With Black Friday and cyber deals in the rearview mirror, your best bet for holiday shopping is turning to your local community for unique gifts this season. Instead of relying upon the corner department store for something special and personalized, turn to these Hudson Valley businesses for the perfect last-minute picks for anyone on your list this year.
Hudson Valley Fisheries
Hudson
Our pick: holiday kits, $125 – $140
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For the pescatarian or fisherman in your family, shop from Hudson Valley Fisheries’ holiday kits. The cheaper of the two options is the smoked trout board, which has everything you need to create a delicious and memorable board this holiday season. The $125 kit serves eight to 10 people and includes cold-smoked lox in three flavors, hot-smoked trout, Chaseholm Farm Creamery Farmers Cheese, Nordic crisps rye and sea salt, and Pink Wagon pickled pink onions. If you’re shopping for a meat lover, opt for the $140 surf and turf kit that includes two 20-ounce fresh Steelhead filets, a 16-ounce Highland Farm venison steak, Holy Schmitt’s horseradish dill sauce, and Greenpoint Trading Co. lemon pepper and T-bone steak seasonings.
Opus 40
Saugerties
Our pick: gift membership, $60
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For Ulster County natives, Opus 40 is a popular destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The nonprofit sculpture park, museum, and artistic environment spans 63 acres for guests to experience day visits, guided tours, classes, workshops, and a vibrant season of live performances. Make a day of your holiday shopping by enjoying the grounds before heading into the store for art-inspired gifts, Catskills-related memorabilia, or Opus 40-themed merch. For the ultimate last-minute present that keeps giving all year, gift someone special a membership to the site, which includes a season pass, discounted admission to live performances, and advance notice on all programs.
Kate McLeod
Red Hook
Our pick: the hot cocoa set, $65
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Award-winning Hudson Valley brand Kate McLeod offers an innovative line of plant-based solid moisturizers that intensely nourish dry skin as they invite a moment of self-care into your daily life. Each product is completely waterless, sustainable, vegan, plastic-free, and handmade in the Hudson Valley. Shop from the holiday collection for your new favorite shower product. Our pick is the hot cocoa set, which comes with the naked stone, a lotion bar that features cocoa butter’s natural aroma of rich dark chocolate and sweet vanilla, and a bag of Golde cacao turmeric blend (another Hudson Valley-based brand!) so you can make the perfect healthy morning beverage.
Witch Hazel
Beacon
Our pick: Fischersund Jól holiday incense sticks, $30
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If you find yourself around Beacon’s Main Street, hit up Witch Hazel, a natural apothecary store. Witch Hazel curates cruelty-free brands, refillable products, zero-waste beauty, Icelandic products, and much more. You’ll find anything from room sprays to candles to tea at this beauty and home hotspot, most notably reusable makeup and skincare. We picked the Fischersund Jól holiday incense sticks because they’re the perfect gift to fill anyone’s home with holiday ambiance and warm scents like clementine, fir, sugar, and vanilla during the cold months.
Haven Spa
Rhinebeck
Our pick: gift card, any amount
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Rhinebeck’s luxury retreat Haven Spa has some pretty sweet deals for the holiday season. Gift your significant other or anyone in need of relaxation a treatment or massage on you this Christmas. Any amount would make a great present, but the spa is running promotions to give you the most bang for your buck; purchase a $200 gift card to receive an extra $20 with code GIVE20, a $300 gift card to receive an extra $35 with code GIVE30, or a $400 gift card to receive an extra $50 with code GIVE50. Take the stress out of the holiday season with this great and easy last-minute gift.
Drooz and Company
Livingston Manor
Our pick: craft cocktail kits, $25
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In Livingston Manor, Drooz + Company is a modern-day general store packed with interesting presents, stationery, and stocking stuffers for everyone on your last-minute gifting list. Shop for thoughtful presents ranging from books and fun socks to kitchenware, whimsical jewelry, quirky cards, knick-knacks, and more at this anything-but-ordinary store. A great pick for under the tree this year are the craft cocktail kits, which include all the ingredients you need to make fun and festive drinks like a peppermint bark martini or a fruitcake cocktail – just add alcohol!
Related: Your Guide to the Hudson Valley’s Handmade Gifts on Etsy
