It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is one time of year that people make an effort to spend time with their loved ones and show them how much they care. One way that we show people we are thinking of them is the act of gift giving!

A gift does not have to be elaborate or expensive to show someone you care about them. Sometimes a simple card or a small, unique gift can mean much more than something from a big box store. Shopping your small, local businesses can be a wonderful way to get meaningful and unique gifts with the added bonus of supporting your local economy!

For the past 5 years, I have made an effort to shop 100% small or local for my holiday shopping. Not only has it made for some really memorable gifts for my loved ones, but believe me, it means the world to our Springfield business owner neighbors when you choose to shop with them for your holiday shopping! With all of this being said, I have put together a holiday shopping guide with numerous local small businesses and gift ideas for all!

Local Clothing Boutiques

We all know someone who loves the latest fashion trends! Ditch the busy mall and find some unique finds at the many local boutiques in the Springfield area!

5 Pound Apparel: 5 Pound has men’s and women’s clothing as well as unique gift options throughout the store! Added bonus: every purchaase gives back to numerous charities! Located Downtown Springfield. 412 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Clothe Boutique: Trendy young women’s clothing and accessories. Located in the Brentwood shopping center. 2644 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804.

Downtown Boutique: Women’s clothing and lots of stocking stuffer options, located just a short distance outside of Springfield in Republic, MO. 224 N Main St, Republic, MO 65738.

Modern Society Apparel: Modern apparel for women - also located in the Brentwood shopping center. 2652 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804

Bree’s Little Closet: Bree’s has women’s apparel and is located off of Republic Road in south Springfield! 1607 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807

Staxx: Upscale women’s clothing in the Brentwood shopping center - Bonus, their sister store, Jellybeans has a variety of goodies for the kiddos on your list! 2630 Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

Home Goods & More

These shops have something for everyone! Each of these options have several home decor and gift options in their store!

The Market: This is my go-to stop for home goods during the holiday season! Walking into this shop is like walking into a winter wonderland during the holiday season - They also have so many fun smaller gift options! This shop is also located in the Brentwood shopping center. 2628 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

Sunset: This store offers beautiful, artisan home decor! They just opened here on C-street in 2023! 303 E Commercial St Springfield, MO

House Counsel: If you want refined home goods, house counsel is a beautifully curated home store! 1961 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

Harrison House Market: Located just next door to House Counsel, Harrison House is also a place that just gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling walking through their doors! I’ve purchased candles, ornaments, books and more from their store! 1717 E Cherokee St #103, Springfield, MO 65804

Unique Finds

Hakaar’s Bazaar: If you have a vintage lover on your list, Hakaar’s Bazaar is one of our neighbors here on Commercial Street. They have a variety of vintage clothing and home items. Definitely a fun and unique place to peruse! 217 W Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Pagination Book Shop: This little book shop is perfect for the avid readers! It is located in a historic Walnut Street home and each room is packed full of unique reads! 1150 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Serendipity: Another Commercial Street neighbor of ours! They have small gift options and items perfect for stocking stuffers - Bonus, they also offer custom balloon creations and party decor. The perfect place to get your holiday decor! 215 W Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Culture Flock: I stop in this store every holiday season! They have custom clothing designs and so many fun stickers, pins, patches, and so many other fun items! 607 S Pickwick Ave Suite A, Springfield, MO 65802

The Local Bevy: This store is a dreammm - they have artisan jewelry and pottery stickers, cards, and so many other unique finds! 617 S Pickwick Ave, Springfield, MO 65802

Little Bluebird: If you want to knock out a lot of shopping at once, try a curated flea market boutique like Little Bluebird! Located just a short distance outside of Springfield in Ozark, this shop has booths stuffed full of unique goodies for every type of person! 2004 W Evangel St, Ozark, MO 65721

Gift an Experience!

Another way to gift while supporting your local economy is to pick up a gift certificate from a local service provider, restaurant or business in the area or a fun experience! Here are just a few ideas:

Gift a spa treatment from a local esthetician or masseuse, try Grove Spa or Acacia Spa!

Gift a fun night out! You can pour your own candles at Heirloom Candle Bar, attend a mixology class put on by 417 Cocktails, go mini golfing at Getaway Golf, or throw some axes at Craft Axe Throwing.

Buy dinner or coffee for your friends or family, Springfield has SO many amazing local restaurants and coffee shops, but some of our favorites are:

Food

**Cafe Cusco**
**Wheelhouse**
**Van Gogh’s**
**Bambino’s**
**Pizza House**
**Civil Kitchen**
**Gailey’s** **(Pictured)**
**Druff’s**
**Piccolo**

Coffee

**Architect Coffee Co (Pictured - Honey Lavender Latte)**
**Eurasia Coffee Co**
**Urban Grounds**
**Travellers House Coffee & Tea**
**Kingdom Coffee**
**Green House Coffee & Affogato Bar**
**Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar**

Lastly, We may be biased as a photo studio, but grab your loved one a gift certificate from your favorite local photographer! Updating those family photos is something that can go overlooked! Photos are something that you get to enjoy for the rest of your life - and if you have a photographer to buy a gift for this Christmas, you can always surprise them with a studio rental here at Lightbox!

There you have it! Our 2023 shopping guide for the holidays - We hope this will serve as a useful tool for the 417 community! Now, who did we miss? Comment your favorite small business below!

Written by Bekah

Creative Coordinator at Lightbox.

During these crazy times we need to remember to help out small businesses that are always there for us! Our Lightbox team all love to eat at all kinds of different local restaurants and we are trying to share the love during these times! If you are looking for somewhere to grab some food, or even a drink from, check out a small list of businesses still open for take out below!

Bambino’s

How could I leave out this Springfield staple? Bambino's is running one of the best meals for two special! For $19.99 you get to pick your favorite pasta from their menu that is portioned for two people, a salad with your choice of dressing, and their signature bread! I would definitely pick either The Bambino pasta or The Ziti! You don’t even have to leave your house for this amazing deal, they are offering delivery right now!

https://bambinoscafe.com

https://images.app.goo.gl/PzLbk5jFf2zwkfVb6

Bubba’s BBQ

Bubba’s BBQ is offering takeout and they also have their drive thru open. Along with their normal menu they also set up a mini market with many kitchen staples, some liquor, and fresh meat. They have two specials I would order if I were to get takeout. The first being their ultimate platter, which is your choice of 5 meats, 3 sides, and two pieces of toast which can feed 2 people for $17.99. Also, they have a special called the Coldcut Stockup which is 2 pounds of either turkey or ham, 2 quarts of sides, and a pack of buns for $29.99.

https://www.bubbasozarkbbq.com

The Artisan’s Oven

Shoutout to one of our neighbors on C-Street! Another spot to hit up if you are in need of bread or flour! Artisan Oven is also now on GrubHub, and you can even get the bread delivered to along with their normal menu! If you decided to order from here, I highly recommend their Italian Hoagie or their homemade biscuits and gravy.

http://theartisansoven.com

The Roost Bar and Grill

The Roost has their normal menu going right now- and will bring it all out to your car! If you’re in the mood to eat some wings and binge watch old games of your favorite sports team, this is the place to get them from! They are currently only operating out of their Cox location. The Roadrunner wrap with onion rigs is my top pick for sure!

http://theroostbarandgrill.com/menu/

https://business.facebook.com/TheRoostBarandGrill/photos/a.398658153479545/2688577854487552/?type=3&theater

Golden Girl Rum Club

If you are tired of drinking your basic drinks at home, Golden Girl has you covered! They are offering drink packs to go along with some food from their menu! They are open Thursday-Saturday 5-9 for curbside carryout! I recommend their cheesy tots or their korean BBQ pork nachos paired with a blue hawaiian or mai tai cocktail kit!

http://www.thegoldengirl.com

Frank ‘n’ Steins

Frank ‘n’ Steins has their normal gourmet hotdogs and brats like always, but they are also running some amazing specials. They have “Backyard Boxes” that you can either have a dog, brat, or burger with a side and drink. They also have families that deal with a pan of brats, hotdogs, burgers, pulled pork, and more plus a pan of sides and sodas. You can even spice up your meal and change your soda to a beer if you would like.

https://www.eatfns.com

Neighbor’s Mill

Tired of the grocery store being out of bread? Visit Neighbor’s Mill! They have yummy homemade loaves of bread! They also have other essentials like flour and coffee. While you’re in, pick up some breakfast, lunch, or even a dessert! I have been dying to try their cinnamon rolls and sticky buns!

http://www.neighborsmill.com

https://images.app.goo.gl/Dz8B71aEnFTPkor67

B2 Cafe

For those of you out taking a walk or who live by the Greenway Trail, this is the place to go for a coffee, smoothie, juice, or a quick bite to eat! They have curbside service, and just recently started a quick grab-and-go table that can help minimize person-to-person contact! My go-to here is either the 5K power smoothie or a hot latte with their steel cut oatmeal!

https://go2b2.com

Druffs

Druffs is my go to, especially on our cooler rainy days that we have been dealing with. Grab yourself a gourmet grilled cheese and a cup of their delicious tomato soup! My go to sandwich is their Jidner with their house tomato soup. YUM!

http://www.yumdruffs.com

Garbo’s Pizzeria

In addition to their fresh pizzas, subs, and calzones Garbos is also offering bake-at-home frozen pizzas! They have expanded their delivery services by adding curbside service. I personally love their Cheesy Delight and BBQ Chicken Pizzas!

http://www.garbospizzeria.com

https://www.facebook.com/garbospizzeriaeatlocal/photos/a.10150738304796617/10154802108741617/?type=3&theater

Great American Taco Company

We can still celebrate Taco Tuesday at home! Great American Taco is still offering some Taco Tuesday specials, along with family meals every day and margaritas to go! I recommend the chicken and beef enchiladas (3 of each) which comes with chips/salsa and four drinks for $35. What a steal!

https://www.greatamericantaco.com

Tortilleria Perches

Another go-to for all your taco or mexican food needs! Tortilleria Perches has some amazing family deals going on to help promote eating local! They have normal family packs and lil family packs! I recommend their Tamale pack or their Chicos Tacos pack! Prices range from $50-$60 for the family packs and $30 for the Lil’ Family packs! They are also offering deals for Taco Tuesday!

https://www.tortilleriaperches.com

Written by Jaylee Branch

Community Relations Coordinator - Lightbox
lightboxjaylee@gmail.com