This shopping season, it’s time to show your loved ones your appreciation with some thoughtful, unique gifts! And, what better way to do your holiday shopping than by supporting local artists and vendors at an array of shopping events across Central New York? With this gift guide and list of local shopping events, you’ll be the best gift-giver within your circle this year.
Gifts
Syracuse Merchandise
What better gift to give your favorite Syracuse University student (or supportive family member!) than some Orange merch? Whether it be a cozy sweatshirt, an Syracuse University tumbler or some spirited home decor, the Syracuse University Campus Store is sure to have a wide variety of apparel and gifts to choose from. If you’re looking to find some one-of-a-kind merchandise, check out vintage sellers like The Cherry Pit and Scholars and Champs, Marshall Street’s Manny’s or sellers on Etsy.
Relaxation Tools
A surefire way to make any gift receiver happy? Give them something to help them relax and unwind this holiday season! Check out Wirecutter’s favorite diffuser, and some essential oils to match. Or, bring the spa home with a satisfying scalp massager and a refreshing face mask. The coziest gifts are the ones you can bundle up in! Try out these fuzzy socks, a throw blanket and a warm scarf.
Personalize It
Another fun way to show your loved ones your appreciation is to get them a personalized gift. This could include a fun keychain, bookmark or even the viral customizable L.L. Bean tote bag. For someone organized, try this personalized notebook, and to remind a loved one of home, get them a Homesick candle that smells like their favorite place.
Miscellaneous
Gift options are endless, so here are a few extras that you may want to consider. For your foodie friend, check out this easy Trader Joe’s cookbook, or maybe a 12 Days of Hot Sauce advent calendar! For a more musical friend, get them a portable speaker or a Bluetooth karaoke mic. If your loved ones enjoy some hands-on entertainment, consider getting them a fun puzzle, interactive game or an experience for someone that you can both enjoy (like this watercolor workshop!).
Shopping Events
Sky’s Night Market
It’s a “shopping experience that feels like a party!” The Nov. 25 event takes place every year at SKY Armory in downtown Syracuse and hosts over 70 of CNY’s local artisans and makers. While you shop local, listen to music by live musicians and indulge in bistro foods and fun drinks. This year’s Night Market will run from 3-9 p.m., and tickets are $5 for admission.
Snowmies Holiday Market
Syracuse’s Black Artist Collective will host the 3rd annual Snowmies Holiday Market this holiday season. The event spotlights Black and Brown artists and creatives from CNY, and it’s a great opportunity to find local gifts for your loved ones! This year, Snowmies takes place inside Salt City Market from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 9.
Black Friday Market and Holiday Market
The CNY Regional Market, known for their weekly farmers markets, puts on a couple of annual shopping events perfect for gift-giving this holiday season. The Black Friday Market on Nov. 24 runs from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., and the Holiday Market takes place on Dec. 23 from 7 a.m.-noon. The markets will showcase a wide variety of unique gifts, including clothing, jewelry, candles, holiday decor and so much more!
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.