Erie Reader 2026 Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide
Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read
Speaking on behalf of all of the parents out there: something you realize very quickly once you have a kid is that the flow of STUFF into your home is an unstoppable force. Before they're even born, there's an overwhelming amount of gear, clothing, toys, gadgets, noisy plastic… and as soon as they outgrow those items, along comes another wave of gear, clothing, toys, gadgets, noisy plastic – all in the next size up. Not meaning to sound ungrateful, as many of these gifts are handy, helpful, and fun, but in a world of overconsumption, teaching our children restraint alongside appreciation is important and may translate into a lifelong habit of buying less. More does not necessarily equal better and receiving a thoughtful, useful, minimal gift ensures those items will not be cast aside and forgotten after the exciting glow of the holiday wears off.
You've undoubtedly heard the concept of the "four-gift rule" as applied to children – giving them something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. What if this could be applied to everyone on your list? Rather than splurging or going overboard with the volume of gifts we give to everyone, what if we were more thoughtful, and definitely more local with our choices?
Each year, the Erie Reader compiles this Gift Guide, which sources gift ideas from across the Erie region – small businesses, makers and artisans, bakers, authors, nonprofits, experiences, and ways to make your own handmade gifts. This year we're helping you out with some suggestions for gifts the folks on your list might simultaneously want, need, wear, and read (or, more broadly, something to learn). We hope that you find this list helpful, that it may inspire you to purchase or make something thoughtful for a loved one on your list, and that you find satisfaction in supporting our regional economy while bringing a smile to the face of your giftee.
PLEASE NOTE: these gift ideas are arranged by general category and are absolutely interchangeable: got a Nerdy Mom and a Cozy Uncle? The titles are meaningless but the thoughts are meaningful!
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(Clockwise from top left): For the newest addition to your family, consider a quality pair of jammies from New Beginnings/Inside the Jelly Jar, some locally roasted coffee for the new parents, Indestructibles brand books from Pressed, or a night away for mom or dad at the Spencer House Bed and Breakfast. Photos: Erin Phillips (3), hedgehog94
So often, when there's a new baby in the family, the urge is to shower the wee one with all manner of tiny, adorable things. Regardless of our wishes, babies do almost nothing but grow – and those expensive, frilly, bespoke newborn clothing items will only fit them for literal weeks. So the anti-frilly brigade is here with some more practical gift options for the new baby in the family (which really are gifts for the new parents).
Something they want: New babies want for nothing but the arms of their parents and for their every need to be met. So what would new parents want? If you had asked me back when my children were new babies, my immediate answer would be SLEEP. Take a trip to Fred's Furniture or John V. Schultz for a comfy glider rocker for those late-night feeding sessions. Or think about a white noise machine, safe swaddle wraps, or a comfortable baby carrier from locally owned and operated Once Upon a Child to catch a few moments of rest alongside the baby. Or, try gifting a short stay at a local bed and breakfast (like the Spencer House) so at least one parent can get an uninterrupted night's sleep.
Something they need: New parents really need something taken off their plates, or in this case, put ON their plates. Provide some grab-and-go Big Bad Meals, which are pre-portioned and ready for reheating (or freezing) from Dinner Is Served by Lisa. Caffeine is a food group during this season, so give locally roasted coffee from Happy Mug, North Edge Craft Coffee, or Mill Creek Coffee Company. Also, diapers (in future sizes) are always welcome.
Something to wear: While the urge is often towards the cutest possible thing for a new baby – the only thing my newborns wore for the first several months of their lives was jammies. For practical, cozy, and durable baby pajamas, check out the quality selection of baby apparel at Inside the Jelly Jar/New Beginnings. And consider getting something additional in the next size up.
Something to read/learn: Studies show that well before a baby can realize what's happening, they truly benefit from being read aloud to – aiding in brain growth and language development, among other perks like bonding time. Read aloud from your own book purchased at a local bookseller like Pressed. And when babies are ready for physical books, keep in mind those with high black-and-white contrast or ultra-durability like the Indestructibles brand of books.
(Left to right, top to bottom): Any kiddo would love something magical and fun from Rustling Pages Book Cafe in Waterford, the Lake Erie Candy Company, or Tie Dye Louis. Photos: Erin Phillips, LECC, Dave Tamulonis
As kids age out of their baby gear and move into preschool and elementary school, they really start to ease into their personalities. Got a budding paleontologist? Or a tiny Picasso? Maybe a ballet dancer or a soccer star or a superhero enthusiast? It's a real gift for any parent to watch their child's passions expand and blossom. Encouraging them along the lines of their interests is always the best route – and any of these gifts can be had within any theme. Foil-wrapped soccer ball chocolates. A custom superhero water bottle. Books about dinosaurs or art history or dancing. You name it, it's possible!
Something they want: If you've never been inside the Lake Erie Candy Company, let me tell you, it is a child's wonderland. It is an old-school candy shop like the stuff of Willy Wonka fever dreams. There's something for everyone – with individually branded niche gummies, old school stuff like Necco Wafers, wax bottles, Ice Cubes, and Violet Candies, novelty treats nestled inside toys, bulk candies, locally made fudge and chocolates – it is everything any child would want. Go with a gift card and let them run wild!
Something they need: I have little to no recollection of ever drinking water when I was a child back in the late 1900s. Time and research have definitely improved this situation, and kids these days are as hydrated as ever. And yet, one can never have enough water bottles on hand. Grab your kiddo a personalized water bottle etched by Lake Erie Variety, or choose from one of their locally relevant varieties featuring Presque Isle, the 814, and more.
Something to wear: School-aged children are nothing if not whimsical – embrace their embracing of color by getting them some locally made tie-dye gear. Local holiday vendor/craft markets during this season are great for this – check out Tie Dye Louis, a teenager who's been selling his handmade tie-dye goods and apparel since he was a kiddo himself, Rumball Tie Dye which sells its locally made wares on eBay, or Terrapin Moon Tie Dye which makes plenty of stuff for the young ones. Or, make your own at an upcoming class at the Erie County Public Library on Nov. 16 called "Erie Makes: Tie Dye Shirts."
Something to read/learn: A short drive to Waterford will transport you into a magical forest of literary wonder. Rustling Pages Book Cafe is the stuff of little bookworms' dreams. This beautifully decorated store is thoughtfully curated with books and gifts that definitely edge into the magical. Grab a homemade butterbeer while you peruse the new and used books available to find that perfect fit for your little one's vibe. Not to be remiss, they also have a healthy stock of Dumplings and NeeDohs (IYKYK) – if you want to get a lil add-on for that something they want brief.
(Clockwise from top left): Get your teenager some tickets to an upcoming all-ages show at Centennial Hall, a gift card to the Dollhouse for some vintage duds, some fun witchy goods or books from Cauldron and Thorne, or a DIY zine from the Werner Books Zine shelf.
Photos: Centennial Hall, Emily George, Cauldron and Thorne, Erin Phillips
I think one of the best parts of having a teenager in your life are the moments you get to see them act like a little kid (and they DO happen, I assure you). Christmas morning is prime time for that kind of validation – your teenager can still get whimsical, giddy, and downright childlike at the promise of a cozy, fairy-lit winter morning of gentle snowfall, warm cocoa, carols on the record player, and a small stack of thoughtful gifts to get them feeling nostalgic and excited all at once. Parents, chalk their childlike wonder up as a gift to yourselves.
Something they want: Getting your teenager out of their rooms and experiencing something that meshes well with their personality while, at the same time, allowing them to learn something new – that's priceless. They may not say that it's specifically what they "want," but afterwards they'll see the benefit. How about music or voice lessons at Accurate Performance or World of Music? Or register them for an art class offered by Claytopia, RLB Art Studios, or ECAT. Check out the upcoming schedules at Centennial Hall or the Erie Playhouse for a band or a performance with which they might connect.
Something they need: If there is any stereotype about teenagers that holds true, it is that they can really sleep. Being roused at noon during the summer can be easily interpreted as too early. So decking out their beds with cozy blankets, pillows, and quilts will be giving their literal favorite place a nice upgrade. Skip the big box retailer and visit Traditions or Vintage and Soul Home for some special pieces. Additionally, if you've got a new driver on your hands, consider compiling a car safety kit for them to keep in their trunk with a tire inflater, flashlights, jumper cables, a power bank, etc. Many of these items can be bought locally at good ol' Kraus Department Store.
Something to wear: When it comes to teenage style, never presume – always go with a gift card. Funding a small shopping spree at The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure or Primo Tailoring will result in a stylish look that they can customize to suit their own vibe.
Something to read/learn: Getting your teenager to read something besides the occasional caption can be challenging. Again, leaning into their personality is the way to success here. Got a witchy, goth-adjacent teen? Pick up a niche book, tarot reading guide, or spellbook from local purveyors of all things magickal at Cauldron and Thorne. Got a fiercely independent teen? How about a self-published local zine from the zine shelf at Werner Books and Coffee?
(Clockwise from top left): If the grandparent on your list is a knitter, they'd love something special from Hanks Yarn Co. Or consider a cozy, locally relevant sweatshirt from Erie Apparel's parks collection or a locally printed photobook from Copy King.
Photos: Erin Phillips, Erie Apparel, andrey
Those folks in older generations will be the first to tell you that they have everything they need and simply want to be together with family during the holidays. This is prime territory for some handmade items. No one will be prouder of something their children or grandchildren make for them quite like a grandparent. And experience gifts are a great way to keep on making memories to cherish.
Something they want: As mentioned above, making something heartfelt is at the top of every grandparent's list, especially where grandchildren are concerned. Gift a class at Board and Brush or Erie ClaySpace, or take a class yourself and gift them the result.
Compile a photo book of your adventures, your kids, your pets, and have it printed locally at the (always impressive and affordable) Copy King. Or just do what you do and give it to them: bake some bread, knit a scarf, write a poem. They'll love it!
Something they need: Keeping aging minds agile is important – giving the grandparent in your family something to keep them using those brains and moving those bodies, that's really what they need. Purchase them tickets to an upcoming production at PACA, the Erie Playhouse, or the Erie Philharmonic. If your elder is crafty, they'd love a locally dyed skein of yarn from Three Tulips Yarn Company sold at Hanks Yarn Supply Co.
Something to wear: It seems like, as folks get older, they tend to get colder. Grabbing them some newly released Presque Isle State Park or Erie Bluffs State Park themed sweatshirts from Erie Apparel will keep them cozy and locally relevant.
Something to read/learn: Puzzles are always a hit with the AARP crowd. Find crossword puzzle books, word searches, and good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzles at the Bayfront Bookshelf located in the front lobby of the Erie County Public Library's Blasco branch. Pick up some local souvenir-type books, ornaments, and apparel as stocking stuffers while you're there and help support programming at the library with your purchases.
(Left to right, top to bottom): Mom might like a selection of tasty infused oils from Buona Cucina, some cozy socks from Glass Growers Gallery, or some handspun yarn from Slow Formations for sale at Stitches of Erie. Photos: Jessica Hunter, Erin Phillips
The number of mom-types to consider is rivaled only by the number of things those moms do, day in and day out, that rarely get noticed (especially around the holidays). On top of all of the other hats she wears, maybe your mom is also a gardener, a chef, a traveler, a reader, an art aficionado, or an athlete – keeping her individual interests in mind will only nudge those thoughtful gifts from appreciated to cherished.
Something they want: As the resident mom in this feature, I'll chime in: my wishlist always includes some kind of kitchen gadget, ingredient, or cookbook, very specific fiction books, yarn, and warm socks. While far from a traditional mom-type during my daylight hours, I am addicted to coziness and do enjoy a good bit of bread baking, book reading, and knitting in my evening hours. Any knitter would be over the moon for a skein of gorgeous handspun yarn from fiber artist Sydney at Slow Formations (or if your giftee is a spinner too, she also sells unspun, hand-dyed fiber) available for purchase at Stitches of Erie – anything from those shelves would be sure to put a smile on any knitter's face.
Something they need: For the chef-type mom, give some locally raised goodness by signing her up for a local egg delivery from Deer Run Acres, who also sells their farm-raised cattle and pork alongside other quality foodie-type ingredients. Additionally, if you haven't been lately, be sure to stop in the Buona Cucina, which recently expanded their space and offerings to include an area for cooking classes and tastings – or any of their gourmet oils would be welcome by anyone looking for some flavor.
Something to wear: Every year, inevitably, some form of cozy socks end up on my wishlist. I wear the heck out of them all winter and by the following winter, they're spent. You can find socks in some unexpected places like at Glass Growers Gallery, which stocks Blue Q brand socks (that are lightly irreverent in theme – and some perfect for mom, like pairs that read "I made a good kid," or "Don't make mommy be a bitch," etc.), or Solmate Socks that take cozy to the next level while supporting individual causes like the National Parks or ocean conservation.
Something to read/learn: Take a drive out to North East to browse the selection at The Book Club on Main – taking your mom's interests along with you as you peruse the shelves. Stocking all the latest best sellers, as well as works from local authors, gorgeous collectible editions of classics, poetry, and nonfiction, you're sure to find a beautiful new addition to your mom's shelf.
Can I hear it for the NERD DADS?
(Left to right, top to bottom): Give that nerdy person in your life what they really want: something nostalgic from Action Toy Man, an issue from Cole's Comic Corner, or some supplies or gear from HD Legacy. (Photos: Erin Phillips, Werner Books, HD Legacy)
Each holiday season, I find myself frustratingly scrolling through gift guides and the items listed for dads just DO NOT APPLY to my husband. The traditional gifts under the heading FATHER – of whiskey, golf gear, and cufflinks – simply ain't it for him. So I decided to hijack this section of the gift guide and pour one out for all the nerd dads out there – the dads who defy the traditional and lean into their true selves. If you really need some trad-dad gifts, getting those locally is easy-peasy – stop into Five Iron Golf, snag some locally distilled spirits from Altered State, or get some custom cufflinks from Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection. The rest of this section is for all those easy-to-love nerds out there!
Something they want: Nerd dads are inevitably collectors. Regardless of whether the dad on your list amasses comic books, cult-classic movies and television memorabilia, vintage toys, or action figures – they will love anything you find for them from Action Toy Man. If you've never been, regardless of your level of nerd-dom, you will find something nostalgic and fun as you go from room to room. And the nerd dad in your life will appreciate your efforts at venturing into the nerd realm!
Something they need: The needs of a nerd are simple: supplies to facilitate collecting. Comic collecting supplies (like boards, bags, and boxes) can be found at nearby Chautauqua Comics in Jamestown, New York. If gaming is your nerd's game – check out HD Legacy for protective sleeves, deck boxes, and gaming supplies.
Something to wear: Most (but not all) nerds don't often think twice about what they wear – but a Nerd Dad deserves to feel his best. Spring for something unexpected and classic from Isaac Baker Menswear or LaRocca's Men's Store in North East for a quality, timeless, easy-to-wear-to-work refresh.
Something to read/learn: Local nerds are still mourning the recent loss of Books Galore, as the longtime owner passed away and the generational comics, games, and used book store's legacy has come to an end. Never fear, however, as former Books Galore manager Cole Schenley is bridging the local comic book gap with Cole's Comic Corner inside Werner Books and Coffee. Grab a graphic novel, the latest serial comic releases, or pick up a gift card.
(Clockwise from top left): Get those cool aunties and funcles something that matches their unique personalities this year like books or supplies from Hatch Hollow in Meadville, some upcycled threads from STATIK, a Take Your Beer for a Walk tee and some suds from Erie Ale Works, or a yoga sesh at Liminal Space. (Photos: Hatch Hollow, STATIK, Erie Apparel, Grounded Printshop)
What would childhood be without all the cool aunts and uncles out there? Their dedication to a good time is not to be understated. Embracing a bit of chaos, while keeping things current and relevant: this section is for those dedicated to an unencumbered good time.
Something they want: Help your aunt or uncle try something new and fun – like ballroom dancing lessons with Stardust Ballroom Dance Club. Lessons range from beginner to advanced, and include specific classes for fine tuning tips in styles like Argentine Tango, Cha Cha and Swing all taught by professional dancers. If yoga is more your aunt or uncle's vibe, gift a session at yogaErie, book a class run by Studio Sage in the stunning Liminal Space, or visit the newly renovated historic space of Studio Surrender in the heart of downtown for yoga gear or to gift some classes.
Something they need: Any fun aunt or uncle could use a refresh to their bar stock. How about a local wine like Arundel Cellars and Brewing's Wild Child, the Best of Erie 2025 winner for Best Locally Made Wine, or a six-pack of Best Locally Made Beer Dulachan from Lavery Brewing Company? For a niche gift for the beer-loving aunt or uncle who also happens to be an Erie Reader reader, grab a Take Your Beer for a Walk tee available at Erie Apparel or Erie Ale Works – pair it with some Erie Ale Works beer and you've got a great gift for the local walker/beer drinker.
Something to wear: STATIK Garments at the corner of Fifth and State is the perfect stop for the cool cat on your list. Chock full of bespoke, curated, vintage items, it's a step up from your average thrift store and a step left from your average vintage boutique. It's got an upcycled, reused, ultra hip selection. You could also pick up a new Steroid Skateboards deck, some Dom Greco Glass pendants, or a piece of local art to round out your gift.
Something to read/learn: A short drive south to art supply shop, art gallery, and coworking space Hatch Hollow in Meadville will be well worth the effort – and with the attached Cattail Cafe, you can do your shopping and your lunching in one go. Offering art classes as well as supplies, local art pieces, gifts, books, and more – you will hit it right on the nose with your cool aunt or uncle with an item, book, or class from this unique boutique.
(Left to right, top to bottom): Facilitating a fun time for your cousin is easy with tiki stoneware from Moosehead Pottery, a pottery or painting class at Main Street Art, or some sweet new vinyl from Rick's Records. (Photo: Moosehead Pottery, Main Street Art, 1020)
Let's end this gift guide on a high note (wink wink). Everyone has that cousin who tends to "take a walk" during the family holiday gathering, returning just a little bit chiller than they were before. Listen, we all have our ways of coping with the pressures of the holiday – no judgment! Embrace what makes that cool cousin themselves, and who knows? They might just slip you a sip of their beer when the grown-ups aren't looking.
Something they want: Check out the selection of super unique stoneware available at Moosehead Pottery on Route 19 – not only do they have expected (and beautiful) mugs and vases, they also have Tiki tumblers and shot glasses, tankards, and growlers in sports or local-lore related themes. For glassware, check out the vast selection at Glass House Erie, which is tidy and well-organized with tons of pieces your cousin would love.
Something they need: Don't threaten your cousin with a good time – they'll definitely take you up on it. Grabbing some vinyl from Rick's Record Store housed inside 1020 Collective is a surefire way to set the vibe. With records ranging from classic tunes like Pet Sounds and Sgt. Pepper, hip-hop like J Dilla and Childish Gambino, or jazz classics like Miles Davis – you're sure to find your cousin's groove.
Something to wear: Have you been inside Grasshopper lately? Always stocked with the chillest duds, this long-standing, family-owned, "hipnique boutique" definitely has something for your cuz to appreciate. Grasshopper regularly stocks tie-dyes in all conceivable garment applications, cozy sweaters, jewelry, handmade bags, mittens, upcycled denim, and more. For more of a flea-market vibe, stop in to the newly opened Flagship Market, which is basically a summer vendor fair all year round. They're planning special dates for Small Business Saturday – with so many shops in one spot, it makes buying local, and uniquely, super easy.
Something to read/learn: Expanding one's horizons is at the top of the list for any chill cousin – help them along the way by gifting them a class at a local art studio like a paper, zine, or book making class at Grounded Printshop or an upcoming pottery class at Main Street Art/Eliza's Pottery in Girard.
Erin Phillips, when not shopping locally, can be found at erin@eriereader.com
