
As the calendar winds down on this unprecedented year, the holiday season is more welcome and reassuring than ever. When it comes to gift-giving, is your motto "Shop 'til you drop," or do you like to get in and out as soon as possible? Whatever your shopping style, have fun getting a head start at these exciting specialty shops around Columbus.
737 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
In this digital era, actual writing has become essentially obsolete. Why not start a trend back to a more personal form of communication with gifts from On Paper? The assortment of elegant stationery and greeting cards will brighten the day of both sender and receiver. Supplement your gift with accessories such as pens and pencils, embosser, and stamps. Get ready for 2021 with a calendar, planner, or journal for yourself or a loved one. On Paper also carries a selection of candles, bath and body products, and other items perfect for a day of self-care. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
5300 Glick Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
Once you visit the Morgan House, you'll be so enchanted that you may never want to leave. Anchored by a reassembled historic log cabin named after John Hunt Morgan, a famed Civil War veteran, the Morgan House is as much a tourist attraction as a gift shop. The five-acre space is the site of an 18,000-square-foot mini-mall that includes departments for furniture and home decor, gourmet foods, clothing and accessories, and specialty gifts. With a full-service on-site restaurant serving lunch, you don't even have to leave the grounds. Shops are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday, while the restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Shoppes at River Ridge, 4345 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
View this post on Instagram
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for your BFF? Bliss Life + Style offers a carefully curated variety of home accessories, jewelry, and gifts from local and global artisans. Finding it hard to decide? Opt for one of Bliss Life + Style's signature gift boxes, which come in whimsical themes such as Drinks Are On Us, Foodie Favorites, and Wanderlust. Tell the staff a bit about who the gift is for, and they'll curate a custom box, or you can create your own. Free delivery is available within a 10-mile radius of the shop, or ship anywhere in the greater Columbus area for just a $10 fee. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
150 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
In 1938, Helen Winnemore's began life as the Afternoon Shop in its namesake owner's home. Thirteen years later, Helen moved the business to a storefront on Broad Street, then to its current location in 1966. Today, siblings John and Julie Jenkins carry on Helen's legacy, featuring items of usable and wearable art. The handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and metal works are gifts your loved ones will cherish for years to come. As Helen herself once said, "No shop is worth anything unless it is a gracious place." Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only. Visit the website to schedule a time for up to four guests.
631 S. Third St., Columbus, OH 43206
View this post on Instagram
Everyone has at least one bookworm on their list, many of whom still prefer the feel of a hard-bound volume in their hands to the electronic text of an e-reader. The Book Loft, located in vibrant German Village, houses an incredible 32 rooms in its pre-Civil War building. Fortunately, store maps and friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you navigate the different areas. Start a child on the road to a lifelong love of reading with a title or two from one of the country's largest selection of children's books. On your way out, grab a pick-me-up cup of joe to go at Staul's Coffee Roasters next door. The Book Loft is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
233 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Everything old is new again, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Flower Child. This wonderfully funky shop is like a time tunnel back to the mid-20th century. You'll have as much fun browsing the Gucci and Halston fashions, vintage jewelry, and kitschy home accessories as your friend or family member will have receiving these unique items. The spacious store includes full-size displays of retro living rooms and kitchens that are sure to inspire some creative ideas. You might end up with a few pieces for your own home from their collection of vintage holiday ornaments and decorations. Flower Child is open noon - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
223 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
View this post on Instagram
The Red Stable has a history as colorful as its eye-catching exterior. Built in 1872, the building has served as a horse livery, wagon repair shop, ice storage facility, and auto garage over the years. In the late 1950s, when a group formed to save the German Village neighborhood from demolition, local artist Phil Keintz transformed the Red Stable into a custom art studio and gift shop featuring the works of his fellow artists. Phil's tradition continues today, as more than 100 local artists showcase their work inside the historic building. The Red Stable is open noon - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 6 p.m. Friday, noon - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
30 N. State St., Westerville, OH 43081
Do you enjoy visiting summer art fairs, with the thrill of finding incredible items you wouldn't see anywhere else? Ohio Art Market provides that opportunity year-round. Talented artists from Westerville and all around the state display their works in fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and a variety of media. Since everything is original, each visit to Ohio Art Market provides a different experience. Share your state pride with a gift that literally and figuratively says, "Ohio." Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Columbus is home to several small businesses offering an incredible range of products. What's the most unusual gift you've ever given or received?

Do you like to try before you buy? Then you'll love this month's freebies from LoLo Gifts, brought to you by Cutler Real Estate.
Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati, and Columbus are home to a wide variety of local businesses offering the best in goods and services. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts are pleased to help you discover these small businesses through our monthly program of free treats.
Canton: Two-Topping Mini-Pizza
Cincinnati: Olive Oil or Vinegar
Akron: Bread, Cookies or Scones
Columbus: Two Double-Dip Ice Cream Cones OR Quart of Ice Cream
123 Nassau St. W., East Canton, OH 44730
View this post on Instagram
What's not to love about pizza? Stop in at Expresso Pizza and pick up a personal mini-pizza with your choice of any two toppings.
Pizza's beauty lies in its simplicity, and Expresso Pizza makes sure they get all the components right. Their pies are prepared with dough made from scratch each day. Fresh, high-quality toppings complete the equation. Expresso Pizza's entire menu, including subs, pasta, and fried chicken, is available for carry-out or delivery.
330.488.3100
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - midnight
Sunday Noon - 11 p.m.
7671 Cox Lane, West Chester, OH 45069
View this post on Instagram
Want to add some zest to your favorite recipes? Head to The Spicy Olive for a free bottle of flavored olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
Premium ingredients transform an average dish to a truly memorable one. Melanie, owner of The Spicy Olive, sells only fresh olive oil that's full of flavor and health benefits. The balsamic vinegars are aged from 12-18 years and come directly from Modena, a historic Italian city noted for its cuisine. Gourmet flavors include basil, honey ginger, and blood orange.
513.847.4397
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.
3067 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
View this post on Instagram
Whether your tastes run to sweet or savory, you'll find what you're looking for at BREADS. Choose your favorite bread, cookie, or scone from an assortment of delectable flavors.
Are you tired of overly processed baked goods that all taste the same? For more than 18 years, BREADS has been following the artisan process pioneered by top European bakers. Non-processed flours, grains, seeds, fruits, and herbs are in, while artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are out. Offerings rotate daily from a selection of flavors including pepperjack sourdough, raspberry scones and carrot cake cookies.
234.334.7728
Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
3431-F Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43224
View this post on Instagram
Nothing caps off a lazy summer day better than some refreshing ice cream. Enjoy double-dip cones for two or a quart of ice cream for the family from the 39 flavors at Clown Cones & Confections.
Everyone's a kid at Clown Cones & Confections, which carries a seemingly endless selection of ice cream and candy to satisfy any sweet tooth. The 39 flavors of ice cream include classics as well as unique blends like Elephant Ear and Buckeyelicious. Candy choices run from modern-day Snickers and Twizzlers to nostalgic items such as Pop Rocks, Laffy Taffy and Nik-L-Nip.
Contact and Hours
614.267.2925
Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 7 p.m.

At Cutler Real Estate, we treat all our clients like VIPs. The monthly LoLo Gifts program is offered free of charge to help you discover the amazing local businesses around Northeast Ohio.
Ready to get started? Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent.

We have a lot of music lovers on our team here at Cutler Real Estate, and we know Columbus is a great place to find your inner Guitar Hero with its vibrant music scene and abundance of amazing guitar stores. Whether you're looking for music lessons, are in the market for a new axe to call your own, or just want to browse a selection of beautiful guitars, we recommend checking out some of these great Columbus music shops!
1423 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
Starting out in 2009 as a small guitar repair business in a cozy home on Chambers Road, Guitar House Workshop has grown to become one of city's most treasured resources for guitar players. They offer a wide range of new and used guitars—mostly acoustics—with a focus on unusual and quality vintage guitars. Their in-house luthiers also offer a full range of guitar repairs and restorations, and Guitar House is widely known as one of the best places in town to take lessons on stringed instruments of any kind, from guitar and bass to banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.
2630 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
View this post on Instagram
Offering hard-to-beat prices on a wide range of new and used musical instruments, Music Go Round is a great place to find your first (or next) guitar. They first opened their doors in 1996 and are known far and wide as one of the best spots to buy or sell a guitar in Central Ohio. You can count on finding a wide and ever-changing selection of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, percussion, and gear. Be sure to also head to Music Go Round when you need to stock up on accessories like picks, strings, tuners, and capos.
350 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
German Village Guitar Haus has been a staple of the Columbus guitar community since 1950. The shop offers an incredible selection of guitars and other instruments, whether you're looking for high-end professional instruments or a quality starter guitar. Every instrument sold here is guaranteed to be set up for optimum playability. German Village Music Haus is also a great place to bring your guitar for a tune-up, whether you need full-service luthiery and amplifier repair or just a quick setup and a fresh set of strings.
1370 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
Folk and bluegrass players in the Columbus area know Bluegrass Musicians Supply as Mid-Ohio's go-to destination for all things acoustic. They offer an amazing selection of new and vintage acoustic guitars but also so much more. Whether you need your banjo repaired or a new set of strings for your mandolin, this is the place. Bluegrass Musicians Supply also offers music instruction on guitar and other instruments, along with skilled instrument repair. It's always fun to browse their selection of guitars, banjos, violins, mandolins, harmonicas, hand percussion, and other fun stuff.
1597 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is among the best places in the Columbus area for highly skilled repair and restoration of guitars, and fretted instruments of all kinds. Their team of detail-oriented luthiers is truly second to none. This cozy shop also offers a selection of acoustic and electric guitars for sale, with a focus on vintage guitars in excellent condition. You won't find the widest selection here, but you'll know that any guitar you buy at Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is a great one.
3135 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202
View this post on Instagram
After spending years operating a guitar repair shop, J. Thomas Davis decided he'd rather be making his own guitars. Now operating out of a small shop on High Street, Davis crafts stunning acoustic instruments, one at a time, based on each customer's specific needs. Every guitar that comes from J. Thomas Davis Guitar Maker is a work of art. From classical, steel-string, and twelve-string guitars to archtops and carved Irish bouzoukis and citterns, if you can't find the instrument you want in any shop, Davis will make it for you.
1359 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43201
View this post on Instagram
As you might guess from its name, Hippie Hut Guitars and Things sells guitars, and also a lot of other stuff. Tucked behind a storefront in the Short North Arts District, the shop offers clothing, posters, records jewelry, incense and incense burners, a wide range of gifts and novelty items, and of course guitars. Browsing through all the colorful novelties and oddities is half the fun, but Hippie Hut still has a great selection of guitars, including some genuine vintage gems that often find their way into the shop.
4290 Indianola Ave. #101, Columbus, OH 43214
View this post on Instagram
Offering repairs, restorations, and enhancements to take your guitar to the next level, the Guitar Repair Co. is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your instrument. Owner and guitar expert Sean Bowers is a seasoned musician as well as a luthier and provides a range of services for both acoustic and electric guitars. From simple guitar setups and restrings to crack repairs, fretwork, and electronics repair, this is where you take your guitar if you want it to come back better than ever.
2211 Glenmere Road, Columbus, OH 43220
The electric guitars made by Tony Cochran Guitars are truly one of a kind. Each one is hand-riveted, screwed, and nailed by guitar maker Tony Cochran—also the creator of the syndicated comic strip "Agnes"—to create beautiful steampunk-inspired instruments of metal, leather, and wood. These guitars would look equally at home in a museum as in a musician's hands, but they're fully functional and playable as well as visually striking. Cochran has committed to making only 300 guitars, so get one while you can!
Did we forget to mention your favorite Columbus area music store? Let us know in the comments section!

It's summertime and the livin' is easy, especially when enjoying free gifts from top local vendors. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts are excited to present this month's special treats.
Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are rich in restaurants, shops, and services that make an area a great place to live. Our agents at Cutler Real Estate have teamed up with LoLo Gifts to offer this monthly program showcasing the best local businesses.
Cincinnati: Wrap, Juice or Smoothie
32 Erie St. S., Massillon, OH 44646
View this post on Instagram
Want a quick and satisfying meal on the go? Pick up a tasty meal replacement shake from Healthalicious. Choose from dozens of mouthwatering flavors such as cherry cordial, banana nut muffin, and Fruity Pebbles.
You'll have a whole new concept of nutrition after a visit to Healthalicious. The smoothie and juice bar offers an incredible variety of meal replacement shakes, energy drinks, and herbal teas. With more than 100 flavors to choose from, you'll find something to fit any mood or cravings.
330.556.4523
Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
631 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
During summer, higher temperatures and more activity often lead to lighter eating. Stay nourished and refreshed with a wrap, fresh-squeezed juice, or smoothie from Total Juice +.
For more than 20 years, family-run Total Juice + has been committed to educating the community about healthy eating. Located in downtown Cincinnati, the quick-service shop provides convenience without sacrificing quality. The menu of wraps includes vegetarian options, while juices are fresh-squeezed to order and smoothies include natural fruit with no syrup added.
513.784.1666
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
75 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
View this post on Instagram
Who says hot dogs are just for baseball games? Stop in at the charmingly-named Stray Dog Cafe for a gourmet grilled dog (beef, turkey, or veggie) dressed up with your choice of toppings and condiments.
Since 2009, Stray Dog Cafe has been on a self-proclaimed mission to "make Akron more Akrony." Originally operated as a street cart, the business moved into a brick-and-mortar spot connected to the Main Library in October 2017. Not a fan of hot dogs? Go with a panini, hot sandwich, wrap, or one of the all-day breakfast items. A wrap with a bottle of water and chips or fruit for $5 is one "Doggie Bag" you'll be happy to carry out.
330.594.5392
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4316 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to games, everyone's a kid at heart. Indulge your competitive spirit with a free board game rental at Tabletop Game Café. Choose from a wide range of titles for adults, kids, casual fans, and serious gamers.
At Tabletop Game Café, Life is literally a game. The shop stocks an incredible selection of classic and new board games, including recent release Half Truth, co-designed by legendary trivia champion Ken Jennings. Games can be rented by the week, and a $19 monthly membership lets you take two games at a time. If you stay and play from the collection of free games, keep up your energy with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks from the café menu. Please note that social distancing measures are being observed, including mandatory use of face masks.
614.725.0328
Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday Noon - 10 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.

So what does it cost to enroll in LoLo Gifts? Absolutely nothing! Cutler Real Estate offers the complimentary program as a way to connect area residents with local small businesses.
Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started with your free LoLo Gifts.

Summer is the perfect time to breathe new life into your deck and landscaping with beautiful flowers, shrubs, and patio plants. These greenhouses around Columbus will help you find what you need to spruce up your yard this season.
2500 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH
View this post on Instagram
deMonye's Greenhouse has been family-owned and operated since 1929, so they must be doing something right! Their growers have over 50 years of experience in growing healthy plants, and their staff is happy to help you pick the perfect plants. You'll find succulents, annuals, perennials, tropicals, and garden vegetable plants. And if you're unsure about what plants to choose for front porch planters, you've come to the right place. deMonye's custom planters will talk with you about what plants you like and then plant them in a planter for you.
1156 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH
View this post on Instagram
If spring has inspired you to improve your landscaping, you'll find a very large selection at Oakland Nurseries. The staff is trained in horticulture, so they'll be able to offer knowledgeable advice about their plants as well as what would work well in your yard's conditions. You'll find many unique and exotic plants, shrubs, ornamental and shade trees, houseplants, succulents, and bonsai plants. The nursery also has plenty of fruit, nut, and vegetable plants, seeds, bulbs, and gardening accessories as well as annual, perennial, and patio plants. Whatever you're looking for, you'll most likely find it at Oakland Nurseries.
View this post on Instagram
Strader's Garden Center has thousands of shrubs and trees to choose from, and if you don't have a green thumb, don't worry—most come with a one-year guarantee. You'll also find flowering plants to brighten your garden with, as well as indoor plants to bring a touch of nature inside. A variety of organic products are available, including lawn foods, plant foods, potting mixes, and supplements. And if you'd like to attract birds to your yard this spring, you'll find a good selection of bird feeders and seed.
View this post on Instagram
Dill's Greenhouse is an area mainstay, located southeast of Columbus between Groveport and Canal Winchester. Their original greenhouses were built in 1923, and the business has grown exponentially since then. Family-owned Dill's Greenhouse grows their own annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and hanging baskets, and they have 10 acres of production and retail areas. Most of their trees and shrubs are grown in Ohio, so they're not traveling long distances, and you know they'll thrive in the state's climate. You'll also find natural and organic products to help your garden grow, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
182 N. Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH
View this post on Instagram
You'll be able to check off your list of exterior and interior landscaping needs at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, since they carry everything from pond care items to trees and shrubs. They pride themselves on great customer service and even host an annual spring festival as well as other events throughout the year. And if you'd like to learn more about particular gardening topics, check out their seminars and workshops, which include topics such as herb and fairy gardens. And before you take your purchases home with you, take time to pet Smokey, the garden center's cute resident cat.
4899 Hendron Road, Groveport, OH
View this post on Instagram
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, Cuthbert Greenhouse was founded in 1951 as a way to supply starter plants to the Cuthbert family's large vegetable farm. Since then, it has expanded to over 15 acres devoted to growing. The business supplies other greenhouses, retail chains, and other customers but also has a neighborhood garden center called The Market. Cuthbert Greenhouse grows a wide variety of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more.
6125 Westerfield Road, Westerfield, OH
View this post on Instagram
Kurtz Bros. plant nursery is located next to its landscape center, so you can easily find everything you'll need for your lawn and garden. They'll advise you about how to create and maintain a beautiful yard and will even deliver for an additional charge. The company produces topsoil, mulch, and compost to go along with the perennials, annuals, grasses, trees, shrubs, and more that it sells, so you'll be able to make sure your purchases are well taken care of when you get home.
3388 Castle Road, Alexandria, OH
View this post on Instagram
Baker's Acres Garden Center has 4,000 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs, the vast number of which are grown in the area. Their staff will help you choose the right plants for your needs, and if you'd like anything potted, stop by the greenhouse. They have containers for sale, or you can bring your own and get them to arrange and pot it for you. And if you're looking for some fun yard decor made by local artists, Baker's Acres has that, too!
6368 Scioto Darby Creek Drive, Hilliard, OH
View this post on Instagram
If you need help deciding what plants to choose or how to care for them, Darby Creek Nursery has the experts to help. Certified Grower Technicians and Certified Garden Center Technicians can help provide the advice you need to give your project the best chance for success. The nursery sells an extensive variety of shrubs, trees, and plants, and all their shrubs and trees have a one-year guarantee. And if you'd like to spiff up your landscaping even further, check out Darby Creek's water fountains and patio decorations.
What plants will your Columbus area yard include this year?