Hi friends! After being in Upstate, for over 3 years I’ve finally decided it’s time to publish an Upstate, New York Holiday Shopping Guide! From cider to facials, join me in supporting some of our local faves this holiday season with some of the best gift ideas in town. As always these are all local Upstate New York businesses I personally supported this last year from throughout the New York Capital District, and I’m excited to share them with you!

Hot Crispy Oil

Introducing a delicious mix of garlic, shallots, and chili peppers mixed up with extra virgin oil makes this the perfect compliment to almost anything! Let me add, I’m not really a spicy person but I actually would recommend this for anyone looking to venture out but still stay on the safe side! This little jar of spicy is a great gift idea for coworkers, clients, and friends. Also, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer! Or, if you want to get creative, you could create a cook’s gift basket – maybe fixin’s for mac & cheese paired with a side of Hot Crispy Oil to mix into it. While they are based right here in Albany, NY you can even find them on Amazon, and sprinkled throughout a few upstate shops + boutiques. First of all, follow their IG they’ll keep ya hungry, and head to their website to order up your stocking stuffers!

Nine Pin Cider

I’d be hard-pressed to find a better cider for you! HAHA! All jokes aside, there are a few things I love about Nine Pin Cider obviously it’s quite delicious or we wouldn’t be listing them but they also host so many fun events right in Albany. Anyways, let’s get back to the gifting season or also known as gathering season — grab a few of these before ya head home. Stuff them in your sibling’s stockings, gift the taste of cider & keep spirits high during high-stress times! Have a friendly neighbor? This would make the perfect holiday for your neighbor as well! Already know a Nine Pin lover? Then shop their merch, grab a few flavors, pick up a gift bag and you’re good to go. Head to their website to start your order and join the fun on Insta (they’re pretty active + fun)!

Colonie Center

We all have that one person who wants everything, right? Spend an afternoon browsing Colonie Center located in Colonie New York and you’ll be sure to complete your shopping list. Give the gift of style + fashion, jewelry presents, gifts for kids and so much more! Grab lunch, watch a movie and make a full day of it! Plus, if you truly have someone who’s hard to shop for, get them gift cards for their fave Colone Center stores and let them have a little fun of their own! Follow their Insta and head to their website to start planning your holiday adventure!

Genn at BackStageStylist

Meet, Genn of the Backstage Stylist Studio + Boutique. I’d easily consider her my fairy brow-mother. Genn’s been doing my brows for 2-3 years now and I wouldn’t dream of going elsewhere. This is the perfect luxury gift idea! Spoil your BFF with a tiny tattoo, brow session, facial, or even a lash lift + tint. Not only does she offer beauty services but her boutique is also filled with the cutest + most unique gems! Each time I go in, I swoon over everything for 15 mins. Her boutique is also where I’ve been getting my face masks throughout the pandemic. Gift the give of beauty this holiday season and your BFF will love you forever! Book sessions for yourself, friends, and family right on her website and don’t forget to follow her on socials!

Ashleigh Amber Boudoir

Ashleigh is a beautiful person inside and out, we’ve been working together since I relocated here from VT. I found her on Insta and knew we had to connect, we have similar goals in life — help build confidence in women, locally and around the world. Shoot boudoir with Ashleigh is no joke a magical experience! You don’t need to be a model, you don’t have to be thin or look a certain way. She keeps you comfortable, confident and coaches you throughout the entire time. While this is an expensive upscale gift idea, there is no price on body positivity. Gift your friend, wife, partner, or YOURSELF a session of confidence-boosting with Ashleigh! Book her through her website + follow her IG!

Daves Gourmet Burgers + More

Mouthwatering foodie gift idea alert! Nothing more to say really! Well, Dan and I discovered Dave’s shortly after we started dating and they sure became a fave for us. The real deal is that they have these super unique and delicious black fries! Gotta have ’em. For the foodie in your life (we all know you know one), gift them a mouthwatering meal! Visit their website + follow their IG!

Thistle be Perfect

Find the cutest handmade unique trinkets & gifts you’ll find around town. They have the perfect mixture of holiday decor, prints, photos, fun signs and so much more! This is where you’ll find unique gifts for those who have everything. I recently browsed around when they hosted a craft fair, I can’t wait to go back and find a few Christmas gifts for my mom! Visit their website + follow their IG to get your gift ideas flowing!

Jackies Pet Salon

This is actually a tribute to Luna. As I prep for my first Christmas in 9 years without Luna, it feels important to shed light on one of her fave places. Luna had always loved going to the “spa”, each year her whole life I would bring her to the doggy spa for her birthday. When we moved here from VT, I was super nervous about someone who could handle my big baby (who had also had 2 ACL surgeries before). Then we found Jackie, she was super sweet, always took her time with Luna. She would even give her extra breaks during her session to ensure her little leggies didn’t get too sore or tired. Yes, this is literally a holiday gift idea for your DOG! LOLOL. Dogs and pets always deserve holiday presents, they gift us with unconditional love year-round. Spoil your damn dogs or I’m coming for them! (I think that’s a joke) p.s. that’s Luna after a visit to Jackie’s Pet Salon! Follow them on Facebook to learn how to book a doggy spa day!

Saratoga Grazing Co

Obviously giving the gift of a grazing board is never a bad idea! Or, you could also just bring one as a pre-dinner snack, you know you’re going to need one! Follow Erika on IG to learn how to order your holiday board – better order asap though (she books right up)!

I hope this Upstate + Capital Region New York based gift guide is the perfect aid to the stress of holiday shopping! Don’t forget to follow everyone on socials and tag them if you treat yourself or have gifts you don’t mind sharing early! Thank you for shopping local! I wish you all a super fun season holiday shopping and celebrations. Stay safe, local, and calm! HAHA

*thank you to the sponsors of this Upstate Holiday Shopping Guide*