It’s the holidays once again, and we know there’s someone you are desperately trying to find a gift for. Trust us, we have all been there. So, for all the guys in your life, we have curated this list to inspire you this gift-giving season! Simply go through the categories your loved one falls under and see if the ideas work for him. *All suggestions are local businesses in Downstate Illinois. 

Adrenaline Junkie 

• For those looking to cross off bucket list items, the Gateway Skydiving Center in Greenville makes for the perfect gift. You can purchase a gift certificate online at gatewayskydivingcenter.com. 
• Gift the gift of speed with the Gateway Kartplex race gift certificates at gateway-kartplex.myshopify.com. The Kartplex is inside of Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison. Tickets for the NASCAR Cup Series for June 2, 2024, are also available, visit: wwtraceway.com. 

Chef 

• Buy the grill master or chef in your life a cutting board that will last a lifetime from Miller Made Crafts in Marshall. You can inquire about all their products by going through their Facebook page @millermadecraft. 
• Every great meal needs the perfect ingredients including olive oil, cheese, and vinaigrette. Stop in at Gigi’s Gelato & Italian Market in O’Fallon and pick from their many flavored oils and cheeses. 

Coffee Lover 

• Over in Crossville, some flavorful things are brewing inside Phillipstown Coffee Roasters. Shop from flavored coffee to Artisanal coffee at phillipstowncoffee.com. 

• Another great roaster to consider is Cumberland Road Coffee Co. located in St. Elmo. Pick from their Private Stock small-batch coffee to their multiple dark roasts at Cumberlandroadcoffeeco.com. 

Gamer 

• From Funko-Pop! to Comic Books, Fantasy Books & Games in Fairview Heights is the perfect stop for the Sci-Fi Lover in your life. To learn more, visit: fantasybooksinc.com. 

• For the RPG lovers, explore Tabletop Masters in Mt. Carmel and choose presents from RPG books to trading cards. Or bring that special someone with you and play free-to-play board games! To learn more, visit: tabletopmasters.com. 

Outdoorsman 

• Treat your fisherman to a stay on Newton Lake with daily guide service at the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge in Newton. To learn more, visit: outdoorsportsmanslodge.com. 

• Book a tour of Northern Carlyle Lake with one of the only airboat services in the Midwest. Duck Island Airboat Services will take you through parts of the lake you never knew existed! To schedule a date, visit their Facebook page @DUCKIslandAirboatServices. 

Sommelier 

• For the bourbon steward, pick up a bottle of Caskaskia small batch Bourbon Whiskey at Witness Distillery in Vandalia. To learn more or to book a tour, visit: witnessdistillery.com. 

• Every wine sommelier would appreciate a Blackberry Sweet wine from Castle Finn Winery in Marshall. To order a bottle or two, visit: castlefinnwinery.com. 

• Craft beer is always fun to shop for with all the unique flavors brewmasters come up with. Our friends at Millpond Brewing in Millstadt love to craft fun flavors that your loved one with appreciate. To order online and pick up in-store, visit: millpondbrewing.com.