5 Last-Minute Local Gifts

Guess who's back with some Hudson Valley holiday gift suggestions? ME!

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you are proactive, unlike me, you have already purchased your gifts and are either waiting to wrap them or waiting for the delivery man to arrive. If you are like me you have not even thought about gifts yet.

Support small businesses this holiday season and shop locally throughout the Hudson Valley. Your loved ones will be touched that you thought of them, and you wont have to travel too far to find the proper gifts!

ART

If you're thinking of a unique gift for your loved ones, I have the answer. ART. Gifting an original piece or print is not only thoughtful but also something that many of us would not gift ourselves. To support a local artist and an overall badass human, shop at

CronArtUSA. Artist Ryan Cronin's work between abstract and representational and is described as a modern adaptation of Pop. His originals and prints are colorful, bold, and unique, the perfect pop to any wall. Some of my favorites include, "Outlaws Drink Tequila", "Home", and "Me, We, Us." His merch and home décor are also killer for a last-minute gift. The throw blankets are awesome- who doesn't want to wrap themselves up in art? Stuff your stockings with alien t-shirts and bunny socks or a double rainbow water bottle. Your family will love rocking original art created right here in the Hudson Valley. If you are in the area, swing by The Gallery and The Shop located in Water Street Market.

Local Skincare

One of my favorite gifts to give and get, are skincare products. There's nothing like recognizing the importance of self-care and encouraging our loved ones to take part in such a calming practice. The Farmers Touch has exactly what you need. I swear by these products because I know they are made with love. Bethann Bruno, owner, farmer, and creator is a goddess in all sense of the word. From the planting and harvesting to the creation and sales, Bethann makes sure she has a hand in it all. I love that these products are organic and locally grown and I have seen such a difference in the way my skin glows after using them! I've been loving her coffee body scrub and coffee bean facial oil. The caffeinated moisturizer wakes up my face in the mornings and I feel ready to start the day! (This is the perfect gift for the caffeine fanatic in your life- or someone always on the go.) The vegetable collagen eye patches are such a fun stocking stuffer and a small but mighty way to get rid of the bags looming under your eyes. These are even more refreshing when kept in the fridge!

Unique Merch

Why not add some Crust to Christmas? For unique merch and spunk, I always head to Crust and Magic in New Paltz. Alexa is such a fun artist and outgoing person. Stepping into her space feels like you've left earth and landed in your teenage dreamland. Bright colors, unique characters, and crust are what it's all about! Her beanies are warm and bright, the perfect pop of color to gift the fashion baddie in your life! If you are searching for a gift for a friend or family member who recently started college or moved into their own apartment, she has the cutest coffee mugs and rocks glasses perfect for a housewarming gift!

Experience the Valley

Searching for something special for the outdoorsy people in your life? How about a guided hike through the Catskills or Adirondacks? Upstate Hiking provides scenic guided adventures. The coolest part of this experiential package? Your tour guide is also your photographer. Each guided hike is guaranteed incredible and professional shots. This is an unforgettable experience that will leave your loved ones speechless. I 10/10 recommend this gift. (cough cough, mom if you are reading this)

* Photo by @upstatehiking

BOOZE

Alas, the most last-minute gift of them all. But why not get your loved ones something locally made and that you know they'll love! Hudson Whiskey is where it's at! Show up to your holiday luncheon or white elephant gift swap with a wrapped bottle of "Bright Lights, Big Bourbon" a bold NY straight bourbon, or "Short Stack" a NY straight rye whiskey finished in a Vermont maple syrup barrel, and you will be sure to be the favorite guest!

*Photo by @hudsonwhiskey