The older I get, the more conflicted I get about the holidays. I'm not going to go on a diatribe here, but having been affected by the economy the year, I realize even more that there are people out there far less fortunate than I am. It seems silly to add another knick knack to my house when there are people who don't have money to buy their children any gifts, let alone enough food for their table.
Of course, gift-giving is a nice way of showing our loved ones how much we care about them and that we know what they are like and are passionate about.
It's a conundrum. Since gifts need to be purchased, and shopkeepers need to make money, I thought I'd highlight a few of my favorite shops and things worth buying locally. Here's a list of reasonably-priced (I realize that's a relative term) gifts and/or stores where gift-buying comes easily.
- The Cookware Sorcerer! From knives to All Clad, to grinders and cookie sprinkles, Cookware Sorcerer has everything for the serious cook.
- PM Gallery. I love this cluttered and colorful shop in the Short North. It's one of the oldest shops in the area which has continually been in business. PM Gallery specializes in handmade art items which are super cool and not cutesy at all. They are especially known for their blown-glass items including ornaments. PM Gallery is a great place for people who are really hard to buy for, and for times when you need a gift whose value outweighs it's price. I always find lots of fun things there. I have purchased a few Paul Volker paintings there (I love those). Paul Volkers are great for friends with dry senses of humor who like original artwork but aren't ready to spend thousands (or even hundreds). I just bought a few tiny Volkers for our house.
- Tigertree. I have to stop myself from hopping into this treasure of a boutique too often. I always find something fun, usually in the form of a $30 tote bag. Tigertree has just posted a few great ideas on their blog; I would especially love the Ohio necklace! Tigertree will also work with you to custom create your very own belt buckle (not sure they have time before xmas, but just for future reference).
- Hana Gifts. I love to stroll through this Japanese gift shop whenever I shop at Tensuke. Aside from a nice selection of Japanese and Chinese pottery and gifts, they have a great selection of Japanese paper and Sanrio products (Hello Kitty et al). Japanese paper is a fun gift for crafty types - I like to use it when journaling and it is also lovely put behind glass for magnets or necklaces. Origami is popular among kids in the 10-12 year old range, and Hana has tons of origami paper.
- Krema Nut Company. Yummy. A hometown favorite; I especially love their chocolate covered pretzels and Buckeye crunch.
- Meat box! Husband and I receive a box of steaks from Carfagna's last year and it was a very nice treat indeed. Hill's Market will also set you up with gift boxes of meat.
- Rivet. I can't help it. There's a child inside of me who gets ridiculously excited with anything from Rivet. Art and toys and DIY vinyls; I'm no good at it (yet) but I still love to collect toys from Rivet. I love to get blind box toys for under $10 (if you like the display better than what you get, you can trade it in!).
- Candles! Columbus is home to some great candle companies. These aren't the cloying cake-scented candles by a certain huge candle company, but smart aromas. Paul Robinette is located in the Short North in a fun and tiny spot, and the Candle Lab - which lets you pour your very own candle - has two locations - one in Worthington next to House Wine and one in Grandview. A friend of mine just suggested going to Clay Cafe and painting a nice piece of pottery and then going to the Candle Lab and pouring a candle into it as a gift!
- Signature Wines are made here in Ohio; they will create a customer label for you to enjoy or give as a gift.
- Down Memory Lane. 3250 N High St (Clintonville) This cluttered antique shop is full of treasures. You might have to poke through things a bit but if you're patient you will be rewarded. Everything at Memory Lane is priced to sell; you won't find overinflated book value pricing here.
