Shopping Local in Boise, ID

I went shopping the other day for gifts to give during my graduation weekend. (Oh yeah, that's what my trip is about....) I went to a few stores that I had passed several times, but never was able to stop at. They are both locally owned and I fell in love with both of them.

Indie Made
This store is downtown and I walked there from the public library where I study every day. It was full of unique, eye-catching gifts. Everything there is made by local artisans and it was all priced reasonably. I walked in circles for a long time just taking in all of the wonderful things. I bought two items there, one from Mathair Earth and the other from Mud Pie Arts Pottery.

Paperie + Pen
The second shop I visited is squeezed right in the middle of two large, and frankly quite unappealing looking stores in a nondescript strip mall. What caught my eye was the windows and logo which features an attractive design. I wanted to go there just to support good design. I walked in and was shocked at how lovely it was. They feature their own paper goods as well as from companies like Sugar Paper and the Rifle Paper Company. If I ever had a need for formal invitations of some sort I will definitely be going here.

I cannot wait to give these gifts and go back to those shops. Next up, I need to start exploring the thrifts stores here. I have never seen so many thrift stores in my whole life combined. Every strip mall, practically every street corner has one or two consignment/thrift/antique/used stores. It is amazing and I am hoping to find someone who likes thrifting as shopping is never quite as fun as when you're with someone else.

Support your local shops!