30-minute sauna session for $98. They are also introducing another special this Christmas, a 30-minute sauna, 30-minute massage and a 45-minute float for $100. Address: 997 W. Southside Dr., Decatur, IL 62521

The Bloom Room provides everyday flower arrangements for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy and more. They keep their greenhouse stocked with traditional and unique green plants, available for pick-up or delivery. In addition to their beautiful floral arrangements, they have some great local gift ideas in their shop, including earrings, macrame keychains, hand-painted magnets, unique planters, wreaths and more.There are no deadlines as we head into Christmas, so order some holiday flower arrangements whenever you need them. Address: 245 W Main St., Mount Zion, IL 62549

The Cake Lady Supply Store, located in downtown Decatur, offers a wide variety of baking and candy making supplies. They also have small, handmade gift items and sweet treats to grab. Be sure to check out the jams and butters from Yoders, which are very popular items! Their friendly staff is also available to answer any questions you may have. Address: 160 W Wood St., Decatur, IL 62523

A fun, practical and popular gift would be a gift card to Lockhart’s Barber Shop on Main. The barbershop has a classic 1950s atmosphere, and you can even enjoy a hot lather shave. The service is excellent, and you’re supporting a local business. They’ll be open until Dec. 23 this year, so it’s also a great last-minute gift idea! Address: 248 West Main St., Decatur, IL

Mother-in-law Shelby Hill and daughter-in-law Chyanne Bunch are the women behind Two Sweet, a local business specializing in hot cocoa bombs. If you’ve never had one, a hot cocoa bomb is an adorable ball of chocolate you put into a mug. When you pour hot milk over the ball, the chocolate melts and releases marshmallows and cocoa hiding inside. It’s a fun treat and makes for a great Christmas gift! You can also follow their Facebook group, Two Sweet, which will keep you up-to-date on available inventory.

If there’s an art-lover on your list, Gallery 510 is a local, nonprofit art gallery with several member artists and a few consignment artists. A percentage of the proceeds go to promoting visual arts in area schools through art contests and shows with student work. Address: 160 E Main St., Decatur, IL 62523

Giggles is a wacky, fun gift shop and bakery located on Merchant Street in historic downtown Decatur. Giggles is perfect for gifts – they have great options for all ages. Giggles can also personalize many of their items. Here, you’ll find wine glasses that say, “The most expensive part of having kids is all the wine you have to drink” and sassy teacups that say “Pinkies up.” There are also perfect gifts for the kids, including a personalized piggy bank, puzzles, games and thinking putty. Address: 112 N Merchant St., Decatur, IL 62523

Brass Horn Too, the women’s version of the famous Brass Horn, is the perfect spot for women’s gifts. The pros in their store have selected four gift ideas for the ladies in your life this Christmas. Brass Horn Too offers complimentary gift wrapping and curbside pickup. Address: 112 East Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL 62523

Full of fun Christmas decorations and gifts, Tournesol on Merchant is a local gift shop. Tournesol is inspired by cottage, French country and contemporary styles, and inside, you’ll find unique items for the garden and home. Address: 134 N Merchant St., Decatur, IL 62523

Shop On Main is a fabulous boutique for gifts. They started as an arts and crafts store and evolved into a woman’s boutique. They have clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, home decor and Christmas decor. Shop On Main is open on weekdays, and private shopping is available by appointment. The staff is also ready to personally shop, wrap and deliver curbside if you aren't comfortable coming in. Gift wrapping is free! Just give them a call at 217-422-2674. Address: 407 N Main St., Decatur, IL

Speakeasy Records & Oddities is a full-service record store which specializes in used and new records, stereo equipment, unique items and a touch of the odd. Brian Abbott has been in business for five years, and his store is conveniently located at 651 West Eldorado, right across the street from The Secret Garden. Address: 651 West Eldorado Decatur, IL 62522 

The rest of the best gifts in Decatur can be found here.