No matter what you celebrate, ’tis the season of giving — and the Valley is rife with perfect presents for that special someone. From trendy jewelry and handmade pillow covers to local sauces and adjustable rolling pins, we’ve got 17 ideas to help you create a holly, jolly holiday.
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COLOR IN THE LINES
Tiny crayons that break and are packed with unhealthy chemicals are a thing of the past. These Eco-Kids crayons are more fun due to their shape alone — who wouldn’t want to color with a lumpy crayon? And the fact that they are made with natural and organic fruit, vegetable, and plant extracts make them even more appealing. $8.50
Waddle n Swaddle, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-5952; www.waddlenswaddle.com
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SOMETHING SAUCY
Use these tomato sauces to pull together a homemade meal. Created using fresh ingredients — tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano — they pack a delicious punch so you can take dinner to the next level. Marinara Sauce $7.99; Pizza Sauce $5.99
825 Main, Poughkeepsie. 845-380-6851; www.825mainproducts.com
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SWEET STUFF
Send the decadently sweet smell of black currants wafting through the air. Made with soy wax — a much more environmentally friendly substance than traditional candle wax — this 11-ounce candle can burn for 50 hours before being depleted. $12.95.
Satisfy someone’s sweet tooth with black currant syrup: Loaded with vitamin C, iron, potassium, and other nutrients, it’s a healthy topping for any breakfast, dessert, or cocktail. $14.99
CurrantC, Staatsburg. 845-266-8999; www.currantc.com
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SMOKIN’ HOT
Every cigar enthusiast needs a personal humidor. Keep those Cubans and Nat Shermans resting at the perfect temperature in this sleek, black wooden container. $119
Rhinebeck Smoke Shoppe, Rhinebeck. 845-876-7185; www.rhinebecksmokeshoppe.com
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TIME IS TICKING
Never use another battery again — at least where your clock is concerned. This timepiece — which comes in a multitude of bright colors and has an alarm function — runs solely on the ions that exist in tap water. Simply refill it once every six months to a year, and you’re good to go. $26
www.bedol.com
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BLANK PAGE
Just because we’ve entered the digital age doesn’t mean writers no longer appreciate good, old-fashioned pen and paper. A journal is perfect for anyone who’s beginning a novel, jotting down ideas for hard-hitting articles, or just recording the happenings of everyday life. $8.99-$15.99
Peter Pauper Press, White Plains. 914-681-0144; www.peterpauper.com
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PUPPY LOVE
Don’t forget Fido this holiday! It might be cold now, but when things heat up in the summer, he’ll need shade just as much as anyone. This portable canopy folds up for easy transport; its elevated mesh bed keeps dogs cool, dry, and comfortable. For small dogs, $29.99; for medium dogs, $39.99 Quik Shade Pets; www.quikshadepets.com
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LET THE SUNSHINE IN
Brighten up any room with this sunburst mirror. Made with steel and glass, its antiqued finish adds to the warmth. $445
Nectar, High Falls. 845-687-2870; www.shopnectar.com
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BEST BERET
Berets are back. Treat a fashion-forward girl to this super cute headwear by Grace Hats. The acrylic-blend fabric keeps heads toasty warm, and the rose appliqué brings a touch of feminine frills. $39
Rambling Rose Boutique, New Paltz. 845-255-3899; www.ramblingroseboutique.com
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SUPER SPLURGE
Jewelry designer Geoffrey Good knows that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Eighteen-karat gold and an intricate cage design add glittering elegance. $5,500
Geoffrey Good Jewelry, Hudson. 212-625-1656; www.geoffreygood.com
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WARM WOOL
When the snow is falling, there’s nothing better than curling up in a nice warm sweater. Hand-knit in Ireland from Merino wool, this winter-white piece leaves you looking country-chic and feeling toasty. $125
The Danu Gallery, Pearl River. 845-735-4477; www.thedanugallery.com
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MEASURE TWICE
An ordinary rolling pin this is not. The colored knobs on either end adjust the roller’s height to either two, four, or six millimeters so you can roll your pastries to precisely the right thickness. Measurements etched into the beech wood make it easy to roll dough to specific lengths. $20
blucashew Kitchen Pharmacy, Rhinebeck. 845-876-1117; www.bluecashewkitchen.com
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ON TREND
For the fashionista in the family, über-trendy Alex and Ani bangles are just the ticket. The charms depict everything from peace signs and inspirational sayings to sports team logos, and each piece is made in America. $29
Monroe Jewelers, Monroe. 845-783-2361; www.monroejewelers.com
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ARMY STRONG
Inspired by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, these STRUCTUREbag billfolds, pouches, and wine totes (notice the cadet uniform design?) are made in the USA from organic canvas and other fabrics. Billfold, $18.50; Mini-pouch $22.50; wine tote, $165
www.structurebags.com
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REST EASY
Primp your pillows with these organic cotton covers. The designs are block-printed by hand using all-natural dyes. Sizes fit 18-by-18, 20-by-20, or 26-by-26-inch throw pillows. $66-$96
Les Indiennes, Hudson. 518-828-2811; www.lesindiennes.com
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BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Keep the chill at bay with this hand-knitted scarflete. Made with Merino wool, this mini-scarf keeps the neck warm and looks trendy. $145
The Tailored Mermaid, Beacon. 845-831-2310; www.thetailoredmermaid.com
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TWINKLE TOES
Fancy little princesses deserve nail polish that isn’t loaded with chemicals. Piggy Paint is made with all-natural ingredients so it won’t harm any finger- or toenails. And it comes in more than 35 colors. $8.99
Quackles, Poughkeepsie. 845-471-2250; http://store.quackles.com