The season of giving is upon us! During the holidays, there is something extra special about giving someone a gift that makes their face light up. Plenty of shops and experiences in SoIN can help you get that “wow” reaction with your gift-giving while supporting local small businesses in Southern Indiana!
The local experts at SoIN Tourism are sharing their knowledge of where to get must-have gifts in Clark and Floyd counties. Keep reading for their holiday gift-giving (or receiving!) recommendations.
Jim, Executive Director
Gift Shop: Huber’s Orchard & Winery
I particularly like to shop at Huber’s Orchard & Winery for my out-of-town family. My daughters and nieces have great memories of going to Huber’s as kids. Sharing food is an important part of our family traditions so the selection of specialty foods, wines, cheeses, and even fall apples still available at Christmas make this a great one-stop-shop for a gift basket.
Experience: An Evening of Entertainment
For myself, I prefer experiences over stuff, so I always get excited about a gift card from one of our local independent restaurants or for tickets to a show at Derby Dinner Playhouse or the Ogle Center.
Luanne, Chief Marketing Officer
Gift Shop: Schimpff’s Confectionery
If I’m not baking something myself, I like to give (or get!) something sweet and local with a bit of history! Schimpff’s Confectionery has so many things to choose from! Schimpff’s is one of the oldest candy stores in the U.S. and the family-owned company makes delicious cinnamon red hot drops. They’re best if you get a sample at the end of a candy-making demonstration (they’re still warm) where they make it just like they have for more than 130 years. After watching the demo, check out the candy museum and watch hand-dipped chocolates. It’s such a sweet, nostalgic gift to give or receive!
Experience: Wine Tasting at Wine Shop
When I was a kid, if I wasn’t outside, you could find me on the couch reading. As an adult, one of my greatest pleasures is to try a new glass of wine! So, the perfect gift for me would be the experience of trying new wines at Wine Shop. They always have interesting wines to try, and they are great about demystifying wines. They are approachable and fun. Plus, they have events that will take you on a deep dive, helping you explore more. Their latest was an exploration of prosecco in their “So You Think You Like” series. In 2024 they started Silent Book Club nights! It’s a great chance to continue my love of reading and talk to other people who like to escape inside books! Bonus points: I get to try a new glass of wine!
Nicole, Operations Manager
Gift Shop: Hazel Jane Boutique
One of my favorite shops in Southern Indiana is Hazel Jane Boutique. I love that they offer permanent jewelry, and I’ve even got a few pieces myself! Occasionally, they have a charm bar where you can design personalized charm bracelets for yourself or as gifts. Plus, their apparel and accessories are budget friendly. It’s a must-visit when shopping in downtown New Albany!
Experience: Candle-making at Wimsatt
My top choice for an experience gift would definitely be Wimsatt Soap & Soy Candle Bar. It’s the perfect outing for a girls' night or a fun day with my daughter. You can create your own unique scent and choose from a wide variety of candle vessels. It’s a fantastic experience to give or receive. Plus, I can enjoy one of their delicious wine slushies while my candle sets!
Seth, Visitor Services Coordinator
Gift Shop: Him and Her
Sometimes, as a dad to two little ones, I get so caught up in life that it’s easy to forget to check in on my wardrobe. When you look good, you feel good, and there is no better place to make you look good than Him and Her. I’ve always been in search of the perfect T-shirt, and I think I finally found it there. They have such great items that are high quality and last. I tell friends and family, if you can’t decide on an item, just get me a gift card to Him & Her because I love going there.
Experience: Maker 13
In another lifetime, I would have loved to have been a carpenter. The chance to design something the way I like would be an amazing feeling. You can do that at Maker13! The chance to use all their amazing equipment with some guidance would be such a fun experience!
Todd, Senior Tourism Manager
Gift Shop: Designer Fragrance and More
Designer Fragrance and More in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a woman-owned fragrance shop that offers a delightful gift shopping experience with its warm atmosphere and excellent customer service. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provides personalized recommendations, guiding me through their impressive selection of designer and niche fragrances. I appreciated the opportunity to sample scents at my own pace, which made choosing the perfect gift easy and enjoyable. With competitive prices, a variety of options for different budgets, this store is a go-to for anyone seeking a thoughtful and high-quality fragrance gift.
Experience: Saturday Morning Walk on the Big Four Bridge and Breakfast at Geraldine’s Kitchen
If you know me at all or follow any of my socials, you know what I like to do on the weekends. My special lady friend and I love to take a walk on the Big Four Bridge into Waterfront Park in Louisville, KY and loop back into Jeffersonville, IN. It’s a four-mile trek for us and we always work up an appetite. So, for my gift this year, I’ll be purchasing a gift card to Geraldine’s Kitchen in Jeffersonville. It’s where we love to have a delicious breakfast after our Saturday morning strolls. My wife usually picks the healthy option and gets her favorite: oatmeal with cinnamon, nuts, and berries. I, on the other hand, will usually steer the other direction and go for the savory hashbrowns with eggs topped with sausage gravy. By this point, we’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and you just cannot go wrong with Geraldine’s Kitchen for breakfast in SoIN.
Marissa, Marketing Coordinator
Gift Shop: Mood
It’s no secret that thrifting is “SoIN,” and one of my favorite thrift spots is Mood in Jeffersonville. While the space is small, each wall is filled with items to sift through, making every visit a unique experience. Mood carries clothing, art, records, and more, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. I’m definitely planning to include Mood in my holiday shopping this season—it's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts! Whether I’m searching for a statement piece or just browsing for inspiration, Mood never disappoints. Plus, I love supporting local businesses while adding a little vintage flair to my wardrobe!
Experience: A Visit to Vetiver Perfumery
An experience I’d love to give or receive is a visit to Vetiver Aromatics in downtown New Albany! Vetiver is an independent, artisan perfumery that specializes in custom fragrance design. You can create your own unique scents in a fragrance workshop or book a session at their blending bar. I think Vetiver is perfect for a date night or a fun girls’ night out! Whether gifting or experiencing it myself, this would be a very special and memorable outing.
Katerina, Senior Marketing Manager
Gift Shop: The Wildflower Boutique
When it comes to holiday shopping, The Wildflower Boutique will be my new go-to in Southern Indiana. I love walking in with someone special in mind, but no clue what to get. Without fail, something in the shop always jumps out and screams their name! The atmosphere is so calming, filled with vibrant colors and quirky items that make it feel like stepping into a real-life “I Spy” book.
Experience: Take Me to See the Lights in Charlestown!
I believe the best Christmas gift experience this holiday season would be to live out my Hallmark movie fantasy in Charlestown during their enchanting Light Up event. Known as Christmas City, Charlestown transforms into a festive wonderland filled with stunning light displays across multiple locations. I can already imagine strolling through the park, lights twinkling, sipping hot cocoa and perhaps even catching a glimpse of live reindeer! Then heading to Charlestown Family Activities Park where I can enjoy a round of miniature golf and hop aboard the Charlestown Express. Plus, the Winter Holiday Market will feature unique holiday décor and gifts—perfect for last-minute shopping! This magical experience would truly embody the spirit of the season and create lasting memories.
Larissa, Digital Strategy Manager
Gift Shop: The Spice & Tea Exchange of New Albany
For a more flavorful holiday season and a commitment to spicing up the new year, The Spice & Tea Exchange in New Albany is your go-to! Step into this quaint, rustic shop and explore a massive selection of hand-blended herbs, spices and fresh loose-leaf teas. You can sample or smell your way through their offerings to find the perfect additions to your giftee's kitchen or to your own. They have a unique selection of luxurious and thoughtful gifts for the cook, baker or tea lover in your life!
Experience: Tickets to Abbey Road on the River
My favorite way to embrace my inner flower child and welcome summer in SoIN is with a weekend of live music and art outdoors! Over five days, more than 50 bands take the stage to play their take on classic Beatles favorites and hits from their heyday. It’s the perfect time to grab a blanket or camping chair, head to Big Four Station Park, and relax while listening to songs cherished by generations. Whether you're with friends, family or even picky teenagers, it’s a fun and memorable way to spend time together!
Anna, Communications Manager
Gift Shop: State Park Gift Shops
While working in parks, I started the tradition of collecting park t-shirts. We have wonderful parks throughout SoIN, including two state parks and a state recreation area. If there’s an outdoor lover in your life, stop by a park gift shop for a t-shirt, hat, or other souvenir to remind them of their favorite place. In addition to checking off your gift list, you’ll also be supporting your local parks.
Deam Lake State Recreation Area just opened up a new gift shop inside their parks office. Find more park gift shops at Falls of the Ohio State Park and Charlestown State Park.
Experience: New Albany Clay Collective
This holiday season, I’ll be throwing hints to my loved ones about booking me a wheel-throwing class at the New Albany Clay Collective. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making pottery. I remember loving it when I was a kid, but I haven’t done it in … a long time. Something about working the clay was so calming. It was like using a stress ball, but at the end, you get a work of art – or, at the very least – a cute little coin collector.
The Collective offers 5-week classes, single sessions, group experiences (for up to 8) and occasional pottery + wine nights at the Wine Shop. Keep your finished piece for yourself, or gift it to someone special.
Kia, Data & Research Manager
Gift Shop: Exile Waxing Co.
I adore receiving the gift of skin care services. At Exile Waxing Co. in Sellersburg, it's not just about grooming; it’s a deep dive into pure pampering. Whether it's the precision of eyebrow shaping, the indulgence of deluxe facials, or the silkiness of post-wax skin, each service feels like a personalized, luxurious experience just for me. Every visit leaves me with a renewed sense of self-assurance and beauty. The exceptional staff at Exile Waxing Co. excel at turning each session into a personal and indulgent delight, making it a gift that truly speaks to the heart.
Experience: A Day at Huber’s Orchard & Winery
It doesn’t get much better than a day at Huber’s Orchard & Winery! I love exploring the fresh finds at the Farm Market and enjoying live music on the patio during the warmer months. However, my favorite activities are definitely the wine tours and tastings! You can choose from the Discovery Tour, the Farm to Glass Tour, or the Sippin’ in the Cellar private tasting. And don’t forget to grab a bite at the Starlight Café — the sweet potato tots with apple butter are absolutely delicious!
Cheryl, Travel Counselor
Gift Shop: Regalo
I love shopping at Regalo during the holiday season! They have a unique selection of items, from home décor and apparel to books, candles, soaps, stickers, and much more. One of my favorite offerings is their "SoIN" collection, which features magnets, keychains, jewelry, Indiana-shaped plushies, t-shirts, tote bags, and more. The variety of gifts is endless, and I promise you’ll never leave Regalo empty-handed!
P.S. Did you know you can now find Hoosier-themed Regalo items at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center? The Visitor Center staff are excited to help you choose the perfect gift during your visit to SoIN!
Experience: Falls of the Ohio State Park
Anyone who knows me understands that the river and nature are my happy places. A day at the Falls of the Ohio is always a day well spent! You can easily spend hours exploring the fossil beds, which are over 390 million years old. Be sure to check out the Interpretive Center, which overlooks the fossil beds and brings their history to life through interactive, immersive exhibits. Fun fact: the fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio are among the largest exposed Devonian (pre-dinosaur) fossil beds in the world!
Kelly, Travel Counselor
Gift Shop: Ben’s Bargains
During the holiday season, I always make a point to visit Ben’s Bargains. With significant discounts on a variety of items, it’s the perfect spot for sticking to a holiday budget. I love browsing the racks and shelves, searching for the ideal gifts for my loved ones.
Experience: Paint Party at Blessings on Spring
One of my favorite activities is heading over to Blessings on Spring to paint my own ornaments and door signs. It’s a great way to get creative and add a personal touch to my gifts. Plus, while my pieces are drying, I can shop around the store for other goodies!
Connie, Travel Counselor
Gift Shop: Schimpff’s Confectionery
As a self-identified chocoholic, I always enjoy going to Schimpff's for all sorts of wonderful goodies! There really is something for everyone including their hand-made, in-house specialties. Their candies make terrific gifts, some for me and some for others.
Experience: Abbey Road on the River
Held over Memorial weekend, the music festival is filled with fantastic Beatles tribute bands and other music groups. I love to bring my lawn chair for great live music and people-watching. In addition to the tasty lineup of food trucks, there are vendors offering Beatles memorabilia and oh-so-cool merchandise.
Rebecca, Travel Counselor
Gift Shop: YIMM
I'm often drawn to the more unusual items in wardrobe and decor, and YIMM's exceptional selection of vintage thrift caters to that. This isn't just mass old clothing collections; it's a carefully curated blend of styles and time periods. In addition to this, YIMM spotlights and carries products from local artists, and that's a cause close to my heart since my mother was a professional artist (and I dabble.) Between the local artists and the vintage items, it is easy to find a unique gift for the already-have-everything types on your list.
Experience: J & B Magic Shop and Theatre
Sleight of hand, mind-bending mentalists, spooky seances -- there has been a wide range of national acts on the J & B stage. What makes this venue stand out as an experience rather than just a fun show is the small size of the theatre. The intimate setting means you are sure you'll "catch them" and figure out the tricks, but the level of skill is just too high. Go early and shop the store before the show; it is part of the fun!
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out where to get unique gifts for your unique friends here!
