Regardless of which holiday you celebrate this season, finding the perfect gift for someone special can be challenging at best and downright frustrating at times. If you're looking to give something meaningful, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable, all while supporting local artisans and creators, look no further. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite things made right here in Cortland County.
There's a little something for everyone in this Shop Small Saturday Guide (including you!), but don't stop there. Cortland County is brimming with too many beautiful boutiques, quaint antique shops, and galleries to mention. Check out our full shopping list here!
THE BAKER
We all have that one friend who puts Betty Crocker to shame. At every party, they show up with perfectly themed cupcakes, delicately layered trifles, and cookies so good they're worth fighting over. Indulge their passion with an apron by Magpie Custom Creations. Whether you choose a ready-made creation or decide on a custom apron, this show-stopper is bound to become a family heirloom, worn in front of a warming oven for generations to come.
THE NATURALIST
The walls of Cinch Art Space are erupt in an iridescent rainbow, captured in the painstakingly preserved wings of exotic butterflies and glittering beetles. Insecta Etcetera is where art and nature collide under glass. Whether you're shopping for the nature lover, curiosity collector, or scientifically minded, this unique gift will inspire wonder for years to come.
THE THEATERGOER
While a gift card may often seem impersonal, your culture vulture bestie will be beyond thrilled to receive a gift certificate to The Cortland Repertory Theater or The Center for the Arts of Homer. With year-round entertainment, national acts, plays off-broadway, and live shows ranging from rock-n-roll to reggae, they are bound to find an event that tickles their fancy. Extra perk, if you're lucky, maybe they'll invite you!
THE HISTORIAN
Filled with wild true tails of rouge elephants, stagecoach adventures, and historical hijinks, Martin Sweeney's newest book, The Heart of Central New York: Stories of Historic Homer, will captivate the history buff in your life. (Pick up a copy locally at the Homer Bev & Co.) Couple it with a gorgeous cotton tapestry throw depicting historical Cortland from the Cortland County Historical Society, and you've got all the ingredients for a winter evening well spent by the fire.
THE FASHIONISTA
We know them, the person who always looks so effortlessly put together. They casually combine the newest trends and vintage pieces, creating show-stopping looks. Their style is bold, timeless, and completely covet-worthy. Surprise them with something one-of-a-kind from Elfcup Boutique this season. From trending vintage ware to handmade jewelry that tosses rainbows and captures blossoms, you're guaranteed to find something that will make the fashionista in your life go gaga over your gift.
THE SERIOUS ART COLLECTOR
Their house is a literal gallery, floor-to-ceiling adorned with original art. This holiday, add a little mirth to their collection with an original piece by Paul Kozlowski. The Ake Gallery is filled with art inspired by mischief, a little mayhem, and lots of laughter. Bring a smile to the face of the serious art collector in your life with a unique piece that will always make them think of you with a chuckle.
THE SCI-FI FAN
Whether they love gaming, Stranger Things, or are just nostalgic about the 80s, Area 51 & The Crowe's Nest in the Cortland Corset Building is offering something you can't find anywhere else. Welcome to the Cortland Chapter of the Hellfire Club! This t-shirt is sure to turn heads and spark heated debates about Eddie Munson wherever they wear it. T-shirts not your thing? Talk to owner Fran Crowe about getting that logo (or any other) on anything from tumblers to dice bags and make this holiday binge-worthy.
THE IMPOSSIBLE
We all have that one person on our list. It might person who has everything, your in-laws, or maybe it's your boss. You have no clue what to get them, but it's got to be good. Really good. Have no fear; Carol Hill is here (in downtown Cortland that is). Drop by Just Chill Custom Gifting and tell Carol a little about the person you are shopping for. Then step back and marvel as she does the impossible, curating the perfect gift basket. No stale cookies and cheesy trinkets in sight. Carol's baskets are brimming with handcraft, artisan items selected with someone special in mind. Her baskets are so good you might just get that raise this year!
THE HOSTESS
It's been a long day of shopping. Your trunk is full, and your toes are dragging. You're in desperate need of a pick me up, and you suddenly remember you need to grab something for this evening dinner party host. Or, a simple thank-you gift for your neighbor that pitched in when your oven quit working during Thanksgiving prep. Or, maybe a little something for your kid's teacher, whose winter break cannot come soon enough. Common Grounds has got you covered. Swing into the Crescent Commons and grab yourself a latte and a beautiful bouquet by Floristry, all wrapped up and ready to impress. And maybe one for yourself too. After all that shopping, you deserve it.
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