We don’t need to tell you that shopping local is the right thing to do, do we?

Well, shoot! I’ve been readying this post in between preparing to host 12 for Thanksgiving, and now it’s snowing like crazy, which means either 1) you’ll be shopping in a winter wonderland and really getting into the holiday spirit, or 2) you’ll be holed up inside, watching the snow from home.

In any case, the roads will be plowed eventually, and you’re going to go out at some point, so here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite area spots for holiday shopping.

You’ve no doubt seen the signs on Rt. 20 for The Schoolhouse Shop. Well, now’s the time to actually make that stop. The Schoolhouse carries wonderful gifts—my husband loved the Italian socks I bought for him there last year. There are European-made women’s clothes that skew older/artsy, housewares, fun paper goods and napkins, ceramics and more.

The Standard. Lots of Unsalted/NoSharks apparel and accessories, and a much more (including Italian sub sandwiches) in this Michigan City spot right on Rt. 12. There’s another location in New Buffalo.

Full disclosure! I help out with PR and marketing for the Beverly Shores Depot Museum & Gallery, located where I live. Check out the Depot’s holiday market on weekends through Dec. 21 and pick up handmade and unique jewerly, knitwear, art, ceramics, books and more. Saturdays and Black Friday, 10-5; Sundays 11-3.

Also in Beverly Shores, check out the vintage shop Cat’s Eye (mostly vintage clothing; 1 E. Dunes Highway) and Over Yonder, which stocks a nice selection of gifts including jewelry; local-themed apparel, banners and stickers; and more from local artisans. Lumagique scented candles with soy wax make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.

Two shops in Michigan City owned by interior designers are worth a stop: Abigail Hayden Interiors and Design carries pillows, art and other home accessories, all classically tasteful. The under-the-radar shop Line Mullins carries Chilewich and other high-style names in clothing, housewares and gifts.

Good News Vintage, in the arts district in Michigan City, is among my favorite vintage shops. The personable owner works hard finding unique and special home decor items and vintage threads. Her vignettes are inspirational; her houseplants make cool gifts. The vintage Vera napkins I snagged here a few years ago still make me happy whenever I set the table.

In Three Oaks, the Snowflake Stroll is happening today, with refreshments at many stores and a holiday parade ***UPDATE**** Heavy snow has organizers postponing the treelighting and parade until Sat, Dec. 6 ***** beginning at 6 p.m. and a tree-lighting ceremony in Carver Park following. Poppy Hill Vintage and Mazet Antiques here are terrific; Goods & Heroes is tops on my list for womens’ clothes and accessories that are comfy and edgy. Gifty items—art, books, and more—are also in the mix. Recently, Yarn Haus, a store-within-a-store opened in Goods & Heroes with yarns from all over. Hit this place up if there’s a knitter in your life.

Over in Buchanan, which is also having a parade and other holiday happenings today (the construction is done!), SL Consignment Gallery has a big selection of cool vintage barware, and Glendora Bookshop is a great indy spot.

I’m a big fan of fancy food gifts. You can find tinned fish, cheeses, condiments, smoked olives and the like at Farmette in New Buffalo; a lesser-known place I love is Olivezia in Chesterton. Find a huge selection of high-quality olive oils and vinegars (all available to taste), as well as imported pastas, cookies, crackers, cheeses and wine. They’ll put a gift basket together for you if you ask. Warning: You’ll never go back to grocery store olive oil again.

I want every single thing in Harbert’s Stockholm Objects. It’s where I bought a wonderful quarter-zip sweater for my husband last year that is now a favorite. The housewares are minimalist and lovely with a Scandinavian vibe. Looking for something smaller? Mugs, totes and candles all would make great gifts. Ditto everything at Sojourn in Sawyer, which draws interior designers to its doors for its impeccably edited selection of modern home goods. (Everything is 15% off through Dec 1, in store and online.)

Finally, if you’re heading to Washington Park to see the holiday lights in Michigan City, check out the pop-up shop at BaseCamp, the seasonal cafe run by the owner of Fishcamp restaurant. Starting Dec. 6, weekends from 4-8 pm, grab a hot chocolate and a gift of jewelry, handcrafted items, Unsalted apparel, and more.