2020 Made in Erie Gift Guide
Having yourself an Erie little Christmas
Shopping local! It's the name of the game. This year in particular it's important to support regional businesses, as the economic impact of the pandemic continues to take its toll. Thankfully, Erieites are a creative and resourceful lot. Not only are there plenty of options as far Erie-made gifts go, but there's a myriad of different ways to purchase them. This is the sixth annual edition of the Made in Erie Gift Guide and it barely scratches the surface. There's a nearly endless supply of things made in our area by our community.
A Holiday Box from Gone Local
There's an easy hack for finding the right Erie gifts this year. Just go to gonelocalerie.com and they have just about everything you could want for – as the name implies – your local gifting needs. The centerpiece of this year's selection is one of their specially curated Holiday Boxes. There are three: The Great Lake, The Gem City Giant, and The Presque Isle Premium, each of increasing size and complexity. Be sure to act fast, as pre-orders for these close on Nov. 22. If you miss that date, don't fear, because the Gone Local site has over 150 different items to choose from, made by dozens of nearby makers, starting at $1. // gonelocalerie.com
Local Music from Bandcamp
Looking for a way to support your friendly neighborhood musician? Bandcamp.com has become one of the top sources for independently made music and big-name artists alike. In March, the deal became even sweeter. In an effort to help put more money into the pockets of musicians in need, Bandcamp decided to waive its fees one Friday. This, thankfully, became a monthly ritual for the site known as Bandcamp Fridays. The next one is on December 4, leaving just the right amount of time for shipping. Aside from looking up your favorites, you can search for the tag "Erie," or consult a healthy list we made online this May, or better yet, circumvent it and just ask the artists themselves. // Bandcamp.com
Video Games by Whitethorn Games
Ideal for any locally-minded gamer in your life, Whitethorn Games offers up a slew of games to choose from on a wide range of platforms. Whether you're looking to play on Nintendo Switch, XBox One, PS4, Steam or more, Whitethorn has a gorgeous selection to pick from. Go on their website, or search for Whitethorn in your online shop of choice, grab a download code, and give hours of playable fun. Whitethorn specializes in "pleasant, cozy games that can be played in pieces," that don't come with the high price tags that some tentpole platformers typically carry. If you know someone who is already enamored with a Whitethorn game, go to their website for a great selection of enamel pins, t-shirts, and more. // Photo: FB @whitethorngames // whitethorndigital.com
Scented Candles from Wicks & Wax
One of the star players from Gone Local, Wicks & Wax offers an interactive experience in addition to their more traditional gifts. Located on Edinboro Road in McKean, the site lets visitors pour their own candles to take home with them, open to walk-ins, small groups, and private parties. If you aren't as inclined to drop by, their site offers over 60 different scents to choose from, letting you choose your own lid type for an even more personal touch. Each candle is made from natural plant oil, with their wax sustainable, as part of the Round Table on Responsible Soy. // Photo: gonelocalerie.com // wicksandwaxerie.com
Fresh Baked Bread or Donuts
Just imagine waking up on Christmas morning to some fresh, locally made bread or donuts. Virtually any time during the holiday season and beyond is the right time to bring home some well-risen confections. Think outside the stocking this year, and grab a loaf from a place like The Majestic Bakery or The Workingman's Cake (they even deliver it courtesy of Gone Local), or a dozen from a much-loved location like Mighty Fine, Jack Frost, or H&K. // Photo: Majestic Bakery via gonelocalerie.com
Handmade Recycled Paper from Grounded Print Shop
Have an artist on your list? Give them a one-of-a-kind arena for their work with some handmade recycled paper. Founded by artist Ashley Pastore in 2019, the products made by Grounded Print Shop are eye-catching unto themselves, filled with amazing textures and coming in captivating colors. Their Etsy shop has handmade notebooks, masks, and a variety of 5" x 7" paper bundles – perfect for making your own holiday cards or unforgettable thank you notes. Located on Cherry Street in Erie's Little Italy, the shop also offers classes for pulp painting, papermaking, and book binding. // Photo: Etsy @Groundedpapershop // groundedprintshop.com
Bath Bombs from Dragonfly Lake Scents
Have you or someone you loved ever used a bath bomb? If so, then you know how amazing they are in all their fizzy, frothy glory. Rather than grab one from a flush national chain, grab them directly from Erie's bath and body experts, Dragonfly Lake Scents. Check out their Etsy shop and just try not to pick up a brilliant-looking bar of handmade soap as well. Run by Tenise Monterio and Mioshee Greer, Dragonfly has made a name for itself for being one of Erie's top artisanal makers. Also available are masks, balms, muscle soaks, body butters, and more. // Photo: Etsy @DragonflyLakeScents // etsy.com/shop/DragonflyLakeScents
SleepPhones from Acoustic Sheep
Have a restless sleeper on your list? One of Erie's most praised gifts for years just might be the answer. Acoustic Sheep's SleepPhones remain a remarkable invention. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Wei-Shin Lai and husband Jason Wolfe, SleepPhones are often imitated and never duplicated. Its flagship item is a comfortable, bed-friendly headband with specially designed ultra-slim headphones built between the headband's fabric. There's a variety to choose from, including some with Bluetooth or pre-loaded audio tracks (and a new ASMR edition), and newly improved battery life. // Photo: FB@SleepPhones // sleepphones.com
Shirts and More from Local Makers
Want to look good and keep things local next year? There are all kinds of great sources for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more made by Erie-area companies. There are hundreds upon hundreds of options to choose from. There's workout gear, loungewear, and of course, t-shirts. Choose from Erie-centric designs, or go with a more subtle nod to a brand you love. You can stop in to a brick-and-mortar store like Erie Apparel or Iron Empire, or an online shop like Dotigan or Melancholy. // Photo: FB @ErieApparel
Wine, Beer, or Spirits
There's a reason that alcohol is a perennial favorite on this list. The Erie area has so much to choose from. To certain people, a six pack with a bow around it will mean so much more than a tie ever could. Surprise craft beer enthusiasts with a small-batch run they haven't tried yet. Looking for an instantly-appreciated office gift (even if you work from home)? A bagged bottle or two of Lake Erie wine will work like gangbusters – you could even go extra-Christmasy with mulled wine or some ever-so-sweet ice wine. If Christmas spirits are something you want to take literally, a nice bottle from an area distillery is nearly unbeatable. Most offer t-shirt and merch options to boot. The options are flowing. // Photo: FB @fiveand20 // Get started at lakeeriealetrail.com or lakeeriewinecountry.org
Have your own idea for what you'd like to see on this list? Let us know! Nick Warren can be reached at nick@eriereader.com
