Whether you’re ready for it or not, the holiday season is soon approaching. We all are looking forward to some time off work, spending quality time with our families and of course the amazing food! But before we get to all of that joy and relaxation we need to get through holiday shopping. Make sure you consider shopping at the many unique small businesses that the Willmar Lakes Area has to offer this holiday season. No need to wait until Small Business Saturday (November 27th). Our local businesses are already stocked and ready to help you with all your holiday shopping needs.

A must stop on your holiday shopping trip needs to be to the quaint town of New London. With the many unique boutiques and shopping options, you’re sure to find that perfect gift for your loved ones (and maybe even one for yourself). A great store where you can find something for everyone on your list is Three Sisters Furnishings. From home décor, women’s and men’s accessories and gift items, children’s décor and gift items, beautiful art and delicious pantry items, it’s hard to walk out of that store without a few items in your bag. Whether you’re looking for the perfect women’s accessory or clothing item, you’ll have fun looking through the many options at Ali J Boutique, Camille’s Closet, and The Happy Sol. And we can’t forget about the kids! Lucky Duck is one of the newer stores in New London, but has quickly become the kids’ favorite. With so many toys, games, puzzles sweet treats and a wall of unique rubber ducks, there’s definitely find that perfect gift for the sweet child in your life.

Another great location to find those perfect gifts is in the largest town in Kandiyohi County, Willmar. If you’re on a tight budget this year, like so many of us are, you’ll be happy to find that Willmar has many thrift stores that just might have what you’re looking for. And with a few of them giving back to other non-profit organizations in the community, you’ll know your dollar is going farther. Willmar is also home to a variety of stores that will help you find that unique gift for that hard to shop for person (we know we all have one). For that music lover in your life check out Fat Freddy’s Music for a wide variety of instruments, accessories and anything else music related. For that sports fan in your life, The Fan Zone in Uptown Willmar (aka Kandi Mall) is a must stop. From clothing and décor to bobble heads and sports cards, they have everything a sports lover could want. Other unique gifts can be found at Shoppe 14, West Central RockHounds, and of course Mr. B’s Chocolates.

Now don’t overlook the smaller towns in Kandiyohi County as they each have their unique shops as well. Urban Escape in Spicer features an eclectic mix of women’s apparel, accessories and gifts. You’ll find a variety of repurposed vintage items, home décor and handmade crafts at The Vintage Hub in Kandiyohi and The Red Poppy in Prinsburg. Then of course there’s a variety of greeneries and nurseries in the area for that person with a green thumb in your life.

I could go on and on about the many wonderful small shops & businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area, but why keep you reading when you could be here experiencing and shopping at them all yourself! Think you’ll need more than one day to get all that shopping done? Then book a room at one of our many beautiful hotels!