13 Charming Small Businesses in the Hudson Valley to Support this Holiday Season

Small business owners are at the heart of our local communities, representing the composition of the places we call home. Getting to know the owners and staff on a personal level and doing your part to shop locally truly beats ordering online. With that in mind this holiday season, we've rounded up 13 charming local businesses in the Hudson Valley who are sure to have perfect gift you’ve been looking for, whether you're a local or visiting the region on a seasonal day trip. From candies to candles and chocolate to tchotchkes, consider shopping small at these local spots this season.

Be sure to bookmark this list of local craft fairs and Christmas markets for more ways to support local businesses and makers.

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Westchester Boutiques Where You Can Shop Small

1. First Village Coffee – Ossining

At this time of year cafés are particularly welcoming. First Village Coffee in Ossining could easily be one of the best coffee shops in the Hudson Valley. Stop in for a cup of something warm and a house-made pastry from some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable baristas. Be sure to peruse the table of local wares that the owners hand pick to represent other small businesses they support.

2. The Village Bookstore – Pleasantville

The Village Bookstore has been a staple in Pleasantville at one location or another since the '70s. The current owner, like the ones before her, fulfill the shop’s mission to supply the best books for customers. Check out the quaint location, visit the kids' section in the back, and order a title if you can’t find it on the shelf. Bonus: Get your gifts wrapped at no charge.

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Penny and Ting carries a wide variety of toys, whether you're searching for a classic pick or a contemporary one.

3. Penny and Ting Toys and Gifts – Ossining

The owner of this local shop was an educator for more than two decades, so she knows what kids like. When you enter Penny and Ting you feel like you’re in a boutique toy store. With one-of-a-kind gifts to impress any recipient and a curated selection that's a perfect mix of eco-friendly, obscure, and well-known toy brands you probably already love, this place aims to please no matter your interest—or that of your kids.

4. Glass Onion Originals – Pleasantville

With few stores around anymore that offer such a wide-ranging collection of “originals,” The Glass Onion sells jewelry, pottery, scarves, dining ware, wind chimes, and more. Find something to impress the one on your list who seems to already have everything. Note that only store credit is offered for returns.

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5. Cold Spring Apothecary – Cold Spring

Cold Spring is always a fun day trip destination. With its antique shops, cafes, and restaurants all sitting on a hill overlooking the water, just walking around feels like a win. If there is someone on your list who oozes luxury, this is a fine place to start. With natural ingredients and all its products made in small batches, there’s plenty of natural, good-smelling bath, body, face, and home products to choose from. You might even leave with a diffuser or a lip balm for yourself. In addition to its products, you can separately make an appointment for a facial at its "Wellness House" for an extra dose of indulgence.

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An order from No Wheat Sweets includes everything you need to craft beautiful, gluten-free holiday goodies.

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6. No Wheat Sweets – Pleasant Valley

An order here offers arts and crafts and treats all in one box! Make the kids’ day by picking up these cookie-decorating kids made by a local baker and business owner. Set up the decorations and watch the little ones create and, of course, test the icing and sprinkles as they go. These cookie boxes are a great idea for neighbors and friends, too. Order sooner rather than later to guarantee you can get your hands on these goody boxes.

7. Afton Road Ceramics – Beacon

Owners Rick and Todd have exceptional taste and a magnificent collection of handmade pottery to prove it. Enter the brightly lit storefront in Beacon, and you'll have no problem finding a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted set or individual piece of ceramic pottery. Make sure to look at the candles, too. On-site pottery classes are another great gift idea for the artist in your life. Currently, the shop is open only for limited weekend hours.

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Unique, one-of-a-kind pottery earrings crafted in the Hudson Valley can be purchased from Leah's Pottery & Crafts.

8. Leah's Pottery & Crafts – Online

Support a local artist and buy a beautiful hand-crafted pair of ceramic earrings or a necklace. Check out Leah’s Instagram page to see what she has available and order directly through messaging.

9. Pleasant Valley Department Store – Pleasant Valley

Take a trip to this “department store” that has been in town since the '40s, and find tons of quality gifts all in one place. With clothes and gear for men and women, clothes and toys for babies and kids, and plenty in between, it feels good to chat with a local store owner while you scan the racks and shelves. Imagine what it was like before strip malls, and find yourself pleasantly surprised that you can find so many things under one roof.

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Cuckoo clocks and more hand-crafted wooden gifts are sold at Hickory Dickory Dock in Nyack.

Rockland County Stores to Shop Small

10. Hickory Dickory Dock – Nyack

Selling authentic German cuckoo clocks and other wooden décor as well as various other clocks and trinkets, this bright green house welcomes all its visitors with excitement. Visit Wednesdays through Sundays or set up a private appointment by calling ahead. You’re sure to leave with something fabulous.

11. Tree of Chocolate – Nyack

This sweet shop sells U.S.-made and imported chocolates and candies aplenty. Enter the store smelling of chocolate and sugar and leave with goodies for many, and of course a little something sweet for your troubles. There's a fun assortment of holiday goodies, which make great for stocking stuffers.

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12. Newburgh Vintage Emporium – Newburgh

If you haven’t been to this shop, what are you waiting for? With two locations in Newburgh, there's plenty to browse. The owners all share a common love of vintage goodies and deliver a quality experience throughout their stores without all the outrageous antique prices you might associate with a traditional antique store.

13. Oliver and Chatfield – Newburgh

This place is plan just fun, seemingly stocked with all the things you didn’t know you needed and all the things you knew you needed but didn’t know where to find them. You know those mugs with trendy cheeky phrases and the greeting cards that genuinely make you laugh? They’ve got those. Are you a fan of sustainable living? The owner is too, and she’s handpicked a bunch of sustainable items, too. If giving a unique gift is your thing, this is your store. Note, Sundays and Mondays are by appointment only.

Photos courtesy of the shops