Monday, December 5, 2011

Shop Small

Hoerr Nursery, Peoria, IL has a gift shop in addition to their greenhouse and nursery services.  www.hoerrnursery.com

Green View, Dunlap IL is like sightseeing your way through a winter wonderland.  www.greenview.com   In addition to things to buy, they have instruction sessions most Saturdays leading up to Christmas.   

Sunnyfield Nursery, Galva IL, has gift certificates available by calling 309-852-4172.  www.sunnyfield.com

Dew Fresh Market, Tenney St., Kewanee IL, has pine wreaths, garlands and greenery.  When they are sold out - they close until spring.

Prairie Country Gardens, Galva/Atkinson Blacktop, Galva IL, is taking orders for pine wreaths, garlands and grave blankets.  309-927-8177 for Diane Nelson.

Distinctive Gardens, Dixon IL, always has beautiful, unique and often handmade gifts and decorations.  Although you may be too late for this year, they offer Christmas decorating services.  www.distinctivegardensinc.com

Old Mill Gardens, Atkinson IL  OldMillGardens@yahoo.com has fresh green arrangements designed locally in addition to a large array of gifts and decorations.  Love those new dusk to dawn window candles.

Emma's Bloomers, Inc. in Annawan IL has locally made Christmas gifts and decorations including some pretty amazing handmade Santa's. 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture maintains a website promoting products made by Illinois food companies.  There are 200 listed featuring everything from gourmet coffee, chocolate, wine and cheese.    www.agr.state.il.us and then click on the right side of the page entitled Purchase Illinois Products Gift Items Online.                                                                                              

Many of the small towns are running the campaign "Shop Small" encouraging the public to do their Christmas shopping at the locally run mom and pop stores.  With the craziness of big box stores (can you say pepper spraying another shopper?) and the malls, I'm pretty satisfied with the long list of wonderful local offerings.  And - this is a big AND with me:  they are genuinely glad to see you in their store, appreciate your business and strive to make it a good shopping experience.  Your town may have other wonderful locally owned stores.  Shop small - shop locally!

No comments:

Post a Comment