I’ve been challenging myself and my friends to shop local and support local. I’ve found some Nebraska artists and locally-owned stores that will help get you into the holiday spirit this year. Some of the small businesses have a store-front or can be found at holiday markets, but the links below make it easy for you to make purchases from them online, as well.
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Nebraska-made holiday decor
There are many makers, artists and crafters in Nebraska creating home decor in a variety of styles. Here are a few Nebraska artisans’ works on Etsy that have caught my eye:
1 . Rustic Barn Wood Christmas Trees handmade by Bialas Creations in Omaha. The online shop also includes custom metal signs.
2. Wood Reindeer Set comes from a new-to-me Nebraska-based shop, METTCRAFT. The hand-carved reindeer can be made from different wood.
3. Willow Bee Signs always has the cutest handmade signs, and this Wooden Countdown Sign with Santa on it is no different. The small business is based out of Nebraska City.
4. Get personalized vintage-looking stockings from Popcorn Quilts. You’ll want to order these soon, since they are personalized as they’re ordered.
5. Flour Shop Finds makes hand-embroidered tea towels, like the simple yet perfect Merry & Bright towel. Flour Shop Finds is based out of Kearney, Neb.
6. The Crafty Obsession out of Omaha has an online shop full of super cute holiday decor, including a couple different mini crate greenery displays. You’ll want to browse the shop first before impulse-buying, trust me.
7. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” fans will love this hand-poured candle from Farmstead Candle.
8. Soul Energy Life out of Omaha mostly makes boho bracelets, but she also has a couple really cute handmade, boho Christmas decor options made out of mason jars.
Locally-owned shops in Nebraska
If you prefer your shopping in person, here are a few great shops in Nebraska to start browsing:
1. Tannenbaum Christmas Shop
Where: 1007 Howard St., Omaha
It’s Christmas year-round at Tannenbaum. This charming shop in the Old Market is packed with decorations, ornaments, and holiday inspiration.
The Old Market is a wonderland at Christmastime, with twinkling trees and, sometimes, strolling carolers. Plan to stay a while and visit a restaurant while you’re in the neighborhood.
2. Village Pomegranate
Where: 8724 Pacific St., Omaha
You’ll find seasonal home decor ranging from whimsical serving dishes to witty holiday napkins. I found some truly unique Halloween decorations at the Village Pomegranate this year so I’m excited to see what they have in stock for Christmas.
3. Mulhall’s
Where: 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha
You might think Mulhall’s is just for gardening and plants, but that’s only half of it. Mulhall’s is quickly becoming a hip place to shop for home decor, as well. They’ve already started teasing some of the holiday decorations they’ll have on their social media platforms.
4. Mangelsen’s
Where: 3457 S. 84th St., Omaha
Sure, Mangelsen’s is the place to go for all-things-crafty, and you’re likely to find everything you need to create your own custom holiday decorations. But, Mangelsen’s also has Christmas decorations and lots of them.
You’ll find more traditional and folksy decor options there.
5. Earl & Gray
Where: 15416 Second St., Bennington, Neb.
From the gang that brought the beautiful Found shop in the Benson neighborhood of Omaha, there’s Earl & Gray. They’re planning a holiday kick-off event in mid-November so I anticipate finding some darling decorations in the shop all season long.
6. Ellsworth Crossing
Where: 26902 W. Center Road, Waterloo, Neb.
While Ellsworth Crossing is first and foremost a place to buy locally-grown and raised products, meats, and other farm goods, they also sell quite a bit of locally-made items like apparel and small gifts.
Are there more locally-owned shops in Nebraska. Of course there are! This small list — admittedly, of shops in southeast Nebraska — is just the starting point.
7. Lone Tree Saloon
Where: 116 Main St., Brownville, Neb.
Brownville is one of my favorite small towns in Nebraska, and my favorite shop in that town is Lone Tree Saloon. It’s like the shop owner had me in mind when choosing what items to sell. I love everything in the shop, especially at Christmas time.
8. Salt Creek Mercantile
Where: 1502 Silver St., Ashland, Neb.
One of the most beautiful stores in the entire state is found in the little town of Ashland. I discovered Salt Creek Mercantile a few years ago, and I’m certain you’ll love the place.
9. Antique Anthology
Where: 90 Monroe St., Bennet, Neb.
Antique Anthology is a fairly recent discovery for me. It’s a superbly curated shop of home decor and gifts in the small town of Bennet, and it’s well worth the drive to seek it out. While I haven’t visited during the holiday season, I have total faith that the shop owner will have some awesome decor for you to browse through.
