The season of gifts can be a season of angst, especially if, like many locally minded Syracuse residents, you are shifting your shopping to locally owned, independent businesses. The Eagle has sought out these unique, local gifts for the men, women and children on your list.
Gifts for women
Most women, whether your mother, partner, sister or friend, will appreciate a thoughtful, artfully made handbag from Lilipad Creations. While it can be daunting to choose a color scheme or style for your loved one, owner Beth Eischen is happy to help you choose a design that will fit her fashion sense. Eischen says it’s a good idea to find a photo of your loved one in her winter jacket, and bring it with you to her studio at 501 W. Fayette Street, Suite 313, so that she can help you find the right colors and style to compliment her jacket. Liilipad Creations handbags range from $35 to $135 for larger, travel totes. 395-2721.
Syracuse has no shortage of independently owned spas to indulge your loved one. Spa Zend, located at 719 East Genesee Street, offers fully customizable gift certificates that can be used for specific treatments, entire packages, or a certain dollar amount. Services start at $50 for a basic 50-minute massage, but a range of massage styles, wraps, scrubs and treatments are available. Check out their Lomi Lomi Hawaian style massage, a “unique, fast-paced massage ‘dance’ with elongated, flowing strokes and rhythmic patterns, done to drumming music.” 424-3772.
Concepcioun re-usable felt notepads are one-of-a-kind. Made from renewable and sustainable materials, and just $25 (notepad refill inserts are $7).
Gifts for men
Ra-Lin, a local and independent appliance and electronics store, has a super friendly and knowledgeable staff. You’ll find the perfect gadget for your loved one. If your giftee already has every gadget he could need, Ra-Lin also carries accessories — bags and cases for photos and laptops, batteries and memory cards, speakers and docking stations. Ra-Lin is at 625 Burnet Avenue, Syracuse. 472-7874.
If you’ve got an old 10-speed in the basement, why not let Mellovelo bicycle shop do a fixed-gear conversion? “Turn it into a slick new single-speed” for your loved one, says the website. “It’ll make your old ride like new!” (The service starts at $55, but varies depending on parts installed.) Mellovelo also offers a complete tune-up for $55, so you can grab a gift certificate and make sure your bicycle aficionado is ready to ride when the snow melts. While you’re there, you can grab yourself a hot cider or latte from their coffee shop. 550-556 Westcott St., Syracuse. 307-3104.
Gifts for children
Worm poop — well, technically it’s vermicompost. Kids will love an indoor garden kit, complete with worm compost. Devine Gardens sells vermicompost in 1-quart bags for $3, available at True Value in Manlius, Buyea’s True Value in Cazenovia, and Cross Creek Nursery, Rt. 92, Manlius.
Commercial Art Supply, 935 Erie Blvd., Syracuse, has a whole department of kids’ art supplies. They offer clay, craft supplies, scratch art, origami kits and more. 474-1000.
