As a child of the 90s/00s, Oprah’s annual Favorite Things episodes are burned into my brain. So I thought for this year’s gift guide that it would be fun to have the Everyday Akron team assemble their favorite things as a way to inspire you all to shop small.
We mention gifts we’ve given or received — or would even like to receive. From physical gifts to unique experiences, to entertaining and nonprofit donation ideas, there’s something for everyone and every budget. Happy holidays!
Megan D.
When looking for gifts for friends and family, I always try to think of two things: what is something they’re obsessed with (think food, tv shows, destinations, experiences that they never stop talking about or already have merch of) and what is something practical (if I have spent significant time with this person, chances are I’ve seen them come across an obstacle. How can I solve their problem while not making it a task for them?).
Bizzy Beads Boutique
Seeing earrings made to look like ice cream, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or tacos makes me wish I had my ears pierced. I got the chocolate ice cream cone earrings for a friend that always gets ice cream with me.
Website | Find them at Northside Marketplace
Handel’s Ice Cream, Stricklands, Pav’s Creamery
Shocker – I’m recommending getting ice cream gift cards for people! I will eat ice cream any month of the year.
Handel’s website | Stricklands website | Pav’s website
Mr. Bulky’s Food
Hear me out. Mr. Bulky’s has candy for piñatas, cookie cutters for all of your holiday needs, and baking supplies like everything from a spice you’ve never heard of to gluten free flour. Located on Howe Ave., they’re a place I go when I am about to host a party.
Akron RubberDucks
I try to go to a baseball game at least once a month during the summertime. It is one of my favorite pastimes, and the Akron RubberDucks not only have really cool hats but also great deals for season passes/flex tickets.
Online store | Ticket packages
7th Floor Clothing
When I really want an Akron t-shirt, this is where I look first. I learned about 7th Floor Clothing back in 2017 at the University of Akron with eBay’s “Retail Revival” project.
Elizabeth’s Bookshop and Writing Centre
A Middlebury favorite of mine. I will always buy holiday / birthday gifts from Elizabeth’s because of their mission and incredibly kind and thoughtful staff.
Local non-profits, groups & organizations
Something that I want to start doing is donating to initiatives I care about, more than just once. I have seen a trend of people ‘giving’ a donation or becoming a member of a group they serve in the name of the friend or family member that they want to give a holiday gift for.
Here are just a few places I hope to support, since I know my family and friends do as well.
- UA Field Station
- The Homeless Charity and Village
- ASIA (Asian Services in Action)
- Sabertooth Public Art
- Akron Cooperative Farms
- Let’s Grow Akron
Mel M.
I’ve been told I’m hard to shop for. That doesn’t surprise me because I tend to buy myself things that I want. That being said, here are a few places I’ve shopped at and some items I’ve gifted or received that I really love!
Root Candles
I’m picky about my candles, and Root Candles is one of the very few places I’ll buy them. They’re made from an all-natural beeswax blend, and the company is based in Medina. Check out their store just off the Medina Square for candles of all shapes, sizes, and scents.
The Ash House
I first got hooked on The Ash House’s handmade soaps, and it’s now also one of the only other places I’ll buy candles (so long, Bath & Body Works!). The owner Jen curates some great vibes, and walking into the store is a feast for the eyes and the nose. You’ll also find a refill bar and other handmade, eco-friendly home and body products.
Crochet Grown Botanicals
Crochet Grown Botanicals makes super cute crocheted houseplants, animals, and more. Last year I gifted a custom-ordered cat that looked like my friend’s cat, and it turned out great. Plus, Kellie was super easy to work with. I also have one of their chickens, which always brightens my day when I see it sitting on my desk!
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Button Down Designs
I stumbled upon Button Down Designs at last year’s Akron Bazaar. I don’t really wear bracelets, but I couldn’t resist a hand-sewn bracelet made of vintage buttons! Emilie puts in a lot of care into choosing just the right buttons from her massive collection. Each bracelet comes with a pouch and a hand-written tag explaining the buttons that make up the bracelet. She occasionally hosts open houses, and you can purchase from her at an open house, online, or through her Facebook page.
Anything from Don Drumm Studios & Gallery
You can’t go wrong with Don Drumm Studios & Gallery for a gift. The Akron destination features all kinds of artwork from over 500 North American artists, and their gift wrap is probably much nicer than what you can do at home. I used to work there, so for a few years nearly all of my friends and family got something from Don Drumm Studios for Christmas or a birthday!
Serveware from Fiestaware
Nearly all the bowls and plates in my kitchen are from Fiestaware. If you’re not familiar, Fiestaware is the colorful porcelain dinner and serveware that you’ve probably eaten a meal off at a Mexican restaurant. It’s made just over an hour away from Akron, which makes for a fun road trip to their factory outlet. They also have a smaller outlet in Hartville Marketplace if you’re looking to stay closer to home. Both locations have “seconds,” which are pieces with minor imperfections that are sold at a lower price, so you can get some good deals on near-perfect pieces!
Brittany B.
When I buy holiday gifts, I try to go either the experience route or the niche and heartwarming route. I also like to stick to shopping local whenever possible. I’m a big gift giver and love searching for just the right gift for my loved ones (and sometimes even for myself, let’s be honest). Check out a few of my favorite local gift ideas below.
Rage Room Experience at Akron Rage Room
I’ve gifted the rage room experience at Akron Break Room twice and it was a hit (pun intended) both times. Of course the gift included me as their date so I can vouch for this experience personally. It is a great way to get out your stress or anxiety in a fun and safe way. You get all the safety gear and get to pick your own music. My gal pals and I smashed dishes and computers to “Angry Girl Music” – highly recommend after a long work week. I’ve also gone with my husband; this makes a great gift for anyone in your life. (So long as they’re 15 or older.)
Akron Break Room also has glow paint experiences that I have been dying to try! If smashing stuff isn’t your thing, maybe give them a call so you can throw some glow in the dark paint around with your friends or family.
Elder Emo Mug from The Gardener of Bath
This one speaks for itself. And on second thought, I kinda regret putting it on this guide because I plan to buy it for at least one of my friends. 🙂 This is JUST ONE of the gems at Gardener of Bath – my favorite local shop – so check it out for this mug and more! Be warned, you might end up shopping for yourself while you’re there too.
Gift Card to The Nightlight, an arthouse movie theater in Downtown Akron
My family and I frequent The Nightlight for their diverse selection of films, from indie to cult classics to that one time we saw a 1950s Russian film about a cat who wore magic sunglasses there. (Spoiler alert: it was great.) Anyway, last Christmas I gifted my husband a Nightlight hoodie with a gift card in the pocket. Again – experience gifts mean they might take you so it’s a win/win. Did I mention The Nightlight is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit movie theater whose mission is dedicated to connecting community through a shared cinema experience? Win/Win/Win.
Locally Made Holiday Ornaments from Akron Glass Works
I mentioned I love gift giving, right? Lots of gifts for lots of people. I can’t give everyone an experiential gift. Sometimes I need smaller gifts for coworkers, casual friends or neighbors. A small gift can still be beautiful, meaningful and locally made! Check out Akron Glass works for holiday ornaments and more locally made artisanal glass items of all kinds. The ornaments would even make a wonderful gift for your kids’ teachers. The only catch if you gift these? You have to give them early so they can put the ornaments on the tree before Christmas.
Bonus: Akron Glass Works Glass Blowing Workshop has been on my Akron bucket list for as long as I can remember. Perhaps one of my loved ones will see this and gift it to me this year? Or maybe it’s time to treat myself. Either way it’s another experiential gift idea for you!
“Collegiate Gothic” Novel by Local Author Matthew Meduri
Collegiate Gothic is a novel by Matthew Meduri that explores the quirks of academia and small-town Ohio through a mystery involving a dead girl.
I’m about halfway through this novel and can’t put it down. I love the split POV storytelling. I’m also friends with the author which is super cool but it’s very difficult to stop myself from texting him questions as I’m reading. Pick up this novel for yourself and a friend this hibernation season.
Ryan R.
I’m a big fan of consumables and experiences. I’m leaning hard into my inner old person, so I don’t like a gift with a long shelf life. If I can’t eat it or leave it behind after I’m done with it then I have to find somewhere to store it and that’s just too much hassle for someone my age (37 going on 82).
Metropolis Popcorn
True happiness comes from one place: A tub of Chicago-style popcorn affixed to the back wall of Metropolis Popcorn.
Nightlight Cinema
Gifting someone the experience of seeing unique films (yes, films) in a small arthouse theater is a love language, fight me. Sidequest: Hit up Totally Baked and Baxter’s Speakeasy beforehand.
Morty’s Munchies
I have two dogs that love me mostly because I give them snacks and toys from places like Morty’s Munchies.
Grandpa’s Cheesebarn
I would gladly live off assorted cheeses and meats, and I would pledge fealty to the person who gifted it to me.
Sweet Mary’s Bakery
I don’t know how often Sweet Mary has to clean the glass in her bakery case, but I imagine it’s far more than the average bakery given the number of times I personally have drooled over what’s inside. Sweet Mary’s is the only place I will walk into not knowing my order ahead of time because the perfect order is 3 items chosen at random.
Appalachian Outfitters
While generally not consumable, I do consider the products from Appalachian Outfitters to be an experience – specifically a pair of comfortable socks. Will I be using these socks to go outdoors? Highly unlikely, but I will enjoy them all the same.
Ray W.
My love language is very much not giving or receiving gifts. But when I am looking for a gift for the holidays, a birthday or other occasion, I try to make it meaningful to the person I’m giving it to. And, of course, I try to shop local whenever possible. It’s just one more way to help a small business and layer on more meaning to the gift.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Membership
I went on my first ever CVSR excursion this year and it was so. much. fun. A membership or gift card would make a great gift for someone of any age who loves history, trains, the outdoors or unique experiences.
Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce
I’ve gifted this hot sauce enough times that I’ve lost count. From a full-size bottle to a sample set, I’m constantly shoving this spicy deliciousness into someone else’s hands.
Sweets, pastries & croissants
I can’t remember gifting something from either Sweet Mary’s Bakery or Chef Gina’s Bakeshop, however… This is what I want. Either sweets and pastries or a gift card. Sweet Mary’s and Chef Gina’s Bakeshop are *elite* – and right here in Akron.
Sweet Mary’s website | Chef Gina’s website
Northside Marketplace
Whenever I’m not totally sure what to gift someone, I’ll walk around Northside Marketplace. I’ll either find a locally made gift or the inspiration for something more specific elsewhere. (But it’s usually the former.)
Books books books
I love reading, and I love to share books with others. My go-to Akron-area bookstores are Elizabeth’s Bookshop (for new books), Shelf Life Bookstore (for used books), and Akron-Summit County Public Library branches’ Friends groups book sales (for incredible deals).
Shop Elizabeth’s Bookshop | Visit Shelf Life online | Find a library branch near you (and check out their events for upcoming book sales)
Outdoorsy gear and gifts
Maple Leaf Gifts (at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm) has soooo many cute things — Summit Metro Parks t-shirts, stickers featuring parks and trails, coffee mugs, blankets, books (some signed by local authors!), puzzles, toys, ornaments … do I need to keep going?! … Check them out for your favorite hiker or explorer.
Coffee coffee coffee
If you know someone who loves coffee, locally roasted beans, a new mug or gift card are almost always a huge win. I say almost because some folks are veryyy particular about their coffee. But when you’re supporting a local coffee shop, you get bonus points anyways. Some of my favorites include:
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