There is still time to shop for your loved one. We know that going online and ordering from a box store or other large retailers is easy, but why not make it something a little more personal? Downstate Illinois is FULL of local shops and businesses that offer up unique, thoughtful gifts. Best part is, you’re supporting your local communities AND treating your significant other at the same time. Below is a gift guide for a few ideas that may work well for that lovely lady in your life. 

Southwest Illinois Region

Grimm & Gorly, Belleville 
For over 100 years this locally owned business has become a staple in southwest Illinois. Grimm and Gorly offers a wide array of products and services, with flowers and plants known as their specialty. If it’s a simple arrangement you’re looking for, that’s no problem. How about interior plantscapes for your lady? That’s an option too! Grimm and Gorly also has silk arrangements, candles, and home décor if you already have the real flowers covered. 

The Chocolate Affair, Highland
This ‘Illinois Made’ business has been serving up hand-dipped goodies for quite a while in Highland. Valentine’s Day is obviously one of the busiest times of year for The Chocolate Affair, so make sure to swing by and get the goodies before it’s too late. From chocolate covered Oreos to truffles and more, there is a reason folks travel from up to an hour away to score a few of these delicious treats! 

Fezziwig’s Marketplace, O’Fallon 
While gift cards are sometimes the ‘easy’ way out, we HIGHLY recommend a gift card to Fezziwig’s Marketplace in O’Fallon. Unless you know exactly what your loved one is looking for, a gift card is a safe bet here because they have everything from loose leaf tea to gourmet foods, wine, and home décor. They also offer cooking classes, which are a huge hit. 

The Conner House Bed & Breakfast, Prairie du Rocher
A couple’s getaway is always a romantic gift, and a trip to The Conner House Bed & Breakfast in Prairie du Rocher is top notch. They feature four rooms, three of which are suites, as well as a complimentary gourmet breakfast consisting of everything from quiche and crepes to southern fare and more. Other amenities include an on-site chef, private dinner options, a tea room, and complimentary
wi-fi. There’s not a doubt in our minds you’ll enjoy this stay!
 

South Central Illinois Region

Flower Patch, Pinckneyville 
When it comes to ordering a beautiful arrangement of flowers, The Flower Patch in Pinckneyville is one of the top florists in Downstate Illinois! Whether it’s a seasonal bouquet, a special occasion arrangement (like Valentine’s Day), or ‘just because’ flowers – The Flower Patch offers them all. They have also been known to pair a Valentine’s arrangement with everything from chocolate covered strawberries to hot cocoa bombs. Oh, and The Flower Patch also carries a wide array of home décor and crafts – just in case you need something to go with that arrangement. 

Becker Jewelers, Breese
We had to include a local jeweler, right? For over 70 years this family-owned business, Becker Jewelers, has served generations of customers, offering everything from the very basic to the incredibly unique. Becker Jewelers has the largest showroom in southern Illinois, offering up everything from watches and bracelets to necklaces, rings, and more! Even if you aren’t picking something out yourself, grab a gift card and treat your significant other to a beautiful piece of jewelry!

The Rusty Nail, Salem 
If your loved one is into arts and crafts, one of the most popular local shops is The Rusty Nail in Salem. They have a little bit of everything from unique antiques and handmade crafts to primitive items. There are also food items, candles, clothing – the options are kind of ridiculous! This may be a place where you pick up a gift card and pair it with some flowers, because it could take your lovely lady a couple of hours to peruse their entire selection. 

Castle Ridge, Centralia 
What is better than taking your loved one out to a romantic dinner? Doing it at a CASTLE, that’s what! Castle Ridge in Centralia features lakefront accommodations and three different on-site restaurants which feature outdoor and rooftop dining options for when the weather is a bit warmer. Stonewater at Castle Ridge would be the restaurant to book for this time of year, and it offers up everything from flatbreads to top sirloin. 
 

Southeastern Illinois Region

Wildflour Bakery & Candy Company, Casey
Sweet treats are ALWAYS a hit, right? Wildflour Bakery and Candy Company in Casey makes up some of the best freshly prepared baked good, a wide variety of novelty candies, gourmet chocolates, fudge, and truffles. Give them a look on Facebook and you’ll see what we mean, they’re ALWAYS concocting something new and delicious. Oh, and while you’re there – check out the World’s Largest Wooden Shoes, located right in the store! 

Cameo Vineyards, Greenup 
What is a great compliment to flowers and chocolate? WINE. Cameo Vineyards in Greenup offers up over a dozen different wines from dry varietals to sweet options. You can either pick up a bottle to enjoy at home or bring your loved one to the vineyard and enjoy a wine flight on their grand porch overlooking the beautiful landscape. 

Gracie Mae’s Flowers & Gifts, Carmi 
Southeastern Illinois is full of wonderful florists, including Gracie Mae’s Flowers and Gifts in Carmi. One of the coolest things they offer for Valentine’s Day is their Farmers Market bouquet, which is a country mix of colors in a burlap bag! You’re not going to find that many places. They also carry forever roses, candy, jewelry, and a mix of home décor. 

Coco’s Café & Wine Bar + The Mandarin Spa, Lawrenceville
This is the ULTIMATE gift because it includes delicious food, amazing wine, AND a massage. Coco’s Café & Wine Bar and The Mandarin Spa are all located in the same building in Lawrenceville, so this is a one-stop romantic shop. Start the date with a trip to the spa where they have everything from a Himalayan Salt Room to a hot stone massage. Once you’re relaxed, indulge in fried green tomatoes while drinking a glass of wine or beer, then enjoy prime rib or stuffed chicken. Even if it’s not for Valentine’s Day, this is one date you should definitely book!

As a note, because we cover 21 counties this is merely a gathering of recommendations, we wish we could mention every applicable business in the span of 100-thousand square miles, but unfortunately, we cannot. That said, we have a fantastic listing of many businesses on our website, so make sure to visit downstateil.org for more business ideas if you’d like!