There is much to love about Cincinnati, including our makers! Just taking a walk down Main or Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine will lead you to many great locally-owned shops. And this time of year, you’ll find several markets offering lots of options for you to pick up something for loved ones and yourself.
Two upcoming markets include the Holiday City Flea Market on December 17th from 5-10 p.m. and the OFF Market in Oakley on December 11 from 11-5 p.m.
And to give you even more options for local gifts, I’ve listed below some of my favorite shops, goods and more.
Made By Mavis Jams
I’m just gonna say it – they’re JAM good. (Sorry. I can’t help myself. Puns >) Anyway, I stumbled upon these at the Winter City Flea Market. They were offering samples of all their flavors and honestly after one taste I was sold. My jam plan this year is to get to City Flea early before they sell out of the coveted chocolate cherry flavor. They also offer BBQ sauces and marinades.
Shop here.
Grateful Grahams
To go with your jam, might I suggest Grateful Grahams? Forget the boxed graham crackers from the store that are mass-produced. You don’t know what you’re missing until you try Grateful Grahams small-batch vegan graham crackers. They have no dairy, eggs or artificial flavors. They’re a treat you can really feel good about. I’ve found these available at my local Kroger store. We have a shelf near the freezer aisle with all local offerings so you can look there at your store. They do also sell online and offer great gift sets with a variety of flavors and even s’mores kits!
Shop here.
Clothing from Homage
Homage has locations across the country and here in Ohio. If you check out the local store on Vine Street or visit their website, you’ll see a tab for “Midwest” and there you’ll find tons of Ohio-centric clothing options.
They offer vintage t-shirts, hoodies and other apparel. You’ll find lots of apparel supporting the sports teams in Ohio and every piece of clothing is SO soft. You’ll also find some eclectic and goofy shirts so there really is something for every person on your list. This store is an easy win for anyone who is shopping for high school kids through young adults.
Shop here.
Sweets from Macaron Bar
Macarons make a great gift and Macaron Bar’s offerings are no exception. The packaging makes for a perfect presentation and there is a huge variety of flavors, including some seasonal offerings like Peppermint and Gingerbread. Currently, they are offering FREE shipping on orders of 24 or more macarons with code HOLIDAY at checkout. The offer only lasts until 12/11, but keep an eye on their social media pages since they are regularly announcing new deals. They even offer macaron baking classes if you’re looking for a great activity to gift to someone.
Shop here.
A Growler or Six Pack of Local Brews
You can pick up a growler or six-pack at all of the local breweries and really what makes a better gift than good beer? I really love the current offerings at MadTree including the Thundersnow. It has hints of nutmeg, ginger, vanilla and cinnamon. Or head over the river to Party Source and make a mix-and-match of local seasonal brews.
Some favorite local breweries:
MadTree
Rhinegeist
Braxton
Listermann
Tickets to Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker with the Cincinnati Ballet
I went to the Holiday Pops show at Music Hall a few years ago and fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve tried to attend a show once or twice a year and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Since the Holiday Pops show has already premiered for this season, I would highly suggest tickets to The Nutcracker as an early gift idea. Or, you can advance purchase tickets for any of the Cincinnati Arts Association, Broadway in Cincinnati, or Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concerts and shows for the 2016-2017 season.
A Food, Drink or History Tour
There are so many fun tours here in Cincinnati. Even if this place is home you’re bound to learn or try something new on one of these tours. Giving someone a ticket or tickets to a tour would make a great gift. I’ve personally been on and enjoyed the Cincy Brew Bus Tour as well as the American Legacy Haunted Cincinnati Tour. There is also a tour at Findlay Market that takes you sampling on goodies throughout the market and nearby.
Do you enjoy local gifts? Let me know your favorites by leaving a comment!
**This post is neither sponsored nor does it contain affiliate links. I just love these companies and wanted to share some holiday cheer & inspiration with you!**
Casey is the founder of Casey La Vie & has been running this travel and lifestyle blog since 2016. She’s on a mission to balance her career as a social media manager with exploring her home of New York City and seeing more of the world.