’Tis the season — not just for carols, coats, candy canes and company, but for seeking out unique gifts that will put smiles on the faces of friends and loved ones. Break out your gift list and explore the following southside boutiques and specialty establishments.
By Jon Shoulders
Antiques
Curly Willow Antiques and Treasures
498 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 346-0033
With a focus on 19th century primitive items, including home furnishings, lighting, glassware, prints, candles and even pharmaceutical and medical objects, the owners at Curly Willow offer unique gift ideas with plenty of history. Chalk paint classes are also available. Call or visit the store for details. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exit 76 Antique Mall
12595 N. Executive Drive, Edinburgh
(812) 526-7676, exit76antiques.com
If shoppers can’t find any gift ideas at Exit 76 Antique Mall, it’s certainly not due to a lack of options. More than 600 booths spread across 72,000 square feet are replete with crafts, books, furniture, toys, collectibles and more, so wear comfortable shoes and make sure you’ve blocked off plenty of browsing time. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Manor House Antique Mall
8039 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis
(317) 888-8887, manorhouseantiques.com
Get lost in Manor House examining vintage furniture, antique lamps, rare vinyl records, oil paintings, collectible glassware specimens and more. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Salvage Sisters’ Antique Market
398 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 736-4353
A far cry from your typical antique mall, Salvage Sisters’ Antique Market houses an ever-growing, eclectic variety of industrial, repurposed and shabby-chic items. Scour the shelves for vintage holiday decoration possibilities. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Southport Antique Mall
2028 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis
(317) 786-8246, southportantiquemall.net
Antiques are only the beginning here. You also will find electronics, clothing, pop culture trinkets and other oddities among the 200-plus dealer booths. Visit the official website and click the Wishlist tab on the home page for a space to submit descriptions of desired items, and a staff member will contact you if they track down what you need. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
Thanks for the Thyme
396 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 736-9866
Unpredictability is probably a useful word in describing the browsing experience at this converted house on Jefferson Street. The staff actively seeks handmade, one-of-a-kind vintage and antique furniture, paintings, advertisements, figurines, dishes and much more. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
Vic’s Antiques and Uniques
11490 N. U.S. 31, Edinburgh
(812) 526-2000, vicsantiquesanduniques.com
Expect the unexpected at Vic’s, which houses antique and repurposed items through the midcentury era. Vintage musical instruments, furniture, decorations and games are all part of the diverse inventory, and you will likely spot a retro car or motorbike parked out front for sale. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vintage Whimsy
462 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 736-9446
The name says it all. Booths of offbeat vintage, retro and antique treasures, including jewelry, glassware, garden relics and painted furniture, await your perusing pleasure. Painting workshops are also offered, and the staff regularly stocks furniture paint and finishing products. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Architectural Salvage
Madison Street Salvage
350 E. Madison St., Franklin
(317) 736-6823, fhisalvage.org
The proprietors of Madison Street Salvage (formerly Franklin Heritage Architectural Salvage) promote the preservation of historic local buildings and operate as a nonprofit salvage shop in the process, with a warehouse packed with reclaimed wood, fixtures, lighting, furniture, shelving and more. The staff also hosts a workshop series featuring restoration tips. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Children’s Accessories
Toodleydoo Toys
1 W. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 346-7529, toodleydootoys.com
Specializing in items not found in many big-box stores, the owners at Toodleydoo Toys describe themselves as toy experts eager to guide shoppers to the perfect toy, game, book or baby gift. The staff offers play classes and storytelling time, as well as party planning and hosting on-site. Call for information on upcoming events, including dates and times. Open Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clothing and Accessories
Anna’s Style Boutique
108 W. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 739-3111, annasstyleboutique.com
The shelves and racks at Anna’s, filled with women’s, children’s and toddlers’ clothing, shoes and accessories, are constantly updated to reflect current fashion trends. Visit the website to shop online and sign up for emails with updates on new arrivals. Open Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Brianne’s Boutique
49 N. State Road 135, Greenwood
(317) 888-8995, briannesboutique.com
Search Brianne’s selection of women’s clothing, handmade jewelry, handbags and accessories to find that perfect gift for a relative, friend or significant other. Children’s and young adult clothing and backpacks are also available. Open Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Brick Street Boutique
34 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 739-0525, brickstreetboutique.com
Self-described as a contemporary women’s clothing and accessory boutique, Brick Street adds new items every week, including sunglasses, hair accessories, handbags, beach bags, hats and jewelry, in addition to hand-picked wardrobe pieces. Open Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Dottie Couture Boutique
789 N. U.S. 31, Suite E, Greenwood
(317) 888-8242, dottiecouture.com
Trendy, fashion-forward dresses, tops, bottoms, footwear and accessories for females of all ages are available at Dottie Couture’s Greenwood store, and the official website features a fashion blog and an online store updated daily. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
JenDaisy Boutique
1279 N. Emerson Ave., Suite H, Greenwood
(317) 889-1150, jendaisy.com
Cross multiple friends and family members off your shopping list with one stop at JenDaisy. The store stocks a mix of trendy fashion styles for women of all ages and all sizes. Open Mondays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.
RaeLynn’s Boutique
455 S. Greenwood Park Drive, Suite E, Greenwood
(317) 889-7766, raelynns.com
RaeLynn’s stocks prom dresses, pageant items and complete outfits for social occasions, as well as everyday women’s wear. Visit the website for an online store and a blog with beauty tips, trend alerts and more. Open Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
T-Shirt Express
165 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
(317) 736-6461, companycasuals.com/t-shirtexpress
A full-service screen-printing, embroidery and all-ages clothing retail shop in downtown Franklin. Visit the website for an online catalog of clothing, sports apparel, occupational wear, bags and accessories. Open Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon
Gift Stores
Sarah’s Hallmark
Greendale Centre
745 N. U.S. 31, Greenwood
(317) 888-8408, sarahshallmarkshop.com
Catch up on your gift shopping for friends and family and stock up on home decorations while you’re at it. Sarah’s has collectibles, figurines, ornaments, kids’ gifts, greeting cards and more. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
Teresa’s Hallmark
49 N. State Road 135, Greenwood
(317) 888-1206, teresashallmark.com
A locally owned establishment carrying specialty items, including jewelry, home and garden enhancements, dishes and serving sets, clothing and an extensive assortment of figurines and collectibles. Gift-wrapping services are available on-site. Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wild Geese Bookshop
107 S. Water St., Franklin
(317) 494-6545
Recently opened, the 400-square-foot Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin offers young adult, memoir, fiction, cooking titles and more, plus an array of writing accessories, like journals, stationery and calendars. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Handicrafts and Hobbyists
The Back Door
2503 Fairview Place, Suite W, Greenwood
(317) 882-2120, backdoorquilts.com
If it’s quilt-related, you’ll likely find it here. The owners carry a large array of quilt fabrics as well as samples, books and patterns. Classes and custom quilting services are available; contact the store directly. Open Mondays through Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open every first and third Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
Simplify
44 N. Jackson St., Franklin
(317) 346-0320, shopsimplify.com
Take a breather from the big-box experience in favor of the Simplify concept — a cooperative of local artists offering handcrafted goods. Chalk-type paint and painting workshops are also offered. Visit the Simplify website for artist information and instructional videos. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home Goods and Décor
Gallery 31
1908 Northwood Plaza, Franklin
(317) 346-0558, gallery31llc.com
Browse gently used bedroom, dining room and living room furniture as well as one-of-a-kind works of art, lithographs, antique collectibles and more at Gallery 31. Live auctions featuring individual items and estate collections are also offered; call for dates and times. Open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Wednesdays.
The Rugged Roost
383 E. Madison St., Franklin
(317) 868-8121
All manner of unique home décor — vintage, antique, restored and repurposed — as well as holiday decorations, seasonal accessory pieces and framed prints can be spotted throughout The Rugged Roost’s array of vendor booths. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Take Root Country Store
202 N. Madison Ave. No. 1, Greenwood
(317) 882-0497
Specializing in country and farmhouse décor, Take Root carries braided rugs, curtains, lighting, shelving, decorative prints and more. Decorating classes are offered periodically; call or visit the store for dates, times and pricing. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
The Marshmallow Monkey
41 W. Monroe St., Franklin
(317) 494-6020, themarshmallowmonkey.com
Variety is the spice of life at the ever-stylish Marshmallow Monkey, where home décor products, flower and garden items, lighting and re-styled furniture, as well as baby gifts, bags, purses, scarves and jewelry are offered. Event, floral and wedding design services are also available. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Interior Design
D Ray Decor
1799 Michele Lane, Greenwood
(317) 300-1000, draydecorhome.com
Unique home furnishings and accessories, including painted antique reproductions as well as indoor and outdoor traditional furniture pieces, adorn the showroom at D Ray Decor, a full-service residential and corporate interior design business. Gift certificates and delivery services available. Open Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
