A great way to help support local businesses and artists this holiday season is to buy your holiday gifts locally! We all know that these individuals have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and purchasing from them this holiday season is a great way to help out. We’ve put together a guide of local gift options for you to check out!
Local Restaurant Gift Cards
Many of your favorite local restaurants offer gift cards for both dine-in and carryout services. Give the gift of a warm delicious meal to your friends and family this year! Check out the restaurants and bars in Council Bluffs on our website and contact them directly for instructions on purchasing a gift card. This is a great way to support local businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Historic General Dodge House
Looking to give an iconic Council Bluffs themed gift this year? Add the Historic General Dodge House gift shop to your list. They have several Women’s Right to Vote, Iowa, Council Bluffs, and Dodge House themed ornaments available. They also have a variety of black squirrels for sale. Every Council Bluffs native needs a black squirrel in their life!
Shopping Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sundays in December 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Harvester Artists Loft Artists
One-of-a-kind handmade art is always a thoughtful and special gift to give. Artists put their heart into the work they create and purchasing from a local artist is a great way to show your support during these tough times. Check out the work that several Harvester Artists are offering this holiday season on their blog! You will find work from Jenowe Studio, Jesse Medina Fine Art, NAAD Naturals, Patty Talbert, and D’s Catering by Duane Foster.
Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center
There are several ways to support local artists at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center this holiday season! Purchasing a gift certificate for an upcoming class or program at the Hoff is a great gift to give people of all ages and artists interests. The Hoff’s programming is so diverse that anyone can find a class they’ll love. Please contact [email protected] to purchase a gift certificate.
If you’re interested in purchasing artwork from the fourth floor Nelson Gallery, you can reach out to [email protected] to make arrangements.
Did you know that there are five resident artists at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center? Here are the ways to contact them this holiday season.
Buck Christensen Photography
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LUTZCO Creative
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Ann Brugenhemke Art
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Susan Woodford Sculpture
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Hz Productions
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Golden Bolt
Golden Bolt is a local apparel brand that is focused on selling nostalgic clothing that represents the region's rich history while looking towards the future. They sell a variety of shirts, but you’ve got to check out this “Welcome to Council Bluffs” tank! You can view and purchase their merchandise on their website.
Bloom Works Floral
You can never go wrong with gifting a beautiful floral arrangement or house plant! Simply give Bloom Works a call at (712) 256-3156, order online, or stop into their shop on the Historic 100 Block to order your gifts today! As a special treat, they have extended shop hours the entire month of December so there’s plenty of time to shop.
Extended Hours:
Thursday’s: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday’s: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Full Fledged Brewing Co. Merch
Council Bluffs’ first and only brewery has become a lively community gathering place and is a fan-favorite of many locals and visitors. Rep your favorite brewery by purchasing some of their awesome merch! They have hats, hoodies, dog scarves, baby onesies, and more. Simply shop for your gifts on their website.
Golden Hills RC&D Raygun Shirt
Golden Hills RC&D has partnered with Raygun to make this WanderLoess bison shirt! A portion of the proceeds from these t-shirts, purchased in December 2020, will be donated to Golden Hills to help support the conservation of the Loess Hills in western Iowa! Check out the details on Golden Hill's website and shop for the shirt on Raygun's website.
Are we missing a great local gift idea?! Please reach out to us to be included in this holiday gift guide. Simply email Emma Schwaller at [email protected] with your gift information, purchasing instructions, and a photo.
