The season of giving always puts a smile on our faces and while shopping may not be everyone’s favorite thing to do, it’s a huge help to local businesses who may have struggled in the pandemic-ridden year of 2020. Our staff received gifts from some of Evansville’s wonderful local shops this Christmas and we wanted to share our favorites with you!
Candles from The Confectionery
Continuing with the trend of local artisans is the talented Sara Rhoades, whose shop The Confectionery features a number of items, including food-themed soaps, handcrafted jewelry, and designer goods.
Evansville Living Creative Director Heather Gray was delighted to receive a handmade candle for Christmas!
“I could smell the Cranberry Orange candle from The Confectionery even before opening the gift from my sister-in-law,” she says. “I’ve long been a fan of talented local artisan Sara Rhoades and was thrilled to receive a sweet something from her new shop on Lincoln Avenue.”
Gifts from Karen’s Upscale Resale
You can find extraordinary pieces of modern furniture and accessories at affordable prices at Karen’s Upscale Resale. Available is quality rugs, paintings, lamps, furniture, and accent pieces. You can save a significant amount of money buy purchasing one of these gently used items. Bring your friends and family and visit their store at 1324 N. Fares Ave.
Evansville Living Publisher Kristen Tucker found a number of pieces from the store under her tree this year.
“My husband claims Karen Bender, owner of Karen’s Upscale Resale, says she knows few customers who can scope out some of the store’s more unique acquisitions as quickly and efficiently as he can,” she says. “Lucky for me, I often am recipient of these finds. Under the tree were at least three gifts from Karen’s: a pair of signed and numbered prints featuring Asian pots and birds; a colorful paperweight for my desk; and this lovely vase.”
Vine Wreath from Timberview Farms at River City Coffee + Goods
River City Coffee & Goods offers a unique blend of local, handmade goods along with a full-service coffee and espresso bar. River City carries goods from more than 60 local artisans handmade soaps, Evansville branded merchandise, flowers, and novelty gifts.
Established in the early 1980s, Timberview Flower Farm is a year-round flower business that specializes in seasonal arrangements and bouquets. They offer a litany of garden flowers, dried flowers, and wreaths.
Evansville Living Graphic Designer Casey Scarborough adores her Timberview Farms wreath.
“I was amazed by all the gorgeous holiday décor at River City from Timberview Farms, and I found the perfect vine wreath with foliage and a bright red bow,” she says. “It looks so pretty on our front door, and I love looking at it when I leave and come home from work. I even asked my husband to make sure the front door is closed in the evening so I can see it when I drive up.”
Turkish Lamp from Nance Galleries
It’s no secret that Evansville-staple Nance Galleries offers shoppers a store filled with dazzling and unique items. Founded in 1947 as a small photography studio and custom framing shop, second generation owners Curt and Francia Nance stock interesting ceramic and art glass pieces, jewelry, various home decor items, and much more.
“Nance Galleries has been a longtime family favorite and go-to for gifts,” says Tucker Publishing Group President Todd Tucker. “My son Max and I actually ran into my wife and son Jackson there this year and he brought home this beautiful Turkish lamp I have bedside.”
Novel from Bluestocking Social
Bookworms behold! Bluestocking Social located on South Weinbach Avenue is the newest spot to grab all your favorite novels, artwork, art supplies, and more. This community bookstore shares works created by writers and authors right here in the River City.
Evansville Living Art Director Laura Mathis made a conscious effort to shop local this year.
“In our office gift exchange, I definitely wanted to receive something from Bluestocking Social,” she says. “I was excited when I opened my gift to find this book.”
