Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe is a small local business, we know how crucial it is to have the support of our community. That’s why we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our fellow small businesses this year. From unique stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind gifts, these local shops offer incredible products that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition, we've highlighted some local authors too!
Let's talk about local holiday shopping! When you shop local, you’re not just crossing items off your gift list—you’re helping small businesses thrive, fostering creativity, and giving back to the heart of Northeast Louisiana. Plus, you’ll often find unique treasures you can’t get anywhere else!
In addition to our list, consider exploring shops on Antique Alley in Downtown West Monroe, membership gifts to local nonprofits, gift certificates from local restaurants, or catering your holiday meal with a local restaurant such as JAC's Craft Smokehouse.
(Nonprofits you could consider: ARCO, A Community Resource, Food Bank Northeast Louisiana, Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, The Children's Museum of Northeast Lousiana, Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, or Humane Society of Adoption Center of Monroe, Inc.)
Watch for these local gems and make your holiday shopping a fun and meaningful experience!
Here's what you need to know!
LOCAL SHOPS/MARKETS
🎁The Back Alley Market (Facebook Page)
201 Commerce St., West Monroe, LA
From artisan-made bake-at-home sourdough rolls, home blended seasonings, JAC's Seasoning Mix Kits for chili, and more, a freezer full of comfort food such as handmade enchiladas, Knee Deep Seasonings, pottery, and other gift items! This is a Louisiana Proud locally owned shop!
🫧Jubilant Soapsetions
Online & Event Pop-Ups
You can order online or follow them on Facebook where you will see all of the upcoming events they are scheduled to attend, the next will be the CPKC Holiday Express in Downtown Monroe on 12/3/24 from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Natural ingredients that feel incredible on the skin, you've got to check this local woman-owned business out! NEW: Exfoliating Coffee and they also have a Sugar Plum Fairy Holiday Gift Set!
😎The Good Daze
111 Art Alley, Monroe, LA
This shop has vintage clothing, accessories, and awesomeness! It is a happy place to visit and you can find lots of stocking stuffers like patches or maybe even a children's book, Mae & McKinley: Let's go to the Zoo by local author Alisa Nelson - Nelson!
🖼️The Trove
2252 Tower Dr., Ste. 103, Monroe, LA
If you haven't visited this locally owned business yet, you must! The Trove diligently centers local Louisiana artists, designers, and creators in all its booth spaces and offers an opportunity for artists from around the world to showcase their work at our center tables. They receive inventory on average three times a week and tailor a great deal of items to the ever-changing holiday season.
Check out this $15.00 stocking stuffer, perfect for your little ones! (Stocking Stuffer)
🎣Honey Hole Tackle Shop
2916 N. 7th St., West Monore, LA
For Fishing Lovers! This shop has a great online store option but in person, you can get fishing baits galore like CrushCity Customs, Jack Hammers with 4 new colors California Craw, Smallmouth Magic, Black Jack, and Morning Dawn in stock
LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTS
Sammy's Southern Honey
Online or The Back Alley Market
201 Commerce St., West Monroe, LA
“You get stung, and it’s in your blood.” As this saying goes, so does the story of Sammy himself. Locals may recognize Sammy as the owner of Sammy's Plant World, the plant nursery and landscaping service serving West Monroe for over 25 years. Today, Sammy maintains several hundred beehives in West Monroe and serves as a board member for the Louisiana Beekeepers Association and Hill Country Beekeepers Association in Ouachita Parish. He also has a Bee Blog and some incredible honey!
Laffitte's Cajun Foods
Online or The Back Alley Market
201 Commerce St., West Monroe, LA
The Fletcher’s have deep roots throughout Louisiana and South Arkansas, sharing a passion for the region, its people, and the things that make it home. With over 45 years in the grocery industry, they know what it takes to deliver a quality product to your family. They pride themselves on hard work and their passion for everything they do in business, family, and all the activities they pursue. Our family has invested countless hours to ensure they bring you the best product possible. We hope you enjoy their products as much as they enjoy bringing them to us!
You can use their candied pickled products in and on anything! We've used them to make sauces, salad dressings, pizza, and even potato salad!
Daily Harvest
1105 Forsythe Ave., Monroe, LA
Fresh breakfast items including muffins, wraps, and bowls to soups, sandwiches on fresh homemade breads to catering your next event! Local yum with a convenient drive-thru. They've got the perfect office gifts: giant cookies, flavored loaves, or gift baskets!
LOCAL AUTHORS
The Bully in Me: Retaliation
Author Madeline Addison - Illustrated by Kayden Lirette
A gift with meaning. This vibrant-rhyming children's book, illustrated by Kayden Lirette, explores how children who are bullied can sometimes turn into bullies themselves, seeking power and acceptance within their peer groups. Addison's keen observations of children's interactions shed light on the cycle of bullying and its lasting effects on young minds.
The Hundred Tales For Gabriel
Author and Illustrator Hector Wilfredo Vargas
Get ready for a snuggle-fest with this dazzling collection of 100 bedtime tales and nursery rhymes, all wrapped up in one enchanting book! From whimsical fantasies to daring adventures and cosmic escapades, these stories are perfect for your little dreamers. Crafted for parents to read aloud, each tale sparks imagination and whisks you away to a time when stories danced with whimsy and wonder. This delightful treasure not only brings families closer but also champions local storytellers! Sweet dreams await! PS: He has also created five themed coloring books for children, each offering an interactive way to explore different worlds—from the alphabet and animals to space, dinosaurs, and fantasy.
Aishia's Brown Sugar Wishes
Author Yolonda Gayden - Illustrated by Debopriya Banerjee Goswami
"Aisha's Brown Sugar Wishes" is a heartwarming children's book that follows the journey of a young girl named Aisha, who wears hearing aids and has big dreams for her future. With a vibrant imagination and a passion for exploration, Aisha aspires to be various things - an astronaut, an artist, a scientist, and more. "Aisha's Brown Sugar Wishes" is a beautifully illustrated and uplifting tale that encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to never limit their potential. Aisha's story is a shining reminder that our differences are what make us special, and that our dreams are within reach if we dare to imagine them.
Together We Will Be
Author Genevieve Wetzel - Illustrated by Keagan Vaughn
Together We Will Be is a book that sheds light on life with a sick loved one from a child’s point of view. After finding out her dad is very sick, Ginnie experiences a range of emotions. It takes her family and community to help her discover that she is not alone in her experience. Ms. Wetzel hopes to encourage kids who are on this journey to know they are not alone, because #TogetherWeWillBe
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