Local-ish Holiday Gift Guide

My totally random list of what I'm giving (and hoping to get) this year!

The local markets and holiday pop-ups have been especially inspiring this year, and a bunch of you DM’ed me asking for specific gift ideas. Ask and you shall receive - welcome to the 2nd annual Go Love NY gift guide!

Note: I found most of these items at local shops, but many are also available online.

Campfire + Fir Candle - $30
You can find Catskill Candle Studios at many local gift shops and makers' markets. I'm currently loving this blend of fir trees, campfire, and lemon that I also picked up in Millerton at Abode.

Misen 5-inch Serrated Knife - $74
In the category of "you didn't know you needed it until you had it," this was gifted to me earlier this year and I can't seem to imagine life before. It's the perfect serrated knife for everything – small enough for fruit and big enough for a loaf of crusty bread. And bonus: the entire site is currently 25% off!

Happily Puzzles - $25
These bright, clever jigsaws feature collage-style illustrations that make the puzzling experience way more fun than your typical scenic landscape. Each section gives you that satisfying "got it!" feeling, which is probably why their tagline is "Jigsaws that make you smile." Thanks for the inspiration Dinner A Love Story!

Notebox Note Cards - $5 each
These charming illustrated cards capture the character of some of my favorite Hudson Valley places like Beacon and Bear Mountain through detailed line drawings. Perfect for those times when a text just won't do! They make thoughtful hostess gifts or sweet additions to care packages.

Social Light Refillable Lighter - $68
Since free matches are less ubiquitous at restaurants and bars these days, a refillable lighter is nice to have. And a dressed-up, well-designed one is even better! Found at Dutchess Trading Store, Millerton, NY

Sanctuary Jeans - $99
I know Sharon, CT. isn't technically the Hudson Valley (and I know I don’t usually write about clothing), but it’s close enough. And, while you can probably find these jeans elsewhere, Bartley, the owner of B.Johnstone, just gets it. She stocks exactly what you want right now – whether it's the perfect sparkly sweatshirt or a vintage Valentino jacket. Worth the detour from Millerton!

Grey Market Napkins ($36 /Set of 4)
Block-printed napkins that strike the perfect balance — they’re not too thin or too thick, and they look great with most tablecloths or placemats. I've spotted them at In2Green in Hastings-on-Hudson and Bosco's Mercantile in Saugerties.

Mega Monster Charcuterie Board - $255
At over 4 feet long, this maple wood board from Khem Studio is a game-changer. It's narrow enough to hold court at the center of your table while giving you tons of space to lay out an impressive spread. This board makes everything you put on it look like you’re hosting a spread worthy of a magazine shoot. You can pick one up at Bloomy Cheese & Provisions in Dobbs Ferry.

Paper Towel Scarf - $130
This clever cotton scarf perfectly mimics a paper towel roll, perforations, and all! Created by E is for Effort, it's part of a witty collection that includes cast twist-tie rings and a banana-shaped menorah (aka The Banorah). Their clever take on everyday objects reminds me of M&Co's designs from the ’90s.

Felt Placemats and Coasters - prices vary
If you like Graft Lanz (like I do!) then you'll love these similar felt products from Felt Planet. I realized on Thanksgiving that I’ve been using the same placemats for 20+ years, and it is time for an upgrade. The only hard part is deciding which color. I'm considering a grey-orange combo that would work well in my mid-century house.

The Cat’s Pajamas - $129
Because who doesn't like pajamas? I've heard these are the perfect level of crispness and, after washing, feel like a well-worn, broken-in man's shirt. Can't wait for mine to show up in blue gingham!

Ororo Heated Vest - $99
If you're always cold like me, this heated vest is pure genius. I wear it nonstop around the house starting in November and layer it under my coat when I go out for a walk. While I have the classic version, I'm thinking the fleece might be even better for indoor wear. It was my favorite gift from my husband last year — now two people in my family are getting one!

Wooden puzzle - $15
I am obsessed with this puzzle, where you slide wooden pieces around to show the month, date, and day – way less screen time than my NYTimes Games app addiction). Find it at Make Your Mark[et], Hastings-on-Hudson.

A Gift Subscription to GoLoveNY - $8 /month
Do you like this newsletter? Share the Hudson Valley love! A subscription makes the perfect gift for anyone who's curious about local spots, planning a move upstate, or just wants to discover more of what makes this region special. Think of it as a year-round inside scoop on all things HV (plus you'll be supporting independent local journalism in the process!).

Happy Holidays!