Discover the Magic of Holiday Giving in Aurora
We all want to give out the best gifts for the holidays. Holiday shopping in the Aurora Area makes finding that gift even easier. With fabulous brand name options at the Chicago Premium Outlets – you can't go wrong with brands such as COACH, Nike, Crocs, Kate Spade, Addidas and more! A gem within our region is Geneva Commons where you can shop at more than 60 national brand and specialty shops and dine at fabulous restaurants like Hacienda Real or First Watch. Even if you have someone who is picky – pick up a gift receipt at any of the massage or spas located within the shopping center. Looking to stay warm indoors? Head over to Fox Valley Mall to shop at over 120 retailers or shop from local businesses through their vendor market.
Give your gift a personal touch
Transform your holidays with truly meaningful experiences and gifts made right here in the Chicagoland's Fox River Valley. Every #IllinoisMade destination offers authentic stories and personal touches you won’t find anywhere else. Book a wine tasting at Fox Valley Winery in Oswego where you can sample award-winning, estate-grown Illinois wines in their beautiful tasting room featuring local artists' work. For hands-on creativity, head to Illuminate Space - where owner Jenni Zielke creates products for people who desire to create a space they love to live in. From vessels that inspire beauty and creativity to scents that trigger memories, emotions, and healing. Craft your own custom-scented candles, room sprays, or reed diffusers in her warehouse space. Looking for locally made gifts? Stop by Bee Coco Candle, for hand-poured, pet-safe candles using coconut-apricot wax – perfect for anyone with allergies or sensitivities, plus they offer custom labels for special occasions.
Illinois Made
What do a coffee roaster, candlemaker, confectioner, sustainable gastropub, and purveyor of encased meats have in common? If it's handmade…
Holiday Nostalgia & Unique Treasures
If you love the thrill of the hunt, we have a thriving vintage scene bursting with charm. Step inside Warehouse 55 at their new location in downtown Batavia, you’ll find an endless array of unique styles and themes. At Happenstance Vintage in North Aurora, you’ll see a curated collective of mid-century modern, farmhouse, and timeless holiday décor—perfect for gifting or decking your own halls. At The Rustic Fox, browse booths packed with vintage glassware, funky ornaments, and artisan gifts all under one roof. Over in Geneva, Bell Jar Vintage and Pärla offer hand-picked jewelry, décor, and whimsical finds that bring a personal touch to the holidays. Shopping vintage means every gift carries local character, sustainability, and a sense of discovery.
Literary Inspiration — Bookshops for Bookworms
Looking for something special for your favorite reader? Discover the cozy worlds of Yellow Bird Books in Aurora and Harvey’s Tales in Geneva. Find new releases, signed editions, or literary-themed gifts like candles and puzzles—plus plenty of recommendations from local book lovers on staff. A bookshop gift feels extra personal, and when you shop small, you’re also nurturing our creative communities and thriving independent businesses.
Turning Pages, Building Community: Inside Two Beloved Bookshops of the Aurora Area in Illinois
Discovering the soul of a community is as simple as visiting its independent bookstores, and in the Aurora Area, Harvey's Tales and Yellow Bird…
Giving Back — Support Aurora’s Holiday Food Drive
Touch hearts this season by donating to or volunteering for Aurora’s Holiday Food Drive, bringing warm meals to families across the community. Drop off groceries at Cermak Fresh Market, Food Market La Chiquita, or Prisco's Family Market to be donated to families in need. Or organize a group effort with friends, each gift of food or time helps fill a neighbor’s table and spreads authentic holiday cheer throughout the Fox Valley.
Your Aurora Holiday Awaits: Shop, Gift, and Give
From stylish finds at Fox Valley Mall to the character of vintage boutiques and the thoughtfulness of independent bookstores, our region has every kind of holiday joy waiting to be shared. Make your shopping meaningful this year—explore, discover, and give generously. The best holiday starts local: shop in your hometown, support your neighbors, and create memories that last all season long.