If you’re anything like me, this year has been harder than most to get into a festive spirit.  Maybe it is because Thanksgiving is so late, maybe it is because Mother Nature hasn’t been able to decide what season we’re in, maybe it is because holiday shopping is stressful and when you get started it is like a marathon – something with an end out there somewhere but you have to keep running to find it.

In an effort to help you (and, maybe, help me make my own shopping list!) here are some top gift-shopping locations in Findlay!

For the Artsy Person

I love Artsy people.  I’m not a particularly artistically talented person,  however I really appreciate some great art in any form.  Which means when it comes to buying artistic gifts for the like-minded people in my life, I know just where to go. The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts has some really great shows coming up.  Last year my cousins, sister, and I treated our grandma to a girls night out to the MCPA and it was special for all of us to spend time with each other and see a great show.  I’m planning on gifting tickets to Spongebob: The Musical (like I said, art in any form!) to my son, and concert tickets to a few other people on my list.  Plus, I can usually invite myself along to the show – two birds, one stone!

Treat the special people in your life to tickets to a MCPA show!

If you have someone in your life that appreciates fine art, make sure you go to the Findlay Art League and browse the art currently available for sale, as well as their gift shop.  The December Show is “Art of Your Home Town” opens on November 30 and will run through Christmas – and all the artwork will be on sale.  This show will display work that relates to the hometown of the artist and is sure to be full of sentimental and beautiful items perfect for an art lover.

Creative Fringe opened their doors a little over a year ago, and already had to relocate for more space.  Now located around the corner from their original location at 404 S. Main St., Creative Fringe has more space to display goods made by local artisans.  There is homemade goods, artwork, comics, upcycled creations and more waiting for you to discover and rehome as a gift. 

Creative Fringe has beautiful pieces that will sure to make a great gift this holiday season!

Unique Gifts

I truly love shopping for gifts.  For me, there is nothing more fun than finding the perfect one-of-a-kind item that is going to match the recipient’s personality to a T.  Findlay has so many great shops that offer opportunities to find the right items for the unique people in your life.  I could have mentioned them above for the artsy people in your life, but Objects of Desire Artful Living is all about unique.  With artwork that will dazzle to one-of-a-kind jewelry, to hilarious gifts at all price points this is the place to go.  If you’re looking for something unique, a personalized piece will definitely hit the spot! 

Objects of Desire Artful Living has so many unique gift ideas at all price points!

RooBarb Studios makes personalized bangles, charms, and more that will be the highlight of someone’s holiday.  The best part, is there is still time to get your personalized orders in before Christmas…limited time, but still time!  And, that isn’t all they have, RooBarb also has plenty of gift ideas for the hard to shop for person, like dishware from Mudpie, stationary and notebooks, wall signs, candles, and more there is a lot packed in this small shop.  New, just for the holidays, is NEST 524, a pop-up shop from RooBarb Studios and Shimmery Belle Boutique.  This shop will only be open through Christmas and is in the old Rieck’s Building.  NEST 524 is full of holiday decor, home accents, and fun gift ideas for anyone – with some items especially picked out for the men in your life!

NEST 524 has gift ideas for everyone on your list, even the men!

Two spots that you probably visit during the holidays, but maybe not to purchase gifts are Feasel’s Garden Center and Gift Shoppe and Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream.  Feasel’s transforms their indoor space into a one-stop gift buying location.  Pick up Christmas ornaments, cuddly items for the children in your life, Vera Bradley, and, of course, garden items.  You’re naturally going to Dietsch’s during the holidays to get sweet treats, but check out their gift selection too!  Dietsch’s has a huge selection of locally made goods like honey and Wolfie’s Nuts, plus they do a great job with cute home and holiday decor!  

The Perfect Outfit

Here is the problem with boutiques in Findlay, every time I visit one I end up buying way too much for myself.  I’m all about treating yourself during the holidays, but I take it to a new level.  But there is too much great stuff at our local boutiques.  From the shoes and denim at Shimmery Belle Boutique to the school spirit-wear and adorable tops at Trends! on Main to the purses and sweaters at The Urban Market to the accessories and dresses at Papillon Boutique you can find great options for all the lovely ladies in your life. 

You can’t go wrong shopping at one of our local boutiques!

While you can’t get an entire outfit at Flag City Clothing you can get some great shirts and sweatshirts that represent your school, community, favorite landmarks, and Findlay quirks all while shopping local!

Vintage-Inspired Gifts

Hancock County has so many great antique and vintage shops that are just begging you to search them for the perfect gifts.  Thistle Exchange is a newcomer to this front, but they’ve already made a name for themselves as a fun place to shop and find great items.  They recently relocated off of County Road 99, conveniently located near two more wonderful spots for vintage finds.  The Homestead Collection is full of items that are sure to connect with anyone who loves antiques, vintage items, or Joanna Gaines.  And Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery was just voted the best place in Ohio to shop for antiques.  There is quite literally no better place in the state to find antique treasures!

Still not in the festive spirit? Go shopping at Thistle Exchange, that will do the trick!

For the Kids

Finding gifts for my sons, nieces, nephews, and young cousins is some of my favorite shopping.  You get to be a kid again, trying to find the most imaginative and fun items for the littlest ones in your life.  I’ll admit, I’ve been called “a mean mom” because I’m not a fan of video games.  Actually, I hate video games.  So I refuse to purchase them.  I’m also that aunt that buys books for birthdays, and most Christmases.  I think that makes me the coolest aunt, but my husband disagrees.  But, I hit the jackpot when Smarty Pants Findlay moved into town.  Because I still get to hold to my gift-giving-morals of buying things that won’t turn the brains of the kids I love into mush, will stimulate their imaginations, and make me really earn those Best Aunt and Mom titles.  With a huge selection of books (Smarty Pans has wonderful graphic novels – they’re especially great for reluctant readers!), board games, and  fun imaginative play sets from brands you know like Melissa and Doug and Magna-Tiles.  If you’re still lost, ask Jane or one of the employees for help – they’re a wealth of knowledge!  You really can’t go wrong when you walk in their doors!

Be the cool aunt – buy books at Smarty Pants Findlay!

If you have parents-to-be on your shopping list, give them a truly unique experience this holiday season.  First Glance Ultrasound Studio and Boutique offers gift certificates for a 3D Ultrasound experience.  What better gift to give parents then seeing their future baby.  Plus, there is some really, really cute clothes in this store!  

When in Doubt…

…buy gift certificates.  How often do gift certificates save the day?  So many times I think I have everyone checked off my list and then I realize I forgot the person I’m seeing that evening.  Gift certificates to the rescue!  Luckily, there are Downtown Findlay gift certificates that are redeemable at more than 50 local spots, meaning that even a last-minute gift item is still thoughtful and local.   You can purchase them at The Alliance, 123 E. Main Cross St. in $5 increments.  If you’re purchasing more than $100 of gift certificates, please call 419-422-3315 so they can be ready in a timely manner!  

I hope this helped you get in the holiday shopping spirit!  Check out all the shopping options here and stay tuned for more ideas for holiday fun.  I’ll see you in the shops!

This blog post is written by Visit Findlay Community Relations and Development Manager Danielle Wilkin.  Danielle is a reality TV aficionado, frequent Downtown diner, and a busy mom!  That isn’t much, is it?  See more about Danielle and read more from her here!