Local Holiday Gift Guide

Confessions of a shopaholic... at christmas!

This weekend a light snow dusted the tree tops of Syracuse, NY reminding us that CHRISTMAS IS COMING!! I am a Halloween fanatic myself but I can't help but get nostalgic around the holidays. I love decorating my tree, enjoying homemade food with my family, and snuggling up under a pile of blankets. I know this is what the holidays are REALLY about HOWEVER I also have always loved gift giving. You can call me materialistic, but for me holiday shopping is like a treasure hunt! Finding the PERFECT gift for everyone on my list is a thrill... and a headache.

The last few years it's been getting harder and harder to find the time for my holiday treasure hunt and I've often resorted to the very convenient, oh-so-basic, and not-so-thrilling Amazon cart! Although I try to be intentional with my gift giving, it can be really difficult, so this year I wanted to highlight some of the wonderful local brands and business I have had the pleasure of working with (and a few I just admire!)

I've decided to split this up into a few categories with a few options for each category. Lastly, this is a friendly reminder that no one's gonna know if some of the items on your list are *treat yourself* items!

For the self-care queen...

Good skin brand

Ok I am a *teensy tiny* bit biased but Good Skin Brand has the BEST natural soaps, face masks, bath-bombs, candles (etc.) Seriously ... YOU NAME IT and Brianna Haines has perfected it! You don't have to question the quality of ingredients nor sacrifice luxury with good Skin Brand; not to mention I am constantly in awe of her creativity and her packaging.

Check them out here: https://goodskinbrand.com/

seed rising massage

I promise you can do no wrong with the gift of massage. Allow the body to be healed by steady hands (and some hot stones) and the soul to be uplifted by the incredibly kind and genuine Giustina Viviana! A little tropical oasis in the very grey Syracuse, Seed Rising offers 60, 90, and 120 minute massages for an incredibly fair (and affordable) price! Did I mention she makes her own gorgeous oils!?

Check them out here: https://seed-rising.com/

Vyana Yoga & Polari Tea

Yoga session & tea lounge all in one place? Say less! The yoga classes range from beginner level and on through breathing techniques and movement. The tea shop is so cozy and all they have a wonderful selection of teas and lattes. Grab the perfect wellness present from gift cards to bolsters and more.

Check them out here: https://www.vyanayoga.com/

I do not claim any rights to this photo

for the one who loves statement jewelry

evermore handcrafted

Handcrafted is in the name! Caroline is a super talented earring maker with the most unique designs I have ever come across. Her hand sculpted earrings are something to behold, as is Caroline herself! I'm not sure I can adequately put her designs in words so I will just show you with photos!

Check them out here: https://evermorehandcrafted.com/

maed by mini

The queen of faux stone clay earrings! Royston Ribbon Turquoise, Malachite, Agate Slices, Lapis, Onyx, Howlite, GEODE oh yeah Maed by Mini has got you covered! I truly don't know how Lauren does it but she makes pure magic! The last couple years Lauren has also linked up with artist Mikayla aka Mak to put out some gorgeous hand painted collections. P.S. another STUNNING MAKxMINI collection launches on Small business Saturday (11/26/2022)!

Check them out here: https://www.maedbymini.com/

Brash Design

I first came across Brash Design when I was photographing an event and I was immediately drawn in! The booth was filled with a mix of funky bold earring designs and hand selected vintage pieces. Plus you will receive a free gift with every purchase through 12/31/22 no code needed (see the friendly reminder above *cough* treat yourself *cough*!)

Check them out here: https://www.brashmadeandfound.com/

for the foodie / Caffeine crazed

Tickled Pink

Don't show up to the party empty handed! Show up with jaw dropping, conversation starting, baked goods and confectionaries by Tickled Pink. Pick from chocolate iPhones, luxury sugar cookies, (who else can say they've eaten a Chanel Perfume COOKIE) chocolate strawberries with edible gold flakes, customizable cake pops AND MORE!

Check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/tickledpink123/

Salt City Coffee

If you live in Syracuse, chances are you have stumbled across Salt City Coffee. Now anyone who knows me knows I am not a coffee drinker, but I can say the Peach Iced Tea is DEVINE! Moral of the story - everyone loves caffeine! Consider purchasing a gift card or some cute Salt City merch. If you're lucky the person you gift it to will take you on a coffee date.

Check them out here: https://saltcitycoffee.com/

Local Restaurants

Treat someone to a night out with dinner & drinks! It was impossible for me to select just one local restaurant so here are a few favorites:

Pastabilities: Their seasonal menu is always fantastic and right now it is featuring a cherry mezcal sour that I would sell my soul for!

Rise n' Shine Diner: Their chicken & waffles are the best around and I beg you to prove me wrong!

Dinosaur BBQ: Doesn't get more Syracuse than Dino; if you haven't tried the green fried tomatoes you are missing out!

These are COOKIES … yeah, you read that right!

I do not own the rights to this photo.

for the fashionista

oh my chicken

Even though Sean Adams moved from Syracuse he still has a special place in my heart and on this list! Sean's designs are super unique, one of a kind, and WAY ahead of the trends! I swear the mix match two toned flannel trend started right here in Syracuse in 2018 by Mr. OMC himself! Sean started by thrifting unique pieces, tearing them up, and putting them back together again with the OMC flair (and has only improved his skills since then!) He recently worked on a collection for a fashion event called BLK PLANET in Washington DC and will be listing the items to sell for the holidays.

Check them out here: https://www.ohmychicken.org/

SHANNON CREATES

Get cozy this season in crochet with the very talented Shannon Eckler! She sells her cozy designs (beanies, sweaters, dresses and more) at markets and pop up events which you can find listed on her website. If the person you are buying for wants to get into crochet, Shannon has got you covered there too. She also sells her patterns and has a youtube channel where you can follow along (PLUS her patterns are size inclusive!)

Check them out here: https://shannoncreatesdesigns.com/

cherry pit collective

The Cherry Pit Collective is a collection of women / unisex clothing and home goods curated by a team of talented thrifters. Not only do they have beautiful pieces in their storefront in downtown Syracuse, but they also host events where you can participate in a one for one clothing exchange! The next swap takes place on December 9th. Not only is this a holiday themed swap, its a chance to participate in the Syracuse Toy Drive.

Check them out: https://www.facebook.com/thecherrrypit

For the art collector

Brodie bee studio

Okay... I've added ANOTHER person who has moved away from Syracuse BUT Brodie's art & stationary products are so fun it would be a disservice to not include her! From her gorgeous themed calendars, holiday napkins, and notepads to custom home and pet portraits, Brodie has the perfect gift(s) for your loved ones. I have personally enjoyed her mini desktop calendar and I WILL be getting a custom portrait of Rio in the future!

Check them out here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrodieBee

Jaleel Campbell

Jaleel is a digital illustrator, media artist, and doll maker whose style is unmatched. His work is featured in the Emerson and other galleries across the state of NY. His work 'captures the beauty and essence of black life and culture' and 'aims to honor and acknowledge African traditions.' If you are looking to gift some truly unique art look no further; he has paper and canvas prints available NOW and Jaleel is working on a batch of dolls he hopes to have available by Christmas! I have been very fortunate to purchase a handmade doll as a gift for my brother and it is an absolute show stopper!

Check them out here: https://www.jaleelcampbell.com/shop

CUp of Rahman

Celine is a creator of all things fun and colorful! Her resin art will unleash you inner child or in the very least spark up conversation. She has a mix of resin made accessories, art prints, apparel and more! I met Celine (very briefly) years ago through a mutual friend and her art has stayed with me all this time! I wasn't exactly sure how to categorize her shop but I do believe these items would be adored by the artsy friends in your life.

Check them out here: http://cupofrahman.com/

I do not own the rights to this photo.

I do not own the rights to this photo

for the sentimental

And of course I have to shamelessly plug myself here because the gift of professional photos is something that will be cherished for all the Christmases, Kwanzaas, Hanukkahs (etc.) to come! Life moves so quickly and it's natural to get swept up in the day to day grind. But my absolute favorite thing about photography is capturing the little moments in between, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it magic, the photos you will cherish for a lifetime. It may sound corny, but life is short - take the photos! I promise you won't regret having memories to look back on. Let's chat about how you can give a personalized photography experience.

other Local Shops & Vendors to Check out

20 East

Located in Cazenovia, NY

"Our family is dedicated to supporting our local farmers, artisans and community with a place to come together to sell and purchase food and products that were grown or created right here in New York state! We hope you feel at home when you enter our Farm Store."

The local branch

Located in Skaneateles, NY

"The Local Branch features artisan printed apparel, handcrafted leather goods, jewelry and accessories"

Syracuse Antique Exchange

Located in Syracuse, NY

"The Syracuse Antiques Exchange has become the premier destination in Central New York for quality antiques and vintage items. We offer a wide variety of lighting, furniture, trinkets, estate jewelry, and other decorative arts, all carefully curated by over seventy different dealers."

wildflowers armory