South Dakota is home to many treasures all across the state. As the holidays approach and we enter the season of giving, the local economy remains a priority investment. From the Chautauqua Craftsmen & Artisans of the Black Hills, to Grace ‘n Grit, Q Jewelry, Zanbroz Variety, and many more, there are next to limitless possibilities to find the perfect gift for a loved one.
CHAUTAUQUA CRAFTSMEN & ARTISANS OF THE BLACK HILLS
Established in 2016, Chautauqua Craftsmen & Artisans of the Black Hills (CCABH) in Hot Springs was founded by passionate individuals with a concentrated focus on promoting arts in the Black Hills.
“The organization emerged from a desire to create a vibrant community hub for artistic expression, education, and professional development, inspired by the broader Chautauqua movement,” said chair of directors Deb Ahrens.
The Chautauqua movement historically emphasizes lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement through the arts, education, and recreation, adds Ahrens.
“Inspiration is present everywhere,” revealed Ahrens. “The ability to repurpose old items and make them new again is always inspiring.”
There are 48 participants who create ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, fiber arts, paintings, prints, stained glass, and mixed media pieces, to name a few.
Brian Bethke, owner and glass artist at Sioux Falls Glass Works, opened Black Hills Glass Works within Chautauqua Artisans Market with the goal of introducing as many people as possible to the art of stained glass through classes. He also creates custom panels for homes, businesses, and churches.
Classes are now being taught in Hot Springs by Ahrens, who is a glass artist herself.
“We offer painting, calligraphy, stained glass, rug making, jewelry making, wire wrapping, macrame, broom making, fiber arts, knitting/crocheting, plant and tree medicines, and tai chi classes,” said Ahrens. “Gifting a class from CCABH supports local artists and provides a meaningful, creative experience.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAUTAUQUABLACKHILLS.ORG+
COMBINE
Stop in The Bancorp Building in Cherapa Place for quality, timeless pieces this holiday season.
“We want people to feel comfortable when they come in,” said coowner Anne Haber. “Hang out, look around, chat it up, cozy up, and have a glass of wine with us.”
The downtown Sioux Falls boutique carries both women’s and men’s apparel, home goods, bath and beauty, and pet items like collars.
With the arrival of blustery, cold air, Haber says they’re excited for knitwear.
“Fall/winter is by far the best for textures, patterns, color, and comfort,” said Haber. “Our inventory is carefully curated from around the world, focused on unique and exceptional quality items.”
For “her” this holiday season, the Combine team recommends something like a Kujten cashmere bandana scarf or Ina Seifert’s key ring/phone/eyeglass beads.
For “him,” they suggest a Phil Petter knit beanie or a “man bag.” Gift your home with something special as well, including artist Ben Suga’s pottery or an Alora Ambiance Reed Diffuser.
“The compliments you’ll receive on how your space smells will be endless,” said Haber.
This holiday season, Haber says they’re excited for EVOLG gloves, which have e-fingertip technology. For a splurge, Alonpi has cashmere for both the home and wear, including blankets and wraps.
Haber says Combine is more than just shopping, as the team creates an experience with events that include The Carpenter Bar Group’s BARCART serving cocktails and appetizers to graze as guests peruse the floor.
Join Combine’s mailing list or follow them on Instagram for the latest.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT COMBINESIOUXFALLS.COM+
GRACE ‘N GRIT
Grace ‘n Grit was started on a windy day where owner Lacey Weber found herself wishing her stocking cap had a bill to block the snow, gusts, and sun.
“After looking around, I couldn’t find a trapper or earflap hat that was cute or practical for women,” said Weber. “I figured, why not make my own?”
Bridgewater’s Grace ‘n Grit makes winter hats designed for real life, Weber adds. From chores to town runs, the hats are practical and warm with “cute flair that makes you stand out.”
“Our main line is our fleece-lined trapper hats,” she described. “They’ve got a custom adjustable band inside for the perfect fit, full ear and neck coverage, and a bill to keep the wind and sun out.”
Stocking hat styles are also available, fit with removable pompom balls for easy washing.
“They really are a unique gift,” said Weber. “There’s truly nothing else like our hats out there.”
Instead of the “bulky” trapper hats built for men, Grace ‘n Grit hats are made for women with the function, style, and color in mind to match everyone’s taste.
December will mark one year since Grace ‘n Grit started, and Weber says it’s been an amazing year.
“Every design is made with the same idea—comfort, quality, character, and a little bit of grit,” said Weber.
Find Weber and Grace ‘n Grit selling her products at the Autumn Festival on November 21-23 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GRACENGRIT.COM+
HITCH’N POST
Hitch’n Post has been a unique, family-owned store in Aberdeen for 55 years.
Located on the eastern side of town right on Highway 12, guests smell leather, feel welcome, and have that downhome sense as they enter. Shoppers will be surrounded by quality products, which are go-to gifts for the season.
“Boots, hats, shirts, and jeans along with outerwear, coats and footwear are the basics,” said owner Terry Larson. “A large selection of gift ideas such as authentic turquoise jewelry, colognes, statewide coffee, chocolates, and other food items can be found. There is something for even the toughest person on your gift list.”
There is also an antique department in the back of the store.
“Someone once said, ‘An antique is a memory you can physically hold,’” said Larson.
People always look forward to Customer Appreciation the first Thursday in December. It’s the biggest sale of the year, and a one-day only event to Spin the Wheel for a Deal.
The Hitch’n Post is known for carrying name brands such as Panhandle/Rock and Roll, Cinch, Wrangler, Ariat, Outback Trading, R Watson, Anderson Bean, Hyer, Twisted X, Double H, Durango, and others.
The western store will even gift wrap guests’ purchases for free. Follow them on Facebook.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT HITCHNPOSTWESTERN.COM+
Q JEWELRY
Owners Quinton Young and Jared Zobel have over 35 years of jewelry combined experience, and founded Mitchell’s Q Jewelry in 2020.
Q Jewelry offers a wide variety of services including Jewelry Repair and Restoration, Full Custom Jewelry Design Builds, Engraving and Personalization, Loose Diamonds and Gemstones, Estate and Vintage Jewelry, along with Retail Ready Jewelry Pieces, and much more.
“What makes us different is we can sketch the design,” said Zobel. “Inspiration comes almost instantly pulled from the universe, brought down, and compiled from the interactions with the client—their inspiration, their desires, are then brought to fruition into a piece of jewelry.”
One of Young’s favorite pieces he designed was for a client who had cancer as a child and had to undergo radiation therapy. The piece was a nuclear reactor ring, consisting of a man-made piece of LuAG Garnet, a neon green stone used to make lasers and the four precious gemstones (diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire) as buttons.
“That’s an example of how far out on the limb we go with some of our stone purchases,” added Young. “We’ve got a Color-Change Blue Garnet, and while it is impossible to know the exact number of carats that have been mined, it has been reported there might only be 300 carats total of that in the entire world.”
Jewelry is an amazing gift because it gives someone a chance to express themselves and personalize their look, Young says.
“One of our missions has always been to find jewelry that’s unique to the individual,” said Zobel. “I think we both believe jewelry is an expression of a person’s personality—who they are.”
Q Jewelry represents over 40 artists in the state, including painters, woodworkers, and potters, helping amplify local art sold alongside their jewelry.
“You want a big crystal Amethyst in your kitchen because there’s some negative energy coming off that week-old milk in the fridge? We can sell you that, too,” added Young.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT QJEWELRYANDGIFTS.COM+
ANNIE’S TREASURED HOME & VINTAGE
“I knew immediately with the beautiful-exposed brick walls, gorgeous ceilings, and 125-year history, this had to be something special like a vintage store,” said Annie’s Treasured Home & Vintage owner Anne (Annie) Nottoli. “In March of 2025, I quit my corporate job, and Annie’s opened in June 2025.”
There’s “vintage sprinkled” throughout the five main areas of the Salem shop. Annie’s Kitchen has vintage china, linen towels from Lithuania, cookbooks, and more. The Baby section carries swaddles, stuffed animals, toys, and books. Books, bar accessories, crystal, candles, and more can be found in the Living Room section.
“Having spent the previous 25 years in the spa industry, I knew I had to have a Wellness and Spa area for customers,” said Nottoli. “I am offering the best wellness products in my shop, as well as new and trending self-care items.”
Gifts and décor along with cards, puzzles, Rushmore Mountain Taffy, Abdallah Candy, Twisted Bee Pretzels can all be found in the Seasonal area of the shop.
With an adoration for vintage pheasant pieces and feelings of nostalgia, Nottoli says the best gifts are anything vintage. She also appreciates new treasures like candles, charcuterie boards, and candy.
“Anything makes a great gift if given from the heart,” added Nottoli.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT FACEBOOK.COM+
CRAIG RYANS INTERIORS
Craig Ryans Interiors started business at farmers’ markets where Craig worked his way up to his storefront in Mitchell, selling just about anything “better than what you can find in ‘big box’ retailers.”
He saw a need in the local market for unique gifts and much more. Craig has a love for sharing his personal hobbies of plants, cooking, and art, along with home décor and gift giving.
He says Craig Ryan Interiors stands out because of the variety of merchandise he sells. He stays ahead of design trends, featuring products from around the world with an eclectic style of quality offerings, and exceptional customer service to top it all off.
“We’re a one-stop shop,” said Craig. “Everyone is busy and you can check off your whole gift list from the product, greeting card, to the gift bag. You never know what you’re going to find.”
Some of his favorite products sold range from Joseph Joseph cooking gadgets, to Voluspa candles and diffusers, Nambe products, and Secrid wallets from Holland.
What makes a good gift, according to Craig? One that is practical, yet unique, high quality, but doesn’t break the bank, and appealing, yet personalized to the loved one you’re giving it to.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CRAIGRYANSINTERIORS.COM+
HAND TIED-GIFT AND FLORAL BOUTIQUE
Sheri Vaughn started Brookings’ Hand Tied-Gift and Floral Boutique after years of working in visual merchandising and wholesale floral in Minneapolis.
“My passion for art, fashion, design, and all things creative led me to the idea of Hand Tied,” said Vaughn. “One thing led to the other, opportunities paved their way, and here we are.”
Vaughn says she likes to think there’s a little something for everyone. She specializes in thoughtful gifts and fresh flowers for weddings and events.
“From sweet and simple bouquets to bold, statement-making arrangements, we love offering unique gifts and creative florals that fit any budget,” added Vaugn.
Hand Tied is a fun, feel-good space and the novelty, conversation-starting flowers used in arrangements helps set them apart, Vaughn reveals.
“I think flowers are a good gift because they’re unexpected,” said Vaughn. “When you make that delivery, the recipient usually has no idea it’s coming—it’s always a surprise, and it’s extra special to receive something you might not have seen before.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT HANDTIEDFLORALBOUTIQUE.COM+
OH GEEZ! DESIGN
Becky Tomac started Oh Geez! Design in the Black Hills in 2007 by creating greeting cards for a craft show, and has since blown up into a statewide wholesale apparel business and website with South Dakota-themed designs and gifts.
“My designs are inspired by my time spent outdoors and soaking up the sun in ‘SoDak,’ along with my love of hoarding all things vintage, especially mid-century modern design, cool typography, and ‘60s South Dakota souvenirs,” she described.
Tomac uses a local screen printer for all of her clothing and other local print shops for cards and marketing materials.
“Having a consistent and recognizable brand identity is very important to me, and unique and high quality designs and products are a huge part of that,” she said.
Some go-to gifts for the holidays include a SoDak Classic retro diner mug and her I Like My Hills Like I Like My Coffee mugs. Crew sweatshirts are also popular, which come in different design options and “are super soft and cozy.”
For quick gifts for stocking stuffers, friends and family, or co-workers, Tomac says there are a variety of stickers, SoDak keychains, and felt pennants.
New items this holiday season include 1889 patch rope hats and heather gray hoodies, along with new SoDak Sunrays crews, women’s boxy tees, and kids’ tees.
“I also added a new youth Sunbeams trucker hat this summer that is super cute for the kiddos,” said Tomac.
Follow Oh Geez! Designs for holiday pop-up shows and for progress on Tomac’s general store in Keldron.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OHGEEZDESIGN.COM+
WILDFLOWER BOUTIQUE
“It is very important to me to find sizes for every body,” said owner of Wildflower Boutique Sloane Mack. “It is also important to keep my prices as low as I can.”
Based out of the Watertown area, Wildflower Boutique carries sizes from small to 3X, and since Mack is the model, marketing director, and everything in between, she’s able to keep prices affordable for everyone.
“I will always keep Wildflower online, with the exception of pop-ups, but look forward to the day I need to hire staff because we are so busy,” added Mack.
Some of Mack’s favorite products are versatile, staple pieces that are able to be worn at work, out and about, and at home.
Her small town community of Kranzburg has embraced the boutique “tremendously,” and Mack is grateful for all the support from other communities including Watertown, where her pop-ups frequent.
“A good gift for your friends or family is something you know will bring joy to their life,” revealed Mack. “There’s nothing better than seeing your loved ones’ faces light up from a great gift.”
Stay up to date on socials for her next pop-up event.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WILDFLOWERBOUTIQUESD.COM+
ZANBROZ VARIETY
Located in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, Zandbroz Variety has been keeping it fresh and fun since 1989.
Make the holidays official by stopping by to see their annual festive window display (kudos to Jeff Danz, Jamie Scarbrough, and the whole team) filled with the whimsical to the topical, it’s always a surprise. Whether it’s meant to delight or challenge it’s always a sight worth seeing.
Check out the front of the shop during the holiday season for charming and quirky featured gift ideas and holiday cards. Zandbroz is known for being a place for grabbing a quick, yet personal gift that works for friends and family or a White Elephant/Secret Santa event (“stocking stuffer central”).
Variety is part of the name for a reason and is “taken seriously.” Books are a big part of their DNA with local authors to current titles in paperback and hardcover, to classics and children’s books, with a nice selection of cookbooks and art books to boot.
Other categories highlighted in the store are jewelry, bath and body, fragrance, toys, specialty food, games, fine pens, stationery, and novelty. Vintage and antiques in the back of the store is a special area of the store with “three floors of fun” to discover.
“Wrap” everything up with a gift bag from their large selection for any vibe or occasion, or the staff can wrap your gift for free!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ZANDBROZ.COM+
