Keepin' it in Tinley: Your Guide to Shopping Locally

This is it!

Less than a week left for Christmas shopping and, of course, there's still someone on your list who needs a last-minute gift.

In times like this, you want to get the best gift you can as quickly as you can. But rather than head to a large chain store, consider what's better for the village we all love — shopping locally.

When we spend our dollars at an independently owned, local business, more of that money stays in our community, which only helps to strengthen the local economy, keeping jobs here and our local character strong.

We've put together a list of great ways to keep your dollars here in this holiday, ranging from the affordable to the unique. These gifts do, however, have one thing in common—they all come from local merchants.

It doesn't get much more local than this., features dream catchers, sculptures, jewelry and more. Pieces from more than 30 different tribes are represented here, and that dream catchers are among their most popular offering. The owners recommend that customers check out their new Navajo flutes.

This family owned and operated business has been framing cherished pictures and art since 1966. For more than 45 years, the experts here have been keeping up with classic and modern styles of frames and other customizable objects, like sports jerseys and posters.

One of several tobacco shops in Tinley Park, this is yet another family owned shop. Featuring owners who have a keen eye for "tobacciana," or tobacco-related knick knacks, this store has more than 500 items, from loose leaf tobacco to cigarettes, to lighters, ashtrays and marketing materials like old signs. For the tobacco enthusiast in your life, the staff here recommends one of their fine cigars.

One way to give a gift that keeps on giving is to inspire a new hobby. Spring Creek Stained Glass is a local business that has an online only presence. That doesn't mean that they're any less local, however. The experts here can help beginners get started with the tools they need to start creating great stained glass pieces on their own, or sell completed works as well.

We all know a dreamer. Someone who doesn't miss a Halloween opportunity to dress up like a superhero or perhaps knows a bit more than any—besides George Lucas—about Star Wars. If that person is on your list, Amazing Fantasy is for them. From books, comics, games and toys, AF has a lot to offer. The staff here reminds customers that their comics just aren't for younger fans: a great nostalgic gift is a reprint of a comic from the old days that your favorite old "kid" used to enjoy.

Looking for more holiday news? Check out our 2011 Holiday Guide. For more information on local businesses, peruse our Places Directory.

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