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5 Downtown Boise Stores That Showcase Authenticity

Photo of a wall of records at the Record Exchange.

Whether for free-time shopping or perhaps an opportunity for gift cards or room drops, locally made products are a surefire way to connect an attendee to a destination and bring something home to remember the trip. Here are five options for only-in-Boise—or only-in-Idaho—shopping experiences and gift ideas all within walking distance of Boise Centre.

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Idaho Made

108 N. 6th St. 

Located in the Old Boise historic neighborhood, this artisan co-op supports more than 60 local creators who sell products such as jewelry, pottery, stationery and sculpture, and is also staffed by local artisans.

Photo of Idaho Made store
Idaho Made. Credit: Idaho Made.

Ward Hooper’s Gallery & Vintage Swank

745 W. Idaho St. 

A Boise icon, Ward Hooper creates graphic arts reflecting local industries, signs and only-in-Idaho adventures, drawing inspiration from the great American illustrators of the 19th and 20th centuries. Hooper has also lent his talent to numerous art installations. His gallery features paintings, canvases, prints, posters, greeting cards, stickers, magnets and other authentic Boise keepsakes.

Photo of wall of art at Ward Hooper's Gallery & Vintage Swank.
Ward Hooper's Gallery & Vintage Swank. Credit: Ward Hooper's Gallery & Vintage Swank.

[Related: On the Scene: The Beauty and Bounty of Boise, Idaho’s Meetings and Events Offerings]

Rediscovered Books

180 N. 8th St. 

This locals-favorite bookstore is “Where Books and People Meet” since 2006. Selling new and used books, the owners also help support children’s reading via supplying many libraries throughout Treasure Valley. A sister bookstore, Once and Future Books, is located on the corner of 13th and State Street.

Photo of Rediscovered Books.
Rediscovered Books. Credit: Rediscovered Books.

Record Exchange

1105 W. Idaho St. 

The largest independent music store in Idaho, the Record Exchange has been a gathering spot that sells new and used vinyl since 1977. Other offerings include clothing, hats, books, espresso, jewelry, candles, incense, toys and “weird stuff you didn’t know you wanted until you saw it!” 

Photo of Record Exchange at night with neon sign.
Record Exchange. Credit: Record Exchange.

SHIFT Boutique  

807 W. Bannock St. 

Owned by two sisters who “quit our jobs, moved to Boise from bigger cities and opened a scrappy retail boutique with the help of family persuaded by beer and pizza,” SHIFT Boutique sells women’s clothing ranging from casual to elegant, and also offers styling appointments for $50.

Photo of Shift Boutique, with woman looking in mirror holding a shirt.
Shift Boutique. Credit: Shift Boutique.

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Tyler Davidson | Editor, Vice President & Chief Content Director

Tyler Davidson has covered the travel trade for more than 30 years. In his current role with Meetings Today, Tyler leads the editorial team on its mission to provide the best meetings content in the industry.