Places to look for local gifts?
This ESP mini bowling set at the souvenir stand inside Cider Belly gave us a big smile this year.
Kara emails:
I'm relatively new to town, having moved here over the summer. So I'm still learning my way around and getting to know the best local spots, activities and products. I'm a big fan of buying local in general and when I lived in Ann Arbor, I loved buying local coffee and treats as gifts for visiting friends or for Christmas.
I'd love to ask the All Over Albany community - what are your go-to local gifts and where can I find them?
For the last few years -- including 2015 and 2014 -- we've asked a bunch of people about the sorts of items they'd like to give as part of a "holiday gifts" series. There are some ideas in there.
Got ideas for local-themed or -sourced gifts for newcomers such as Kara? What's your go-to local gift spot? Please share!
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Comments
The gift shop at the Albany Institute of History and Art has some great local gifts. While there last month, I bought myself these: https://shop.nyhistory.org/products/hamilton-shot-glass?variant=20815191812. They aren't locally made, but they are pretty fantastic.
The Troy Farmers' Market also has a bevy of great gift ideas, and I can think of plenty of people on my list who would love a bottle of something from Albany Distilling Co.
... said jess on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:16 PM | link
Local foods and beverages are the best gifts, with something to suit every taste and budget. The Honest Weight Food Co-op can be one-stop shopping for a lot of local food gifts, from chocolate to cheese, hard cider to hot sauce. (My current favorite local gift is Hedonic Tonic, an artisanal tonic syrup with no high fructose corn syrup. Add seltzer and your favorite gin. Made in North Greenbush.)
Also, art made by local artists and artisans. The Shop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy has lots of holiday gifts.
... said chrisck on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:29 PM | link
The NYS Museum has a great gift shop. I always find good stuff there.
... said Tam on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:35 PM | link
Departure Museum Shop in the Albany Airport is fantastic, a selection of items from regional museums and artists. They also give you free parking if you purchase an item.
I'd also recommend the gift shop at the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Troy and Schenectady Farmers Markets, and the biannual Half Moon Market (the website lists all the local vendors of past markets).
Enjoy!
... said Deirdre on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:36 PM | link
Nine Pin Cider for my whole family!!!
... said Ron on Nov 15, 2016 at 3:38 PM | link
https://shirtfactorygf.com/shop-2/
A whole building full of small businesses and artists. The Shirt Factory
Artist Association Holiday Open Houses will be November 25th-27th and December 10th & 11th, 10am -5pm.
... said Tess on Nov 15, 2016 at 4:11 PM | link
Kara, you have great timing. The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers Guild has their annual Show & Sale this Thu through Sun (nov 17-20) at the Pruyn House in Latham. Two full floors of local artisan-made items from clothing, home decor to gifts! Www.hmwg.org/show.html
... said Megan M on Nov 15, 2016 at 7:55 PM | link
I love doing a market basket from a local farmers market. Troy farmers market has both gift items like knit goods and great food gifts like fresh pasta Saratoga chips and local applejack. I also tend to bring Nine Pin cider as a gift.
Second the Empire State museum gift shop.
... said Jenna on Nov 15, 2016 at 10:22 PM | link
Brilliant! Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll have to check those places out.
... said Kara Davidson on Nov 16, 2016 at 8:02 AM | link
There is an area in the back of Cider Belly Donuts with locally-made, locally-themed gifts.
... said Cori on Nov 16, 2016 at 9:10 AM | link
Jay Street in Schenectady. Open Door Bookstore!
... said Amelia on Nov 16, 2016 at 10:21 AM | link
Woman I went to high school with recently started this company with her husband...Seems to be pretty cool based on my cursory research so far:
http://www.empirecrate.com/
... said John on Nov 16, 2016 at 10:56 AM | link
Seems like the perfect spot to humbly mention our business, The Empire Crate. We hand-select a variety of foods from across New York State (our first box featured a product from Schenectady) and ship them to your door every month. One-time purchases are available as gifts, too! www.empirecrate.com
... said Brandon on Nov 16, 2016 at 11:52 AM | link
BoHo Chic Boutique in Waterford carriers a great selection of locally made gifts:
https://www.facebook.com/bohochicny/
... said Crystal on Nov 16, 2016 at 12:48 PM | link
Albany Visitor Center has a great shop with original, Albany themed work. http://www.albany.org/visitors-center/ They did a Holiday Market in conjunction with the City Hall tree lighting last year, and it brought in even more local artists. Keep your eyes peeled.
The other is the gift shop at the Empire State Plaza, across from Prime at the Plaza.
... said Ski on Nov 16, 2016 at 2:08 PM | link
The Albany Heritage Area Visitor's Center gift shop has many unique and handcrafted items from local artisans!! http://www.albany.org/visitors-center/visitors-gift-shop/
... said Sabrina on Nov 16, 2016 at 2:10 PM | link
For the book lovers, I'd recommend The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza (in Albany), or Market Block Books in Troy. Dove & Hudson is also a wonderful used book store located in downtown Albany.
... said Barbara on Nov 16, 2016 at 2:24 PM | link
The Shaker Heritage Craft Show runs through Dec. 17, and this Saturday is the Christian Brothers Academy craft show - both are near the airport, and feature local artists and foods. http://www.cbaalbany.org/craftfair/
http://shakerheritage.org/
... said Beth on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:03 PM | link
River Street in Troy has lots of little shops with handmade and local goods... my favorite is T&J Soaps!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TandJsoaps
... said Megan on Nov 16, 2016 at 5:45 PM | link
The Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop has unique gifts and souvenirs related to the New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, Plaza Art Collection and more. They also have a Taste NY section and I Love NY section. The big winner is a mug featuring a little yellow chick (baby chicken) standing next to The Egg with the words, "which came first?". It's a must have!
... said Matt on Nov 17, 2016 at 10:43 AM | link
I like the Broken Mold in Troy for locally made pottery. The owner also teaches classes on how to make ones own pottery. Also check out the Collar City Clay Guild for artists in the area, Just missed their annual pottery sale.
... said Nancy Wagner on Nov 19, 2016 at 6:06 PM | link
My go to spot is always Elissa Halloran's shop on Lark Street. Last year she had some amazing ornaments which made perfect gifts and I always can find a unique item (jewelry, scarves, decorative items, art, etc.) for pretty much anyone on my list.
... said Silvia M Lilly on Nov 21, 2016 at 8:14 AM | link