As Tiny Tim notably said, “God bless the Internet.” Or something like that. Anyway, whether it’s a fussy kid, an estranged uncle, a best friend, or you just got stuck with Chad from accounting in the office Secret Santa pool, some people just aren’t easy to shop for.
If you’re having trouble finding a meaningful gift this time of year, items with a personal touch or a local origin always go over well, but finding them can be an ordeal in and of itself. Hence: Tiny Tim; Internet. Online marketplaces like Etsy are a terrific source for finding handcrafted, repurposed, and vintage items from artists and small businesses you might never have realized were even in your neighborhood, while some local creatives have garnered enough success to go mainstream. Here are a few of our favorites.
Fir Balsam Candle
Hudson Candle | $39 | Hudson Valley
Hudson Candle offers artisanal candles, hand-poured in the Hudson Valley, all of them made from soy wax and scented with essential oils, and with metal-free wicks. The Fir Balsam scent featured above is a lovely choice for winter holidays, but there’s a nice assortment to choose from, including “Fireside Candle” and “Ancient Garden Candle.”
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P.S. Want more Hudson Valley-themed candle options? Etsy has a whole section of ’em!
Personalized Couple Silhouette Portrait
SilhouettesbyElle | $80+ | Croton-on-Hudson
Nothing quite lends an air of subdued class to a room like a beautiful, hand-cut, framed silhouette. Popular in the American Colonial and English Victorian periods, the pieces ranged from tender keepsakes to humorous cartoons. This local shop can create a one-of-a-kind portrait for you of yourself, a loved one, a pet, or practically anyone you want. For that special someone, we highly recommend a couple’s portrait to commemorate the biggest day in your relationship. We selected an 8-by-10 size suitable for walls and framing (options available), but the shop offers everything from lockets to porcelain Christmas ornaments.
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Flower of the Month Pendants
DigilioDesigns | $15.99+ | Hyde Park
While many people know their birthstones, few know their birth month flower. With vintage styles handcrafted in the Hudson Valley, the collection comes as pendants with or without birthstones, earrings, and more. Not a fan of flowers? The shop also offers plenty of animal and insect designs.
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Catskills Spirit Kit
SpiritTradingCompany | $77 | Ravena
This Hudson Valley shop specializes in the spirits of the Catskills region and curates specialized gift boxes for like-minded locals. Each box features a wild spirit candle with two choices: a white birch infused with citrine or a pine forest infused with quartz, a golden light sacred smudge bundle, Crosstown Maple Coffee infused maple syrup, Jem Farm upstate NY organic honey, four wild spirit sunflower note cards, and one palo santo ritual card that explains the power of the smudge bundle. Plus, the shop can include a hand-written note upon request.
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Silver to Black Tote Bag With Matching Wristlet
The Flip Flop Bitch | $125 | Somers
A perennial holiday favorite on The TODAY Show, Rachel Ray, and more, these chic sequined (or vegan leather) totes all fold up into their matching wristlets and make great grab-bag gifts.
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Custom Pet Portrait
LaLa’s Pet Portraits | $300+ | Mount Kisco
Say you love someone by showing them how much you love their pet! There’s no better way to an animal lover’s heart, and it’s something they can keep forever to remember their best (non-human) friend. Best of all, they’re made right here in Westchester by local artist and Etsy vendor Laura Massari.
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Petite Christmas Jewelry Set
Merryalchemy | $59+ | Poughquag
Pick up a gorgeous set of simple, understated, and utterly perfect Christmas ornament styled jewelry —hand-crafted by a local designer — at a very reasonable price. Sets come in a variety of colors and styles, but we kept coming back to this silver and cherry-red necklace and earring set. Choose your earring back and necklace length for as little as $59, and get a perfect little gift box ready to bequeath under the mistletoe.
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A Hudson River Ornament
DirtRoadDesignsByRoe | $10 | Dutchess County
What’s not to love? As far as Etsy stocking stuffers go, it’s perfect: locally made, locally themed, and classy in an understated way while still feeling a little rustic. Basically, it’s Hudson Valley through and through.
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Related: 11 Holiday Gift Baskets for the Westchester Foodie in Your Life
