Hudson Valley's Holiday Gift Guide

Think Festively, Shop Locally

by Francis Cruz and photographs by Sabrina Gilmore, November 28, 2007

With the holidays only weeks away and plenty of shopping left to do, fight the urge to raid the mall. Instead, check out these local businesses for thoughtful gifts that will stand out among the myriad of mass-produced trinkets and doodads. Give outdoor equipment, jewelry, organic food, and more. We’ve already done the legwork to help you find one-of-a-kind and limited-supply gifts. Every item purchased supports a Hudson Valley small business, sustainable farm, or cultural institution. Supporting small businesses is supporting your community. A study conducted by Civic Economics shows that for every $100 spent locally, $68 in additional local activity is generated. Compare this to the $43 of local impact created when $100 is spent at a national chain store. Just take a look in your neighborhood and find holiday treasures around every corner.

The Writing Is on the Wall
Anne O’Neil, owner of Inspired, sees her business as first and foremost a bookstore, but her patrons see much more—and it’s easy to see why. The shop’s mission is to create a gathering place and provide the tools and encouragement to foster growth, change, and healing. There are fair-trade products, work from local artisans, and, of course, books. Inspirational banners have become popular. These powerful wall hangings make excellent gifts for college students living away from home. They are constant reminders to live, love, and trust life—positive messages from Gandhi, Goethe, and Niebuhr that leave stressed students inspired.

Inspired, 41 North Front Street, Kingston; (845) 331-0644; www.inspiredinkingston.com.