12 Days of
Finger Lakes
Gift Giving
2023 Gift Guide:
There are two things that set the Finger Lakes apart from anywhere else in the world: our natural resources and our small businesses. This magical part of the world has some of the very best makers and artists, waterfalls and hikes, farms and shops. Supporting local businesses feeds our community. When you shop locally, you’ll get unique and meaningful gifts while supporting our local economy in a truly impactful way. A single purchase could benefit the small business who sells it, the artist who makes it, the local farm who produces the materials, and the lucky recipient who loves it, tells their friends all about it, and keeps the cycle going. Shopping locally is ecofriendly and sustainable too….we could go on and on! Enjoy this Finger Lakes Gift Guide and share the love! ‘Tis the season!
Day 1
A Hike and a Hat: Gift a guided hike with the perfect hat! The Cayuga Lake is Gorges Hike and Wine Tour with Lunch let’s you experience Taugannock Falls, Finger Lakes Cider House, Sheldrake Point Winery, and Bet the Farm Winery all in one amazing day. Pair it with a hat from North Ferry Hats- a winter beanie or packable sun hat
Day 2
Bees, Brew and Bread Bundle: Looking for a sweet gift? Local honey pairs perfectly with fresh bread and tea! Visit Bright Raven Farm and Apiary at the Honeybee Embassy (an experience in itself) to find their wide selection of local honey and tea. Bundle with some fresh bread from a local bakery like Wide Awake Bakery (available from Watkins Glen to Brooktondale) then wrap it all in a tea towel from Handwork in Ithaca!
Day 3
Mushrooms & a Magazine: It’s no secret that we love mushrooms (have you seen our logo!?) so when we met Blue Oyster Cultivation at the Ithaca Farmers Market, we were so excited! Then we learned the story of Mushroom Spirits and our minds were blown. Pairing gourmet mushrooms or mushroom infused spirits (or both!) with an Edible FLX magazine subscription would be a very cool gift! Perfect for the foodie in your life.
Day 4
Mind, Body & Soul: What better gift can you give than healing and growth? The Yoga Farm has inclusive and diverse classes and teacher trainings for everyone and their studio memberships offer wellbeing for your mind, body, and soul all year long. A sheepskin rug brings the experience to a new level and is one of the most loved products at Ithaca Sheepskin.
Day 5
Books & a Blanket: Give the gift of hygge with a book from a local bookstore (we love the hobbit-ness of Odyssey Bookstore in Ithaca) and a cozy blanket from Lazy Acre Alpacas. Winter ready! Odyssey Bookstore has personalized book subscriptions, pre-wrapped “surprise” books, and carries lots of local authors too.
Day 6
Flower Power: There’s nothing that can brighten your day like flowers, especially during our cloudy winter months in the Finger Lakes. Jenny Creek Flowers offers flower shares all year long starting with winter tulips. Take the kids on a fieldtrip to the Corning Museum of Glass to handmake a sandblasted vase. Together it’s the perfect gift for mom!
Day 7
A Good Morning: A handmade mug and great coffee is a classic combo! You’ll find Ed Feldman Pottery at Cinch Art Space in Cortland- we love his forest floor inspired designs and his soda fire process is world-renowned! Gift with a unique bag of Coffee Mania beans…or a pancake gift box from New Hope Mills (found at Coffee Mania) or a gift card to your local coffee house that carries Coffee Mania beans like the Botanist in Ithaca. Give the gift of a great morning!
Day 8
Party People: Heading to a party, potluck, or family gathering this holiday season? Elevate the vibe, save yourself time, and treat the hostess to a curated board from Beautifully Charcuterie, like a cheese and meat classic or fun dessert tray like the S’mores Board complete with mini fire for roasting. Add a handcrafted revolving tray (made from reclaimed wine barrels!) from Starving Artists Woodwork for a gift to enjoy now and forever!
Day 9
Farm to Table: Joining a CSA was a life-changing experience! The box of farm fresh fruits and vegetables was a gift for the whole family every week changing the way we looked at food and helped us build healthy eating habits. Thanks to Full Plate Farm Collective, my kids adore beets! A perfect addition to this is a cooking class at Aurora Cooks. It’s a life skill, new tradition, and a core memory for the whole family!
Day 10
Gorgeous Gourds: On the west hill of Ithaca, you’ll find the magical studio of Gourdlandia where they grow and craft hard-shelled gourds. You can visit their store or make your own gourd basket, bowl, trinket box, or a mesmerizing lamp from hanging pendants to night lights. Fill a gourd basket with a farmers market dried flower bouquet from Plenty of Posies or a custom dried bouquet from Erron Hill Pottery for a lasting centerpiece that’s a real conversation starter!
Day 11
Handmade/Heartmade: The Finger Lakes is full of amazing artists and makers. A great way to visit many at once is to visit a local art fair. You’ll find holiday markets and crafts fairs throughout the Finger Lakes. Jewelry maker K Origami Studio will be at The Factory Holiday Art Market Dec. 1-3 with over 75 other artists and makers. Little Red Wagon Artisan Market is Dec. 9-10. Geneva Jingle Market and The Holiday Market at Point of Bluff Vineyards both run Saturdays through Christmas. So much heart in handmade gifts!
Day 12
FLX Forever: When you love the Finger Lakes, the greatest gift may just be learning and experiencing more of it! A gift that gives all year long is an Empire Pass for entry into our gorgeous state parks and a subscription to Life in the Finger Lakes magazine. A great gift for those new to the FLX as well as those who have been here all their lives!
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