Be original this season with our Syracuse Holiday Gift Guide
Be original with this Syracuse Holiday Gift Guide
Here are easy ways to add spunk or funk but definitely not junk to your gift giving.
The holiday shopping season is in full swing and whether you know it or not, Syracuse is full of opportunities to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts all the while supporting local businesses.
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted treasures, vintage gems or wellness-inspired gifts, this holiday shopping guide will lead you to some of the city’s most original shopping spots.
Consider starting your shopping journey at Salt City Artisans on 226 Hawley Ave., where you will find an array of handcrafted goods from luxurious Syracuse Soapworks pampering products to decorative home goods.
The shop products are natural, locally made and thoughtfully designed to bring a special touch to practical everyday gifts, such as a glass butter holder with ladybugs painted on it accompanied by a matching bowl (my personal favorite purchase).
For the art enthusiast in your life, Wildflower Armory at 217 S. Salina St. is a must-visit. Featuring work from a variety of local artisans, the eclectic boutique is a treasure trove for handmade jewelry, creative stocking-stuffers and quirky finds. Whether you’re shopping for someone with a bold style or someone who appreciates the handmade and heartfelt gifts, you’ll be sure to find something at Wildflower Armory.
If you’re on the hunt for something truly different, head to Antiques West at 501 W Genesee St. Formerly known as Antiques at Railway Commons, their store offers an assortment of vintage treasures will ensure you’ll find something thoughtful and original.
With aisles of antique furniture, charming knick-knacks and one-of-a-kind collectibles, Antiques West is perfect for finding gifts with history and character. Give a gift with a story.
No holiday shopping guide would be complete without mentioning one of the many festive seasonal events in Syracuse area. This Saturday, Harvey’s Garden is hosting its second annual Holiday Market from Noon to 8 p.m. at 1200 E Water St.
The market will be situated in the loft space with 15 local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to hot cocoa bombs. Singer-songwriter Dan Frawley will be performing live from 6 to 9 p.m.
Among the vendors at Saturday’s market is The Mantra Box, a wellness-inspired small business owned by Michelle Mahar and her sister that sells essential oil sprays, sage bundles, Palo Santo, candles and more and other health-conscious items.
“My sister and I started The Mantra Box to promote wellness and positivity through our products,” Mahar said.
The Mantra Box will debut on Saturday a limited-edition holiday box featuring festive scents like cranberry orange and ginger jingle simmer pots. Each item is handcrafted and intended to be as meaningful as they are serene.
“The idea behind it is to uplift your spirits and cultivate a sense of tranquility and space,” she said. “Our collection offers the tools to nurture a sense of well-being and mindfulness in everyday life.”
Mahar said shopping with at a holiday market or local business often enables customers to connect with the people who make the products, hear their stories behind their creativity and make a difference for an aspiring entrepreneur.
“When we get an order, we feel it,” she said. “We appreciate it, we’re excited about it and it’s a humbling feeling every single order we get.”
is a senior Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism major from Seattle and a contributor for The NewsHouse.