This time of year can get expensive. On top of the struggle to find the perfect gift, many of us are trying to be more thoughtful about where our money goes. Whether you’re resolving to avoid large corporations, be more green in 2022, or generally shop more mindfully, we’ve got you covered. Check out these shopping and gift-giving ideas from the TGW team.
Experiences/
General Good
Miiriya
Download the Miiriya app to shop Black-Owned Businesses in one place!
Rochester Brainery
If you’re looking for an experience, check out the Rochester Brainery and find a class on anything from cooking, to painting, to blacksmithing.
Little Shop of Hoarders
Thrifting is not only great for the planet, thrift stores are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures. Gift cards to local spots like Little Shop of Hoarders are thoughtful gifts for the choosy thrifter in your life.
Record Archive
Records, posters, tees, stickers, (whatever!), from Record Archive or your favorite local music shop (find yours at RecordStoreDay.com)
Staycaytion Getaway
For your friend or loved one who prefers experiences to things, consider hitting up your favorite local vacation rental or hotel for a deluxe staycation getaway.
New Hobbies
What better time to take up a new hobby? Why not try knitting, embroidery, painting, collage, clay sculpting, or even making prints of some of your favorite photos and framing them.
Home goods
Weslee Rose
Beeswrap and sustainable cleaning products from Weslee Rose, a local Rochester business dedicated to zero waste.
Pur Home
Natural cleaning products from Pur Home.
Homesong Market
Flea market finds and more at Homesong Market.
Light My Candle Co.
We love these candles by Light My Candle Co. Aromatherapy is a kind of therapy, folks!
Oxford Pennant
Obviously, an Oxford Pennant.
Rory Pots
Small batch ceramics like these from Rory Pots.
Ordinary Magic
The CUTEST ceramic decor at Ordinary Magic.
Jewelry & Accessories
Local Eclectic
Looking for unique jewelry at a fair price? Check out Local Eclectic, which carries a collection of brands that are 94% women founded/owned with 72% having 5 or fewer employees.
Enamoured
This stunning jewelry from Enarmoured.
ShesCraftyShopPNW
Handmade earrings from ShesCraftyShopPNW. Choose from premade earrings or work with Robyn (the wonderful shop owner) to create the custom earrings of your dreams.
Clothing
Shadow Island Design & Vintage
Beautiful, repurposed quilted clothing creations and vintage treasures from Shadow Island Design & Vintage.
This is Sobo
Hand-made creations from This is Sobo.
The Lucky Flea Market
The Lucky Flea Market (held on Sundays) is the mother of Rochester thrifting experiences. Explore your local vintage and support countless curators and creatives.
Arts n Crafts
Andrea Durfee, Hannah Winters, & Christy Roushey
Purchase an original piece of art and support local artists. Currently loving art by Andrea Durfee, Hannah Winters, and Christy Roushey.
Reading My Tea Leaves
If you’re feeling crafty, might we recommend one of the homemade gift tutorials from Reading My Tea Leaves! (My fave is this simple storage caddy). They include lots of sustainable gift-giving ideas, including a make-your-own-cardboard-box-for-shipping tutorial!
Unwrp
Unwrp wrapping/gifting paper!
Alannah Tiller at A Lil Scribble
Art from Alannah Tiller at A Lil Scribble is both fun and whimsical AND priced for every budget!
MinaMakesInk
Grab some prints, stickers, and other goodies from MinaMakesInk!
Phoebe Wahl & Co.
The most wonderful, folksy, whimsical vibes from Phoebe Wahl & Co. (her shop includes some really sweet picture books for your little ones, too).
Reads
Mahogany Books
Give the gift of knowledge & learning. Gift books from Mahogany Books.
Small World Books
Books are one of our favorite gifts—especially secondhand ones from Small World Books.
IndieBound
Not in Rochester? Find the closest indie bookstore using IndieBound.
NYT Notable Books of the Year
One of the NYT Notable Books of the Year, from your favorite local bookstore (find it on IndieBound)!
Food & Drink
Happy Earth Tea
If you have a tea-lover in your life, you can’t go wrong with Happy Earth Tea. They have a great selection of loose-leaf tea and tea-brewing paraphernalia on their ecomm site. If you’re a Rochester native, you can stop by their store to enjoy some fresh-brewed tea this winter!
Hedonist Chocolate
Hedonist Artisan Chocolates are handmade with fresh ingredients to give as gifts or indulge yourself.
Niblack
For those local to Rochester, Niblack has some amazing options for the foodie in your life. Spice blends from all cultures, uncommon ingredients, and locally sourced baked goods are everything you could want for your holiday feasts.
Broma Bakery
If you like to bake, you can't go wrong with a cookie recipe from Broma Bakery—for a handmade, low- or no-waste gift!
Hit Your Local Market
If your local public market runs year-round, hit it up! It's fun to talk to the vendors and understand where your ingredients really come from.
Show Your Local Restaurants Some Love
Gift certificates to local restaurants, wine shops, etc. in your town or city make great gifts!
Bath & Body
Fat and the Moon
Fat and the Moon creates ethically harvested, organic, non-toxic body and makeup products crafted by self-described witches focused on healing through nature.
HiBAR
HiBAR creates salon-quality shampoo & conditioner with natural ingredients, and, of course, beautiful plastic-free packaging.
Lush
Who doesn’t love great-smelling bath & body products? Lush has a lot of great packaging-free products to choose from! All the scents you love with zero plastic.
Kingsley Street
Kingsley Street in Syracuse for soaps and more!
