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Still looking for that perfect gift? Visit these award-winning Illinois Valley retailers

By Shaw Local News Network
Denise Bernabei, owner of Sasso Jewelry and Gifts, poses for a photo with a necklace on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Fourth-quarter sales at local small businesses are on the rise throughout the Illinois Valley.

Denise Bernabei, owner of Sasso Jewelry and Gifts, poses for a photo with a necklace on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (Scott Anderson)

It’s the holiday season, and if you’re still looking for that perfect gift, stop by one of these award-winning local businesses, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found at big box stores.

Bill Zens, executive director of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, said the community is “very fortunate” to have a great mix of locally owned small businesses across the Illinois Valley.

“Our small businesses across the Illinois Valley have got what you want and are ready to provide the personalized service you deserve,” he said.

Zens said it’s important to shop small because small business owners are the “backbone” of the community.

“They are the ones sponsoring our local youth sports teams, making donations to our fundraisers and keeping local dollars local. There is nothing ‘small’ about shopping small. The impact it has on the owners, their staff, and our community as a whole is huge.”

Here are the winners in the Best Home Decor & Gifts, Best Women’s Boutique, Best Women’s Shoe Store, Best Men’s Clothing Store and Best Children’s Clothing Store categories in the 2024 Best of the Illinois Valley contest.

Stop by these retailers, as well as the many other local businesses in the Illinois Valley, when shopping for your favorite people this holiday season.

BEST HOME DECOR & GIFTS: Sasso Jewelry & Gifts, 629 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Chaos & Curiosities, 524 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Old Glory, 4425 Progress Blvd., Peru

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE: Stella’s Women’s Boutique inside Merle Norman, 4005 Progress Blvd., Peru

ONE OF THE BEST: Kea Roze Boutique, 552 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Modern Creek Boutique, 531 1st St., La Salle

BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE: Kea Roze Boutique, 552 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Kelley Cawley, 701 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Modern Creek Boutique, 531 1st St., La Salle

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING: That Guy’s Secret, 105 Marquette St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Vlastnik’s, 1809 4th St., Peru

ONE OF THE BEST: I. Bells Clothing, downtown Ottawa, permanently closed as of March 2024.

BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING: Baby Blooms, 627 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: Amia’s Boutique, 633 1st St., La Salle

ONE OF THE BEST: The Milk Moustache, 944 N. Main St., Princeton