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 CNY gift guide.
Shop Small Business Saturday in Central New York
These local shops offer something for everyone so you can shop local for Small Business Saturday and beyond. We’ve also included websites where possible. Many of these shops offer online ordering so you can still support local businesses without having to leave home!
Located in the picturesque village of Clinton, Artisans’ Corner showcases work from more than 50 local and regional makers — from handmade jewelry and pottery to fine art, textiles, and whimsical holiday décor. The store feels like walking through a beautifully curated artist market, with gift ideas for every personality and price point. If your holiday shopping includes a scenic day trip, this charming spot offers the perfect blend of small-town coziness, craftsmanship, and one-stop gift inspiration.
Nestled in Syracuse’s Franklin Square, you’ll find a store that makes “gift-giving effortless.”
But Metro Home Style didn’t start out that way; it initially offered a mix of vintage and antique pieces at the Regional Market Commons.
“I did a lot of painted furniture, refinishing furniture,” said owner Linda O’Boyle. “It was getting kind of difficult to find the older vintage things and find time to finish them and keep the store stocked because it was selling. So, we started adding gifts, and it morphed into gifts and home accessories. And then in 2011, we moved over to Franklin Square.”
Metro Home Style has a little bit of everything: handbags, soap, lotion, jewelry, pet items, home décor, and cocktail bar accessories (each purchase comes with complimentary gift wrap). But there are two categories in particular that have grown in recent years.
“We opened the stationary room right before COVID and expanded all the paper goods and creative things as a response to the demand from the customers,” said O’Boyle. “And our gourmet department keeps growing and adding all kinds of different products, whether it’s cocktail stuff, things for charcuterie boards, and even the baking products that we have.”
Location: 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY. More information:metrohomestyle.net.
Tucked along East Water Street in downtown Syracuse, Mixed Methods brings together a curated collection of locally made pottery, jewelry, fiber art, candles, prints, and handcrafted home goods. Every item in the shop is created by an artist or maker from the region, making this boutique a treasure trove for one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you’re shopping for unique stocking stuffers or a special heirloom-quality piece, Mixed Methods offers a warm, creative atmosphere and a lineup of handcrafted finds you simply won’t get anywhere else. After shopping for your loved ones, be sure to treat yourself next door at The Sweet Praxis, known for its delicious baked goods and drinks!
Location: 215 E. Water St. (Rear), Syracuse, NY More information:letsgetmixed.com
New Hope Mills’ store and café are full of history.
Look around, and you’ll see a safe and a desk from the company’s old flour mill, a blade from the sawmill that was on the property, and machinery from a Pennsylvania mill of the same era.
The business has been passed down through three generations of the same family, with roots going all the way back to 1823.
“My grandfather purchased it at the end of the 1940s and passed it to my father and uncle, and then my brother purchased it about 11 years ago,” said Marketing Manager Dawn Korbel. “His son works here, and my daughter is working here, so the fourth generation is involved now, which is really awesome. Over the years, we’ve expanded from just grinding flour to blending…We still own the mill, and the equipment is still in there, but at this point, we have everything in Auburn.”
New Hope Mills is probably best known for its pancake mixes (20 varieties are currently available—buttermilk and buckwheat are the most popular), but the store also sells baking mixes, hot chocolate, syrup, jelly, salad dressing, giftware, and home décor.
“We always have our gift boxes, but the gift bags and collections in baskets, we only have those during the holidays,” said Korbel. “A lot of our products completely switch over to Christmas. It’s definitely a good time to visit. It will seem very different than the rest of the year.”
Location: 181 York St., Auburn, NY. More information:newhopemills.com.
Please note: online prices are higher than in-store prices.
Riverside Artisans is a cooperative-style shop on Oswego’s waterfront that features a wide range of handcrafted goods from local artists, including fused-glass ornaments, candles, stationery, woodwork, jewelry, and vibrant fine-art pieces. With its warm, community-centered atmosphere and constantly rotating selection, it’s an ideal stop for finding gifts that carry a personal touch and a sense of regional pride. This is a must-visit for readers looking to support makers and explore the lakefront for a festive shopping outing.
Set in the heart of Skaneateles village, Skaneateles Artisans offers a beautiful selection of original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, décor, and artisan-made pieces that reflect the creativity of Central New York’s maker community. The gallery-style shop makes gift-giving feel elevated and intentional, whether you’re picking out a statement piece for someone special or browsing smaller handmade treasures. Plan your visit during Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas event for the ultimate holiday shopping experience!
For Kelly Landau, the timing of the launch of SYNPLE littles was “kind of serendipitous.”
Her lifestyle boutique, SYNPLE, had been around since 2014 (first online, then in the village of Camillus), dedicating a small area to children’s items. When the space next door became available, expanding it into a separate store seemed like the perfect next step.
“The great thing about it was, it was at a time when I became an empty nester,” said Landau. “Everything I bring in here is simple things that I love, and I’ve used for years. The little rocks are things that my boys loved. They loved plushies when they were little. It’s kind of just building on that. I didn’t really want to do a boutique for clothing, although we do have some clothing. I wanted it to be more of a fun place where kids could come in and grab an item that wasn’t super expensive, or where a parent could go and get a birthday gift for their child.”
The store’s top sellers are Jellycat stuffed animals, Magnetic Me onesies, and Barefoot Dreams blankets and socks (“I actually used to gift them 18-20 years ago when friends of mine were having babies; they’re good quality,” said Landau). The Tender Leaf wooden toys have also been popular.
“We have gone with the tagline, ‘your one stop-shop for everything holiday,’” said Landau. “We package everything up really nicely. We take the tags off and put them in cute packaging, so you’re all set for gifting, going with our business model of making life simple.”
Location: 68 Main St., Camillus, NY. More information:shopsynple.com
Nestled at 4 Jordan Street in the charming village of Skaneateles, The Local Branch is a standout destination for high-quality, USA-made leather and canvas goods — think duffles, wallets, hats, key fobs, and apparel — all crafted with thoughtful design and artisan sensibility. With options for customization and a curated selection of rugged yet refined pieces, this shop is ideal for anyone looking to gift craftsmanship that lasts. You can also find a thoughtfully curated collection of jewelry, candles, pottery, and more. Its blend of American-made quality, personal service, and small-batch style makes it a must-visit location in Downtown Skaneateles!
Location: 4 Jordan St., Skaneateles, NY More information:thelocalbranch.co
Wildflowers Armory is a downtown Syracuse collective featuring dozens of CNY makers, artists, and small creative businesses under one roof — making it one of the best places in the region to shop locally for the holidays. From handcrafted jewelry and locally themed apparel to candles, prints, pottery, and quirky stocking stuffers, the shop is filled with unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. Its ever-changing vendor lineup and strong community spirit make it a go-to destination for anyone hoping to give gifts that are meaningful, handmade, and truly local.
Location: 217 S. Salina St. (Fayette St. entrance), Syracuse, NY More information:wildflowersarmory.com
Give the Gift of CNY Experiences and Flavors
If your family members or friends prefer experiences over things, you’re still in luck! From live performances and exciting exhibits to coffee, chocolate, and more, these featured businesses in Central New York offer memorable gifts for everyone.
Give the gift of nature year-round! Stop by the Interpretive Center gift shop to browse locally crafted and nature-themed items or pick up a gift certificate or membership. Our trails are open every day from dawn to dusk – free of charge! Location: 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.
Gift tickets to an upcoming performance. The 2025/26 season features Wicked from December 3-16 (think of it as an early Christmas gift!), MJ The Musical, and TheMusic Man. Or buy a gift certificate and let them choose the show.
Is your child interested in horses? Located in Cazenovia, Canterbury Stables offers lessons for all age groups and experience levels. Gift certificates are available.
Epicuse is a foodie’s dream right in downtown Syracuse, offering gourmet pantry staples, artisanal snacks, specialty cheeses, small-batch sauces, local products, and beautifully curated gift baskets perfect for holiday giving. Their ready-made gift boxes — featuring everything from locally roasted coffee to handcrafted pasta, infused oils, sweets, and charcuterie add-ons — make holiday gifting effortless and tasteful. Pair a basket with a bottle from their sister shop, Vincent Wines, for a memorable, locally inspired flavor experience!
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.
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers families a chance to explore Oswego’s rich waterfront history through hands-on exhibits, historic vessels, and stories that bring the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario to life. Visitors can climb aboard the LT-5 tugboat, step inside the Eleanor D. schooner, and explore exhibits on shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and the region’s role in military and commercial navigation — making it a memorable outing for curious kids and history-loving adults alike. While you’re there, be sure to stop into the museum’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop, open daily from 1–5 p.m., to browse nautical books, maritime-themed décor, model ships, kids’ activities, ornaments, and unique gifts inspired by the Great Lakes.
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.
LaFleur de Beauté offers a variety of services, including facials, massages, and manicures and pedicures. Purchase a gift card online or take advantage of its monthly specials.
Light of the World Ballet is a full-time professional ballet company which performs locally, state-wide, and tours nationally and internationally. With a dedicated and caring staff focused on artistic excellence and community engagement, the company strives to uplift and inspire audiences through the power of dance. Beginner to advanced ballet classes are available.
Give the gift of curiosity! Sciencenter memberships offer year-round access to hands-on exhibits, special programs, and endless fun. Inspire a love of science for the whole family—perfect for holiday giving!
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.
For a gift that appeals to every sweet tooth, Sweet on Chocolate in Syracuse’s historic Armory Square delivers handcrafted truffles, caramels, chocolate-dipped pretzels, seasonal bark, and gift boxes that feel luxurious without being over the top. Their small-batch approach shines through in every piece, making this shop a perfect choice for host gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher treats, or a special indulgence for someone who appreciates artisanal flavors. With beautifully packaged assortments and festive holiday collections, Sweet on Chocolate brings a delicious, local flair to your gift-giving.
Syracuse Stage has several more performances scheduled for the 2025/26 season: A Christmas Story; Relentless; Joe Turner’s Come and Gone; and Frozen The Broadway Musical.Tickets for all of them can be purchased on its website, along with gift certificates.
Give the gift of wonder with an experience at The MOST, one of Central New York’s most engaging spots for hands-on STEM learning and family fun. From interactive science exhibits and immersive planetarium shows to the beloved Dino Zone and rotating special events, The MOST offers something exciting for kids of all ages — and their parents. An annual membership or gift certificate makes a perfect clutter-free gift for families, encouraging year-round curiosity, exploration, and memory-making right in the heart of downtown Syracuse.
Photo provided by The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play is the ultimate experience gift for families — a world-renowned, immersive museum entirely dedicated to the importance of play. Kids can explore everything from a kid-sized Wegmans to hands-on exhibits about comics, video games, Sesame Street, and physical play zones designed for climbing, jumping, and imagination. The Strong turns every visit into an adventure. Gift cards, memberships, or pre-planned day trips make unforgettable holiday presents that offer joy long after the wrapping paper is gone.
