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This holiday season, ditch the big-box stores and online shopping sprees — celebrate your loved ones locally with some of Greater Cincinnati’s shopping gems. From the techie or nerd in your life to four-legged friends and soon-to-be parents, there’s a store perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year.
Instead of shopping at Sephora or Ulta for the newest makeup and skincare trends, head to Launch Party
114 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine
This independently owned beauty and skin care shop is the perfect stop for the beauty guru in your life — or, who are we kidding, a little treat-yourself moment. With makeup, skin care, fragrance and nail products, there’s something for everyone. Photo: Launch Party, GoogleInstead of shopping at Kay Jewelers for jewelry, shop at Lane & Kate
1417 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Claim the title of best gift-giver this holiday season with a piece of customized jewelry, or explore their fine jewelry options for the accessory lover on your list. Photo: instagram.com/laneandkateInstead of shopping at Best Buy for all your techie needs, shop at Mt. Lookout Television and Electronics
1010 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout
This electronic shop has been a one-stop-shop for televisions, speakers and more since 1954, featuring the top brands to impress the techie in your life this year. Photo: facebook.com/mtlookouttvThe Daily Vintage
1810 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Reduce, reuse and recycle with a splash of time travel at the Daily Vintage. The store’s stock is constantly updated with stylish vintage finds, including retro Cincinnati sports apparel like classic Bengals, Reds and UC sweatshirts and shirts, along with fantastic ’80s and ’90s pop culture throwbacks. It also has timeless hats, purses, accessories and clothes for every season that are both fashionable and sustainable. Check out its Instagram page for the most up-to-date options, or just make an impromptu stop in the store — you never know what you’ll find. Photo: Maija ZummoInstead of shopping at Williams Sonoma for the foodie in your life, head to Artichoke Curated Cookware Collection for a range of cookware, barware, cutlery and more
1824 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Grab the perfect gift for the master chef in your life, or even up your own kitchen game. Bonus points if you bring home one of Artichoke’s many apron options. Photo: facebook.com/artichokeOTRInstead of shopping at Carter’s for the soon-to-be parents, shop at Gumdrop Tots
421 W. Sixth St., Covington
Pop into Handzy Shop + Studio’s adorable sister business, Gumdrop Tots, featuring the cutest onesies, tops, bottoms and all the accessories you can dream of. Photo: Provided by GumdropInstead of shopping at PetSmart for your furry friends, shop at Pet Wants
1409 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; 1118 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas
This locally owned pet store has everything from toys and treats to furry-friend apparel and stylish collars. And if you can’t think of anything, don’t worry — Pet Wants also offers gift card options. Photo: facebook.com/petwantscincywestInstead of shopping at Kenwood Mall for the hottest fashion trends this year, head to Pitaya or The Native One for locally sourced trendy options
Pitaya, 1423 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; The Native One, 1400 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
These locally owned boutiques offer the latest and cutest fashion trends in clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. Head down and put together an outfit for the fashionista in your life. Photo: facebook.com/shopthenativeoneInstead of shopping at Rally House for all your superfan needs, shop at Cincy Shirts or Homage for local sportswear
Cincy Shirts, Multiple locations; Homage, 1232 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Whether you’re ready to rock the orange for the Cincinnati Bengals and FC Cincy, or are looking for some Cincinnati Cyclones or Reds gear, these local sporting apparel shops have the perfect range of options for every team. Photo: Hailey BollingerNo. 6 Best Bookstore: Downbound Books
4139 Apple Street, Northside Photo: facebook.com/downboundbooksInstead of shopping in Target’s toy section for the kids in your life, shop at King Arthur’s Court
3040 Madison Road, Oakley
King Arthur’s Court has all the best toys, crafts, dress-up attire and more for the kiddos in your life and, hey, you might even find something for yourself — we won’t judge. Photo: Hailey BollingerInstead of shopping at Victoria’s Secret for the perfect silk pajama set, shop at Knickers of Hyde Park
2726 Eerie Ave., Hyde Park
Nothing says the holiday season like curling up in a pajama set and watching your favorite Christmas movies. Grab the perfect matching set for you and your movie buddy at Knickers of Hyde Park. Photo: Maija ZummoInstead of shopping at Bath & Body Works for the best candles and fragrance gifts, try out Manitou Candle Co.
4015 Eastern Ave., Columbia-Tusculum
Up your home decor game this holiday season with one of Manitou Candle Co.’s unique candle scents, decorative matchboxes and even fancy candle snuffers to really seal the deal. Photo: instagram.com/manitoucandlecoInstead of shopping at Spencer’s or Hot Topic, head to HUSTLER Hollywood for those naughty gifts
Multiple locations
Looking for the perfect intimate gift? Ditch the mall and head to Hustler Hollywood for a range of products that are perfect to set the mood. Photo: Google StreetviewInstead of shopping at GameStop or FYE, shop at Manga Manga for the comic book and anime lover in your life
5908 Hamilton Ave., College Hill
Explore Manga Manga’s wide selection of comic books, anime and manga for the nerdy bookworm on your list. Photo: Sean M. PetersInstead of shopping at Champs or Foot Locker, shop at UNheardof for the sneakerhead on your list.
15 W. 4th St., Downtown
Impress the sneakerhead in your life with a pair of hard-to-find kicks at UNheardof, featuring all the best brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and more. Photo: unheardofbrand.com