Alternative Shopping to your Local Mall: Support Your Local Businesses

She picked out two small presents at Calhoun’s and personalized note cards for Grandma at the Pin Point. The owner at Calhoun’s thrilled my daughter when she asked her if she wanted the gifts wrapped. So, in less than 30 minutes we were back in the car with our presents purchased and even wrapped.

The downtown area here in Columbia is adeptly named The District. They have extended shopping hours during the holidays. • Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. • Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m.

A few stores I recommend:

Calhoun’s offers a wide variety of accent pieces to personalize your home and office. We have an extensive gift department that includes a children’s section, jewelry, candles and more!

Butterfly Tattoo From grown-ups to kids to pets, The Butterfly Tattoo offers "presents with presence" in a fun, unfussy atmosphere. It's the perfect place to get that special something for that special someone.

As the exclusive mid-Missouri dealer of diaper bag designers Petunia Picklebottom, Fleurville, Loom, OiOi, and Diaper Dude, no mom or dad will ever have to look dowdy again. In addition, we have hip kids' clothes and educational toys. No kids to shop for? We also carry several distinctive lines of jewelry from across the country and around the globe, a variety of fashion accessories including hats, belts and bags, an array of stationery and paper products, stylish home decor products including rugs from Company C, and assorted novelty items.

Candy Factory Chocolate lovers have found an oasis at the Candy Factory's new location at 7th and Cherry Streets in downtown Columbia. Owners Sam and Donna Atkinson recently expanded their business after 14 years. In existence since 1976, the Candy Factory is one of few old-fashioned candy shops in Missouri. When the Atkinsons decided to increase their operation in 1999, they pulled out all the stops to make the Candy Factory every Chocoholics dream come true.

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!