Unique Holiday Gift Shopping Along Lake Michigan’s South Shore

Finding the perfect gift for loved ones can feel daunting, but Indiana’s South Shore area makes it easy with our charming holiday gift shops. From wellness essentials to one-of-a-kind treasures, you’re set to discover unique gifts for everyone on your list. Dive into our guide to the best places to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Happy gifting!

Local Artisan Markets

Shop locally at one of our artisan markets. Discover handcrafted goods that add a personal and meaningful touch to your gifts.

Now through early January, stop by the Holiday Artisan Market at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City and peruse artisan finds like jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and more! Art Barn School of Art in Valparaiso is hosting its annual Holiday Gift Gallery through December 24, 2025, with all kinds of unique, crafty gifts. For more holiday markets in the area, check out our Christmas and Holiday Events.

Specialty Shops for Unique Finds

Antiques on Main in Crown Point features a wide variety of quirky antiques, collectibles, toys, artisan goods and repurposed items, and More Polish Pottery nearby has all kinds of decorative bakeware and dinnerware. For the music lover on your shopping list, Tom Lounges’ Record Bin in Hobart and Antique Vault and Records inside the Historic Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point offer an impressive selection of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, band merch, and more!

If you are buying for a fan of the holiday classic, "A Christmas Story", visit the gift shop inside the Indiana Welcome Center for leg lamps, National Park shirts, books, and more. They also carry 100+ South Shore Posters, and you can have them shipped right to their front door! Find more shops in our Shop Small in Northwest Indiana blog.

South Shore Food & Beverage Gifts

For the foodie in your life, skip the gift cards and buy them something they'll truly savor! For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with candy. Make a stop at Albanese Candy Factory in Hobart, Morkes the Chocolate Shop in Cedar Lake or Tethan’s Candy and Confections in Chesterton. For a mix of sweet and savory treats, visit ChicagoLand Popcorn in Merrillville or Gary. Tea enthusiasts will love The Spice and Tea Exchange in Valparaiso, where you can shop for loose-leaf tea, spices, seasonings, and more. If you want to treat someone to a night out, there are plenty of amazing restaurants in the area that offer gift cards.

You can also surprise your loved one with a tasting at a local winery or brewery, where they can savor locally made beverages and learn about the craft. Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City offers guided tastings guaranteed to be a hit.

Gifts for Nature and Outdoor Lovers

The South Shore offers countless ways to embrace the spirit of the outdoors. Head to the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center in Porter for nature-inspired treasures — from informative field guides and hiking gear to souvenirs that celebrate the local landscape. Another spot to find Indiana Dunes items is the Over Yonder Dunes Gift Shop in Beverly Shores. They also have beautiful nature-inspired, locally made items.

Wellness Gifts

With the new year resolutions coming soon, help those on your list looking to get in shape with a gift certificate to Nutrition Hub in Highland, so they can fill up on healthy shakes and smoothie bowls, or a family membership to the Crossroads YMCA in Crown Point.

Surprise your loved one with a spa treatment, massage, manicure, and more at Vanis Salon & Day Spa — an experience they’re sure to love. They have three convenient locations in Crown Point, Schererville, and Valparaiso.

Vibrations Health, Wellness, Juice Bar & Cafe in Gary's Miller Beach neighborhood offers an assortment of blended smoothies and juices, and made-to-order food items. Their storefront offers a variety of natural items, including vitamins and supplements, organic teas and spices, snacks, body products, and locally harvested honey.