Don't let the name fool you...there is A LOT more than just Christmas items available...and it's…read moreall lovely!! If you are looking for a special gift for someone...check here first. There are all kinds of beautiful figurines and home decor...and even heartfelt pieces that are perfect to express sympathy. And, if that's not enough of a reason to stop by...the owner, Denise, is the absolute sweetest and kindest person you will ever meet.

I love this shop. It is the best gift boutique shop in Carbondale, IL! When I'm looking for gifts…read morefor others (or myself), this store is my first stop. While the store itself is a modest (smallish) size, the owner has packed it full of goodies galore - literally from floor to ceiling. And speaking of the owner, more often than not she is there to help you find that perfect item, ring you up at the cash register, and is the first to greet you by name when you walk in the door! The shop itself has an eclectic mix of items: -Yankee candles -boutique baby gifts -one of a kind, exquisite holiday decorations (including Christmas Village collectibles) -gourmet food items like teas, hot chocolate, crackers, cookies, etc -garden flags -women's accessories such as scarves -women's jewelry -unique linens like crisp cotton table runners and table cloths -kitchen decoration / accessories like picnic baskets, decorative olive oil dispensers, and select ceramics -small yard art -and much much more I know I said this already, but I love this place. I never go in without buying something! The staff will beautifully gift wrap your packages, help you create a gift basket, and they even have gift registries. The shop is tucked away in a quiet little strip mall (next to Murdale Shopping Center), but that ensures you almost always get a parking spot. If you're in Carbondale, and you want a nice little gift for mom, (yourself), aunt, (yourself), grandma, (yourself), BFF, (yourself), newlyweds, (yourself), or just about any ladies(yourself), you must stop here. The Apple Tree is just about perfect.

Letting my wife write this one... My daughter and I really…read moreenjoy shopping at this one-of-a-kind treat of a boutique! If we don't want the "same old" we go here! It's a wonderful place for a gift, and they will wrap it for you too! Great selection of jewelry, cards, garden flags, candles and dip mixes too. They never disappoint, which means we "never" leave empty handed!

Deep in the Ozarks... in the forest there is a sleepy little river town that has an incredible gift…read moreshop. The Great Stuff Gift Shop is a hidden gem along Highway 60 in Carter County's Van Buren, Missouri. Great Stuff Gift Shop (GSGS) is not a fancy place. It is located inside an old house. The word "rustic" comes to mind. There is very little that is new and it is definitely not upscale. That does not matter at all, though. Inside this quaint little house with an old red Ford truck in the yard are treasures beyond measure. Items in this store were not just plopped down for sale. The owners very carefully crafted mini-stories and scenes from which to display their objects. Everything is artfully placed and given a loving touch. The items felt so much a part of the shop, I almost did not want to buy anything because everything fit so well together. I love stores where the proprietors have put effort, creativity and art into their items. This store has a little of everything. There are a few wigs, hats, vintage purses, a slot machine, old books, lovely jewelry, holiday decorations, antique plates and cups. There are lovingly used games and puzzles. Too many wonderful artifacts to mention. I was surprised at the prices. For the quality and uniqueness of the items, I expected prices to be much higher. The price points were more than reasonable. This store is also easy to access. There is plenty of parking and the shop has a private parking lot which is always a plus. The owner was very nice and accommodating.There was no high pressure sales spin here. She did make some handy suggestions based on my interests and I appreciated the guidance. It is challenging to fully describe this store. The atmosphere, the items are just beyond my poor power of description. You have to experience this wonderful, unusual, artistically designed store for yourself. The minute you walk through the doors, you will understand. I left the same way I entered which was by saying "WOW!"

What a cute shop! If you want something different in home decor they have it. If you need a gift…read morethey will bag it and add tissue paper, she even has cards.

From the owner: The Fancy Crow Shop: Gifts, Farmhouse Decor, and local artists…read more The Fancy Crow Studio: Art and Crafting Workshops, Create and Sip Events, Parties, and Creative Space

This is a great bulk spice/furniture store/bakery/deli run by a Mennonite family. As soon as you…read morestep inside, you're enveloped with the wonderful aroma of fresh baked goods. The deli makes great sandwiches on their housemade bread. The rest of the store includes bulk spices at great prices, candy, jams, beef jerky, and fresh baked goods. There are household goods and furniture for sale, too. If you've never been to a store like this before, you should definitely check it out. The bulk spices/cooking and baking selection is staggering. The prices are great, too. If nothing else, you won't find a better sandwich in Farmington than at this deli counter!

I can't say enough good things about this place to do it any justice! Located on Hwy D in…read moreFarmington, it's a must go to place if you like fresh made breads and desserts. Oh, and you can have them make a sandwich from their deli, they're awesome (the deli has some great meats and cheeses)! The people there are very friendly and take alot of pride in a great establishment.

Wow...what a charming diamond in the rough... with beautiful Monroe county as a back drop…read more We Had the chicken rice casserole, asparagus quiche, Parma crusted chicken breast stuffed with provel, mushrooms, spinach, and a light, harmonious blend of herbs Also enjoyed chicken salad sandwich and buttermilk pie ( sort of a cross between creme brûlée and custard ). All FANTASTIC and highly recommended! Only negatives are; * limited menu and limited hours ( but as the delightful owner/only cook, Jeannette puts it: "She's it."). You have to check web-site daily to see that day's whimsical menu. * maybe nit picking but view on webpage is not their view... Still pretty though. A few tips: 1. Make a rez (small place and she has to turn people away sometimes) ...be a shame to drive all that way and not eat. 2. It's not too too hard to find...looking for the signs helps. Best to use directions from their website rather than mapquest ( which has some mileage off) both work though. * There is no town really of "Fults, IL"...nearest quaint town is Maeystown for a drive through on way back via Bluff road. On that note, HIGHLY recommend driving back via BLUFF ROAD. Melissa, the farmer's daughter (I know, and shame on you), will tell you how to get there...it's real easy...bucolic, river valley farmland on your left, river bluffs on your right Just as fast back to stl as route 3, ...but what do you care ...it's the journey as much as the destination, right? :) Hope this helped, John

Yesterday two friends and I drove across the JB Bridge, through Columbia and Waterloo to Kaskaskia…read moreRd., then on about another 6 miles or so to find a recommended lunch place. The drive was less than 20 minutes from the bridge, good roads and farmland. It would be lovely with fall color! Signage begins at Kaskaskia road, so it was not difficult to find. When we arrived we parked at the remodeled barn than houses the restaurant and gift shop. There are two outdoor dining areas as well as a few tables inside. The owner and her daughters welcomed us warmly. Jeannette, the owner, makes all of the food, locally grown whenever possible. Each of us had either spinach or asparagus quiche and it was light, creamy and delicious! It came with a Italian style green salad and fresh bread. One of us had cheesecake with strawberries that Jeannette had grown and frozen herself. The other two had buttermilk pie simply because we had always heard of it but never tried it... also delicious, topped with freshly whipped cream. We were seated near the kitchen and Jeannette chatted with us amiably while she tossed fresh salads for each order and warmed dishes individually for the guests. It was as though we were dining with a friend. They serve bottled water and soda as well as wine and beer. The gift shop has very cute items such as you would see in any nice gift boutique. Although lunch, water and dessert ran each of us $18+, all three of us intend to return. With the cooler weather Jeannette promises to add pot pie to the menu which changes with available ingredients and her mood.

We where visiting Marion and looking to kill some time and decided to go antique shopping . We fell…read moreupon Pickers Paradise and just loved the vibe . Sweet lady that owns the shop was so nice and kind . I bought a couple of bowls to take home for my daughter and I . Thank you for your awesome service .

Pickers Paradise is awesome! A purchased a few items and the price was more than reasonable. Duane…read morewas working and he was really helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the town. He even gave us a visitors guide so we could check out local spots. Marion is a really cute town and these small businesses make it really worthwhile.

Beautiful arraignments, and creative gifts! The staff goes out of their way to help, in anyway that…read morethey can! They are professional, yet "down home". One of my favorite places to shop!

From the owner: Jacksons Florist and Gifts is your go-to destination in Dexter, MO for all things floral and…read morefestive. As a versatile Balloon Store, Florist, Artificial Plant Supplier, and Garden Center, Jacksons offers a wide variety of products to suit any occasion or décor. Whether you need vibrant balloons for a celebration, fresh floral arrangements for special events, lifelike artificial plants to enhance your space, or gardening supplies to cultivate your dream garden, Jacksons Florist and Gifts has it all. With a commitment to quality and exceptional customer service, this local business helps bring your vision to life with their exquisite selection and expert guidance. Visit today to transform any atmosphere into something truly special!

I've heard about this little store on Facebook and couldn't make it to visit until now. This is a…read moregreat store to find a unique gift for someone who is difficult to buy for. I personally love the signs they have for sale. They are made locally.