17 of the Best, Most Offbeat Black Friday Shopping Destinations in America!

By Lauren I

Whether you love it or loathe it, Black Friday is the prime time to cross a little shopping off your list-and it doesn't have to be stressful. It's time to think outside of the box. We've discovered the most unique shops across the country, each of them offering their own special gifts for those looking for a change of pace. These extraordinary shops are the source of extraordinary finds. From artisan markets, to thrifty boutiques, if you're looking for something a bit more offbeat, look no further than these 17 great Black Friday shopping destinations.

1. Silver in the City, Indianapolis, IN

This quirky store sells all manner of kitsch, including locally-made jewelry, housewares, paper lanterns, and other "curious oddities." They even have an emergency gift service-call in a request from downtown Indianapolis, and Silver in the City will deliver it to you by tricycle.

2. The Rust Belt Market, Detroit, MI

Though it's only open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Detroit's Rust Belt Market is a local shopping hotspot. The bright, spacious indoor market is devoted to local artisans and craftspeople. It's the perfect place to find that special Detroit-themed gift.

3. Love & Aesthetics, San Diego, CA

Just a few blocks off the beach, the character of the Love & Aesthetics boutique is intriguing and unexpected. Owner Sean Barnes seeks out housewares, art, jewelry, and body care items with a "dark and modern romantic aesthetic."

4. STORY, New York, NY

New York City's STORY is a unique shop concept that "takes the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery and sells things like a store." The theme changes every month or two, just like a magazine. September's STORY had a 90's back-to-school theme complete with Nickelodeon merchandise. The holidays should be a magical STORY experience.

5. Presents of Mind, Portland, OR

Presents of Mind opened its doors in 1989 as a gift shop that aimed to showcase unique, locally-crafted items rather than big-box store commodities and tourist clichés. Today, the store draws customers looking for home goods, cards, clothes, and other items with a distinct, zany flair.

6. Frances Vintage, Phoenix, AZ

A modern boutique with vintage charm, Frances Vintage's merchandise is entirely curated by its owner, Georganne Bryant. Passionate about supporting local artists, the shop hosts the annual Frances Crafeteria, a market that draws hundreds of independent Arizona craftspeople.

7. Archie McPhee, Seattle, WA

Archie McPhee prides itself on offering weird, wacky, and humorous items to enthusiastic customers. With cat bonnets, finger puppets, and Mona Lisa air fresheners, this Seattle store is filled with gifts that are truly unique-and probably hilarious.

8. The Little Apple, Philadelphia, PA

With an assortment of lovely gifts "for the mixologist," "for the bike enthusiast," and "for the world traveler" in your life, Philly's adorable vintage gift shop the Little Apple is sure to tickle your holiday shopping fancy.

9. Pangaea, Nashville, TN

Featuring unique imports from the owner's travels, Pangaea is a delightful Nashville boutique. You'll find gifts in the form of clothing, jewelry, mirrors, blankets, and candles from all over the world. Merchandise is sourced from Asia, India, Mexico, Guatemala, and America's southwest.

10. Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Austin, TX

This Austin holiday market is an annual staple, opening on Black Friday this year. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar features both serious and fun local art, sculptures, clothing, jewelry, and other handmade items that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

11. Red Pineapple, Honolulu, HI

Honolulu's Red Pineapple seeks to "inspire the art of giving." The shop only sells small quantities of goods made in Hawaii, like succulents, candles, hot sauces, and tote bags, so you'll be sure to find something exceptional.

12. LUCCA Great Finds, Seattle, WA

Seattle's LUCCA Great Finds has a distinctly European influence, with black walls, delicate chandeliers, and perfectly mismatched wood furnishings. The shop has garnered the attention of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, who recommended the shop's cards, candles, and kitsch on her lifestyle website, goop.

13. Morgan Imports, Durham, NC

If a perfect holiday store existed, Morgan Imports in Durham, North Carolina just might be it. Selling various home goods and kitsch, the rustic local shop gets totally decked out for the holidays.

14. Leon & Lulu, Clawson, MI

This popular Metro-Detroit "lifestyle store" has free coffee and popcorn for shoppers who browse the beautiful selection of gifts, clothing, and accessories. Leon & Lulu is set inside a historic former roller rink and plans to expand into the charming former theater building next door.

15. Labyrinth Game Shop, Washington, DC

Owned by moms, Labyrinth Game Shop sells every kind of game imaginable, from jigsaw puzzles to collectible card games. The Washington, DC, specialty shop has gifts for people of all ages-from children to grandparents.

16. I Like You!, Minneapolis, MN

I Like You! is a boutique with a mission to support "hip, local craftsmen and artists." The artisan owners curate "strange" and "beautiful" items that are either locally or independently made. Expect to find quirky Minnesota-themed mugs, tees, pins, and more.

17. Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

This Boston-area bookstore has plenty of great books, but visitors flock there in equal numbers for the lovely gift selection. Black Friday shoppers will find pretty kitchenware, scarves, stationary, jewelry, and other gifts at Brookline Booksmith.