This year, skip the big-box stores and show some love and support to the small businesses in our area. Our latest guide introduces you to more than 100 ideas for every kind of shopper on your list.
Toys for Kids
3R’s Learning Materials Center
Emphasis on educational materials, toys, games and children’s books. 5388 Williams Dr., Roscoe, Ill.
Discoveries to Go!
Discovery Center Museum gift shop. Specializes in science-related games, books and other educational items. 711 N. Main St., Rockford.
T and D Toy & Hobby
A large selection of farm toys, display cases, classic and vintage toys, and model railroading equipment. Several accessories for the hobbyist and collector. 116 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport.
Apparel and Jewelry
Roxy Carmichael Boutique
An amazing collection of women’s clothing and accessories. 310 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
Infinite Soul Vibrations
Jewelry, crystals and intuitive energy readings. 333 E. State St., Rockford
Bangles & Bags
Trendy jewelry, unique handbags and stylish purses for special occasions. Helping women keep up with the latest seasonable looks. Locations in Lake Geneva, Wis.; Oconomowoc, Wis.; Waukesha, Wis.; and Galena, Ill.
Bella Rosa Boutique
Specializes in fine Italian apparel and accessories, including clothing and cotton fabrics. 310 S. Main St., Galena, Ill.
Akerman’s
Men’s and women’s footwear from brands including Trotters, Drew, Rockport and Hush Puppies. 1613 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
Civinte Home Fragrance & Decor
Carries a wide range of candles and accents, all made with quality waxes and fragrances that are easy on the lungs. 6252 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill.
Eurostyle+
Fashions from Europe in several sizes and styles from the likes of Yoek, Rimini and Turquoise by Daan. 510 E. State St., Rockford.
The Cypress House
Florist, boutique, espresso bar and home decor all in one location. 718 10th Ave., Rochelle, Ill.
Midwestern Clothing Company
Women’s boutique specializing in dresses, shoes, tops, bottoms and accessories. New items arrive every week. 413 W. Fourth Ave., Rochelle, Ill.
The Fur Company
Specializing in fur coats and other fine fur products. 1603 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
The Spark Shop
A retail space incubator for small businesses, which specializes in gifts, home decor, candles, baked goods and other gift ideas. Housed in the historic Standard Oil Gas Station. 500 Lincoln Ave., Rochelle, Ill.
Lallygag Boutique
A charming little boutique filled with chic and comfortable women’s fashion and unique gift ideas. 4616 E. State St., Rockford.
Luecke Jewelers
Custom jewelry, repair services and high-quality pieces by the likes of Best of Bling and Blue Topaz; Family owned for 100 years. 10 E. Main St., Freeport.
Zavius Jewelers
Custom-designed and high-quality jewelry. Also offers full-service inspection, cleaning, sizing, repair and appraisals. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford.
Porch
Unique gifts, home decor, women’s clothing, jewelry, baby items. Complimentary gift wrap. 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.
Haberdapper
Menswear and fashionable accessories, including shoes, belts, shirts and ties. 253 Broad St., Lake Geneva.
Urban Farmgirl
Home decor items, lighting, furniture and items for children. Seasonal decor. 716 N. Madison St., Rockford.
Books
Earthsong Books & Gifts
Enjoy a large selection of books, gifts, jewelry, crystals, music and CBD products. Also offers astrology services and psychic readings. 2214 Kennedy Road, Janesville.
Vineyard Books & Gifts
A Christian gift and bookstore that sells Bibles, books, artwork and other items that support a customer’s faith. 1638 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
Antiques
Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall
One of the area’s best curations of antique and vintage items from 70 dealers. 890 Lake Ave., Woodstock.
Salvaged by Sonya
Vintage and antique goods, including chandeliers, furniture, home decor, art and glassware. 330 E. State St., Rockford.
Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques
Antique and vintage vendor mall loaded with several rare items. You won’t find these items in a big-box store. 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park, Ill.
This & That Collectibles
Look out for vintage and antique furniture, glassware, toys and jewelry. New inventory added weekly. 109 N. Seventh St., DeKalb, Ill.
Cheri-Picked Vintage
Each room of this late-1800s home has vintage and rustic finds, along with furniture and repurposed pieces. Look out for new goods, as well. 525 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, Ill.
Floral
Event Floral
Custom arrangements. Also provides linens, rentals and decorating. 7302 Rock Valley Parkway, Loves Park, Ill.
Floral Expressions
Custom floral arrangements. 320 E. Milwaukee St., Janesville
Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers
A full-service flower shop, greenhouse and gift shop. 300 Mix St., Oregon, Ill.
Big Toys
Napleton Auto Group
New and used vehicles in various makes and models. Brands include Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda and Ford. 6600 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. Also at 505 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, and multiple locations in suburban Chicago.
Kunes GMC Cadillac of Belvidere/Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
New and used vehicles in various makes and models. GMC/Cadillac at 1855 N. State St., Belvidere. Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram at 1615 N. State St., Belvidere.
Specialty Foods
640 Meats
Pork, beef, seafood, cheese and chicken. Enjoy lunch and sides served at the deli counter. 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill.
The Bramble Patch
Specializes in pottery and an award-winning maple syrup. Ask about fruit salsas and all-natural jams. 102 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, Wis.
Shullsburg Creamery
Factory outlet store serving cheese spread, smoked cheese, party trays, butter and barbecue sauce. 210 Water St., Shullsburg, Wis.
Countryside Meats
Beef, pork, sauces, seasonings, cheese and chicken. Ask about their to-go sandwiches. 781 Highgrove Pl., Rockford.
Stockholm Inn
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ask about their Swedish pancakes, with imported lingonberries. 2420 Charles St., Rockford.
Cassie’s Popcorn
Specialty popcorn made in several flavors, including cheddar cheese, birthday cake and kettle corn. Other sweet treats available. 200 S. Maple St., Sycamore, Ill.
Hook’s Cheese Co.
More than 50 varieties of cheese, including sharp cheddar, bacon cheddar, parmesan and goat milk pepper jack. 329 Commerce St., Mineral Point, Wis.
Van Laar’s Fruit Farm
Specializes in healthy and fresh produce, including snap beans, sweet corn, apples and strawberries. Cookies, pies and cider donuts are must-haves. 1645 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
The National Mustard Museum
One of the largest collections of mustard and memorabilia in the world. Sample mustards, visit the gourmet shop and tour the museum. 7477 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, Wis.
Alp & Dell Cheese Store
Various types of locally produced cheese and sausages. Wine and cheese tastings each Saturday. 657 Second St., Monroe, Wis.
Hawk’s Mill WineHaus
Treat yourself to various wines, like Apple-Blueberry. Try a glass in the tasting room. 500 First St., New Glarus, Wis.
Chocolat’ 229
This charming shop is loaded with gourmet chocolates and unique imported items. 229 S. Main St., Galena, Ill.
The Apple Hut
Seventeen apple varieties, baked apple pies, cider donuts, apple cinnamon bread, apple cider and other delicious goodies. 1718 W. Walters Road, Beloit.
For the Athlete
Circle of Wellness
Pamper yourself with various forms of body therapies, including Swedish massage, medical massage, acupuncture and breathing techniques. 3626 E. State St., Rockford.
Blue Moon Bikes
Bikes, gear and apparel for all riders. 211 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill.
Runner’s Image
Caters to runners and walkers looking for gear, footwear and accessories. Also carries other sporting gear. 219 E. State St., Rockford.
Fleet Feet
Caters to runners and walkers looking for gear, footwear and accessories. 1653 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
Kegel’s Bicycle Store
A full-service bike shop for beginners, casual cyclists and competitive riders. More than 300 bikes, various parts and useful accessories. 2605 Charles St., Rockford.
Tickets to Entertainment
Coronado Performing Arts Center
Hosts live theater, tribute acts and traveling performances. 314 N. Main St., Rockford, coronadopac.org.
Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Performs more than 20 classical and pops concerts each year. 711 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordsymphony.com.
BMO Harris Bank Center
Hosts touring performers and sporting events, including the Rockford IceHogs hockey team. 300 Elm St., Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Egyptian Theatre
This regional arts center hosts live theater, tribute acts and traveling performances. 135 N. Second St., DeKalb, Ill., egyptiantheatre.org.
Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
This magician provides see-it-to-believe-it illusions in an up-close and personal setting. 100 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva, lakegenevamagic.com.
Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra
Hosts classical and pops concerts in Beloit and Janesville venues. Also performs an annual Independence Day concert for free. 444 E. Grand Ave., Beloit; for tickets see beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
Beloit International Film Festival
A 10-day celebration for the world of film. The event features more than 100 independent films. For tickets/info, see beloitfilmfest.org.
Classic Cinemas
Plays first-run movies and occasional classic films. Free refills on popcorn, soda and ICEEs. Lindo Theatre: 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport; Beloit Theatre: 2799 Cranston Road, Beloit. For tickets: classiccinemas.com.
Starlight Theatre
Community theater presenting musical productions in an outdoor venue. Performs at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Winneshiek Playhouse
All-volunteer amateur theater. Comedy and drama productions with an annual musical. 228 W. Clark St., Freeport, winneshiekplayers.org.
Artists’ Ensemble Theatre
Live theater, typically performing new and unfamiliar work with small casts. Performs at Rockford College. PO Box 1684, Rockford, artistsensemble.org.
Main Street Players of Boone County
All-volunteer amateur theater. Comedy and drama productions with an annual musical. Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.
Restaurant Gift Card Ideas
GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery
Combination of a restaurant, bar and bakery. Specializes in woodfire pizza, burgers, steaks, seafood and desserts. Kitchen open until midnight. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.
Johnny Pamcakes
A diner with vintage décor sets the scene for several classic dishes, like biscuits and gravy. 3700 E. State St., Rockford, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford.
Tavern on Clark
Several burger and steak selections. More than 60 craft beers and more than 30 bourbons. 755 Clark Drive, Rockford.
Wired Café
Full espresso bar with homemade bakery items made in-house. Breakfast and lunch made to order. 414 E. State St., Rockford.
Salamone’s North
Serves up authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta and calzones. 2853 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.
Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria
Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza and pasta. 5801 Columbia Parkway, Rockford; 6746 Broadcast Parkway, Loves Park, Ill.
Butterfly Club
A supper club that specializes in fine dining entrees, including lamb chops and filet mignon. 5246 E. County Road X, Beloit.
Baci’s Kitchen
Soups. Salads. Pastas. Pizza. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Video gambling available. 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.
Cannova’s Italian Cuisine
Serves pizza, pasta, steak and seafood. Listen to area pianists play on Friday and Saturday nights. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport.
Home Decor and Art
Shine Boutique
Widespread selection of Polish pottery, along with crystals, incense and sage. Also specializes in jewelry, home and garden decor, and kitchen accessories. 6730 Broadcast Parkway, Loves Park, Ill.
Benson Stone Co.
Home decor and remodeling experts carrying furniture, flooring, fireplaces, kitchen and bath design, lighting, brick and stone. 1100 11th St., Rockford.
Oregon Soap Shoppe
Use this unique, handmade soap as a body wash, shampoo or shaving cream. Roughly 500 varieties, all made by hand. 91C Daysville Road, Oregon, Ill.
Gustafson’s Furniture and Mattress
All-things furniture, including beds, couches and dressers. 6651 E. State St., Rockford.
B Unique
A unique combination of home furnishings, including candles, refurbished furniture, floral and antiques. Delivery services available. 403 S. State St., Belvidere.
1803 Candles
Soy candles, melts, botanicals, diffusers and various other home goods. 360 E. Lincoln Hwy., Waterman, Ill.
C.R. Goodfinds
Home accents, seasonal decor, uncommon gifts. 731 W. Main St., Lake Geneva.
Hutch + Hide
Specializes in items that’ll add rustic style to your home, including old typewriters and coat hooks made of hand-hammered wrought iron. 600 First St., New Glarus, Wis.
At Home in Galena
Galena-made candles, body pampering products and custom-made home accessories. 114 S. Main St., Galena, Ill.
Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts
Customized and personalized gifts and apparel. 408 E. Grand Ave., Beloit.
Simply Home
Primitive and farmhouse decor, handmade signs, Milkhouse Candles, handmade furniture and other home decor items. 300 W. Washington St., Oregon, Ill.
The Clock Shoppe
Specializes in all things clocks, from cuckoo to grandfather and everywhere in between. Repair services also available. 330 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill.
Made Just for You Gifts
Handcrafted gift and home décor items. 338 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill.
For the Naturalist
K&W Greenery
Trees, shrubs, annuals/perennials, home decor. Ask about windchimes. 1328 E. U.S. Highway 14, Janesville
J.Carlson Growers, Rockford
Trees, shrubs and perennials. Also specializes in Japanese maples and rhododendrons along with ornamental and garden conifers. 8938 Newburg Road, Rockford.
A Feathered Nest
Specializes in farmhouse goods for both the home and garden. 772 CR 1150E Sullivan, Ill.
Craft Booze
Rush Creek Distillery
Whiskey, rye, bourbon, gin and vodka. Tasting room. Tours. Ask about tasty drink recipes. 1501 W. Diggins St., Harvard, Ill.
Generations Brewing
Artisan-style ales and lagers with a tap room. 1400 S. Adams Ave., Freeport.
Artale Wine Co.
Fine wines, craft beers, specialty spirits. Monthly wine tastings. 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.
Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery
Wine, seasonal beer, pizza. Tasting room. Live music each weekend. N8523 Kiltzke Road, New Glarus Wis.
Barnstormer Distillery
Whiskey, bourbon, vodka, cucumber vodka, moonshine. Ask about tasty drink recipes. 6969 S. Main St., Rockford.
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Handcrafted whiskey, vodka, gin and seasonal spirits. Tours. 9380 W. U.S. Highway 20, Galena, Ill.
Staller Estate Winery
Dry oak-aged red to sweet white wines. Cheese, sausage, olive blends, bread, chocolate. W8896 County Hwy A., Delavan, Wis.
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.
Whiskey, rye, bourbon and vodka. Tasting room. 11504 Keslinger Road, DeKalb, Ill.
Kennay Farms Distilling
Vodka, gin, rye, whiskey and craft beer. Tasting room. 416 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, Ill.
The Forge
Artisan brick oven pizzas with craft beer, wine and spirits. 327 W. State St., Sycamore, Ill.
For the Side Hustle
Custom Apparel & Promotions
Silk screening, embroidery and promotional products. 4602 E. State St., Rockford.
ReTool
Wide selection of new and used tools. Also buys and trades gently used tools. 3622 E. State St., Rockford.
Musician/Music Lover
Primetime Audio/Video
Electronics, including TVs, speakers and headphones. Entertainment furniture. Also offers custom installation. 6917 E. State St., Rockford.
Tin Dog Records
Record store with thousands of selections in all genres. eGift cards available. 312 State St., Beloit.
Fur Babies
Cherry Valley Feed and Supplies
Food and supplies for several animals, including horses and poultry. 1595 S. Bell School Road, Cherry Valley, Ill.
Bark on Mulford
Apparel, playtime items, food and cleaning products for dogs. Also offers a small amount of items for cats. 2002 S. Mulford Road, Rockford.
For the Person Who Has Everything
Advanced Chimney Systems
Fireplaces, including wood and gas. Also specializes in stoves, furnaces and grills. 3486 Lonergan Drive, Rockford.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
A getaway destination with a combination of amazing scenery, first-class amenities and exciting activities. 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, Ill.
Cards and Hype
Trading cards, games, apparel and various collectibles. 202 N. State St., Belvidere.
Lincoln Rent-All & Sales
Rents and sales lawn and garden equipment, party supplies and construction equipment. 3110 Auburn St., Rockford.
Guler Appliance
Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers/dryers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, more. 227 Seventh St., Rockford.
Nicholson Hardware
Locally owned hardware store with several hard-to-find items. Specializes in tools, paint, plumbing fasteners, builders’ hardware, electrical and lawn/garden, among other products. 1131 Second Ave., Rockford.
Bushel & Peck’s
Hot sauce, dry goods, beverages, soup, fresh produce. Also carries beer, wine and spirits. 328 State St., Beloit.
Cornellier’s Super Store
Unique specialty gifts and collectibles, cheese and other food products, beer and wine. Also sells fireworks. 2909 Ford Street, Beloit.
The Nest Egg
More than 5,000 square feet of home decor items, including lamps, floral and wall art, flasks, wine glasses and cork keepers. 816 E. Grand Ave., Beloit.
Rockford City Tins
Coaster gift cards for $10 off any dine-in purchase or $5 off carryout purchases of $25 or more at 19 local restaurants. Includes $10 off at Porch Inc. or Roxy Carmichael Boutique. Proceeds benefit the Golden Apple Foundation. Purchase for $30 at Roxy Carmichael, Porch or goldenappleofrockford.com.