Clever, practical, and festive finds for everyone on your list
The hardest part of holiday shopping? Coming up with the ideas.
That’s where we come in!
Emily and I hunt for clever, practical, and festive finds all year long, then gather our favorites into our annual list. There’s something for just about everyone, wherever you live. This year, we’re also shining the spotlight a little more brightly on our fellow Lancaster small businesses, not just because they’re local, but because they offer genuinely great products and gifts.
And if you’re in or around Lancaster, we have what might just be the best holiday shopping perk around: the FAK Shop Local Discounts, exclusive savings at many of the businesses featured below, plus great restaurants like Passerine, Lombardo’s, and Norbu!
Want in? The FAK newsletter delivers the latest recipes and seasonal favorites straight to your inbox, and paid subscribers get the discount codes. A month of membership costs about the same as a latte, and a single purchase can easily cover it and put money back in your pocket. Become a paid subscriber or give a gift subscription. Once you upgrade, you’ll find your member card and codes in this Shop Local Discounts newsletter.
Not local, or sending a gift out of town? No problem! Several of these vendors ship, so you can support small, independent businesses and send a little Lancaster love anywhere. And the rest of the list is full of great finds you can get no matter where you are.
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Lancaster is so lucky to have such a fantastic children’s boutique in Bella Boo on Queen, right behind Central Market. (Not local? They ship!) All the best new toys, feeding and travel accessories, and niche clothing brands that all new (and seasoned) parents and grandparents love. Here are some of our favorites for gifts this year. (Get 20% off select items — and savings on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here.)
1. For a newborn gift, Magnetic Me is a game changer. Onesies that close simply with magnets mean no fumbling with snaps, buttons, or broken zippers in the middle of the night. The ruffle design is sweet, but the onesies come in a variety of patterns for $41 each. 2. Mushie Baby Food Freezer Tray ($22) was Emily’s favorite for baby food. Blend your favorite meat, veggies, and fruits, fill the cups, and freeze. At mealtimes, simply pop out and reheat! 3. Magnatiles are the best kids toy since the invention of Legos! Easy to build for even the tiniest builder, and speedy cleanup adds value to the gift — just throw them in a bin! Emily loves the large starter set for newbies, which is priced at $129, but there are so many niche play sets available for kids who already have the basics that are designed to turn a child’s specific passion into a creative building adventure. (Think Safari animal habitats and gravity-defying race tracks to glittering fantasy castles and micro-sized travel sets.)
4. For those with older kids, Squishies & Needohs are really fun stocking stuffers and kids go wild for these things. Emily likes the new dumpling Snowflake edition for $18, but there’s so much variety! 5. Emily’s daughter has the Tea Pleated Metallic Skirt (which is on sale for $29.99!) and always gets complements when she wears it out. 6. The Appaman Velvet Suit Blazer is for the boys in your world who like to spruce it up for the holidays or a fancy event, also on sale for $84.99.
Details, located on the first block off Penn Square in the heart of Lancaster, is a place where time seems to evaporate because it’s so much fun to look around. The boutique is widely celebrated as a destination for unique gift items from dishes and barware to travel bags, candles, and games. Details will ship, and their website offers helpful categories that are specifically targeted to everyone on your list, from teachers and mahjong players to golfers, cooks, and birdwatchers.
1. This sleek Smores Maker, which retails for $50, is perfect for roasting without the bonfire. 2. Family Fun Trivia, priced at $16, is as fun for game night as it is to add a little excitement to the dinner table. 3. We love the Gold Club Double Old Fashion Glass, priced at $30, for the golfer on your list. 4. If your book club is exchanging gifts, this $26 Book Club Porcelain Mug may be just the thing. 5 & 6. Mahjong is so popular right now, and this Charm Necklace for $20 with the green beads is so fun, as is the $16 on-theme scoring pad. In fact, Details has a whole mahjong section for your perusing!
Lemon Street Market may be known for their fresh produce, grocery, and cafe items, but they always stock a variety of locally-sourced, giftable items as well. Christina Maser Co. products are a customer favorite and include jams, soup mixes, bath products, and Ann’s favorite — candles. Made of soy wax, the candles, are hand-poured and non-toxic and have a long burn time. The unique scents smell amazing without being too strong, and the price point for the high-quality candle is excellent. (Get 10% off all Christina Maser products — and savings on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here.)
Bavington Clothier is the newest kid on the boutique block, and they have come in hot! It’s a gorgeous space that’s family owned and operated, and prides itself in small things done well — from the first conversation to the final press. We love the Original Leather Crossbody Pom Pom London with its super fun patterned straps (and, of course, a pompom!) for $140 in store (or $135 + tax direct from Pom Pom London). They also carry Geometry Tea Towels, which come in bright colors and a wide range of themes, and retail for $20 each (or $18 + tax direct from Geometry). Ann used the same tea towels for years and promptly converted after trying the Geometry towels for the first time several months ago. And definitely worth a mention, while you’re in the store, you can grab a cup of coffee or beverage of choice — and even challenge the owner, Brent Bavington, to a ping pong match. (Rumor has it he’s undefeated!)
(Get 10% off Geometry towels and Pom Pom London bags in-store through Dec. 31 — and savings on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here.)
Many Lancastrians will only purchase sneakers at Inside Track, thanks to their excellent service and competitive prices. If you’re in the market for sneakers, whether for yourself or as a practical gift (the guys in Ann’s family are always thrilled with this gift!), the pictured everyday HOKA Clifton Pro ($165) is one of the most popular sellers for women, and the Cloudrunner 3 Max is a top choice for men. We like the white with green accents, but other colors are available, as is a wide range of other popular brands and some kids options. Inside Track also offers free shipping for orders over $100. (Get 15% off all purchases — and discounts on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here.)
Located on the 300 block of North Queen Street in downtown Lancaster, J. A. Sharp Custom Jewelers has long been a favorite for hand-crafted jewelry (plus repairs, restoration, jewelry re-design, and stone remounting). Ann’s go-to pieces have come from Sharp over the years, and include the “skinny hammered earrings” and “stackable silver rings,” shown above. Ann especially loves the hoops because they are big enough to make a statement but very lightweight. This sliver and gold “little ring necklace” is on Ann’s wish list…perhaps for her next big birthday?! (At post time, it was out of stock, but owner Andrea said it will be back soon—she’ll happily answer any other questions as well.) (Get 15% off all purchases — and savings on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount code here.)
The Bloom Room is another great spot on the 300 block of Queen Street and is the quintessential destination for makeup, brows, clothing, and accessories. Owner (and friend!) Meg Ebersole also does makeup for weddings and other special events, and will even to teach you (or the tweens and teens in your life) how to expertly apply makeup. (Ann gifted each of her nieces a lesson with Meg last year, and they were so excited!) Meg has given us our best makeup recs, which include the lip glosses shown above, which are smooth and lasting, but not sticky, and come in shades that are subtle as well as those that make a statement. (We think the subtle nature of the Buxom lipglosses make them especially easy to gift. Stocking stuffer, anyone?) (Get 20% off all boutique services and gift cards— and discounts on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here. Meg will mail gift cards.)
Ellicott & Co., located on North Market Street, just a few steps from Lancaster’s historic Central Market, has a cozy, rustic dude vibe, and carries “heritage inspired goods for the modern man.” Ann always finds great gifts for her sons and husband, and while the store is definitely worth a visit, all our favorite things (and lots more) can be viewed on their site and shipped. (Get 10% off all purchases online or in-store — and discounts on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount code here.)
1. Priced at $24, Cavallini and Co’s Vintage Puzzles are Ann’s favorite brand to buy for her husband. They come in lots of designs (there’s truly a theme for everyone) and are great to work on during the holidays or over a cold, snowy winter weekend. 2. The Barebones Railroad Lantern is a unique light well suited for both a curated outdoor dinner table or rustic camping. An adjustable-brightness LED Edison-style bulb delivers a classic warm glow; priced at $100. 3. Declare your love for our city with this cozy Lancaster Crew Sweatshirt, which retails for $70 and is designed right here in Lancaster!
4. The Welsh Mtn Leather Apron is also Lancaster-made and will stand up to your toughest jobs, whether inside or outside, and certainly at the grill. Priced at $150. 5. Bringing wine to your next gathering? Why carry in wine with your bare hands when you can use this chic J. Stark Wine Tote ($90) with two interior sleeves. The larger exterior pockets carry everything needed to crack open your prized interior contents and enjoy whenever you see fit.
Fourteenth Boutique is a local favorite for women’s clothing and accessories, located on the corner of West Orange and Market Alley in downtown Lancaster. There are some truly beautiful items there right now for holiday gifting. Here are a few that caught our eye!
1. Ann is excited about this Vivid Moss Yara Cardigan ($178), which she thinks would be perfect for her son’s girlfriend. 2. Emily has the Silver Holiday Bow Stud Earrings ($18), which she breaks out every holiday season, and everyone compliments her on them! 3. The slouchy Kaki Portobello Bag ($65) is unique and practical for a quick grab-and-go when you also want to look stylish. 4. This simple Red Knitted Cardigan ($72) could even be a gift for yourself! It’s perfect with jeans and will also “holiday up” nearly anything you pair it with.
LPSA (Lancaster Plastic Surgery associates) has an aesthetics arm, and they carry great skin care products. Their staff pick is the Skin Better Science Tone Smart Sunscreen. Sunscreen is truly the best way to protect against skin cancer, so it’s the gift they recommend to everyone. This one is a favorite because you can wear it on its own in place of foundation for a light, natural glow or use it as a base under your makeup. Best of all, it’s never orange or cakey, even on the fairest skin tones. Ann is a fan of this product, and she gifts sunscreen to her sons every year in their Christmas stockings! (Get 20% off all ALL skincare purchases through December 31, 2026 — and deals on other products in this post — by upgrading to paid subscriber status and getting your discount card here.)
Not local, but lovely!
If you like chocolate like Ann likes chocolate, you must try these scrumptious treats from Barkeeper Chocolates in the Adirondacks. Introduced to her by her son, they’ve become a regular gift in her house. The Grown Up Peanut Butter Cups, which are available in a variety of flavors, are a favorite. The maple chocolate bar was also a surprise hit. Ships right to your house!
The Classic Collection of Australian Botanical Soap is a practical, sweet smelling gift for $39.95. Ann loves how each bar of soap is a beautiful color with a delightful aroma. Scents include lemongrass, ocean, and lychee, to name a few. The box includes eight 6.6-ounce triple-milled bar soaps made with pure plant oils and enriched with raw organic shea butter for a rich lather and long-lasting use. Can be given as a lovely gift box or broken down for a small but thoughtful gift.
Ann’s mom gave her this ORORO Women’s Quilted Lightweight Heated Vest last Christmas, and it proved to be the gift she didn’t know she needed. She layered it under her winter coat when walking Daisy on all the frigid days last year (there were so many!) and often wore it inside when the house was chilly. Ann, in turn, gifted the same vest to her son’s girlfriend, who recently moved from sunny California to NYC. Lightweight, cute, pairs well with athleisure-wear, great for layering, and generally fabulous for morning walks and outdoor sporting events. Priced at $149.99 and available in a few great neutral colors. Heats quickly and easy to charge with your phone charger.
Ann’s son’s girlfriend gifted her this adorable Marabu clutch, which is ideal when you don’t want to carry a bulky handbag but do need enough room for basics like phone, keys, lipgloss, and sunglasses. Chic, soft, practical, and fun for girls and women of all ages. For many more eye-catching colors and styles, with prices starting at $41, click here.
Shade Amour is a company from Long Island that sells great patterned beach bags as well as oven mitts, small pouches, and even hair accessory bags (see below!). Emily frequently gets compliments on her roomy beach bags, which fit a lot but are soft, pliable, and cute. The company even sells matching mother-and-daughter pjs and dresses!
For the kiddos
For the kids who love to collect bugs, why not offer up a bug mansion? This little Ladybug House is an adorable safe haven for the little critters and helps with organic gardening and pest control. A win-win for $15!
This Magnetic Pocket Chess Set is so small and handy, it fits in the front pocket of Emily’s son’s backpack…because you never know when an opponent may be looking for a game! It comes with magnetic pieces, so even though it’s tiny, the pieces stay put. Retails for $9.99.
Looking for chess lessons or an intro to chess? Emily’s kids both love chess and learned through Story Time Chess. They turn chess pieces into fun characters to help younger kids remember the rules around how they move. Though based in Brooklyn, NY the company offers virtual tutoring sessions, and Emily can’t recommend them highly enough!
3D printers were the big holiday buy a few years ago, but kids still love making creations. If you have kids who are now old enough to appreciate this exciting machine, Emily recommends ToyBox (the original model is on sale for $199) for easy, kid-friendly ways to make little fidgets and colorful creatures. For those who have had a printer for a while and are looking to jazz up the experience, the company offers play packs for $19.99, which give kids a roadmap to building activities such as a mini golf set or a fun wheel!
Harry Potter never goes out of fashion, and Emily’s kids have read and re-read the series (watched the movies several times too!). But what’s new? Anything Harry Potter-related that you could possibly imagine can be found at The Official Harry Potter Store, including wands (from any character) that can be personalized, pajamas, ornaments, books, stuffed animals…you name it! For those who like to geek out on spells, Emily’s family recently got the Defense Against the Dark Arts Spellbook so they can practice defending themselves against he who should not be named!
Okay, bedding may not sound like an exciting gift for kids, but Emily and Ann’s families both look forward to changing over to flannel sheets as the weather gets cold. These flannel sheets from L.L. Bean are soft, cozy, and come in pretty patterns from skiing to floral and Christmas trees. Their solid color sheets great too. Ann’s son just got a set in basic white. A twin bundle retails for $120.
Kids these days have more skin care, makeup, and jewelry than we ever did — and they must bring it with them when they travel! But even if your kids or grandkids are just bringing the basics to sleepovers and vacations, it’s nice to have things tucked away in their very own bag. These toiletry bags from Marleylilly come in a variety of colors and can also be monogrammed for as little as $24.99. Emily’s daughter loves her “sleepover bag” from the store too. Fun patterns and lots of options!
Give the gift of membership! Locals know about The Science Factory and North Museum, and a visit is always super fun for kids. The museums also offer summer camps and a variety of special events throughout the year. (FYI…a grandparent/kid membership costs $140 at both which is cheaper than a regular family membership!)
Planning a trip to NYC? Emily’s family also has a new favorite museums there…
SpyGames is probably the most family fun we have had in a museum. Ever. It’s interactive, thought provoking, and physically active! Gift tickets or check out the online store which has a ton of offerings for spy-minded kids and adults alike. And if your 8-12 year old avid readers haven’t picked up the Spy School Book Series yet, that’s a must!
The National Museum of Mathematics is great for kids and adults alike. Emily’s family loves this puzzle a day ($30), where you try to isolate the month and day of year using the puzzle pieces. It’s very tricky (and addicting to keep trying!) as well as the Natural Pi Teether for $13 (because you can never be too young to enjoy math!).
If you have a great gift idea not mentioned here, please comment below! And don’t forget to tag all your FAK photos with @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated.
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