Holiday Gifts
Holiday gifts: Stephanie Snyder
Llamas and unicorns and goats, oh my!
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Today we meet Stephanie Snyder.
Stephanie was born and raised in West Virginia, and relocated to the Capital Region in 2011 when her husband, Todd, began teaching at Siena College. She's team UAlbany, and manages communications and marketing for the Alumni Association. She, Todd, and their 4 year-old son, Huntington Jay, live in South Colonie.
Holiday gifts: Imani McCalmon
Spoons are important.
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Today's list comes from Imani McCalmon. Imani is an aspiring dancer and choreographer from Schenectady, who works helping people get fit as a gym instructor. She loves music, poetry, performing and spending time with her beautiful sisters.
Holiday gifts: Anasha Cummings
Anasha Claus
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Today we meet Anasha Cummings.
Anasha lives in downtown Troy and is the Councilman-Elect for the city's 4th District.
Holiday gifts: Jammella Anderson
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Next up: Jammella Anderson.
Jammella grew up in the Capital District and has lived in Albany for almost a decade. She works for the Albany Barn and she's also a yoga teacher and a barista.
When Jammella is not working she loves to hike, run, knit, and sing all the wrong words to her favorite songs.
Holiday gifts: Kristin Jackson
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Kristin Jackson knows her gifts. She heads up Troy Flea, the Riverfront Park summer market filled with local vendors.
Kristin grew up in Duchess County and spent some time in the midwest before finding a home in Troy. She has a daughter, a husband, a dog and a cat, and loves to see live music, eat, and be merry. This weekend she's hosting the Babes in Troyland indoor winter market at Takk House.
Holiday gifts: Nick Foster
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
Nick Foster came to the Capital Region from New Jersey. He's a husband, father, sometime
musical theater performer, and former writer of record reviews living in Albany. He is also the founder/organizer of the fundraising event the James T. Foster Memorial Beer + Ice Cream Social (Set to return in 2018!).
He loves the music of Big Star, black-and-white cookies, and continuously adding things to his Netflix queue that he knows full-well he'll never get around to watching.
Holiday gifts: Jason Vengersammy
On Jason's list: Bow ties and sleep.
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
First up: Jason Vengersammy.
Jason was born and raised in New York City, but he's called Albany his home for the past decade. He's a loan officer for a local credit union and also works as a local wedding MC, DJ, and officiant. He's into fashion -- and egg rolls.
Holiday wish list: Albany Jane
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today, the final wish list. It's from AOA pizza judge, blogger, and lover of tasty things Albany Jane.
Holiday wish list: Casey Normile
On Casey's list: pumpkin ale, crack granola, and extended hours.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's wish comes from hiker, beer aficionado and AOA contributor Casey Normile.
Holiday wish list: Bill Pettit
Bill's list is a trip through Lark Street history.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from temporary Center Square resident Bill Pettit.
Holiday wish list: Laura Glazer
Laura's wishing for music, stamps and a red radio.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's wish list comes from artist and Hello Pretty City host Laura Glazer.
Holiday wish list: Duncan Crary
On Duncan's list: Wooden shoes, Volcano juice and pig snouts
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from author, podcaster and self-described Troy supremacist Duncan Crary.
Holiday wish list: Laura McCarthy
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from Laura McCarthy.
Holiday wish list: Jim Larson
What do you get for a Santa with a closet full of Speedos?
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from the Capital Region's favorite Speedo-clad Santa, the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy's Jim Larson.
Holiday wish list: Deanna Fox
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of folks what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from Deanna Fox, owner of Local Flavor and writer for Silly Goose Farm, the TU's Eat Local and From Scratch Club.
Holiday wish list: Tim Dawkins
What's on Tim's list might be on your list, too.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from educator, photographer, storyteller and AOA contributor Tim Dawkins.
Holiday wish list: Kate Welshofer
Reindeer are untrustworthy.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from YNN anchor Kate Welshofer, with a little help from her favorite anchor cat, Brian Williams.
Local holiday wish list: the Editors -- and Otto
The holidays can be overwhelming. Sometimes you need a nap.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
The last list comes from each of the Editors. And Otto.
Local holiday wish list: Sarah LaDuke
Sarah would like movie tickets, beer and an opportunity to watch humans box step.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Today's tasty and entertaining list comes from Sarah LaDuke...
Local holiday wish list: Ethan Georgi
On Ethan's local wish list: beer, peanut butter, bike gear and bridge repair.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Today's list comes from Life After Programming's Ethan Georgi.
Local holiday wish list: Erik Dollman
Erik would like a ray gun that disintegrates shawl collar cardigans, please.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Next up: Erik's list has some gift ideas for the man about town.
Local holiday wish list: Jerry Papandrea
On the derryX Christmas list: beer, marshmallows, sock animals and a 5 pound box of veal.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Today's list comes from Jerry derryX Papandrea.
Local holiday wish list: Katie Beltramo
Gift cards, penguins, fairies and a little something for Mommy.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Up next: Katie Beltramo from Capital District Fun and Kids Out and About...
Local holiday wish list: Matthew Carefully
Matthew wants Capital Region experiences -- musical and non-musical.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
After the jump, what to get Matthew Carefully this year...
Local holiday wish list: Daniel B.
On Daniel's wish list this year: wine, food and kidney fat.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Next up: Daniel B. shares his fussy little wish list.
Local holiday wish list: Kaitlin Resler
On Kaitlin's list: candy, books and pretty vintage things.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?
Next up: the very fashionable Kaitlin Resler...
Local holiday wish list: Unspeakable Visions Christine
Things that would make Christine happy this holiday season: tea, movies and apple vodka.
In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: what's on your holiday wish list.
Our first wish list comes from Unspeakable Visions Christine...
The last-minute shopper's local gift guide
Peppermint Pigs -- a staple of Capital Region gift lists.
OK, here it is -- Christmas minus 4 days and counting. If you're not done shopping yet, you may be starting to feel a familiar holiday panic setting in.
But there's still a little time to avoid Wolf Road gridlock and still score some unique holiday gifts.
After the jump -- all in one place -- a rundown of AOA's favorite local holiday gifts from Christmases past and present. Take a quick look, then get out there and get it done!
Ready? Go!
Local stocking stuffers
A little something.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. We'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
On this final day of gift ideas, I bring you the stocking stuffers. Most of these would also make great gifts for those people for whom you need just a little something.
Holiday cards from Delaware Community School
Happy holidays, from the Delaware Community School
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. We'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
Today on the AOA gift list -- Reindeer over Albany, birds of peace and happy polar bears, straight from the imaginations of local kids at the Delaware Community School.
Vintage Video Games from Pastime Legends
You can't go home again -- but you can play your old games.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
On this ninth day of the gift guide, AOA brings to you: retro video games and a partridge in a pear tree.
OK, no partridge. And no tree. But the rest, yes. Absolutely.
I'm not much of a gamer myself - when I think games, I think of Scrabble or Apples to Apples. And my video game skills don't go too far past the occasional attempt at "Guitar Hero." But for the right person -- the video game freak (or is it geek?) who doesn't just want the hot new thing but appreciates a good game of Super Mario Brothers, Pastime Legends is your place.
New York wine and cheese
A one-stop shop in Cohoes.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
This next suggestion just might be my favorite -- the gift of wine and cheese.
Sure, New York doesn't appear to be any closer to allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores, but that doesn't mean there's no place to go for both wine and cheese.
Coffee, coffee, coffee
Caffeine for the holidays
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
Life is too short to drink bad coffee, at least, in my humble opinion. But hey, some people don't always think they're worth the good coffee splurge.
Which is why this next installment of the AOA holiday gift guide is near and dear to my heart -- the gift of locally roasted coffee.
Run, We Must shirts and hoodies
Wear, you must?
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
This next item just might be on my own wish list.
You might know Ben Karis-Nix for his unique blend of indie rock, but the local musician also designs a clothing line called Run, We Must.
I'm all about the feel-good gifts this year. And these shirts are a way to be fashionable and eco-friendly at the same time.
Capital Region Etsy: other stuff
Random. In a good way.
All this week Crystal has been sharing local finds on Etsy.
None of these things are just like the others.
Except to say that they're really neat.
And they were made in the Capital Region.
And they can be found on Etsy.
So I guess they're a little bit like the others.
Anyway, to wrap up the Capital Region Etsy round-up, here are a few things from Capital Region Etsy shops that were fun and cool, but defied categorization.
The gift of garlic
Breath mints optional.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
My love of garlic is well-documented at this point, but in my mind, you can never have enough of the spicy stuff in your life. So today in the AOA gift guide -- the gift of garlic.
Garlic aioli to be exact, from Saratoga Garlic.
Capital Region Etsy: kid stuff
Cute.
All this week Crystal is sharing local finds on Etsy.
Because I refuse to set foot into the madness that is a children's store during holiday shopping season, I've spent a lot of time on Etsy trying to find a great Christmas gift for my one-year-old nephew.
Between all the people who love this kid, he probably already owns at least one of everything in those stores, so I decided my best bet for getting him something he doesn't have would be to browse the kids shops on Etsy. In the process I came across some great local finds.
Capital Region Etsy: clothing
A few ways to keep warm.
All this week Crystal is sharing local finds on Etsy.
Every year when the seasons change I browse local chain stores trying to find hats or gloves similar to those my mom used to hand knit when I was a kid. Then I end up suffering through the winter with cold hands because I'm picky and can never find quite what I'm looking for.
This year I found a number of shops on Etsy who love to hand knit custom orders. So unlike that pair of gloves I saw at the mall that weren't quite the right color, I can literally get anything I want. Luckily, there are several local shops who know the pain of Upstate winters and have some unique vintage and handmade pieces.
Capital Region Etsy: jewelry
Made in the CR
If you've been to Tight Knit or some of the other local craft fairs, you may already know that the Capital Region has a really awesome and diverse handmade community. Still, you usually have to wade through dozens of different vendors selling basically the same items to find that one diamond in the rough. And even if you wanted to spend your weekends combing the craft fairs, who has that kind of time?
In an effort help you navigate our local handmade community and spare you some of the holiday craziness, I've culled out some local Etsy shops that caught my eye. AOA will be posting some of my favorites throughout the week.
We start with some pretty fabulous handmade jewelry.
Carbon Reduction Certificates
Ahhhh.
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season.
OK, this one is for that person in your life that has absolutely everything. You know the type. It's also good for the particularly eco-conscious person.
Carbon reduction certificates from the Adirondack Council.
Because what says love more than helping preserve clean air?
Hudson Valley Seed Packets
Because winter won't last forever
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season. Today Jess kicks things off with flowers and veggies from the Hudson Valley Seed Library.
These aren't your -- excuse the pun -- garden-variety Burpee packets. Think varieties like Kaleidoscope carrots, Green Zebra Tomatoes, and Dragon's Tongue Beans.
Local holiday gift guide round-up
The Peppermint Pigs from Saratoga Sweets are still one of our favorite holiday gifts.
If you haven't finished (or -- you know -- started) your holiday shopping yet, there's a good chance you're getting a little... what's the word we're looking for? Panicky?
No worries. We've had the AOA elves out compiling a list of local holiday gifts that are fun to give and pretty easy to get.
Check out the full list after the jump. And by all means, if you have a good last-minute gift in mind that you'd like to add, pass it on.
Happy shopping.
Holiday gift guide: Candy!!!
Candy!
If you've been waiting to find the perfect little extra gift, or you're just looking for something nice for someone you know so well, today's gift idea might be just the ticket.
Because let's face it: locally made candy might very well be the best thing since --- well, itself.
Here are a few of my favorite local candy shops and some of their most popular holiday treats:
Holiday gift guide: children's museum memberships
Nothing says happy holidays like exploring earthworms.
Maybe you know some kids that seem to have more stuff than they know what to do with. You want to get them a gift but you don't know what they have, you don't know what they need, and you don't know what the hot new toy is.
Today's holiday gift guide suggestion is something kids can appreciate in December, or in June (and that parents won't have to clean up).
Holiday gift guide: local history
Your Capital Region history questions, answered.
Maybe it's just our inner geek, but we love knowing the back-story about the place we live.
Learning who stayed in that old hotel back in the day, what ghost haunts the music hall or the correct pronunciation of Kosciusko just kinda makes our day in a weird little way.
Today's local holiday gift guide suggestion celebrates exactly that type of local history geekdom.
Holiday gift guide: Rolf's
Smokey holiday goodness.
On the 4th day of the gift guide AOA gives to you:
The gift of meat.
Holiday gift guide: museum shops
From the gift shop at the Albany Institute.
Sometimes, in order to find just the right "what" you've got to find the right "where."
Some of the most overlooked "best places for gift shopping" in the Capital Region aren't in the malls -- they're in the museums. Best part -- you're supporting the museum while you shop.
Here are some local museums with lovely gift shops and a few of the gifts you can find there.
Holiday gift guide: Albany Etsy
A little something for everyone.
Internet shopping makes the holidays infinitely easier to battle through, allowing us to avoid the frustrating lines in the mall and the dreaded parking wars.
On the other hand, how does one shop locally while remaining in the comfort of their pjs?
As it turns out, a whole bunch of our favorite local artists, crafters and other awesome gift-makers have shops set up on Etsy!
Here are three sellers who offer items I covet myself but will sacrifice as gifts for those who deserve fantastic local gifts:
Holiday Gift Guide: Spectrum passes
Just add popcorn (with real butter).
'Tis the season and all that, so chances are you're doing a little holiday shopping.
If you're looking for something cool and you want to shop local, the AOA elves have pulled together a few fun holiday gifts that come from right here in the Capital Region.
Day 1: the gift of film
AOA's holiday gift guide
These little piggies are on the AOA holiday gift guide.
OK gang, we're down to the wire on this whole holiday shopping thing. It is officially the time of year when those who haven't finished shopping (or started) might begin to panic.
No need.
We're kind of big on thoughtful gifts here at AOA, so in case you still haven't been able to think of the right gift for someone on your list, we've been compiling a list for you. If you've missed them, after the jump you'll find a list of local gifts we think would be fun to give (or get).
Got some fun favorites that aren't on the list? Help an elf out and post your suggestions.
Pendant necklaces from Elissa Halloran Designs
A plethora of pendants.
What?
Pendant necklaces from Elissa Halloran.
Rock climbing, anyone?
What?
Gift certificates for indoor rock climbing at Albany's Indoor Rock Gym.
Who is it for?
Anyone who's climbing the walls -- or would be, if it weren't so cold outside. There are overhangs, floor-to-ceiling climbs, and even across-the-ceiling climbs. You can do indoor caving too.
Albany Art Room Gift Certificates
Gift certificates to the Albany Art Room AND permission to get dirty? Yay!!!
What?
Gift Certificates to the Albany Art Room. Think about it-- the kids are going to be off for a whole week, it's cold out, and the the time it takes to go from infatuation with new toys to stir crazy is shorter than you think. A few hours at the Albany Art Room could be a lot of fun for kids and a great break for parents.
Hand cream from Saratoga
Saratoga's answer to rough dry hands.
What:
Apothecary Essentials Hand Cream.
Back in the 1970's a patient with cracked, dry hands brought a prescription for a topical cream to Menges and Curtis Apothecary in Saratoga Springs. Included in the cream's ingredients -- water from Saratoga's famed mineral springs. Pharmacy employees began using it themselves and recommending it to other patients.
"They used to slap it in a vial and charge a dollar," Menges and Curtis owner Mike Lenz says. "People just kept coming back to get their vials refilled." For the last 20 years the pharmacy has been marketing the cream as part of a skin care line.
Belgian beer from Brewery Ommegang
Not just beer -- Ommegang beer.
On day five of AOA's holiday gift guide -- a little holiday cheer.
What?
The 2008 gift pack from Cooperstown's Brewery Ommegang: three 750 ml bottles (one Hennepin, one Three Philosophers and one Chocolate Indulgence Stout), plus a special Ommegang glass.
Holiday treats for furry friends
Yes, they look yummy, but hands off! They're for the dog (or cat).
On day three of AOA's holiday gift guide -- a little something for man's best friend.
What?
A selection of baked pet treats from Sherry's Kitchen.
Tea from The Good Leaf
Day 2 of the AOA's holiday gift guide...
What?
The Smart Tea Maker Starter Set at The Good Leaf Gourmet Tea Company on Lark Street. It includes three sample tins of tea and brewing instructions. Choose from Earl Grey de la Crème, Moroccan Mint, and Bollywood Brew Chai; or Rise, Tropical Fantasy, and Chamomile Sonata; or Vanilla-infused Rooibos, Very Strawberry, and Lemon Drop.
The Peppermint Pig
The three little peppermint pigs.
Done with your holiday shopping yet? Yeah, didn't think so. In our ongoing effort to be helpful (live elves), we've been keeping an eye out for gifts that are fun, interesting and local. We'll bring you one a day. And as always, if you've got any thoughts or suggestions, tell everyone about it.
On the first day of the AOA holiday gift guide we give you peppermint porcine goodness.
What?
The Peppermint Pig.
It's not bacon candy -- but it's almost as much fun. Candy pigs may seem kind of random, but they were a traditional holiday gift in Saratoga Springs generations ago. About 20 years ago Mike Fitzgerald at Saratoga Sweets brought them back. Now they're in catalogs and on the internet. They've even marched in the Macy's parade. But they're made right here in the Capital Region. Here's how the tradition works:
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?