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
What’s the best way to show someone you’re sweet on them? Give them sweets! Schimpff’s Confectionery is my pick again this year. It was named the #1 candy store by USA Today in April. I love watching the folks at Schimpff’s make their famous cinnamon red hot drops! You can also watch them make their hand-dipped chocolates. They have a great candy museum filled with candy packaging paraphernalia. Give people you are sweet on a delicious local treat this holiday season. It’s a sweet treat for you and them!
Experience: Wine Tasting at Wine Shop
If you like wine but want to know more about it, head to The Wine Shop in New Albany! Their space has new wines all the time. It’s a comfortable spot where you can sample new wines and catch up with your friends. The easy chairs give it a relaxed living room vibe, and the exposed brick walls make it comfortable. In warm weather, you can sit out back on the patio and enjoy the fresh air. The staff is really enthusiastic about sharing different wines so you can sample new tastes. Pair it with flatbreads, a charcuterie board or flavored popcorns for a special treat!
Nicole, Director of Operations
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!
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 Specialist
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.
Janelle, CRM & Website Specialist
Gift Shop: Kozy Kandles
What to give the person who has everything? Why not the gift of good smells? I love to spend a winter evening curled up with a hot drink, a good book, and a scented candle. Kozy Kandles offers a variety of irresistible scents to choose from, as well as a candle bar where you can craft your own. As a bonus, they have a shop cat!
Experience: Howard Steamboat Museum
A tour of this Victorian mansion is the perfect adventure for history geeks, architecture afficionados, and anyone who has ever wondered, “What would happen if you asked a bunch of steamboat carpenters to build a house?” I enjoy admiring the quality craftsmanship (all done by hand!) and peeping into the lives of the Howard family—especially the story of Aunt Nannie’s love letters!
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.
You can find park gift shops at Falls of the Ohio State Park, Deam Lake State Recreation Area and Charlestown State Park.
Experience: Pinot's Palette
Putting paintbrush to canvas is the perfect way to unwind and unleash your creativity. It’s even better with a glass of wine and friends. Pinot’s Palette in downtown Jeffersonville is the perfect space to create your next masterpiece. They offer in-studio classes Tuesday – Sunday, guiding attendees of all ages in creating paintings, door hangers and other decorative crafts. Book a paint night with your loved ones or purchase a gift card to let them select their favorite image or craft. Pinot’s also does events, team building and parties, in studio or at your location.
Kia, Data & Research Manager
Gift Shop: Regalo
Regalo is my go-to spot for gifts for myself and others! They carry an eclectic mix of fun, clever, and boutique items, but my personal favorites are their wall of socks and their hilarious tea towels. From apparel and accessories to jewelry, plushies, cutting boards, candles, home decor, pet treats, and more, they genuinely have something for everyone.
I especially love their pop-up shop in the SoIN Visitor Center. Everything is Hoosier-themed, and I’ve found some of my favorite gifts there. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed!
Experience: Hoosier Handlebars LLC
If you’re looking for a gift that's both unique and unforgettable, a guided e-trike tour from Hoosier Handlebars is a perfect pick. Their tours combine sightseeing, relaxation, and adventure while exploring the scenic beauty of Southern Indiana. Liam is a great guide and makes it so much fun to learn about the area’s history and discover hidden gems. It’s a memorable experience for anyone who loves to discover new places!
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: A Visit to the Howard Steamboat Museum
I can’t recommend the Howard Steamboat Museum enough! It’s the only museum in the nation dedicated entirely to steamboats— their history, impact, and the fascinating lore of the steamboat era. With countless vintage artifacts to explore, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and steamboat enthusiasts alike.
Connie, Travel Counselor
Gift Shop: Yarn Works
Located at 414 East Court Ave in Jeffersonville, this is a beautifully curated Local Yarn Shop (LYS). From Alpaca to Zimmerball, there is a quality yarn for any knitter or crocheter on your list. The shop also carries a wide range of notions for any project. If you can’t decide what to get, Yarn Works has gift cards and offers classes. With a knowledgeable and experienced owner, a trip to the shop always makes me want to come back for more.
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!
