Give the gift of the Black Hills and Badlands this holiday season
As the Thanksgiving food coma fades, gear up for Black Friday shopping. Give the gift of the Black Hills and Badlands this holiday season. The region is filled with local shops, artisans, restaurants, and attractions that make a perfect holiday gift. We’re here to provide you with a holiday shopping guide that gives inspiration for all your family and friends this season.
Stocking Stuffers
Start a family tradition by collecting unique ornaments for the tree each year. Christmas Village along Highway 16 in Rapid City is in the holiday spirit year-round! Aside from ornaments, other holiday-themed décor is available. An added bonus? It’s also an NFL shop where you can get your sports enthusiast memorabilia from their favorite team.
Sweet treats are always a scrumptious way to fill those stockings hung with care or a themed holiday gift basket. Check out the array of candies, chocolates, and popcorn at Rushmore Candy Company on Highway 16 and Candyland at the junction of Highway 385 and Highway 16, also known as Three Forks. Chubby Chipmunk is a chocolate-lovers dream. The artisan chocolate company, which has locations in Deadwood and Rapid City, has a variety of delectable truffles and sweets.
Other quick and easy stocking stuffers are gift cards to restaurants to taste and explore regional favorites. Find Black Hills food and dining options here.
Holiday Sparkles
Artisan jewelers throughout the area design stunning pieces to gift someone special — or why not yourself. Jewel of the West in Hill City hand-crafts signature turquoise jewelry and Western apparel and décor.
Gift the iconic Black Hills Gold jewelry. Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory & Outlet offers a variety of pieces that include necklaces, earrings, watches, and rings. While you’re shopping, take a tour of the factory and see how the jewelry is made.
Unique Gifts
The South Dakota Outdoor Shop in Custer carries an extensive line of gear for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Rapid City’s Acme Bicycles is the place to shop for cyclists in your life. The shop carries not only bikes, but biking gear like jerseys, gloves, and attachable bags to round off for a smooth ride.
The Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City is a great stop for South Dakota-made products. Find Black Hills and Badlands apparel, jewelry, pottery, books, and South Dakota products and wine, among other gifts.
Gift the Arts
The Black Hills and Badlands boast a phenomenal local art scene, and many regional businesses and galleries sell original artwork. Each corner of the Hills offers something unique.
Artforms Gallery in Hill City is a collective of local artists, where you can find original crafts and artwork that reflect the culture and eclectic vibe of the region.
Local artisans use traditional glass blowing techniques to craft one-of-a-kind vases, bowls, animals, and other figurines at Black Hills Glass Blowers. Hand-made and shaped with specialized tools, the glass-blown gift is truly one-of-a-kind.
Artwork, jewelry, clothing and other items that reflect the culture and heritage of the area can be found at Prairie Edge Sioux Trading post in downtown Rapid City.
Custom frame a treasured family photo at Arthouse-Rapid City. The photo can be uniquely framed to fit any style or size, creating a truly personalized gift.
Rambunctious bears, elegant eagles, and carved creations are available at Dahl’s Chainsaw Art. Each piece is hand-carved with a chainsaw from ponderosa pine. Choose from their available selections or create a custom piece.
Gift original art that is not found on a traditional canvas. The Termesphere Gallery & Museum in Spearfish truly is a one-of-a-kind gift. The hand-painted, spherical artwork merges art and history for a gift that is displayed and enjoyed year-round.
Experience Gifts
Give the gift of adventure by purchasing experiences at regional attractions.
Book a skydiving session with Skydive South Dakota or a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Black Hills Balloons or Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons. Each includes a champagne toast! Capture Badlands National Park from the sky with Fly Badlands or get up close and personal with the famous faces at Mount Rushmore National Memorial with a ride on Black Hills Helicopters.
Is adventure more your thing? Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone allows you to purchase online gift cards for the 2026 season. The outdoor park includes ziplining, an alpine slide, and a jump tower along with other aerial adventures.
The Black Hills Playhouse/Theatre 605 showcases an extensive summer line-up. Purchase advanced tickets to be used at 2026 performances on their website.
Take a ride through the Black Hills on the 1880 Train. A special Holiday Express is a special ride for memory making with the entire family. Other rides are scheduled throughout the year and make a great gift while visiting the region.
Family fun is found in Keystone! Rush Mountain Adventure Park and Sprockets Fun Foundry, an indoor arcade, also provide options to purchase gift certificates for a fun, family adventure! Your gift card would allow options like a tour of Rushmore Cave or a thrilling mountain coaster ride through the pines.
Top-tier, year-round entertainment comes to The Monument in Rapid City. Check out upcoming experiences and buy tickets as a gift.
And you know we love outdoor adventures in the Black Hills and Badlands! An annual George S. Mickelson Trail pass is the perfect gift for the entire family. If you love fresh powder, gift passes to Terry Peak Ski Area and spend a day on the slopes!
Downtown Districts
The downtown way of life is a bit quieter and more peaceful. Boutique windows and street décor create a festive and quaint ambiance that cannot be matched. Many Black Hills and Badlands communities will host winter and holiday festivals, and pop-up shops providing more opportunities to enjoy a classic Christmas and enjoy the holiday season. Peruse crafters and local businesses while also experiencing local tastes and traditions of each community.
Find community holiday markets and festivals here.
View a full list of shopping in the Black Hills and Badlands.