In the crush of holiday shopping season, gifts come a dime a dozen. For the more intentional and culturally-minded shopper, finding new and local places to browse can be a difficult task.
This year, explore some of the more niche businesses in Rapid City that celebrate all things history—you may be surprised with what you find!
For arts and antique lovers, stop by Dandelion Bouquet at 901 Mount Rushmore Road.
The shop was opened in February of 2023 after being purchased by Lori Coyne from the previous owner.
“I tell people I went in to buy an old suitcase and bought a business instead,” Coyne laughed.
Now, Coyne gives over 50 local artists and vintage re-sellers a place to sell their unique, creative, and local goods to customers. Some of the vintage resellers specially curate their items for the shop.
The boutique with a bright yellow door carries handcrafted items, vintage clothing, furniture, décor, art, baked goods, and more.
Browsing the shop, you might find a handmade throw blanket, a tee designed by a local artist, Hamilton Homestead parmesan cheese, or even a cinnamon roll to snack on.
The owner says her favorite part of the job is simply all of the people she gets to connect with.
“I have so many incredible vendors, regulars, and not-so-regular customers I have the privilege to spend some time with when they come into the store,” she said.
Breathing new life into these antique and personal pieces is important to Coyne.
“We are helping to save the planet as we resell beautiful vintage pieces and create one-of-a-kind pieces of art at affordable prices,” she shared.
“I LOVE GIVING OUR 50+ LOCAL ARTISTS & VINTAGE RESELLERS A PLACE THEY ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF.”
LORI COYNE, DANDELION BOUQUET
At 611 Main Street sits one of Rapid City’s newer businesses, though owner Elsa Clodfelter has over 30 years of experience in her field.
Opening in May of 2024, Southwest Jewelry & Gifts, LLC sells Native American jewelry and gifts for every taste and price point.
“My products come from the local artists of the Southwest Native American Indian Tribes: Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Pueblo, Apache, Shawnee, Cherokee, and now including local artists from Lakota and Dakota tribes,” said Clodfelter.
All jewelry pieces are stamped and signed by the local artists.
In addition to jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, concho belts, and rings, the shop carries gifts. Pottery, Dreamcatchers, Kachina Dolls, crystals, fossils, and minerals can all be bought here.
Dreamcatchers & Dolls
Dreamcatchers are believed to protect sleepers from nightmares, while channeling good dreams. They are a symbol of oneness and connection.
Kachina dolls, central to Hopi religion, are spirits of nature the Hopi people believe allow them to live in harmony with nature, ensuring rain, crops, fertility, and good hunting.
“I HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF JEWELRY & GIFTS, ENSURING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT EVERY PRICE POINT.”
ELSA CLODFELTER, SOUTHWEST JEWELRY & GIFTS, LLC
Clodfelter originally began selling Native American jewelry in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1991. She has moved around the country since, stationing herself at military installations everywhere from Alabama to Okinawa, Japan.
“I get to meet people from all walks of life, and each has their own particular wants and needs. When I can meet their requests, that’s satisfying for me,” said Clodfelter.
The shop owner reveals most of her customers are walk-ins who have become repeat visitors, and she receives phone calls from all over the world who want to order items.
“That means they trust me and that my merchandise is quality they can depend on,” she said.
If you’re looking for a place to find both a gift and an experience, look no further than Prairie Edge.
“Some think of us as a Native American art gallery, others see us as an authentic trading post reminiscent of days gone by,” said general manager Brenda Beal.
Located on the corner of 6th Street and Main, Prairie Edge stretches out for half a block and is unmistakable in its original 19th century glory.
Beautiful Beadwork
INSIDE OF PRAIRIE EDGE, YOU’LL FIND SIOUX TRADING POST: A PLACE THAT CATERS TO BEADING AND LEATHER WORKING CRAFTERS. EVERY ITEM YOU WOULD NEED TO CREATE A POW WOW DANCE OUTFIT IS AVAILABLE IN THAT DEPARTMENT.
The shop carries everything from blankets and buffalo robes to ceremonial items, books, music, and craft supplies.
In addition to these, traditional Native American art is available in the Fine Art Gallery, which presents artwork of all varieties from local and regional artwork.
Items can be bought online and shipped to anywhere, with prices ranging from $15 prints to a sculpture priced at $4,900.
Prairie Edge opened in 1993 with a goal of educating the public while preserving the heritage and culture of the Northern Plains Indians, as well as providing Native Americans an outlet for their finest work at a fair price to them.
Dive into the rich culture perusing the handcrafted items and fine art. Beal says even if you don’t purchase anything, it will be well worth your time.
“I love helping to provide an income for many families that survive on the ability to sell their handcrafted creations, and watching first time visitors’ reactions as they move through the store,” said Beal. “Undeniably priceless.”
