Skip the big-name stores and check out some of these unique, local shops throughout Northwest Indiana!
2 Old Goats Market
12615 Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake, IN
Stop in to 2 Old Goats Market for a wide assortment of repurposed antiques, artwork and the perfect pieces for your home! If antiques are not your thing, they also sell jewelry, clothing, gourmet foods, spa products and even offer classes and special events frequently.
Sweet Home Indiana Gifts
8251 Wicker Avenue, St. John, IN
If you are looking for ways to spice (or sweeten) up your home for the new seasons, check out Sweet Home Indiana. This shop specializes in country farmhouse, vintage and Indiana themed items. There is also a craft space where they hold special events and workshops. The space can also be rented out for parties!
The Salt Cave and Wellness Spa
The Salt Cave is located just three doors down from Sweet Home Indiana in St. John and is the perfect place to purchase relaxing goods as gifts, or for yourself. Here you can find salt lamps, lotions, Plexus, CBD, Doterra oils, homemade soaps and many other wellness items. Don’t forget to purchase gift cards, too, so you can come in and experience what the Salt Cave is all about, Halotherapy!
The Gift Shoppe
At the Shrine of Christ’s Passion
10630 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN
Known for its 40 life-size bronze sculptures depicting religious scenes, the Shrine of Christ’s Passion also has one of the largest shops around for religious items and gifts. The shop is 12,000 square feet and has unique and inspiring gifts for any occasion. Mezzanine level is Christmas year-round and is a great place to search for the perfect nativity set.
Indie Indie Bang Bang
625 S. Lake Street, Gary, IN
19 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN
The eclectic Indie Indie Bang Bang has two locations in the region that are the perfect spots to find fun coffee mugs, cute clothing and adorable pieces for your home.
Lake Street Gallery
613 S. Lake Street, Gary, IN
Lake Street Gallery, located on Lake Street in the Miller neighborhood of Gary, is a quaint shop with local artisan goods, home décor, and gobs of frame choices! There are works of art hanging on the walls and sitting on all the shelves that you can purchase. Many tell you who the artist is as well. The back walls are completely full of frame corners to choose from if you are looking for a great way to showcase a piece of art.
Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
Lake Street and the Creative Arts District is lined with small shops and restaurants. Come out on the first Friday of the month when the shops and galleries are open until 8 PM, perfect for shopping after work.
Lifestyles Unique Gifts
122 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN
Whether you are looking for jewelry, toys, home goods, art or other great gifts for family and friends, check out Lifestyles Unique Gifts. This store even has a kids area with paper and crayons and a train table to occupy children while parents shop.
Art Barn School of Art
695 N. 400 E., Valparaiso, IN
During the holiday season, the Art Barn not only has classes for all ages, but they also hold a Holiday Gift Gallery. This market has a variety of gifts for everyone. Shop prints, jewelry, paintings, and much more all from local artists!
Pieces of Jayde Uncommon Goods
1501 Broadway Suite B, Chesterton, IN
Pieces of Jade is both a jewelry store and an eclectic shoppe, filled with unique items you won’t find anywhere else, like Shiva Eye Stones and pieces made from elements found right here in the Indiana Dunes. Besides jewelry, you can also find items like crystals, tea, handmade soaps and more one-of-a-kind items.
South Shore Arts
At the Center for Visual and Performing Arts
1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN
The Center for Visual and Performing Artscontains so many wonderful things from art exhibits, dinner, a theater and even a gift shop! The South Shore Arts gift shop has various options for gifts like jewelry, handmade creations, prints and more.
South Shore Gift Shop
At the Indiana Welcome Center
7770 Corinne Dr., Hammond, IN
The South Shore Gift Shop located inside the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond is open year-round. The gift shop has a wonderful section dedicated to items made specifically in Northwest Indiana! There are also many different accessories and clothing items dedicated to the region, Lake Michigan, and the Indiana Dunes National Park. Come in the Christmas time for your favorite “A Christmas Story” merch including the infamous Leg Lamp!
Albert’s Diamond Jewelers
711 Main St., Schererville, IN
Albert’s is a well-known name in the region when it comes to diamonds, but did you know this jewelry store is family-owned? Albert’s Diamond Jewelers has dedicated and informative employees that can help you pick out the perfect something for a loved one whether it be an engagement ring, first pair of earrings or gift.
Local Food and Snack Shops
Hungry after all that shopping for cool new things? Stop in one of the local food stores to satisfy almost any types of craving!
ChicagoLand Popcorn
5470 E. Lincoln Hwy., Merrillville, IN
Miller location opening soon!
If you’re craving salty or even sweet, ChicagoLand Popcorn has more than 250 flavors to choose from. Stop in and try flavors like Loaded Baked Potato, Crab Legs, Bubble Gum or even Pina Colada before picking out the perfect bag for yourself, or as a gift!
Albanese Candy Factory
5441 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN
If you have a sweet tooth, Albanese is the perfect spot for you! Be a kid (or adult) in a candy factory while you shop around for the world’s best gummi bears or your favorite chocolate treats.
Beef Jerky Outlet
127 Lighthouse Place, Michigan City, IN
Located in the Lighthouse Place Outlets, you can find, what many people say is, the “Best Beef Jerky I’ve ever had!” Ask them about gift boxes for all occasions, and try the many different flavors at Beef Jerky Outlet.
Welch’s Stop & Shop
11333 W 95th Avenue, St. John, IN
This family-owned store has been voted “The Times Best of the Region” for over 14 years in a row! Welch’s is your one stop shop for specialty groceries like fresh meat, including their homemade sausage, produce, side dishes and so much more! Visit their website for more information: www.loc8nearme.com/indiana/saint-john/welchs-stop-and-shop/4883312/
Whether you are looking for gifts for family or friends, something to spruce up your home, or shopping to treat yourself, check out these local shops around the region before heading to big-name stores!
For more information visit: www.southshorecva.com
