The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about what to give all of the special people in your life. Don’t know where to look? We have you covered with our 2024 Syracuse Holiday Gift Guide. This year, shop something unique and shop local for all of your loved ones.

 

For the Trend Setters


Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts? Syracuse and its surrounding areas are brimming with boutique treasures:

  • Skaneateles: This charming lakeside village offers chic and unique finds. Visit The Wandering Kind for curated women’s and men’s fashion, or Pride + Joy for adorable baby gifts and clothing.

  • Downtown Syracuse: Discover exclusive women’s apparel at Floridella Boutique and La Veranda Lifestyle Boutique. For men’s fashion, Mr. Shop provides everything from custom suits to tailored casual wear.

  • Onondaga County: Explore Fayetteville’s Jet Black and Apricot Lane for trendy women’s styles. Don’t miss Salt Point Shop for home décor and local flair in Fayetteville or Boutique Joycé in Manlius for elegant clothing.

 

For the Foodie in Your Life

Give the culinary enthusiasts in your life a gift they’ll savor with these local treasures:

  • Central New York Welcome Center, Destiny USA: Located inside Destiny USA, this center features a Taste NY Market offering a variety of locally-made artisanal snacks, candies, sauces, and seasonings—perfect for those who love Syracuse and want a year-round reminder of the Salt City.

  • Epicuse, Downtown Syracuse: Situated on historic Salina Street, Epicuse is an everyday market offering fresh heat-and-eat meals, deli items, baked goods, cheese and charcuterie, produce, and more. They provide themed gift baskets, including selections that showcase the flavors of Syracuse and New York State, as well as assortments tailored for coffee lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, and wine aficionados.

  • Sip On Syracuse Beverage Trail: For craft beer connoisseurs, explore the Sip On Syracuse beverage trail, which features a variety of local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. It's an excellent way to experience the region's diverse beverage offerings.

  • Local Restaurants: Consider gifting a dining experience at one of Syracuse's extraordinary restaurants. From cozy dinners for two to gatherings with the entire extended family, the city's vibrant culinary scene offers something for every palate.

 

For the Crafty One

We all have that one friend or family member who can effortlessly create something out of nothing—or loves tackling DIY projects. This holiday season, lean into their crafty side with gifts as unique as they are:

  • Camp Candle Bar, Armory Square: Create a custom candle together, pick out a gift card, or craft your own signature fragrance to gift. This hands-on experience is perfect for personalizing presents.

  • BeeKind Syracuse, Tipperary Hill: Explore a treasure trove of handmade, Syracuse-inspired gifts, including their signature hand-poured candles. It’s a hub for locally crafted, thoughtful presents.

  • The Station 603, Manlius: Find a variety of gift options, from home décor and vases to houseplants, kitchenware, and wall art. Perfect for giving your crafty friends the tools to create something amazing on their own terms.

 

 

For the Art Lover

Delight the art enthusiasts in your life with unique finds from these local gems:

  • Mixed Methods, Hanover Square: This boutique is a fusion of gift shop and art gallery, offering ceramics, pottery, glass, woodwork, stationery, jewelry, and upscale crafts by artists from across the United States.

  • Wildflowers Armory, Downtown Syracuse: Located in the heart of downtown, this collective showcases art prints, candles, jewelry, apparel, and more—all crafted by local artists.

  • Marketplace on James, Eastwood: This charming shop features one-of-a-kind vintage items, handmade and hand-picked treasures, and hand-painted goodies, adding a special touch to your gift-giving

 

 

For the Music Junkie

Syracuse offers a variety of options for music enthusiasts seeking unique gifts:

  • The Sound Garden, Armory Square: An independent record store since 1993, The Sound Garden boasts an extensive collection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and other music merchandise. They also feature a notable selection of DVDs and Blu-Rays, ideal for stocking stuffers.

  • Books & Melodies, Eastwood: This hidden gem offers a vast collection of vintage records, books, movies, and more, catering to diverse tastes. Notably, the film Adult World, starring Emma Roberts and John Cusack, filmed scenes within this shop.

  • Live Music Venues: For shared musical experiences, consider attending concerts and musicals at venues such as the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, The Landmark Theatre, Sharkey’s in Liverpool, or The Westcott Theater. These venues host a variety of performances throughout the year.

 

For the Kids

Syracuse provides numerous family-friendly activities and gift options for children:

  • Parthenon Books, Downtown Syracuse: This charming independent bookstore offers a wide selection of children's literature. Let your little ones choose their next favorite story or introduce them to one of your cherished reads.

  • Experience Gifts: Keep children entertained over winter break with tickets to local attractions such as the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, or events at The Oncenter, which hosts performances like Disney On Ice.

  • Destiny USA: For a day of fun, Destiny USA features family-friendly venues including Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, Get Air, and the Museum of Intrigue. These attractions offer a variety of activities to keep children engaged.

For the Pet Lover

Celebrate the pet enthusiasts in your life by considering these local options:

  • Mother Nature Pet Supply, Manlius: This store offers a wide selection of treats and toys that pets will adore.

  • Wegmans Good Dog Park: A trip to this park provides an opportunity for dogs to run and play with other four-legged friends, making for a delightful outing.

  • The Lucky Pupp, Liverpool: This boutique offers unique pet items and fun treats, perfect for spoiling pets during the holidays.

  • Happy Tails Dog Shop, DeWitt: Another excellent spot to find special gifts for pets, including toys and accessories.

  • Helping Hounds Dog Rescue: For those looking to expand their family, consider adopting a rescue dog in need of a loving home this holiday season.