With the holidays right around the corner, are you still searching for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? You’ll find something for all ages – and interests – in our annual holiday gift guide.
Chocolate Pizza Company
When Chocolate Pizza Company was founded more than 30 years ago, its chocolate pizzas were available in two varieties – one with nuts and one without nuts. Since then, it has grown into a national brand, and now offers more than 100 sweet treats.
Though it may be best known for its Chocolate Pizza and Peanut Butter Wings (potato chips dipped in peanut butter and milk or dark chocolate – “they sound crazy, but that sweet-salty balance makes them insanely yummy,” said current owner Ryan Novak), Chocolate Pizza Company also sells a variety of gifts for the holidays.
“One of the most popular is our Holiday Avalanche Wreath Combo that creates a Chocolate Pizza with a ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ greeting surrounded by a host of red-green chocolate candies, mini peanut butter cups, candy bar bites and sugar snowflakes. One pound of the Peanut Butter Wings in this combo come in a festive, reusable metal tin,” said Novak. “We also make fun stocking stuffers like Chocolate Pizza Slices, Snowbuddies (three-cookie snowmen), and our Elf Pack mini tote… It is very important this year that people order early for the holidays.”
Location: 3774 Lee-Mulroy Road, Marcellus.
More information: chocolatepizza.com.
1. Autumn Colors Chocolate Pizza, $22.95
2. 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Tin, $39.95
3. Holiday Avalanche Wreath Combo, $51.90
Pride + Joy
When Kathleen Zapata was pregnant with her third child (she had moved to the area several years before), she noticed that there weren’t a lot of places to shop locally for baby items. That drove her to open Pride + Joy.
Zapata said that baby layette is most popular, but the store also carries shoes, accessories, toys, books, and more for a variety of age groups. For the holidays, Pride + Joy will bring in some special items – ornaments, magical reindeer food, and clothing with holiday prints, to name a few.
“We take a lot of pride in being a gift-giving destination for newborns, then big siblings,” said Zapata. “Babies grow out of clothes quickly, but there are so many photo opportunities within that time, it feels good to have your baby wearing something soft and nice that washes well. I think that’s really important. I’ve also been focusing a lot on trying to get more sustainable toys in; doing away with some of the plastic. We want them to look good as well as be good for the environment.”
Location: 88 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.
More information: skanbaby.com.
1. Jellycat T-Rex, $30
2. Elephant Rattle/Teether, $17.99
3. Outfit: Shoes, $42; Sun, Moon, and Stars Tutu Party Dress, $48; Patagonia Vest, $99
4. Recordable Book, The Three Little Pigs, $34.99
20|East
In 2009, McKenzie Houseman and her late brother, Tim Hughes, a woodworker, began selling his cutting boards and bowls at the Cazenovia Farmers’ Market. That would eventually spark the idea for 20|East.
“It was crazy successful,” said Houseman. “Then we started noticing that all the farmers had to bring their stuff every week. And in the winter, there was only like one market a month, so there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for them to sell. So, I said, ‘Let’s do something where they can sell all year long.’ That’s really how it all started.”
Today, 20|East offers items in three main categories: food, flowers, and gifts (including as jewelry, like a Tennis Bracelet, stationary, skincare products, and home décor), many of which are made nearby – in fact, Houseman estimates that 85% of the items in the store are local. The space is also home to Cazenovia Cut Block, the business Houseman started with her brother 12 years ago, offering wooden cutting boards, bowls and more. Free giftwrapping is available.
Location: 85 Albany St., Cazenovia.
More information: 20-east.com.
1. Upstate & Chill Mug, $16
2. Wooden Button Winter Hat, $29.95
3. Thymes Frasier Fir Candle, $30
4. Cazenovia Cut Block Cutting Board, $35
Make sure to also check out these local businesses
Everson Museum of Art – The Everson Museum houses more than 10,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and videos. Memberships are available for purchase on its website, and include admission to all exhibits, member pricing for events and programs, and more.
Location: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse.
More information: everson.org.
Flamingo Bowl – After a year of meetings and deadlines, what team wouldn’t love a fun, relaxing night or afternoon out? Flamingo Bowl can help you pull off an event your team will rave about. To “get the ball rolling” email [email protected].
Location: 7239 Oswego Road, Liverpool.
More information: flamingobowlcny.com.
Glazed and Confused – Do you know someone with a sweet tooth? Glazed and Confused offers flavors such as ‘Carnival,’ ‘The Dizzy Pig,’ and ‘Cereal Killer.’ Purchase a gift certificate and try them all.
Location: 211 N. Clinton St., Syracuse.
More information: glazedsyr.com.
Inlet, New York – This holiday season, treat a family member (or yourself) to a weekend away. Located along the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks, the town of Inlet is home to shopping, boating, fishing, snowboarding and more.
More information: inletny.com.
La Fleur de Beauté – La Fleur de Beauté offers a variety of services, including facials, massages, and manicures and pedicures. Purchase a gift card online or take advantage of their monthly specials.
Location: 6900 Highbridge Road, Fayetteville.
More information: lafleurdayspa.com.
Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) – The MOST is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. Memberships are available for purchase, and include free unlimited admission each day, discounts on Science Shop items, and more.
Location: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.
More information: most.org.
Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply – Home of Hyman Smith Coffee, Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply has a variety of gifts for the coffee lover in your life. Choose from a variety of blends, including Hazelnut and French Vanilla, as well as coffee accessories, roasting supplies, and gift cards.
Location: 3140 Erie Blvd E., Dewitt.
More information: smithrestaurantsupply.com.
Syracuse Stage – Do you know a theater fan? Syracuse Stage has five more performances scheduled during the 2021/22 season: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; Yoga Play; Somewhere Over the Border; The Play that Goes Wrong; and salt/city/blues. Tickets are available for purchase on its website.
Location: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse.
More information: syracusestage.org.
