10 places to find locally made gifts on your holiday shopping trip to Downtown Fort Wayne

Where are you planning to do your Black Friday and holiday shopping this year?

It’s no secret that local businesses are the backbone of communities, and supporting them helps boost the economy. American Express estimates that for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., about 67 cents stays in the local community (compared to only 45 cents when spending at a big box store).

But did you know that many of Downtown Fort Wayne’s small businesses also sell handcrafted, locally made products where you can double the impact of your purchases?

Here’s a list of 10 Downtown shops where you can find unique, locally made holiday gifts.  

1. VISIT FORT WAYNE SHOP 

927 S. Harrison St.

Don’t be fooled. Visit Fort Wayne isn’t just for tourists. This unsuspecting office Downtown features a shop filled with Summit City pride where most of the items sold are locally made.

A few fan favorites include: 

• Scented soaps by Heavenly Bliss Creations (Liz Murphy), who creates a line of natural and healthy skin care products use organic herbs and flowers, essential oils, and basic non-chemical/non-toxic ingredients.
• Laser-cut wood magnets and ornaments by Grit and Grace Handmade Designs (Becca Radona) who creates wood art. The shop sells two of her Indiana wood magnets, a Fort Wayne snowflake ornament, a ribbon and tassel Fort Wayne keychain, and a cool Johnny Appleseed wood ornament!

You might also try:

• Ornaments, coasters, magnets, canvas totes, and more with Fort Wayne designs by hit81 (Daniel Galle) 
• Jimmy’s BBQ Sauce by Jim McClung in four amazing flavors: Sweet-N-Smokey sauce, Sweet-N-Spicy sauce, Hot Sauce, and BBQ Rub.
• Handmade wood designs celebrating Fort Wayne and Indiana by Welrish Creations (Barry and Nancy Gore)
• Streetwear apparel by Old Fort Baseball Co.  

2. FANCY & STAPLE

1111 Broadway St.

Fancy & Staple, Fort Wayne’s go-to shop for all things funky and fabulous, is well known to carry many local brands, artists, and makers. The store embraces the talents of local creatives. 

Some fun finds include: 

• Handmade vases by Rock Paper Print 
• Stickers, prints and more by Pretty Good Posters
• Fragrances by Hyde + Alchemy
• Stickers and more by Imaginary Animal and Moonlight Shoppe
• Jewelry by Waya Momma, Knotoday, C.Her bracelets, and Wild Thistle
• Knit Cactus by Emily Carter
• Art, stickers and more by Corey Purvis
• Pencils, notepads, and plant stakes by Tuff Girl Gang
• Art, stickers, and ceramic mushrooms by Grace Yencer
• Plant Hangers by Christy Randall
• Cutting boards by Decor Krumanaker
• Cards by Afro Plump
• Magnets by Colors and Claywork
• Coming soon: Art prints by K Strasen

3. THE FIND

133 W Wayne St.

If stylish clothing and refined home and wellness goods are on your list, The FIND has some amazing options from local makers.

One fan-favorite is locally made jewelry by The Hedge, Knotoday Studio, The Jonesy Co, Prose Over Bros, and Sailor & Ruby. Knot Today Studio by Cheyenne Gonzales, also offers macrame, laser cut designed earrings, scrunchies, and more. 

Other locally-made products include: 

• Ornaments and stationery with hand-drawn iconic Fort Wayne scenes by VimmAnnVigor
• Shirts and swag by Old Fort Tee Co.
• Crochet and macrame pieces by The Jonesy Co. Simplistic and minimal macrame earrings, necklaces. Crocheted baby headbands, hair-clips, and ornaments.
• Small stationery products by Grace Yencer
• Stationery by Sommer Letter Co.
• Cards and art prints by Heartell Press
• Skincare products by FoxSea Skin (Jennifer Dodds Fox)
• Polymer clay earrings by Prose Over Bros. Every piece is unique, and she never makes the same pair twice!
• Bracelets, earrings, and necklaces by Sailor & Ruby (Becky Dodds), inspired by the sea with beads, pearls, and gems.

4. CREATIVE WOMEN OF THE WORLD 

125 W Wayne St.

While its name might suggest global artisans, did you know that Creative Women of the World also carries a wide range of locally made artisan goods? Local items are part of its “Lotus Gallery,” and can be found throughout the store, including pottery, baskets, candles, and more. Check the tag on each product to learn the story of its background and maker.

5. THE HEDGE

1016 Broadway St.

If made-in-Fort-Wayne deeply matters to you, The HEDGE might be your best bet. This artisan shop creates all of its goods available in-store and online. 

This includes:

• Artwork by Julie Wall and Daniele Dienelt
• Hand-poured soy candles in vintage thrifted vessels
• Upcycled trophies for cheeky awards
• Statement jewelry
• Ornaments
• Stationery, and more!

6. POPTIQUE POPCORN

912 S Calhoun St.

Looking for edible gifts? With a vast assortment of flavored popcorn, Poptique Popcorn artfully delivers an assortment of single-package popcorn treats and gift sets. There are flavor options to match every palette, and even a few fun holiday-themed options, like “Lump O’ Coal” Black Cherry and “Snowman Poo” Vanilla.  

7. IDLEHOUR 

526 W Jefferson Blvd.

As a part-yoga-studio, part-boutique, IdleHour offers a wide range of scented candles, earrings, lip glosses, and functional fashion for women.

A few locally made products on their shelves are:

• Signature roller ball fragrances by Bespoke (their best-selling item in the entire store!)
• An assortment of bath bombs by local makers
• Lip balms, lip oils, and sunscreens by Bitchstix (made almost-locally in Zionsville, Ind., and a percentage of all of their sales benefit victims of domestic violence)

Don’t forget: Local yoga or gym memberships are a great holiday gift option, too!

8. HOUSE TO HOME 

110 W. Columbia St. #101

This locally-owned furniture and home decor shop on the Landing has a showroom that spotlights local artists throughout the year and sells their art.

Currently, you’ll find framed originals by Heidi Malott and hand-drawn iconic Fort Wayne scenes by VimmAnnVigor.

9. URBAN HIPPIE BOUTIQUE 

111 W. Columbia Ave., St. #101

You know the Urban Hippie offers trendy women’s fashion with boho vibes at its new (and expanded) shop on The Landing. But did you know that it makes its own custom, reworked band jackets and private-label Urban Hippie candles?

Along with its own signature scents, it stocks Hyde + Alchemy‘s fragrances, made in Angola, and on special occasions, it carries locally made jewelry, too.

10. Sharon’s Victorian House of Gifts
634 W. Berry St.

Sharon’s Victorian House of Gifts has an assortment of vintage and handcrafted items. 

Locally made, the shop has: 

• Hand-painted Christmas bulbs 
• Hand-painted wood cutouts of Santa, Snowmen, and butterflies

Ready to shop?

Downtown Fort Wayne is kicking off the holiday season with The Days of Holly Shopping, a month-long event that begins on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26.

Locations participating in this initiative will offer discounted retail specials and plenty of festive flair to celebrate the holiday season. On Saturday, Nov. 26, shoppers can even participate in a fun celebration on The Landing. 

Come out, and join the party!

This story is made possible by underwriting from Downtown Fort Wayne.