The holidays are here, which means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for the people we love most. Before you add everything to your online cart, this is your friendly reminder that shopping local matters. Omaha and Nebraska are filled with incredible small businesses, creatives, makers, and experiences that bring so much to our community.
This year, choose quality over quantity, shop small whenever you can, and consider gifting memories and experiences over more “stuff.” Here’s a curated list of locally rooted gift ideas your favorite people will actually use and love. This guide also includes gifts that don’t collect dust — they create stories. Think shared moments: cooking classes, museum memberships, and the kinds of experiences people remember long after the holidays. Perfect for anyone who values connection over “stuff.”
Enjoy!
For the Creative
Creatives light up when they’re given tools, inspiration, or experiences that help them make something beautiful. From art supplies to pottery studios to plant shops, Omaha has so many thoughtful options for the makers in your life.
Plant Stores
Bring a little piece of paradise into someone’s home. Some local shops, like Nodest, will even come to your house to repot your plants. What a great experience-based gift!
- Mulhall’s
- Nodest
- Sheelytown Market
- The Green House
- For my full list see this blog post: Omaha’s Plant Stores
Art and Writing Supplies
From journaling and sketching to full-on creative exploration, these shops stock beautiful tools and supplies for every type of artist.
- Postscript Press – Ashland, NE
- RSVP
- Shop Five Nine
- The Art Garden
- The Next Chapter
- Warmth Wool
Pottery Class
Give the gift of a new skill, a relaxing night out, or a hands-on creative moment. A great gift to do together!
- A Backwoods Farm
- Kimba’s Touch Pottery – Elkhorn, NE
- That Pottery Place
- True Pottery Studio
Art Museums
While many Omaha art museums are free, gifting a membership is such a fun way to elevate the experience and support the local arts.
- Bemis Center
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Kaneko
- See my full list of museums here: Omaha Museums
For the Men
Men can be tricky to shop for, but Omaha has plenty of high-quality, stylish, and experience-based gifts that are guaranteed wins.
Clothing Stores
Support local menswear shops that focus on craftsmanship, style, and quality.
- A-Priori
- Fontenelle Supply Co.
- The Simple Man
- For my full list see this blog post: The Best Menswear Shops in Omaha
Indoor Golf Simulators
Perfect for the golf lover who wants to keep their swing sharp during the winter months.
- Beyond Golf – Bar + Kitchen
- Fore Seasons
- The Back Nine Golf
- Toptracer at Miracle Hill
- X-Golf Omaha
Tickets to Sporting Events
For the sports lovers on your list, you can’t go wrong with game-day energy. Whether it’s hockey, soccer, volleyball, or basketball, gifting tickets is a fun, memory-making experience they’ll actually look forward to — no wrapping required.
- Creighton Basketball
- Omaha Lancers Hockey
- Omaha Supernovas Volleyball
- UNO Basketball
- UNO Hockey
Local Beer or Whiskey
A great pick for the craft beverage lover in your life. Grab a six-pack, bottle, and some merch!
Beer
- Big Grove Brewery
- Kros Strain Brewing
- Lumen Beer Co.
- Monolithic Brewing
- Scriptown Brewing Company
- Site-1 Brewing
- Vis Major Brewing Company
Whiskey
- Brickway Brewery & Distillery
- Cut Spike Distillery
- Wahoo Distillery
For the Busy Mom
Because some days you’re running a household, a calendar, a career, and a small nation — all before 9 a.m. These gifts are designed to make life feel a little easier, a little calmer, and a lot more “I’ve got this.” Think: practical luxuries, time-savers, and small treats that remind her she’s more than the family manager… she’s the MVP.
Spa or Facial
A little pampering goes a long way. Check out a few of these local. favorites:
- Enchanted Skin Studio
- Faces Spa
- Mantis Spa
- Sakoon
- The Only Facial
- Valo
Pre-Made Meal Services
Give the gift of time (and fewer dishes).
- Clean Eatz
- Clean Slate Food Co.
- Mealbox Omaha by Chef Will Birge
- MealPro
Memberships to Museums and Indoor Playgrounds
Perfect for families who want more experiences and fewer toys.
- Chirpy’s Play Café
- Kiewit Luminarium
- Kipp
- Omaha Children’s Museum
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Playful Pines
- Wander + Wonder Kids Play Café
Book Stores
- The Bookworm
- Jackson Street Booksellers
- The Pen & Dagger
- Pop Fiction
- The Wandering Page
For the Foodie
For the friend who loves flavors and culinary creativity, these local Omaha and Nebraska favorites are sure to delight.
Cooking Class
Hands-on learning, delicious food, and a fun night out all wrapped into one.
- Chef Around the Block
- Heirloom Fine Foods
- Metropolitan Community College
- Sur La Table
- Ota Omakase with Yoshitomo
Creative Wines
Local bottle shops with expertly curated selections and beautiful gifting options.
- Corkscrew
- Godega
- Howard Street Wine Merchant
- idle Wines & Goods
Locally Sourced Pantry Staples
Perfect for stocking up a foodie’s kitchen with small-batch items that shine.
- Made in Omaha
- Micro Market at the Highlander
- Perennial Homestead
- Via Farina – They have a small grab and go section at both locations with the best dried handmade pasta!
Butchers
High-quality, locally sourced meats make an unforgettable (and delicious) gift.
- Casanova’s Butchery
- Cure – Fort Calhoun, NE
- Ellsworth Crossing – Waterloo, NE
- Frank Stoysich Meats
- Just Good Meat
- The Mercato
Happy Holidays and happy shopping! Have questions about what you should do this winter while preparing for a spring sale? Contact me today!
