Shop Local Gift Guide 2021

Shop Local

• HELP SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! • ENTER TO WIN! LOOK INSIDE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $250 LOCAL SHOPPING SPREE! • INCLUDE LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR YEAR-END GIVING!

2021

Now serving, Springer Street Site 250 N. Springer Street Carbondale

Carbondale Middle School 1150 W. Grand Avenue

Marion Unit (Opening December 1st!)

2706 W. Main Street Marion

Rebound Alternative High School 205 N. Oakland Carbondale

Lewis School 801 S. Lewis Lane

Administrative Center 101 S. Lewis Lane Carbondale

618-457-8877 • www.bgcsi.org 2

| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

MORE MOMENTS ARE MADE ON MOHAWK

VISIT YOUR LOCAL RETAILER TO SHOP OUR NEWEST SMARTSTRAND STYLES.

1409 N. CARBON ST. MARION, IL

618-993-1100 www.myfloorscapes.com SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 |

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Win $250

toward your Holiday Wishes!

Holiday Wishes Entry Form Store Name 1.* 2.* 3.* 4.

Gift Certificate Dollar Amount

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Total $ _________ (not to exceed $250)

Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone: _____________ Email: _______________________ minimumofoftwo three participating stores.

Maximum gift certificate per store not **Must Must list list a minimum participating stores.

Maximum gift certificate per store not to exceed to exceed $150.

Mail Wishes, to: Holiday Wishes, c/o The Southern 710 N. Illinois Ave, $150.

Mail to: Holiday c/o The Southern Illinoisan, P.O.Illinoisan, Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901 P.O. Box 2108 Carbondale, IL 62901

How it works:

Looking for Pokemon cards?

We have gift sets, decks, boosters AND single cards.

Castle Perilous Games & Books 207 West Main St., Carbondale IL 62901-2919 800-297-2160 Store hours: Monday-Sat. 10am-9pm • Sunday 12pm-6pm L4

| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SPECIAL SECTION

1.

Read the advertisements throughout this gift guide.

2.

Select the participating businesses you would like to receive gift certificates from (minimum 2 businesses). The maximum gift certificate awarded per business will be $150. You may choose up to 4 different businesses.

3.

Enter online at thesouthern.com/contests and click on the “Holiday Wishes” link. Or fill out the Holiday Wishes Entry Form by listing your selections including the store name and dollar amount for the gift certificate. Dollar amount should not exceed $150 per store. You may use the form on this page, a copy of this form, or a 4x6 card including your name, address, phone, email address, store names and gift certificate dollar amounts.

4.

Mail “Wish List” to: Holiday Wishes, c/o The Southern Illinoisian, P.O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901. Entries must be received by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.

5.

One name will be drawn at random from eligible entries. The winner will be contacted by phone or email on Friday, December 3, 2021. The winner can pick up their gift certificates at The Southern Illinoisan’s offic e between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

6.

You must be at least 18 years old to enter. No purchase necessary.

One entry per person.

7.

The Southern Illinoisan employees and their families are not eligible to win.

Small Business Saturday

ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

BOOSTS

GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

R

ight between Black Friday and Cyber Monday — two of the largest shopping days of the year — is Small Business Saturday.

It was first celebrated in 2010 to call attention to small businesses and draw crowds to shop unique products and services.

American Express, part of a partnership that established Small Business Saturday, says that in 2020, Americans spent at estimated $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants.

And that was during a pandemic.

Shopping tips for Small Business Saturday Look for special deals, both online and in store. A popular trend among small business owners is to offer steep discounts on gift cards or certificates, which are just the right size for those people that you never know what to get. Also look for small businesses that are teaming up with nearby eateries or cafes. For instance, one may offer a deal if you present a receipt from the

other.

Remember that small businesses doesn’t just mean gifts and crafts.

Small businesses can mean your landscaper, house painter or other tradesperson, too. Also consider book shops, boutiques, service providers, gyms and more. Look into buying services in advance for friends and family members, such as yard services in the spring or ten yoga classes. Buying in advance makes a great gift and really helps the small business owner, who gets to hold onto and use the cash well in advance of providing the services.

Branch out Remember to shop in your town, but don’t be afraid to branch out a little and hit small businesses that are just a road trip away. Browse social media or the newspaper and find nearby businesses that you may not have even heard of previously. Look at this Small Business Saturday as an opportunity to get out of the (big) box and try out some shops and services that are a little off the beaten path. If you’re traveling to shop, remember to get gas out of town and grab a bite to eat.

Sweet Treats & Goodies Cookies, Cocoa Mixes, Chocolate Covered Pretzels,

Cider Mixes, Truffles and so much more!

Flowers, Fine Gifts & Gourmet 1200 N. Market • Marion 618.997.9411 www.etceteraflowersandgifts.com

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 |

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Support your

COMMUNITY GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

H

oliday shoppers can give the local arts community a shot in the arm by browsing their wares this holiday season.

Keep an eye out for local

arts and crafts shows, or, if you’re part of an organization that can, consider hosting one yourself for the holidays.

Exposure Many talented artists that are just get-

ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

ting started creating can’t afford their own storefronts. They may partner with local businesses to showcase their art or they may join craft fairs around the region. Shop local and give these artists the exposure and funding they need to grow their businesses. Make sure to share posts of your gift (after you give it, of course) on social media to give them an additional boost.

Get locally festive Add some local flair to your holiday decor by shopping local artisans’ holiday collections. You can often find ornaments that are great ways to commemorate a special time or place. Think decorated sea shells from a beach town or ornaments with other local references. These make great gifts, too, even if the recipient doesn’t live in your town. It’s a great way to personalize a gift and make sure fam-

ily and friends think of you when they’re decorating their own tree.

Shopping local outside your town Chances are, a short day trip away is another adorable town full of quirky gifts that will fit anyone on your list. Hop in the car and make a day of shopping, with stops at the local coffee shops and eateries for refreshment. You just might discover your new favorite store, right in your own back yard.

Another way to shop local is to browse online stores like Etsy and filter the results by geographic location. That way, you can find artisans in your town that may not go to craft fairs or have enough money for their own storefront yet. It may save you on shipping, too.

Heirloom Quality Original Designs for your Holidays Exclusively at...

905 W. Main St., Marion, IL 62959

618-997-1551 • www.stevensfloral.com 6

| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Carbondale, IL

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES. Imagine a university in a quintessential college town. Imagine that the university plays an important role in the cultural life of the region. Imagine that its students are members of the community, serving as student teachers, entrepreneurs, health care givers, employees and volunteers. In Southern Illinois, you don’t have to imagine it – it’s here. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is that university that is part of the community of Southern Illinois generally, and Carbondale specifically.

But there’s so much more. SIU students designed an award-winning mining robot in a NASA-sponsored competition.They uncovered the history of our area during archaeological digs as part of SIU’s annual field school, and pieced together the history of slavery, race, and the law in Southern Illinois via a “Healing Illinois” grant from the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, Illinois Department of Humanities, and the Chicago Community Trust. Our students study and continue to learn about solar energy, carbon sequestration,

At SIU, we know that being part of the community isn’t just a good idea or something to do on the side. It’s part of the SIU mission statement. We recognize the university’s role as a “regional economic catalyst,” and that we must work to “improve our communities” as well as “exchange knowledge… shape future leaders… and transform lives.”

and the role of wetlands in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

From the Dental Hygiene Program’s Give Kids a Smile Day to the School of Law’s free Veterans Legal Clinic, SIU strives to provide meaningful service to the community. And Carbondale provides SIU students with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.

That’s what it is to have community.

as students.

IMAGINE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION + COMMUNITY OUTREACH. Even the pandemic couldn’t quell the Saluki artistic spirit.There’s the Blanket Fort Radio Theater, produced in collaboration with SIU Press, WSIU, and the SIU Creative Writing Program.These student-produced podcasts come in the form of serialized audiobooks, and feature titles from Southern Illinois University Press.The podcases include musical soundtracks, actors playing various roles, and a conscious effort to recall the radio theater productions popular when radio was king.

This is just one example of the many interactions SIU has with the community through art.There is also the twice-annual Iron Pour, in which community members are invited to watch, and to make their own “scratch block” metal tablets. And theater productions and concerts. And art exhibits. Art in some form is always available at SIU. IMAGINE A LEADER IN THE SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES. SIU has been an important part of public health safety. From contributing to important COVID-19 genome research to production of COVID-test materials, SIU played its part in national efforts to protect our public health.

These young chemists and geologists, technology whizzes and biologists are the future problem-solvers, policy-makers and leaders.That’s why we emphasize the importance of community.

Community is what they find when they arrive at SIU their first days

IMAGINE LEARNING WHILE SERVING The Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism connects students who want to volunteer with organizations that could use an extra hand. Each year, approximately 2,000 SIU students give more than 25,000 hours of service to their university and community.

Service-learning is such an important part of the SIU experience that the center also keeps a list of courses that include service learning in the course requirements.That’s nearly 100 courses in areas from art to business, foreign language to social work.

YOUR HOME.YOUR UNIVERSITY. SIU is a national university, and it’s a member of this community.

Alumni hold not just the university but also the Carbondale community and Southern Illinois region in their hearts long after graduation – and many remain or return. Students launch their careers here in education, health care, the arts, business and agriculture. We’ve been your university since 1869. We’re your university today.

If you haven’t been to campus for a while, please visit. We’re always growing, always getting better, always Saluki strong. See what SIU can do for you.

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 |

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Great gifts for party hosts and unexpected holiday guests

FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS KATHRYN WEBER

Tribune News Service

Nothing feels as special as a beautifully wrapped gift. And when it’s the holidays, having a pile of gorgeous gifts feels extra special. Use these tips to get your packages wrapped in record time and looking fabulous.

1. Step up While it’s tempting to wrap gifts on the floor or on a bed, it’s always better to wrap on a flat, even surface. Set up your dining room table with a table protector pad or tablecloth so you have a nice, large flat surface on which to wrap.

2. Set up wrapping space Add a large can or small box to the table to fill with scissors, felt markers, sticky

KATHRYN WEBER

Tribune News Service

It’s the holiday season, the doorbell rings, and there’s a friend who’s stopped by for a few minutes to drop off a gift. But you don’t have a reciprocal gift.

It feels uncomfortable when this happens; and when you promise to drop by later with a gift, it feels even more guiltladen. Or, you’re invited to a spontaneous gathering and don’t have time to look for a host gift! Take out the worry by having some items on hand that make a wonderful gift for those surprise visitors and impromptu invitations.

notes, pens and wire snips. Have two heavy office-style tape dispensers for tape, and use large rolls of tape to make your wrapping time more productive. Use one dispenser for regular tape and the other for double sided.

3. Simplify paper Rather than having multiple rolls of different papers, look for larger rolls that give you more wrapping per role. Using no more than three papers give your gifts a fashionable look. Buy large rolls online at websites like Papermart.com and Nashvillewraps. com.

4. Buy bulk ribbon Hands down, gift wrapping is easier when you have plenty of ribbon. Forgo ribbons on rolls that are only a few yards long.

AN ALL OCCASION

FLORAL AND

GIFT SHOP!

WE DO ENGRAVING

Instead, go for 100-yard bolts of grosgrain in standard colors like red, white or blue (Uline.com) or choose luxurious double sided satin for something dresser (Hairbowcenter.com).

These will be your go-to ribbons all year long. Fashion simple, but elegant bows and tuck in ornaments, greenery or picks for a custom look. And at around $20 a roll, you’ll save more money in the long run than buying those small rolls that cost up to $6 or more for just three to six yards.

Create gift tags from holiday scrapbooking paper. Punch with a hole, and tie with holiday twine, ribbon or pipe cleaners. Embellish with glitter glue and scrapbooking stickers for a unique look. Coordinate tags with wrapping paper patterns for customized packaging.

Whether the holidays are upon us or not, it’s always a nice idea to have a gift wrapped and ready. You never know when you might need one of these impromptu gifts for the pharmacist (who always rushes your prescriptions for you), the librarian, your mail delivery person, a teacher, a neighbor or just a friend.

Gifts like boxed scented soaps make a sweet-smelling present, as do scented candles. Other lovely gifts that are always appreciated include a nice set of coasters or a small book of appetizer recipes. Having them wrapped and at the ready makes a nice gift for the holidays or any time of year.

Something top of mind right now is the plastic straw. Have a set or two of Klean Kanteen reusable straw sets from Target.

For about $10, you get a gift to give that’s in touch with the times and has some cool factor too.

6. Make an assembly line

Be creative

If you have a large number of gifts to wrap, try an assembly line to wrap them quickly. Using sticky notes, write out who the gift is to and from. Wrap all your gifts at one time, adding the sticky notes to each box to remember who they go to. Then, add all the bows, topper decorations and gift tags at the same time. This assembly line process gets your wrapping done faster and easier.

There’s always someone who enjoys homemade gifts. Give the gift of indulgence by making some presents that speak of relaxation.

Try making your own bath salts. Pick up some pretty jars and an online recipe for homemade bath salts that include essential oils. Or, use a linen bag and create a tea bag for the bath. You can also try creating a homemade sugar or lip scrub using a recipe online. These can also make wonderful stocking stuffers. Check out gardentherapy.ca for ideas.

5. Customize gift tags

7. Dress up bags

205 N. Carbon Street, Marion, IL (618) 997-2837 • www.buds2blooms.net

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| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Be prepared

Think you can stuff in some tissue in a gift bag and forget it? Why not give your gift bags an extra personal touch by adding a bow and a pick to the handles? These bags will look more appealing and attractive for that extra step — and it discourages peeking.

Be bubbly Many appreciate a nice bottle of wine.

It’s easy to keep a few on hand, wrapped and ready to go. For something extra special, wrap up a nice bottle of sparkling wine and a pair of decorated glasses.

EAT AND DRINK FOR THE

HOLIDAYS GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

When you’re planning your holiday shindigs, make sure you turn to local restaurants, food trucks and cafes for your catering needs.

If you’re not planning a big soirée, make sure you factor them in to your holiday shopping plans by stopping in for a bite while you’re out filling up the sleigh or even gifting gift cards from your favorite local spots.

Here are some hints for eating locally that you may not have thought of from USA Today.

Bake with local grains Holiday baking is a family favorite. This year, look for locally grown grains and flavors to add to your rotation of recipes. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to learn what’s grown nearby, from grits to locally processed flours.

Buy meats from local sources

Add Some Jingle Beat The Rush with a Holiday Loan

Big holiday meals call for quality proteins. Locally based ranchers and fisherfolk offer fresh, often organic, meats and seafoods that are well worth every penny. The experts at the butcher’s and fish shops can even tell you how to stretch your dollar by suggesting lower-priced cuts and fish that taste the same (or even better) than their expensive cousins. While you’re there, ask for any specials they may have and suggestions for recipes. You will probably learn a thing or two and come out with a new favorite holiday dish.

Go to the baker While you’re at the farmers market or out visiting the butcher, check out deals at local bakeries, too. Pick up some breads to go on your holiday table, or look for showstopping confections with a local flavor that can’t be beat. These make great host or hostess gifts, too, and are always welcome at the office party.

Stock the bar with local beer, liquor Craft brewing is experiencing a surge in popularity, as is small-batch liquor. Most every town or city nowadays can boast of at least one local brewery, and these are great places to find holiday gifts and libations. Look for small batch or special releases you can only get by dropping by the shop.

While you’re there, ask the staff for their favorite cocktail recipe using their wares.

Learn more at siucu.org *Annual Percentage Rate. Individual rate is determined by an evaluation of the applicant’s credit history. Subject to credit approval. Your APR might be higher based on your credit score. All rates subject to change at any time without notice. Offer valid November 1 – December 31, 2021. Maximum advertised loan term is 24 months. 36-month term available at a higher rate. No additional deductions allowed off promotional rate. First payment may be deferred up to 90 days. Interest begins accruing upon disbursal of loan. Payment example: 5.99% APR for 24 months is $44.32 per $1,000 borrowed. Membership required. Federally insured by NCUA. Call 800-449-7301 for additional details.

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 |

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GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

Small businesses offer service that is unparalleled by larger big box stores. There’s also an economic benefit to shopping local, especially when you look at the big picture.

Here are some numbers about shopping local this year from Fundera: More than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to the U.S. economy if every family spent $10 a month at a local business

73% of searchers trust a local business more because of positive reviews.

Sixty-five million local businesses have a Facebook page, but only 4 million are using Facebook advertising.

37TH ANNUAL

Bring the Entire Family!

• Free Parade

• Free Concerts • Free Shuttle Rides • Free Hotdogs for Kids Under 12 • Free Photos with Santa

Saturday December 4, 2021 Sunday December 5, 2021

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| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Local business generates 70% more local economic activity per square foot than big-box retailers.

About a quarter of local businesses because of low sales or limited cash flow.

Around half — 48% — of the overall growth of U.S. business ownership can be attributed to immigrant business owners.

DON’T FORGET TO PAMPER YOUR PETS GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

Pets are part of the family

P

A recent survey by Rover, an online pet store, surveyed 2,000 dog and cat owners in the U.S. and came away with these results: 80% of pet owners plan to purchase a gift for their pets this season.

68% of owners plan to buy multiple gifts for their pets.

55% of owners plan to spend at least $25 on their pet for holiday gifts.

20% of pets will receive more gifts than human members of the family.

77% of owners said they will include their pets on holiday family traditions.

et owners across the world are sure to purchase gifts for their favorite furry friends this holiday season. Pets, after all, offer us companionship and humor throughout our lives. So, why wouldn’t they make your holiday shopping list?

Odds are, you’ve got a great local business in your community that is ready to spoil your cat or dog this holiday season.

Hunting down gifts for your dog or cat can be as simple as dropping into a local pet shop or finding out what they have online.

Local businesses in this space are depending on customers like you to keep their businesses thriving for years to come.

Give the gift of grooming

ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

Given these numbers, there’s no doubt pets will be spoiled by their owners this year. If you fall into this category, remember that shopping at your local pet

shop can actually keep money in your community and pay for things like dog parks and other infrastructure needed by the pet owner community.

If you have a special pet in your life, maybe a custom grooming is the best gift you can give. Check in with your local pet grooming shop to see what kinds of services they offer. There may be opportunities to pamper your pet with a wash and conditioning, as well as a nail trimming or haircut.

You may also be able to purchase special shampoos and conditioners that allow you to do your grooming from home.

Check online to see what your local pet groomers offer to make your shopping experience convenient, while also supporting your local small business community.

VISIT OUR HOLIDAY GIFT ROOM Unique decorations to add comfort to your home Wreaths, buffalo plaid items, outdoor clocks, lighted canvas wall art, snowmen, ornaments, fabric pillows, garden stones, ceramic travel mugs, red Christmas truck items, holiday stockings, candles, festive signs & much more

Also live Christmas trees, wreaths, and roping

Visit us at www.plantscapenursery.com 1263 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL 62901

618-453-2121 www.southernpoppyboutique.com

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE SERVICE One mile west of Rt. 148 in Herrin on the Herrin-Colp Hwy.

Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5 p.m.

Sun. 11-4 p.m.

942-4865

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 |

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IMAGINE A university promoting access and opportunity. Where outstanding teaching fuels research and creativity. Where students become leaders and transform lives. SIU. Making it real.

THE POSSIBILITIES.

The Saluki Commitment. Our pledge to cover tuition and mandatory fees for 8 consecutive semesters for qualifying new students.

Legacy Tuition For children of alumni.

SEEWHAT SIU CAN DO FORYOU. siu.edu 12

| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE