Cortland County’s Shop Small Guide

Shop Small Saturday in Cortland County is basically the Olympics of local shopping we're here to help you take home gold. Skip the big-box déjà vu and slip into a world of small-batch treats, handmade treasures, and delightfully quirky Cortland County finds you won’t spot anywhere else. Whether you’re gifting foodies, frazzled friends, homesick transplants, or that friend who’s impossible to shop for, this Cortland County gift guide proves the best presents come from right here in our own little community.

If your friend’s love language is carbs, caffeine, or anything that can be drizzled, dunked, or sipped, Cortland’s small businesses have you covered. Grab a bag of Coffee Mania’s espresso at for the at-home barista who treats their Chemex like a sacred ritual. Pair it with Cortland Beer Co.’s Creamed Whiskey for the cocktail nerd who knows the difference between “stirred” and “built.” For the holiday host, nothing says I adore you like Trinity Valley’s spiced egg nog, stocked locally at many Cortland-area grocery spots. And dessert? Just show up with a pie from Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill. Any flavor is the right flavor. Finally, for your spice-loving friend who insists leftover turkey sandwiches deserve drama, Hunter & Hilsberg’s Spicy Cranberry Spread, found at local markets around the county, is about to become their whole personality.

For the glamour queen in your life, swing by Press Gurwitz Perfumerie and gift one of their signature scents, or go full main-character energy with a custom blend made right in-house. Know someone who’s been “a little stressed” since 2018? Florist Farms Calm Gummies, available at Classy Canna, are the gentle nudge they need to finally relax. The multitasker who hasn’t sat still since high school will melt for Nipotina Herb Farm’s Soak & Soothe Bath Tea, sold at Crown City Curiosities. While you're there, grab Heshbon Bath’s Aries Repairing Serum. It's the perfect gift for the outdoorsy one whose cheeks are perpetually wind-chapped in winter. The Local Food Market carries Stinky Girl Beauty Co.’s Botanical Salt Spray, perfect for your friend who’s always sprinting out the door but still looks fabulous. And for your resident tea devotee, snag a handmade Pottery Works mug from Cinch Art Space. They are kind of mug that instantly upgrades every cup. 

For the friend who moved far, far away, send them a little hometown cheer. Know someone who has strong feelings about Greek Peak powder days? The Good Neighbor Art bird’s-eye-view of Greek Peak holiday card, will hit them right in the hometown feels. For the iced coffee diehard (yes, even when it’s 12 degrees), pick up the Willow Lane Farmhouse travel mug featuring the iconic Homer Hardware mural. Artsy types will love the cozy Center for the Arts of Homer “Create” sweatshirt. Curious collector will love the Cortland Curiosities tote exclusively at the Experience Cortland Visitors Center, and for the history buff, wrap up a copy of The Heart of Central New York, on sale at the Cortland County Historical Society.

For the friend who has everything, and then some, Cortland County's got surprises. Audiophiles will swoon over The 1812 Shoppe’s handmade rare-wood Bluetooth speaker. Cryptid lovers? They absolutely need the six-foot Bigfoot silhouette from the Truxton Outpost. Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s magnificent. Pickle fanatics can rep their brine loyalty with a Trust Your Gut hat from Food & Ferments. Your “just one more round” buddy will cackle over Dasher’s Corner Pub’s iconic squishy red lobster drink token, available right at the bar. And for the dog-obsessed friend who proudly shows you 47 photos of their golden retriever every time you hang out, Head & Heal CBD Dog Treats, available at the Local Food Market, will win both of them over instantly.

Shopping small isn’t just about finding great gifts. It’s about celebrating the makers, creators, growers and curators who make Cortland County feel like home. So whether you’re crossing off your list, treating yourself, or just wandering with a latte in hand, Shop Small Saturday is the perfect time to explore the creativity tucked into every corner of our community. Click here for a full list of Cortland County’s boutiques and local shops and keep the good vibes (and good shopping) going all season long.

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