Indianapolis, Indiana is home to the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, the state capital, the Indy 5oo, the Brickyard race, and home to many museums that house gift shops where tourists and locals alike can find amazingly unique gifts for all occasions. There are at least 10 unique shopping experiences for gifts that can’t be found anywhere other than these museum gift shops. Many tourists could find the perfect thinking of you gift or that unique gift to give at Christmas time for the special friend that they always need a gift for.
Conner Prairie is a unique living history museum that is known nationally for being one of the best history lessons for both children and adults. The wonderful thing about this gift shop is that it contains many hand crafted items that are made within the pioneer village that is within Conner Prairie. A guest could find gourmet foods, wool skeins and textiles made from the loomhouse, or pottery that is made within the museum as well. There are also many historical gifts available at this gift shop.
Another unique gift shop that will offer an array of handcrafted items is inside the Indianapolis Art Center. The Basile Gallery Gift Shop offers pottery, artwork, photography, and jewelry made by local artists. Many of the artists will also take special orders for gifts from the customers. This is a great place to find a unique gift.
If you are looking for something that says Indiana, then look to the Indiana History Center. This shop offers the best of Indiana literature, toys, art, music, jewelry, pottery and games. This is a great place for tourists to find the items to take back to friends that have not had the opportunity to travel to the wonderfully, exciting state of Indiana.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art also offers plenty of gifts for all visitors. Here you will find hand-loomed scarves, handcrafted jewelry, customized note cards, artsy winter coats, as well as glassware and puzzles. Many gifts can be purchased at this gift shop including odd items like unique chairs and kitchen utensils.
Another fabulous museum that all visitors should see while in Indianapolis is the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. This museum offers many unique looks into the history of the wild west and the gift shop offers just as many unique gifts as the museum does unique displays. Here you can purchase Pendleton Purses, pottery and reproduction works of art that art lovers will find to be the perfect gift.
If shopping for a friend who loves to entertain, then check out the President Benjamin Harrison Home gift shop. Buying one of the twelve Presidential china patterns for that special friend will add to the flair that her parties provide. Also available at this shop are dessert plates that are decorated with floral artwork, flowers that are from a collection entitled the Flowers of the First Ladies, and books on presidential homes. This gift shop could be where you can find the perfect gift for the historian in the family or for that special friend.
Another local home that provides a museum and gift shop is at the James Whitcomb Riley House. Here there are illustrated reproductions of the books that the famed “Hoosier Poet” was so well known for. There are late-Victorian era toys that Riley and his friends might have played with that are available for guests to buy. This could be the perfect place to purchase birthday gifts or gifts for any special occasion.
If looking to buy toys, check out The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Any child would love a visit to this museum and will find a gift from this gift shop. The shop offers dinosaurs or jewelry as well as items that help children learn more about space, science, or imaginary play. There are puzzles, games, and many popular toys for the perfect gift for the special child in your life.
If looking for a gift for the man or sports fanatic in your life, check out either the NCAA Hall of Champions gift shop or the Official Trackside Gift Shop. Both of these offers sports based gifts for the sports fan in the family. At the NCAA gift shop, you will find officially licensed NCAA merchandise including a complete clothing line as well as books, videos and many gift ideas. At the Trackside Gift Shop, located within the Hall of Fame Museum, you will find Indy 500 collectibles and one of a kind gifts like bricks from the original track, flags, buttons, and pictures of all drivers dating back to 1909. There are also shirts, caps, hat pins, key chains and many other items for sale that will be perfect for the racing fan of the family.
Indianapolis offers many opportunities for fun and shopping, but these are the unique places to find gifts. Start your engines and go to find some of the perfect birthday, thinking of you gifts or even start your holiday shopping early with these special gift shops.
