[Updated October 17, 2022] Giving upstate New York gifts to your friends and loved ones means they’ll receive treasured one-of-a-kind presents that are unlikely to be duplicated. It also makes it easier on you, the gift buyer. You can shop local, and small business owners love to help shoppers customize their gifts.
The Mohawk Valley region in upstate New York is a great place to shop small, and a place where you’ll find the best local gifts. That’s because people who reside here have tons of pride in their communities. They love to support local business owners who in turn support local farmers, artists, and other small businesses.
Note that when I say “Upstate” New York in this article, I’m talking specifically about Oneida County, which is located in the center of the state. It’s often referred to as Central New York but is still part of that larger ambiguous area known as Upstate New York. So, if you’re in the area and are looking for some awesome shopping near Utica, NY, read on!
My goal in this post is to help you find the best Upstate New York themed gifts. Those gifts may be locally branded sweatshirts, regional food specialties, coffee, art, or maybe a gift basket with a little of everything.
So whether you’ve got a Christmas shopping list to fulfill, are looking for the right hostess or housewarming gift, or sending a little reminder of home to someone who has moved away, I hope you’ll find my upstate New York gift guide helpful.
Read on for where to shop for the most unique and absolute best local gifts for everyone on your list.
Village of Clinton Shops
In Clinton, NY, the Village Green is the gathering place, with a historic gazebo at its center and shops and cafes lining its streets. Clinton is perfect for shoppers in search of New York State gifts made by local artists and craftspeople.
If you’re shopping around Christmas time, don’t miss the Shoppers’ Stroll & Holiday Parade, an event that usually takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving and kicks off the holiday season.
The village of Clinton is small and most shops are concentrated on Park Row and Clinton Street, all within easy walking distance of each other. Here a few where you’re sure to find unique local gifts.
Artisans’ Corner
Shop at this spacious boutique for gifts of art made by local artists featuring Central New York themes and places.
At Artisans’ Corner, you’ll find a huge collection of prints, paintings, postcards, watercolors, pottery, and photography depicting scenes from nearby Hamilton College, the Clinton Village Square, and most other local landmarks you can think of.
Near each cluster of artwork, signs and business cards display the names of the artists and their work, so this really is a quintessential small business that puts local artists first.
Among their most unique items are elaborate birdhouses that resemble local landmarks like the Clinton Fire Department or Deansboro Superette. You cannot find a more local upstate New York gift than that. 1 College St., Clinton, NY
Almost Local
Every time I shop here I can make one quick circle around the store and end up with tons of local gift ideas. Shop at Almost Local for Upstate New York gifts that include branded coffee mugs and beer glasses. Clinton T-Shirts are available here, as well as cutout wood ornaments bearing maps of local places. There’s also a variety of New York-themed art, prints, and so much more.
Owner Rachel Bartunek is also an artist, a fact that’s apparent when you see the thoughtfully arranged merchandise and the shop’s overall creative, artistic vibe. 18 W. Park Row, Clinton, NY
Colozzi’s Rose Petal Gifts
This is another must-stop shop for upstate New York products. Here you’ll find tons of nice quality hoodies, baseball caps, coffee mugs, and much more adorned with the Clinton, NY logo.
Colozzi’s also carries a large collection of skincare products from Beekman 1802, the popular brand founded by the famous Beekman Boys from Sharon Springs. 3 W. Park Row, Clinton, NY
Evolve Gifts
Eco-conscious friends and loved ones will appreciate receiving presents from Evolve Gifts, where owners Stephanie and John Witusik sell a huge selection of environmentally safe merchandise.
As a customer, I can confirm their products are also unique and interesting, and items I’m not likely to find elsewhere.
Among sustainable gift ideas you might find are notebooks made from recycled stone, reusable paper towels, vegan and cruelty-free make up, apparel made from sustainably-sourced bamboo, and so, so much more. They also sell a variety of delicious smelling soaps, candles, jewelry, and lots of other handcrafted items. Many products are sourced from local artists and makers.
And be sure not to miss their selection of hilariously fun pop culture merchandise, like Parks and Red Colouring Books, Schitt’s Creek mugs and tumblers, and lots of totes emblazoned with quirky images and expressions.
This lovely Clinton shop is a must on your quest to shop local in Upstate New York! Online shopping is available. 16 College Street, Clinton, NY
More Places to Shop in Central New York
The following places to shop are outside of the Village of Clinton. Several are located in Utica, while others are scattered around the county.
Shaw’s Maple Products
I love everything about this farm shop. To get there, you have to drive through a scenic rural landscape until you reach their small but fully stocked retail store located at the edge of their property.
Inside the store, there is so much maple goodness that you could probably make maple syrup gift baskets for everyone you know.
There are, of course, a host of maple syrup varieties. I couldn’t resist buying at least two: one plain in a glass maple leaf-shaped bottle and one barrel-aged that is supposed to best—according to the label—when poured over ice cream, waffles, and porkchops.
Besides other treats like maple popcorn, maple cream, maple candy, and maple sugar, their shelves are stocked with honey, jams, soap, and loads of other gift ideas. Everything they carry is produced locally. To me, nothing represents quintessential gifts from New York State like maple syrup does. Online shopping is available. 7945 Maxwell Rd., Clinton, NY
Nora’s Candy Shop
If I’m shopping for a hyperlocal made in New York gift, the first thing I think of are Turkey Joints, a unique, delicious candy treat homemade at Nora’s Candy Shop in Rome, NY.
Traditional Turkey Joints are a confection filled with chocolate and hazelnut on the inside and coated with a silver, hard candy shell that shimmers in the light. They are kind of finger-like in shape but longer and that, along with their knobby bumps, give them their name.
A few different varieties are available but the chocolate hazelnut are the original. Nora’s Candy Shop also makes sweet treat favorites like fudge, chocolate nut clusters, and peanut brittle.
Nora’s is open year-round but as a local tradition, Turkey Joints are given as Christmas gifts, kind of serving the same purpose as a bottle of wine. Back in the eighties, my father owned a beauty salon in Rome and at Christmas, he would bring home a steady stream of Turkey Joints that his customers had given him as gifts. Turkey Joints are a quintessential example of what makes this region special.
For me, the treat will forever be associated with the Christmas seasons of my childhood. Online shopping is available. 321 N. Doxtator St. Rome, NY.
NOTE: If you can’t make it to Rome, you’ll find Turkey Joints for sale at local grocery stores like Price Chopper. Utica Coffee also sells them seasonally.
Adirondack Cheese Company
Who doesn’t love a cheese gift basket?
It’s got to be one of the most appreciated gifts there is. Like, I love cheese and I’d never assemble a whole gift basket for myself, so I’d be thrilled to be on the receiving end of one, especially if it included local delicacies like the ones available at Adirondack Cheese Company.
Definitely stop in at this Barneveld specialty shop if you have a cheese-lover on your list. In fact, why not assemble a bunch of New York State cheese gift baskets and give one to everyone?
Adirondack Cheese Company sell a variety of New York State cheddars, aged on site and available in a variety of flavors. They also sell cheese spreads, their own house made mustards, and plenty of non-food items like Adirondack candles, local handmade soaps, kitchen items, and jewelry.
If you are interested in assembling gift baskets, the friendly staff is on-hand to help you customize your gift. They also offer a selection of cheese-themed gift boxes online. This is the perfect gift if you’re looking for something that includes upstate New York food specialties. Online shopping is available. 8190 NY-12, Barneveld, NY
Utica Coffee Roasting Co.
I love this café. It’s always buzzing with energy and serves a great cup of coffee and an awesome hot chocolate. For holiday shoppers, they have also conveniently assembled gift boxes to choose from to make your shopping a breeze.
Many of the gift boxes center around their own products. So one gift box might contain their coffee beans roasted on site, and perhaps a branded coffee mug and hat. In the true spirit of generosity, they also have lots of gift boxes that are filled with products from other local businesses, many of which I’ve mentioned in this post.
That means you may just be able to get away with buying several upstate New York gifts that represent a variety of businesses with just one stop at Utica Coffee. Check out their offerings both in person and online. I promise you will be glad you did. Online shopping is available. 92 Genesee St., Utica and 1 W. Park Row, Clinton, NY
Local Italian Delis and Bakeries
A thing Utica does absolutely right is Italian food, whether you’re craving savory dishes like chicken riggies and tomato pie, or the sweeter offerings of pustis and Pizzelle. And if you’re shopping for food-lovers, lots of local Italian delis and bakeries sell homemade and specialty food items that would make up the most delicious gift baskets!
Stop at Roma Sausage & Deli for some pungent hard cheese, salami, and more imported goods. Then head to Napoli’s Italian Bakery & Deli for a package of homemade pasta and fresh Italian bread. Then round off your gift basket with homemade Italian cookies from Rosa’s Trattoria.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up a tomato pie or sausage roll from any of the above places. They’re both perfect dishes to bring to a holiday pot luck dinner or to serve if you’re cooking at home.
Read about The Best Italian Bakeries in Utica and start assembling your food-based Upstate New York gift baskets now!
Oneida County History Center
If you’re shopping for a bookworm who also happens to have a thing for local history, check out the Oneida County History Center.
With their exhibits and live events, they bring the history of the region alive. They also, in keeping with the mission to engage with and teach the community, have a bookstore on-site that carries a wide range of books written by local authors about local topics of interest.
I visited recently and found books on the history of nearly every town in Oneida County, from Remsen to Rome and beyond. There are also books about Prohibition, the Underground Railroad, and the history of beer as related to the local area. I also saw an alarming number of books on local murders throughout history.
I recommend going to the Oneida County History Center in person, if possible, just because it’s a fascinating place. But if you can’t make it, they have an extensive selection of books available through their online bookstore. 1608 Genesee St., Utica, NY
Museum Shop at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
This fabulous fine art museum in Utica has a gift shop attached that sells goods perfect for the art lover in your life. The shop carry paintings created by local artists, books written by local writers, as well as locally made pottery, jewelry, and apparel.
If you want a hyperlocal Utica-themed gift, they have Monopoly set in the City of Utica, plus Utica puzzles, calendars, and photographs. 310 Genesee St., Utica
Saranac Brewery Retail Shop
The beer aficionado in your life will go nuts over a gift that represents a local family-run brewery that’s been in business since 1888, back when it was known as F.X. Matt Brewery.
Go ahead and make up your gift exclusively of beverages if you like. It would be easy to assemble a gift basket with a six pack of the brewery’s signature Utica Club beer and then add some Saranac seasonal flavors like Caramel Porter, or maybe a variety pack like the 12 Beers of Winter.
Looking for beverages for the under 21 or abstainer on your gift list? No problem. They’ll love Saranac’s Root Beer, Orange Cream soda, or Cranberry Ginger beer.
The retail shop also sells heavy duty beer steins, as well as branded merchandise that includes hats, sweatshirts, and glassware. It doesn’t get much
I can’t think of a more perfect upstate New York gift than a Utica Club T-shirt paired with a Utica Club six pack! 830 Varick St., Utica, NY
Meyda Lighting
A lamp from Meyda would make a perfect gift—holiday or otherwise—for someone who has recently moved and needs an elegant personal touch in their new surroundings.
Meyda specializes in creating lighting decorated with original handcrafted stained-glass designs. They are often Tiffany reproductions. Floor lamps and table lamps come in an array of colors and styles. Meyda also carries miscellaneous items like candle holders and light sculptures which are sure to add a spray of colorful cheer to any home. 55 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville, NY
Newport Marketplace
This is the type of place where you go, armed with your entire gift list, and expect to emerge, after a few hours with every gift you need. That’s the nature of this large vendor mall that sells antiques as well as new and secondhand goods of all types. They also have a fun collection of antique signs, perfect for decorating a finished basement, home bar, or spare room.
The merchandise comes from various vendors so stock roates, but you can always count on a selection of products handmade by locals, like hand painted Christmas tree ornaments, pottery, and jewelry. Near the marketplace entrance is a food aisle, with a selection of jams, pickles, salsa, apple butter, and locally made cheeses. Keep an eye on the Newport Marketplace Facebook page for featured merchandise. 7583 Main St., Newport, NY
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Upstate New York Experience Gifts
If you’re looking to scale down your consumption of material goods or would just rather give the gift of an experience instead, there are lots of great Upstate New York gift ideas for that, too!
- A one-year membership to the Utica Zoo
- A gift card for a ski pass at Woods Valley Ski Area
- Tickets to a Broadway Theater League show at the Stanley Theatre
- A gift card for a spa day at Lava Spa in Utica, or Skana or Ahsi spas at Turning Stone
Online Shopping for Upstate NY Gifts
And finally, don’t miss out on several area businesses that sell exclusively online merchandise that would make perfect upstate New York gifts.
- Uticrews – sells very cute and stylish Utica T-shirts, tanks, hats, onesies, and more.
- Handshake City – So many Utica-themed gifts here: ornaments, T-shirts, magnets, prints, etc. Currently available in their online store: a T-shirt that says “Utica is brewtiful.”
- I love Utica NY – Lots of clever local-themed T-shirts for sale with sayings like “Peace, Love, & Tomato Pie” or “Hopes, Dreams, & Utica Greens.”
Hopefully, you manage to check every single person off your shopping list and end up with a carload of Upstate New York gifts! If you’ve worked up an appetite while shopping, be sure to treat yourself to a fabulous meal at a local restaurant!
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