Shop local for the holidays
Are you making a list and checking it twice? As we get closer to Christmas, the pressure rises and so does the crowds. Shopping small local businesses can make the experience less stressful. Here is my list of suggestions of local spots to hit to make the season merry and bright.
Sugarloaf
This craft village offers unique gifts, many by local artisans made on site. Handmade jewelry by Bertoni Gallery, photography by Nick Zungoli, a candle shop, etc. Bliss Co-op carries hand dyed clothing, scarves, jewelry, pottery, toys, and ornaments all handmade by local women artists.
Goshen
Linda’s Office Supply has plenty to offer beyond supplies including jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys and small housewares. On a recent visit, I ended up purchasing 6 gifts. Added bonus: free gift-wrapping.
Joe’s Fix It has been a fixture in Goshen since 1946 carrying bikes, skates, clothing and Lionel trains. This full service store sells, repairs and will put the bike or ski rack on your car.
Goshen Plaza Liquors tells me bourbon is trending. Redemption is a lighter style, I.W. Harper, a 15 year old has more body and higher in alcohol. Larceny falls between the two.
Washingtonville
The Corner Candle Store is a lifestyle store offering handpicked classic gifts displayed on antique furniture. Gifts are boxed and wrapped. A stone’s throw away is Brotherhood Winery, America’s oldest winery. Take the tour and tasting.
Montgomery
Wallkill River School is an ever-changing gallery offering many art classes with a new Valley Crafters shop featuring handmade items by local artists.
Liminality, a new shop on Union Avenue carrying men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and gifts. The store is stocked with local handmade and Fair Trade items. Grand opening is December 17th.
Wurtsboro
Canal Towne Emporium is a large gift shop that boxes and giftwraps. It is a Christmas wonderland of gifts including ornaments and holiday décor to grow your collections.
Scattered right under your nose
Don’t forget those who offer services such as massage or facials, or an artist or someone who makes handmade items or does photography or bakes. The list is endless but support them! Create a gift basket, give a gift certificate or buy their product. There is an abundance of wonderful restaurants for gift certificates.
For example, Lynn Isaacson of New Prospect Pottery makes pottery (my weakness!) available at ReMade in Beacon, Emerge Gallery in Saugerties and Uptiquing in Pine Bush. Make an appointment and go directly to the studio (845) 744-6787. Speaking of Beacon put that ton your radar. So many stores and restaurants, you can make a day of it.
Synchronicity
When I was stuck in NYC for the big blizzard this year, I shared many photos on Facebook. What an experience! The city streets including Broadway shows were closed. Artist George Hayes, who I met at the Wallkill River School, asked permission to paint one of my photos. The painting of my image turned out beautiful then I forgot about it until recently. What a beautiful gift for the person I was stuck with in NYC. The special someone in my life is getting that original painting for Christmas. Shhhh! Don’t tell him!
Special gifts are right in front of you. The greatest gift of all can be time spent with loved ones. Plan a shared experience and create some beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
Happy Holidays!