‘Tis Giftgiving Season, and there’s no better time to shop small and locally. This updated Shop Small Holiday Gift Guide highlights some of Finger Lakes Wine Country’s best local businesses and boutiques. We also thought outside the box and included gift certificates, community memberships, and places to consider gifting donations to.
Looking for gifts for the Travel Lover on your holiday shopping list? How about some Romantic Gift suggestions? Not only are we telling you what to gift the Foodies, Artists, and Activists in your life, but we’re also telling you where, making this not just a great shopping guide but also a wonderful way to explore our small towns and support their small businesses. Happy shopping!
Corning
Start your experience in Corning, just one of the quaint towns in Finger Lakes Wine Country, which makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark Holiday Movie. The town hosts a series of events to celebrate Crystal City Christmas, which kicks off with Small Business Saturday and is followed by the Parade of Lights and Sparkle. Check out the website here for more information and to plan your visit.
Hostess Gifts
Don’t arrive at a holiday party empty-handed. Stock up on small hostess gifts from Connor’s Mercantile in the Gaffer District. You can also purchase other household items from Mackenzie Childs or a box of sweets from their in-store chocolate counter. Can’t decide? Pick up a gift card online to shop locally virtually. Of course, this is just one of many shops to visit, such as Heathered Grey, Sudha’s Emporium, Pure Design Home Furnishings, and Bethany’s Jewelry and Design.
Treat them to some sweets from Dimitri’s Confectionery, which is enough to make any inner child’s heart gleeful.
Help create a feminist future with socially progressive books, gifts, and apparel from Card Carrying Books and Gifts. Find something for the activist on your list who is inspired to make a difference.
If you’re searching for a gift with taste, visit Crystal City Olive Oil and enjoy olive oil in an experience like no other, sampling varieties from around the world. Grab a bottle or two for your favorite Foodies this holiday season. Selections range from oils from Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Argentina, Chile, and the United States.
Last but not least, visit the Twin Tiers Antiques Plaza in search of some vintage treasures, including the Pyrex that this “Crystal City” is known for. This is the Finger Lakes’ ultimate antique destination, with over 50 dealers spread across 8,000 square feet on two floors.
History Buff
A museum membership is a great gift for the history buff in your life and a fantastic way to support the community. The Rockwell Museum is a unique community center that explores the evolution of being American through the eyes of American artists. The Rockwell Museum is the only Smithsonian Affiliate in Upstate New York.
The Corning Museum of Glass explores 3,500 years of glassmaking history in the world’s largest glass collection. With over 45,000 pieces of classic and contemporary glass art, there’s something everyone can see, including live, narrated glassmaking demonstrations and workshops, all in their newly renovated Glass Studio!
Glass Act
It should come as no surprise that “America’s Crystal City” has many glassy places to visit and create custom glass gifts. From holiday tree sculptures and snow people to hot glass work, fusing, and sandblasting, the Corning Museum of Glass offers a variety of workshops.
You can also support these small businesses by gifting gift cards or scheduling a shared glass-blowing experience. The whole family can experience glass-blowing at the Hands-on Glass Studio, creating keepsake ornaments, paperweights, or pumpkins.
If you’d rather gift some great glass art, visit the Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, which is located in the historic Hawkes Crystal building. Unlike many studios, you’re invited to watch these artists at work. Then, head to the gallery and shop for gifts like vases, ornaments, and perfume bottles.
For The Crafter
In addition to all the glass-making opportunities mentioned above, there are many other ways for the crafter in your life to express their creativity! Purchase a crafting class from Eleven Lakes Market or high-quality knitting and sewing gifts from Rabbit Row Yarns and Haberdashery (you can also join a knitting class and other fun gatherings). If you’re shopping for the plant lover, check out Pixie Moss Meadows for plants, classes, and small private events.
Owego
Owego is the perfect place for family-focused holiday shopping. We’ve shared places where you can find something for every family member.
Since 1973, The Goat Boy Gift Shop has offered a wide selection of gifts in Finger Lakes Wine Country, from women’s clothing and accessories to home goods and, of course, Baby Gifts.
Independent toy store The Laughing Place has been providing toys and games for over 20 years. From puzzles and plush animals to building sets and craft kits, there’s a special toy here for Kids of All Ages.
Local Utopia is the go-to shop for the Tweens and Young Adults on your list. From cute lollipops and bath bombs to crop tops and candles. These affordable items are great options for the little humans growing up before your eyes. There are even waste-free options for eco-conscious kids, along with local products from brands like the Owego Soap Company.
The Early Owego Antique Center has over 90 vendors and gifts for the hardest people to shop for.
The Book Lover will enjoy a gift from Riverrow Books for new and used books of every kind. If they are more into the mystical, Spellbound Books is a folk, fantasy, and fairy tale-themed bookstore cafe right in town.
Hammondsport
Antiquing is a way of life in Hammondsport. We’ve handpicked the best antique shops in the area and provided some gift suggestions for the Travel Enthusiasts in your life. Near beautiful Keuka Lake, you’ll find your source for vintage toys, antique chests, art deco, heirlooms, and more at Crooked Lake Antiques. In downtown Hammondsport, you’ll find Opera House Antiques, a multi-dealer shop within the historic Frey Opera House.
Looking for unexpected treasures? Stop in at Patina to shop unique wares from artisans and collectors across the region. There’s always something new to find at prices that don’t break the bank.
For more modern options, head to Browsers in the Hammondsport Square. Here, you can find gifts for Wine Lovers, jewelry, cards, candles, and the area’s largest selection of regional souvenirs, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Stop into Stony Brook Gift Company seasonally for holiday wreaths, locally made gifts, accessories, and statement tea towels.
Open year-round, the Cinnamon Stick Gourmet and Gift Shop has a bit of everything. From coffee and tea to gourmet jellies, jams, and sauces, owner Terry Pennise provides a wide variety, including music boxes, Crocs, candles, cookbooks, and more.
Give the Travel Enthusiast a glimpse of history with certificates from the Curtiss Museum and Finger Lakes Boat Museum. The Curtiss Museum houses a priceless collection of artifacts relating to early aviation and local history. Enjoy exhibits of aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and cars at this museum dedicated to the accomplishments of pioneer aviator and “Father of Naval Aviation,” Glenn H. Curtiss. The Finger Lakes Boat Museum is home to more than 115 boats, including canoes, rowboats, row outboards, outboard runabouts, inboards, ice boats, and sailboats. As well as many related artifacts and ephemera.
Penn Yan
Head to Penn Yan for sweet nostalgia, the perfect greeting card, and upcycled woodwork.
Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to The Keuka Candy Emporium and walk away with gifts perfect for those stuck in a Time Warp. Remind them not to drink the vintage soda after eating a packet of Pop Rocks. A Bit-O-Honey, A Sugar Daddy, and even Bubble Gum Cigarettes make great stocking stuffers! With over 100 varieties of candies, 24 flavors in the ice cream parlor, cotton candy, handmade chocolates, candy gift baskets, and fresh roasted and glazed nuts, this store has the sweetest gifts for anyone on your list.
Located in downtown Penn Yan, Long’s Cards & Books is more than just a bookstore. They’re your local source for office supplies, souvenirs, watches, wallets, greeting cards, and gifts for all ages.
Finger Lakes native Dan Mitchell has been crafting with wine barrel materials since 2005. For rustic and modern upcycled furniture and fixtures, home accessories, small gifts, accessories, stickers, and more, head to Staving Artist Woodwork.
Elmira
Searching for gifts for the Artist, Activist, or Book Lover in your life? Elmira has exactly what you’re looking for.
You can never go wrong with the gift of the theater! Give the Thespian in your life season tickets to performances at the Clemens Center. From blockbuster Broadway shows and dazzling dance performances to classical and contemporary concerts, the Clemens Center presents a variety of performance experiences for audiences of all ages.
Celebrate the Arts with a membership to The Arnot Museum! This world-class institution of fine art displays its permanent collection of 17th- to 19th-century European paintings, 19th-century American art, and a renowned, growing collection of contemporary works.
A gift certificate to the Harris Hill Soaring experience is the ultimate immersive gift. Allow the Adventure Seeker on your list to experience the thrill of soaring firsthand at a complex that Amelia Earhart proclaimed the “finest gliding and soaring facilities in the country.”
Know someone who prefers to explore on land? Begin on scenic trails at the Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum. A membership here is the perfect gift for the Young Explorer in your life. Tanglewood is the local leader in environmental education, offering programs that include live animal presentations, outdoor experiences, and hands-on activities. The 12,000-square-foot building features a museum with 43 live animal species, interactive exhibits, and a comfortable library for bird-watching and reading.
Stop by the Chamberlain Acres Garden Center & Gift Shop year-round for local products like ornaments, salsas & chutneys, goat milk soap, handmade baskets, tooled leather products, and more.
The Social Activist or Young Revolutionary in your life would appreciate a gift donation to the John Jones Museum. John W. Jones was an active agent in the Underground Railroad and aided in the escape of more enslaved Americans than Harriet Tubman. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and learn about the John Jones Museum and its impact on the region.
Pick up home decor and antiques at The Pine City Post, outside Elmira in Pine City, NY.
Watkins Glen
Franklin Street Gallery in Watkins Glen represents over 50 regional artists and authors, including artists with developmental disabilities. Shop here for special mementos like original paintings, photographs, prints, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, glass, metal, and wood sculptures, greeting cards, and more.
Craft Fairs and Markets
Craft Fairs and Markets are great ways to spend the day with the family, shopping for gifts while being well-fed and entertained. Not only will you find gifts for all ages, but there will also be activities to keep everyone engaged.
The Windmill Farm and Craft Market is home to nearly 200 local shops and craftsmen. Midway between Penn Yan and Dundee, it is a great place to find gifts for everyone on your list.
Local Finds
The Finger Lakes Soap Company makes its products in small batches to deliver high quality at low prices. It specializes in gentle, natural body soaps, lip balms, and ointments. The lakes and the region inspired many of its products, like its Seneca Moon Soap and Wine Trail foaming soaps.
This cute hand-lettered coffee mug features seven of the eleven Finger Lakes. The 16-ounce mug was created with Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters and New York-based artist AnnaParade.
Stop into Ivy Lane for florals, plants, and other specialty gifts, and while there, why not grab a drink at JR Dill cocktail bar? It’s a wonderful overall experience.
Although she’s not originally from Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York native Catherine LaPointe Vollmer takes great pride in her state. Her company, Lionheart Graphics, has a collection of beautiful vintage-style travel posters featuring the Adirondacks, the Hudson River Valley, the Finger Lakes Wine Country, and more. This is the perfect trio for the Travel Lover on your list.
On a budget? Shop these Affordable Gifts from FLX Goods. These $3 stickers make a great stocking stuffer, and this $10 Finger Lakes Poster is bold and bright. A Finger Lakes Cutting Board is the perfect gift for the host who loves a charcuterie board.
Memorable Experiences
Treat someone special to a soothing massage, exfoliating body scrub, or rejuvenating facial at one of the Incredible Spas in the region. Namaste Spa in Horseheads, New York, offers massage services, cupping, body treatments, and spa day packages, including up to four hours of pampering.
Give the gift of floatation therapy at Inner Peace Floats in Watkins Glen, New York. This relaxing treatment allows you to tune into your heartbeat and breathing, resulting in deep calm and other benefits.
The animal lover in your life can saddle up for a wintery horseback riding adventure at Painted Bar Stables. Located just outside Watkins Glen, NY, Painted Bar Stables offers horseback riding experiences at all levels, year-round by appointment only.
The best way to explore Seneca Lake is by boat. Give the unforgettable gift of a two-hour sunset experience on the historic schooner “True Love.”Consider a Fall Glider Ride with Harris Hill Soaring Corporation for the thrill-seeker on your list. Conde Nast Traveler named it the Best Fall Foliage Adventures in the U.S. The passenger weight limit is 245 pounds. Another adventurous option is to experience the region from a hot air balloon with Southern Tier Balloon Tours. The Passenger weight limit is 235 pounds per person; call for details.