Holiday Shopping around La Porte: A Local Gift Guide
The holidays in La Porte bring out the best of our small towns: warm lights in the shop windows, the smell of fresh coffee drifting from local cafés and the sense that every purchase truly supports a neighbor. Whether you’re hunting for handmade goods, antiques, local flavors or boutique finds, the community offers plenty of places to discover thoughtful gifts that don’t come from big-box shelves.
La Porte City: Boutique Finds, Handmade Treasures and More
Downtown La Porte is the perfect place to begin your holiday shopping. The historic streets are lined with small, independently owned businesses where you can find thoughtful gifts, handmade items and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Bennett’s Uptowne Shoppes brings together multiple vendors under one roof, offering antiques, vintage décor, collectibles and unique pieces you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s an easy place to get lost in the aisles - and even easier to discover a gift that feels special.
Just around the corner, Sweet P’s Fashion offers stylish women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry, making it a great stop for holiday outfits, cozy winter layers, and fashionable gifts.
For meaningful, ethically sourced items, A Whole World of Good carries fair-trade jewelry, textiles, personal care items, kitchen goods and handmade décor from around the globe. Everything has a story behind it - perfect for gifting with purpose.
Crafters and hobbyists will love House of Stitches, a beloved needlework shop filled with cross-stitch patterns, fabrics, threads, and kits. It’s an excellent place to build a DIY gift set or find supplies for someone who loves creating during the winter.
Collectors and sports fans will appreciate Monroe’s Collectibles, offering trading cards, memorabilia, and hobby items for enthusiasts of all ages.
Lakeside Lavender & Herbs adds a touch of calm to the season with small-batch lavender products, including lotions, soaps, sachets, and aromatherapy gifts - great for stocking stuffers or creating a cozy, spa-inspired holiday bundle.
Finally, Coachman Antique Mall is a treasure trove of vintage charm, with booths full of retro décor, furniture, jewelry, books, ornaments, and nostalgic finds. It’s the perfect spot for picking out a gift with character or history.
A Whole World of Good
Sweet P’s Fashion
Lakeside Lavendar & Herbs
Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District
Just a short drive from La Porte, the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City offers a vibrant, creative atmosphere that’s ideal for holiday shopping. This walkable neighborhood is lined with artist studios, independent boutiques, galleries, and maker-focused shops - each one offering something beautifully unique.
You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, prints, textiles, photography and artisan-made décor throughout the district, often created by local artists working right in the community. Boutiques, like Darling, add an extra layer of charm with modern apparel, accessories, and curated gift items, while vintage lovers can browse one-of-a-kind finds at places like Hoity Toity or explore pre-loved treasures at Renew Consignment.
Ballyea Jewellery
Renew Consignment
Hoity Toity
It’s also easy to take a break from browsing and warm up with something delicious at Fluid Coffee Roasters, a loved local spot known for its creative small-batch blends and bold seasonal flavors. It’s the perfect place to recharge - or even pick up a bag of locally roasted coffee as a thoughtful, giftable treat.
With its mix of creativity, local energy and unique shops, the Uptown Arts District is one of the best places in the county to find gifts with artistic flair, handmade quality and true local character.
Holiday Markets & Pop-ups
Beyond the storefronts, the La Porte area’s holiday markets and pop-up events offer some of the most unique shopping experiences of the season. These gatherings bring together local artisans, bakers, growers, and small-batch creators under one festive roof - perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind gifts and supporting local talent.
A few examples in the area include the Cookie Cutter Holiday Market (November 29), The Share Foundations 3rd Annual Christmas Bazaar (December 13) and the Merry and Morbid Dark Holiday Market (December 13).
Breweries & Wineries: Local Sips for Seasonal Gifting
For the craft beer or wine lover in your life, the La Porte area has several locally loved spots offering bottles, cans, gift cards, merch and tasting experiences.
Zorn Brew Works in Michigan City offers growlers, crowlers, apparel, and holiday-friendly beer selections - always a hit for casual gatherings. Nearby, Burn ‘Em Brewing brings bold flavors and creative small-batch beers, along with fun, artistic merch perfect for stocking stuffers. Shoreline Brewery offers another great option with beers to-go and branded merchandise.
Shady Creek Winery provides everything from bottles and tastings to gift-ready bundles and wine accessories. Anderson’s Winery & Vineyard and Running Vines Winery remain popular choices for many La Porte locals, offering a variety of wines, chocolates, merch, and gift baskets that round out a thoughtful, regional holiday gift selection.
🎁 Wrapping up
Whether you’re browsing antiques in downtown La Porte, exploring handmade art in Michigan City or picking up a favorite bottle from a local winery, holiday shopping in La Porte County is full of charm, creativity, and community. Supporting local businesses doesn’t just help you find better gifts - it strengthens the heartbeat of the entire region.
Spend some time exploring, discovering and enjoying the season right here at home!