Holiday Gift Shopping from Finger Lakes Small Businesses

No holiday trip to the Finger Lakes would be complete without a healthy dose of shopping. Shopping here comes with its own eclectic and distinct flair as you stroll through the beautiful historic downtowns and explore the small, locally owned boutiques featuring local flavors, winery shops, artisan studios, and more. Whether it’s to celebrate Small Business Saturday or to find the perfect holiday gifts, here’s a list of Finger Lakes items that will make the season extra special.

Bristoleaf Pottery from Wizard of Clay Pottery

Wizard of Clay (7851 State Route 20A, Bloomfield, N.Y.) has been carrying on the ancient tradition of creating objects from fired clay for over 40 years. From crystalline to designed and engraved planters and dining sets, explore the unique artistry of these pottery gift items, which are not only functional but also filled with timeless beauty. If you are looking for a piece that tells a story beyond design, their classic Bristoleaf pottery incorporates indigenous leaves, making each piece a truly one-of-a-kind Finger Lakes expression.

A Taste of the Finger Lakes

This season, pack a few of these Finger Lakes treats in your gift bag and see how you become everyone’s favorite Secret Santa! Enjoy classic or uniquely flavored maple syrup from Naples Maple Farm (8064 Coates Rd., Naples, N.Y.) or Embers Rising Farm (927 Larue Rd., Clifton Springs, N.Y.), and discover lavender goodies such as tea, hot chocolate, or lavender fudge brownie mix from Aurora Lavender Farm (5343 E Lake Rd., Honeoye, N.Y.).

Try more than 50 coffee varieties from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters (6081 NY-96, Farmington, N.Y.); a wide selection of dressings, teas, and more from FLX Goods (40 Linden St., Geneva, N.Y.); and extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars from F. Oliver’s (129 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.). And last but not least, make sure to take home a box of chocolates from Sweet Expressions, open for more than 20 years and a definite Finger Lakes chocolate expert.

Alpaca Fun

Our friends at Lazy Acre Alpacas (8830 Baker Rd., Bloomfield, N.Y.) can help you find the perfect gift in more than one way. If you are one of those who values experiences over items, a visit to Lazy Acre Alpacas will be a fun, educational, and soft adventure to enjoy with kids or animal lovers. Prefer to get something you can wrap? The farm’s store is filled with cozy, beautiful alpaca goods from socks and hats to jackets and plush alpaca toys you can take home. Whatever your preference, it’s sure to make a soft and cozy winter gift.

All Things Grape

Finger Lakes is synonymous with wine country and grapes, and even though the grape harvest season is short, enjoying them is a year-long possibility. Indulge in all things grape with goodies that go from rosé wine jelly and salad dressings to grape gummi bears and more at Arbor Hill Winery (6461 NY-64, Naples, N.Y.). Buy some Winosaurs (yes, wine gummies in dinosaur shapes) from FLX Goods (40 Linden St., Geneva, N.Y.), and order a grape pie from Cindy's Grape Pies (5 Academy St, Naples, N.Y.) to add a special treat to your holiday dinner table. 

Gift the Wine Experience

Of course we hadn’t forgotten! Gift a piece of our grape heaven this holiday season with the regional grape staple: wine. Visit any of the unique wineries in the region to find a true expression of the of the Finger Lakes through a variety of wines: Riesling, rosé, reds, Pinot Noir, and more. If you have a wine enthusiast on your gift list, check out the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail Passport and the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail Passport to explore different spots and find surprises along the way. You can also sign up for a beverage class at the New York Kitchen (800 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.), where experts will guide you through wine’s history, characteristics, and even share recipes to try at home.

FLX Arts: From Theatre to Galleries

Support the Finger Lakes arts community and give the gift of live theater and entertainment with a show at Bristol Valley Theater (9151 S. Main St., Naples, N.Y.) or Smith Center for the Arts (82 Seneca St., Geneva, N.Y.). Explore paintings by local artists at the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery (71 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) or Artizann’s Gifts and Gallery (118 N Main St, Naples, N.Y.), and take a closer look at Main Street Arts (20 W Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) and the new “digs” at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center (20 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua, N.Y.).

Don’t forget to check out our Packages & Deals section for exciting Black Friday offers.

What is your favorite Finger Lakes-inspired gift?  Be sure to tag us @VisitFLX and #VisitFLX so we can get inspired too!