[post originally written in 2021]
We’re last minute shoppers, it’s terrible, we know. There’s just something about that deadline creeping up that really puts us into action. So this year we’re getting ahead and starting our shopping in November (super early, we know)!
Our local businesses have a lot to offer, so here’s a quick holiday gift guide to do more LOCAL gift giving this year.
Give Experiences:

Give more than a physical item, give an experience. For those art lovers in your life consider memberships to galleries or museums like the George Eastman Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, and Artisan Works.
Want ideas for more gifts that keep giving? Try memberships to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, or The Strong Museum of Play.
Each of these places have great gift shops too, so don’t overlook those either. They are full of unique treasures you often won’t find anywhere else.
Know a theatre or music lover? Consider subscriptions to one of our many theaters like Geva Theatre or Blackfriars Theatre, or the RPO.
The Gift of Learning:

We’re life-long learners, we love to read, take classes and attend events where we’ll walk away having learned something and been inspired. Give the gift of knowledge through gift cards and classes from Rochester Brainery, the Creative Workshop at the Memorial Art Gallery, Studio 34 Creative Arts Center & Gallery, or the Flower City Arts Center. These are also great for couples and friends, get 2 and take the class with them!
For the Home:

Skip the big box stores and head to the small mom n’pop shops. Look for gifts at places like Stacy K Floral, AXOM Home, More Fire Glass Studio and Archimage. Peppermint has a great selections of local Rochester goodies too! Don’t forget about the option of buying secondhand either, you’ll definitely want to check out Abode Rochester and Greenovation.
Clothing & Things:

Before you head to the mall or Target, stop into Peppermint, Salty, or Statement Boutique. Shopping for an active friend? Try Fleet Feet, Rochester Running Co. or Rochester Parkour. Check out EvenOdd Creative who makes clutches, messengers bags, totes, wallets, bracelets and more out of old bicycle inner-tubes. Actually, explore all of the shops at the Hungerford! Know a tee-shirt lover? Don’t miss Crazy Dog T-Shirts and Transit Apparel.
And don’t forget about stores like Little Button Craft, and Parkleigh, you never know what great (and random!) gifts you’ll find.
Local Food & Gift Cards:

Lastly, as much as we love that super thought-out perfect gift, we’re also fans of local food and gift cards. Do you have a favorite place you think your friend or family member needs to try, what better way to get them to go than with a gift card? The list could be endless: TRATA, Rocco, The Owl House, The Red Fern, Bitter Honey, Fiorella, all the Coffee Shops, or The Little Theatre, and actually any of the places we’ve already listed in this post.
Want to share your favorite local food or drink items? Head to F. Olivers, the Public Market, Black Button Distilling, Living Roots Wine, give baked goods from Scratch Bakeshop or Get Caked.
Don’t Miss these 2021 Shopping Events:
- See Dates: More Fire Glass Annual Holiday Sale
- See Dates: Holidays at the Market
- See Dates: The Yard’s Holiday Bazaar
- November 22nd-24th: RMSC Holiday Bazaar
- November 23rd: Wintercraft Open House & Holiday Sale
- November 29th & 30th: Holidays at the Hungerford
- November 30th: 2nd Annual Ritual Market
- November 30th: Curated // Small Business Market
- November 30th: Jackrabbit Club Holiday Hop
- December 1st: 5th Annual Crafty Affair
- December 7th: It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge
- December 14th: Last Minute Mini Mayday! Underground
- December 14th & 19th: Mini Maker Markets @ ROC Holiday Village
Whatever you may be shopping for, look LOCAL. What are we missing? Add to our shopping guide by leaving a comment below!
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