All right all you St. Louisans full of Christmas cheer. I am hoping on the early celebration train this year and created a blog for you. That’s right people. Ready or not Christmas decorations are popping up and shopping is in full swing. I usually give anyone trouble for decorating before December, but I can make an exception this year. To all you grinches, sorry looks like 2020 will continue to get worse for you.

This year we’ve gone through seemingly endless trials as individuals and as a city. Many were unthinkable as we banged pots and pans last New Years’ Eve. We are here now so let’s look forward and support one another. Personally, I was excited to get the roaring 20’s started, but damn are they roaring. That’s why we must band together as a community.

I have seen so many acts of kindness in our beautiful city this year, and hope I can inspire more.

This compiled list of local shops is sure to give everyone an option when buying for Christmas this year. Below, I chose local businesses to highlight and present the unique gifts they have to offer. I also point out how they are navigating current restrictions to keep you safe.

I’ve highlighted just a tiny fraction of local shops the St. Louis area has to offer, so do your own research if you don’t find what you need here. One quick internet search, adding “local” to your desired gift, should get you going in the right direction.

(Make sure to check each store’s website and social media for updates on hours and deals due to frequent unforeseeable changes related to current events.)

CHECK THESE OUT, PEOPLE!!!

1. ZEE BEE MARKET— https://zeebeemarket.com/

The first local store that I am going to share with you is Zee Bee Market. I am so glad I found this gem. They bring socially and environmentally conscious gifts to our city. I highly encourage you to read about all they have done to support those in need in our city and around the world.

The storefronts are located on South Grand and in Brentwood. They also have a very wide variety of gifts online for your convenience. Their website is very easy to navigate, and they help you find gifts for him, her, pet parents, little ones, the traveler, winter favorites, and more. They really have something for everyone on your Christmas list.

This is a great interactive gift for you to explore St. Louis with your children.

Find it here:https://zeebeemarket.com/collections/gifts-for-little-ones/products/a-goodnight-st-louis-coloring-book

Do you need a hot drink, and a chocolate bar, in the cold days ahead? Zee Bee Market has Fair Trade Organic options that support small farms and their families. This is an easy stocking stuffer or adds into a gift that you can feel good about buying. Also, a great conversation starter on your social media feeds.

Website- https://zeebeemarket.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/zeebeemarket/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/zeebeemarket/

2. UNION STUDIO — https://stlunionstudio.com/

This shop is sure to please anyone that is looking to support St. Louis small businesses. As they share on their website “Every item we sell—jewelry, housewares and fine art—is handmade by nearby artists, your neighbors.” The owners show a true passion for their shop and the art created in the St. Louis area.

The must-have items this holiday season are their gift sets. They have put together the cutest items to make holiday shopping even easier for you. Anything from baby to St. Louis themed sets are available but order now because they are already starting to sell out of these high demand gifts.

Find the GIFT SETS here: https://stlunionstudio.com/collections/gift-sets

Their shops are located in Tower Grove and Webster Groves. They are open from 10 am-6 pm during the week. The Webster Groves location is open on Sundays. Check out the website to see their Covid-19 protocol. You also have the option to order online and pick up in-store or have shipped to your home. All around this is an awesome shop, and I highly recommend supporting them.

Website- https://stlunionstudio.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stlunionstudio/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/StlUnionStudio/

3. URBAN MATTERS— http://www.urbanmatterstl.com/

This local shop needs you now more than ever. They have had to shut their doors due to a covid scare and they are taking precautions to keep all their customers safe. They have not announced when they will reopen, but you can still buy gift cards as the perfect stocking stuffer. Follow their social media for updates on reopening (they are hoping for Dec. 1).

Urban Matters is a home good and gift boutique that features many St. Louis artists. It’s located on Grand Blvd. Their second storefront just opened up three doors down from the original shop. The new shop includes women’s, children’s, and Jewelry. Hit up both shops on one trip. Doesn’t get much easier than that.

Their Instagram highlights so many of their unique gifts that would be perfect for the ones you love this Christmas.

Website- http://www.urbanmatterstl.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/urbanmatterstl/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/urbanmatterstl

4. LOCAL 618- https://local618.com/

For all my 618ers out there, Local 618 is a great new option for clothing and accessories to support the Metro East. They have options for kids and adults. Anything from tanks to drinkware, they have great gift options.

Don’t be deterred by the name if you are on the 314 side of the river. They have a super cute collection showing off their 314 inspired designs. If you are looking for something that screams local, this is it. Cruize through their website because I have no doubts that you will find something perfect to put under your Christmas tree this year.

Keep your eyes peeled for deals coming up on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. They also have a “12 days for Christmas” full of deals and giveaways!

Website- https://local618.com/collections/stl-collection

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/local618trends/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/local618/

5. HAPPY UP INC.- https://www.happyupinc.com

Now, what is Christmas without some toys? Happy Up INC. is just the best. They are a local toy store located in Clayton and Edwardsville. They are excellent at picking great toys that your kiddos will love. Are you at a loss for what to get for the kids in your life? They will help you pick the age-appropriate toys that help with development.

To all the Aunts and Uncles out there, Parents will be very happy with you if you shop here. I wish I knew this store existed a long time ago.

Their website will break down your options into categories to make it easy to find exactly what you need. Their goal is to provide great customer service, and boy do they do that. Personally, I have felt nothing but welcomed and appreciated as a customer and a stressed parent trying to find the perfect present fast.

Website- https://www.happyupinc.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/HappyUpInc

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/happyupinc/

6. BIG RIVER RUNNING COMPANY- https://www.bigriverrunning.com/

Anyone that knows me personally, knows I have a passion for running. Almost to a fault. Obviously, I am going to encourage everyone to give the gift of running to their family this year. There are so many reasons to get out and go for a run or walk I can’t begin to list them, but you will thank me when you have a hard time seeing your toes after all those Christmas cookies.

Big River Running Company has three locations- West County, South County, University City. They are taking many precautions to keep you safe. You can still do in-person visits or virtual fittings and store tours via Zoom. If you know what you need order online and they will arrange curbside pickup.

Here is a list of the store’s favorite gifts ideas this season:

1. Running or walking shoes! Not sure what size or style to get? We can look up past purchases of current customers or we have gift cards available to purchase online so the recipient can get properly fitted!

2. Patagonia hats and apparel (Big River West County location only)

3. Brooks Running apparel to keep you moving and outside all winter long

4. addaday BioZoom massage gun – available in-store only 5. St. Louis flag tees – a portion of the proceeds from these and all Big River logoed merchandise goes to a local charity through our Big River Gives Back program. We are currently partnering with Mission: St. Louis.

6. Socks! Features and Balega socks- buy 3 pair, get 1 free all December long

Website- https://www.bigriverrunning.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/bigriverrunning

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/bigriverrunning/

I hope you enjoy the stores I highlighted in this post. There are so many options to support local businesses all over the St. Louis area. If this isn’t your cup of tea head to your favorite local brewery, coffee shop, gym or restaurant and buy some merchandise. Almost all small businesses have gift cards, so show them support even if they are closed at this time.

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, so rest up Friday and look for some deals at small businesses in your neighborhood.