An easy way to make sure you can find something meaningful to give your loved ones this year is to skip the big-box stores and focus on local. Shopping local this year will have a direct impact on independent stores and the Queen City economy — you can make a difference just by wielding your purchasing power. The U.S Small Business Administration says that for every $100 you spend at an independent business, $48 of that is recirculated back into the local economy. Whereas if you spend $100 at a national retailer, only $14 stays local.  So here is a list of Greater Cincinnati shops. It is not comprehensive. There are many, many more local boutiques than are listed here. Please view this as a starting point — a bit of inspiration — to explore and acknowledge the breadth of what our friends, neighbors and local shopkeepers have to offer before you hit the “buy now” button on Amazon.
Hierophany & Hedge 19 West Pike St., Covington Hierophany & Hedge is Covington’s new magic shop. Walk inside and it seems you’ve tripped over time itself only to have undone the past 150 years of fashion and technology, replacing it with immaculate antique woodwork, jars of curious powders, gemlike stones glittering in the warm sunlight, a wall of handcrafted wands made from woods sourced across the world… Is this really in Kentucky, or are we in 19th-century London? Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Wolfpack 1813 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine This cozy store’s mission is grounded in selling clothing, homegoods and gifts that are sustainability minded. As stated on their website, that means items that are ethically sourced and made by people who are being paid a living wage in a safe environment. Photo: Provided by Wolfpack
Handzy Shop + Studio 17 W. Pike St., Covington; 324 W. Fourth St., Downtown Think bright colors, cute sayings and shopping ops for your BFFs. Handzy carries clothing, accessories, stationery, gifts and other cute items to outfit you and your home. Photo: facebook/handzyshopstudio
Gumdrop 15 W. Pike St., Covington; 326 W. Fourth St., Downtown This bright and colorful kids shop from the minds behind Handzy has all sorts of goodies. From school supplies and sleepwear to the best new toys and most adorable clothes and accessories for toddlers and newborns, there is cuteness tucked in every corner. Photo: facebook.com/gumdroptots
Deerhaus Decor 135 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine Located in Findlay Market, Deerhaus provides a brick-and-mortar location for local craftsmen and artisans to display their work, which ranges from soaps and ceramics to jewelry and woodwork. There are also unique maker-made items from across the United States that all share similar characteristics of being accessible and sustainable with a woodsy vintage vibe. Find locally made waxed canvas aprons next to naturally dyed raw silk scarves, salvaged breweriana and hand-sewn stuffed animals. Photo: Adam Doty
Fleurish Grounds 5907 Bramble Ave., Madisonville Fleurish Grounds started as a garage pop-up but now sells plants, pots and homegoods out of a Madisonville storefront. With an aesthetic dubbed “modern coastal Midcentury,” plants can be bought in pots made by local artists as well as artists across the U.S. The shop also carries a special coffee blend, apothecary items and vintage clothing. Photo: Provided by Fleurish Grounds
Artichoke OTR 1824 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Brad and Karen Hughes opened their Artichoke storefront down the street from Findlay Market in order to offer marketgoers a convenient destination for cookware. From basics to unique pieces not available anywhere else, you’ll find the tools you need to throw down in the kitchen like you’re an Iron Chef; think colorful ceramic tagines, SMEG brand appliances and beautiful bundt pans. Photo: Brittany Thornton
BlaCk OWned Outerwear 822 Elm St., Downtown Owned by Means Cameron, BlaCk OWned Outerwear offers tracksuits, jackets, shirts, hats and more for men, women and children at its downtown retail shop. Its mission statement is “to promote Black ownership while challenging societal inequities through fashion and storytelling.” Photo: facebook.com/imblackowned
Coda Co. 400 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue This hip and crafty shop features maker-made products from upcycled and natural materials, like macrame wall hangings, coffee-bag pillows and bourbon barrel pub tables. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Kelti and Tanner Ziese, she is the softer side of the business, hand weaving macramé wall hangings out of cotton rope, while he works to create a variety of wood furniture and accessories. Kelti also curates a comfy selection of boho-chic clothing items for going out, or staying in. Photo: facebook.com/codacompany
Continuum 1407 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine This women’s clothing store and bazaar features a curated selection of items from independent artists, designers and makers. Owned by Ericka Leighton-Spradlin, the high-end concept shop has a playful sense of humor and an eye for contemporary silhouettes, with brands including No. 6, Cold Picnic and Paloma Wool and plenty of other covetable objects: locally made ceramic jewelry, minimalist fragrances, eco-friendly nail polishes, architectural footwear and indie publications. Photo: facebook.com/continuumbazaar
Downbound Books 4139 Apple St., Northside With a focus on intentional curation and comprehensive subheads, Downbound Books’ inventory “forces people to see stuff they might not have been looking for.” Downbound also offers crafts, stationery and novelty items from local purveyors. Photo: facebook.com/downboundbooks
High St. 1401 Reading Road, Pendleton Local design/lifestyle store and studio High St. set up shop at the intersection of Over-the-Rhine, Pendleton and Mount Auburn in 2006. The design hub and storefront boasts an impressive selection exceptional curiosities. Spending time exploring the nooks and crannies of the shop is extremely rewarding. You may discover a bowl of antique prosthetic teeth, a stuffed jackalope head, vintage locks, plush and eclectic pillows, 18th-century French mouthwash, an existential coloring book, plants and other magical and macabre magnificence. Photo: facebook.com/shophighst
Indigenous Craft Gallery 1609 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills This handmade craft gallery is a showroom for goods from more than 150 artists across the United States, with a focus on local and regional makers. Though the name suggests a sort of folksy lean, the work is sophisticated and contemporary arts-and-crafts, not kitsch. The 2,000-square-foot gallery features a selection of rustic and whimsical pottery, blown art glass, functional wood kitchen items, creative fiber art, handmade jewelry and garden décor. Photo: facebook/indigenousgallery
Lucca 126 W. Elder St., Findlay Market Owner, designer and machinist Lindsey Estes specializes in creating laser-cut wood, natural gifts, supplies and décor. If you can etch it or laser-cut it into wood, paper or leather, she’s probably made it. Find alder wood greeting cards, Art Deco wood-framed mirrors and hanging ornaments to appease everyone from Fiona fans to people who want to put the Roebling Bridge on the tree. Photo: facebook/luccaworkshop
Originalitees 2809 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills Originalitees is a locally owned and operated clothing line that specializes in state, city and neighborhood pride apparel. With quality, comfort, affordability and style at front of mind, owner Khisha Asubuhi sells only products that she would wear herself, including funky Ohio socks and Cincinnati streets tanks. Photo: facebook.com/originalitees
Queen City Alchemy 1808 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Emily Little first launched her line of soaps and body products as “Little Organics,” with a focus on herbal medicine, informed and filtered through her Appalachian heritage. Today, Queen City Alchemy features high-end, locally made holistic skincare including soaps, serums, balms, deodorants and other botanicals crafted using non-toxic, compassionate and therapeutic ingredients. There are no dyes, no fillers, no parabens and no sulfates. Photo: facebook/queencityalchemy
Sage & Scout 402 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Named after owners Tanner and Kelti Ziese’s fur kids (aka their dogs), the shop offers products for human babies and toddlers. And as a sister shop to Coda Co., it has the same bohemian lean with a focus on ethical and natural goods — beechwood teething toys, wool mobiles and BPA-free silicone bibs. The Zieses want to foster a sense of adventure and love of the outdoors for generations to come. Photo: facebook.com/sageandscout
The Native One 1400 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; 326 Scott Blvd., Covington Anna Steffen founded The Native One as a pop-up in 2017 when she was just 20 years old. The brick and mortar (and online) shops offer easy and affordable trend-based women’s fashion with cross-generational appeal. The stores are stuffed with everything from rompers and oversized outerwear to affordable statement footwear and lacy underpinnings. You’ll also find accessories, apothecary and home décor. Photo: facebook.com/shopthenativeone
Rivertown Inkery 3096 Madison Road, Oakley This storefront in the heart of Oakley carries super-soft nostalgia-inducing apparel with a Cincinnati lean. Get a 1970s-styled retro “Queen City” ringer T-shirt, a straight-from-Saved-By-The-Bell neon “Cincinnati” sweatshirt or even a cozy pair of joggers. Photo: facebook.com/rivertowninkery
Sloane Boutique 1216 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Founded in 2011 as one of Vine Street’s original revamped OTR anchors, this women’s clothing store offers items for the style-blogger set in a range of prices. As they say on their site, “We aim to mix edgy styles with touches of modern-femininity, always with a foundation of quality and the idea that unique pieces can make getting dressed fun and personal!” Photo: facebook/sloaneboutiqueotr
TMBTITWI 1411 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Helmed by a world-traveling art specialist, the clothing, homegoods and accessories at The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is are fully eclectic. As the name suggests, the shop features German knitwear, Italian leather boots, French apothecary items and a gallerist’s nirvana of other modern and sculptural women’s wear. Photo: .facebook.com/TMBTITWII
The Budding Florist 1817 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Ellie Wilke offers fresh, locally sourced flowers and tropical plants in a Findlay Market-adjacent storefront. In her “about me” on the Budding Florist website, she says, “After graduating from UC’s School of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning, I applied my degree toward more organic design elements — flowers and plants. I have a true passion for creating floral arrangements that are inspired by the inherent beauty of nature.” Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Fern 6040 Hamilton Ave., North College Hill Located in a converted College Hill gas station, Fern offers minimal, modern and nature-inspired items — and lots and lots of plants. Find a carefully edited selection of unique hand-thrown pottery, art, weavings and more, along with a curated assortment of beautiful, thriving greenery. Buy and learn how to care for all sorts of millennial-friendly houseplants, from a pilea peperomioides plant to a kokedama (aka string-wrapped moss ball) and fiddle-leaf figs. Photo: Facebook / Fern Studio Cincinnati
Idlewild 1230 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine This hip and cozy family-run business is a clothing and lifestyle destination that embraces the beauty and creativity of the modern woman. The ladies behind the shop include owners Julie Clark, a ceramicist; Jessica Murray, a graphic and handbag designer; and Tessa Clark, a DAAP graduate and fashion designer who competed on Project Runway. And with a pedigree like that, they deliver on well-made and well-curated apparel, accessories, alpaca throws and coveted high-end denim. Photo: facebook/idlewildwoman
King Arthur’s Court Toys 3040 Madison Road, Oakley This Oakley shop has been a purveyor of beloved classic toys for more than 25 years. Rediscover old favorites like LEGO, Playmobil, Calico Critters and Breyer horses and ride back home on a purple micro scooter. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
facebook.com/KismetOverTheRhine
Knickers of Hyde Park 2726 Erie Ave., Hyde Park Founded by Jenalyn Schneidel in 1999, this Hyde Park lingerie boutique offers a perfect mix of practical and pretty all while honoring its mission to make women feel confident and beautiful. Find daily-wear high-end brands like Betsey Johnson, Hanky Panky, Jonquil and Cosabella alongside some more risqué Knickers “after dark” bedroom play items like teddies, thigh highs and sensual accessories. Get fitted for a bra by one of their highly-trained staffers or browse a summer selection of bra-sized swimwear. Also offers a nice selection of plus-size products so every woman can feel sexy. Photo: facebook.com/knickersofhp
Koko 318 W. Fourth St., Downtown The heart of Koko is its refillery, which offers everything from shampoo to laundry detergent. Additionally, the shop sells other sustainable items like metal straws and bamboo cutlery sets as well as personal care products that align with Koko’s standards of packaging and ingredient quality. Photo: Danielle Schuster
Manitou Candle Co. 4015 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum Manitou Candle Co. crafts small-batch and hand-poured candles made from soy wax with packaging that’s classic yet distinctly modern. Scents are broad and ever-changing, whether you want hints of lemon cedarwood musk, lavender or a floral scent, they strive to help you find what makes you feel at home and at rest. Photo: facebook.com/ManitouCandleCo
Shake It Records 4156 Hamilton Ave., Northside Named one of the 30 best record stores in America by Rolling Stone, Shake It has two floors of CDs and vinyl. They also have a great selection of used CDs and LPs, books, fanzines and Japanese-style trinkets. Photo: facebook.com/shakeitrecords
UNheard Of 15 W. Fourth St., Downtown A “street pusher of rare goods” offering T-shirts, hats, hoodies, skate decks and more. If you know a sneaker freak, then you need to know the name and location of this store. Brands include Vans, Nike, Thrasher, Birkenstock, Adidas and more. Photo: facebook/unheardofbrand
Bee Haven 1815 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine After reading The Secret Life of Bees, Scott and Samantha Gordon became deeply fascinated by the pollinators. So in 2005, Samantha and her daughter bought two beehives. After a lot of trial, error and bee stings they began making and selling products straight from the hive. With a wide array of honeys, candles and other bee products you’ll be buzzing with excitement when you visit. Photo: Bee Haven Facebook
The Little Mahatma 1205 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Colorful global goodies line the shelves of this OTR storefront, which offers exotic jewelry, folk art and artifacts from the world’s traditional cultures. A perfect place to shop for avid travelers, art teachers and budding Buddhists, you’ll find Turkish textiles, Japanese maneki neko cats, large and jingly jewelry, evil eyes, hamsas and neon religious figurines. Photo: facebook/thelittlemahatma
Gia & the Blooms 114 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine; Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine Contemporary and clean seasonal floral arrangements at an affordable price point. The interior of this little OTR urban jungle houses a larger-than-expected selection of items like greeting cards, candles and locally made ceramics along with lots of houseplants. There are air plants of all shapes and sizes, hanging and trailing options, super-tall cacti, $5-a-pop little plant buddies and more. Burlap-wrapped hand-built bouquets begin at $35, and delivery is free within the Cincinnati metro. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ampersand Home & Gallery 305 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue This curated and cozy shop is located off Bellevue’s bustling Fairfield Avenue, nestled alongside a variety of other small boutiques, eateries and bars. The store boasts handcrafted goods created by makers from across the Tristate, as well as up-cycled pieces, and plenty of fun and interesting books to spark some creativity or accent your coffee table. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Fabulous Frames & Art 8002 Hosbrook Road, Kenwood; 1741 E. Kemper Road, Tri-County; 10817 Montgomery Road, Montgomery; 17 W. Fourth St., Downtown Open since 1969, this custom framer does, yes, custom framing but they are also the spot to find Cincinnati wildlife Modernist Charley Harper’s art, accessories, apparel, dishes, mugs, calendars, books and even skateboard decks. It’s a super stop for any and all Harper super fans. Photo: facebook/fabframes
Rookwood Pottery 1920 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Founded by artist Maria Longworth Storer in 1880, Rookwood Pottery was the first female-owned large manufacturing company in the United States. Each piece of tile and pottery is molded, hand-glazed and fired by a team of in-house artists. Celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2020, iconic — and timeless — Rookwood pieces include the 1930s Grove Bunny figurine (designed by artist Louise Abel), the 1920 Kataro Shirayamadani candlesticks and, in a nod to Cincinnati’s rich German history, a ceramic beer stein. Photo: Provided by Rookwood Pottery