BY: HOLLY C. BONAME

As the holidays draw near, finding the perfect gift can be a stressful and daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. Thinking outside of the box stores and looking locally can ease this stress and even produce a custom gift for each person on your holiday shopping list.

Buying locally not only allows for you to find the perfectly customized gift for your loved ones it also supports your area small businesses, keeping Northern New York communities bustling with business and economic growth.

“Every purchase made locally results in funds going back into our economy,” said Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber executive director Kylie Peck. “The more we shop locally the more effect we have on those that are supporting local programs, non-profits and causes that mean the most to us”

Throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, many small businesses thrive due to support from local residents.

While shops along the St. Lawrence River depend on tourism during the summer months, they still remain open during the off-season; for small businesses in development it is about their passion for the products which they strive to share with their neighbors and friends.

“Of course it is very gratifying when people use and buy my products,” said Laura Cerow, owner and creator of St. Larry’s organic oils, lotions and potions, “Then they share with me how much they love them. But the most rewarding part is when someone finds relief of some kind from a product, that they had not been able to find elsewhere.  I also formulate for individual needs and I really enjoy that aspect as well.”

It is that personal relationship with local business owners that makes shopping locally a benefit to the consumer.

“We always encourage people to shop locally when they can. We are so fortunate in the greater Watertown area to be surrounded by quaint towns that offer unique shopping experiences. During the holiday season, the chamber acts as a neighborhood champion for the Small Business Saturday movement. For many year’s we have assisted with increasing awareness of this great program,” Mrs. Peck said.

Not only does shopping for the holidays within your local communities benefit the economy, but it helps the consumer save money as well. By shopping locally, you are saving on the cost of shipping and handling. Many online shops claim to provide free shipping during the holidays, but you are paying a higher price for that retail item.

Shopping during the holidays also should be a fun experience shared with friends and family. While browsing the internet from the comfort of home can be relaxing, having personal experiences and laughs while finding the perfect holiday gift can be exciting and create lasting memories.

Remember, your family and friends are one of a kind. Shopping locally means you can choose unique and one-of-a-kind gifts that are as special as the recipient.

NNY Living encourages you to focus your holiday shopping at many of the region’s small businesses this holiday season by following our non-chain holiday shopping guide below Holly’s Holiday Pick.

Holly’s holiday pick

With the holidays just around the corner it’s easy to forget to care for your personal health and wellness. Becoming overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of shopping, hosting guests and family and preparing the big holiday meal can leave one feeling drained.

But you don’t have to let your personal well-being fall to the wayside by simply taking a few minutes to eat well and treat your body right. Three small business owners along the St. Lawrence River want to ensure that you do just that. Laura Cerow, owner of St. Larry’s, Monica Behan, owner of Modicum Skin Care, and Liz Price-Kellogg along with Kristen Taylor, creators of LIVE YUM, have developed the “Gratitude Goddess Holiday Gift Box” to assist with wellness during the holiday season.

Each gift box includes gratitude-inspiring products handcrafted along the St. Lawrence River from the local businesswomen.

LIVE YUM

A signed copy of “For the Love of Food and Yoga: A Celebration of Mindful Eating and Being,” by Liz Price-Kellogg and  Kristen Taylor. Plus, three new LIVE Yum recipes.

LARRY’S

Two organic essential oils from St. Larry’s, helmed by the St. Lawrence River’s remarkable Laura Cerow, that may be used in recipes from the For the Love of Food and Yoga inspirational cookbook.

MODICUM SKIN CARE

A travel size of the coveted Essential Serum from Murray Isle’s Monica Behan, owner of Modicum Skin Care! A 2015 Beauty Nominee for Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards, Modicum Skin Care nutrient system combats a multitude of skin care issues from aging to acne.

Call 523-0627 to purchase your holiday “Gratitude Goddess Holiday Gift Box” or to learn more. Each gift box is $50 to $65 value and includes sales tax. LIVE YUM will also mail your gift box to any mailing address with an enclosed LIVE YUM gift card (add $10 — flat rate for shipping). Give the gift of the river, health, wellness and gratitude this holiday season.

 

Jefferson County

Editor’s note: The following list of non-chain stores is not intended as an all-inclusive shopping directory.

Country Designs

320 Dodge Ave., Sackets Harbor

778-5633

St. Lawrence Pottery

41468 state Route 12, Clayton

686-4252

stlawrencepottery.com

The Lake Ontario Gift Shop

12279 state Route 12E, Chaumont

(315) 300-4014

The Natural Basket

44144 state Route 3, Natural Bridge

644-4821

Agape Shoppe

136 Court St., Watertown

788-7470

The 1000 Islands Cruet

226 James St., Clayton

767-1064

1000 Islands River Rat Cheese

242 James St., Clayton

686-2480 or 1- (800) 752-1341

riverratcheese.net

Treasure Island Jewelers

40 James St., Alexandria Bay

482-2294

treasureislands.net

Karla’s Christmas Shoppe

500 Riverside Drive, Clayton

686-1906

Captain Spicer’s Gallery

40467 state Route 12, Clayton

686-3419

Freighters of Clayton

534 Riverside Drive, Clayton

703-0166

St. Larry’s

38234 Windward Cliffs, Clayton

408-1174

stlarrysriver@gmail.com

stlarrys.com

Live Yum

Liz Price-Kellogg and

Kristen Taylor, Clayton

775-7115 or 523-0627

namaste@liveyum.com

liveyum.com

Modicum

Clayton / 1000 Islands

modicumskincare@gmail.com

modicumskincare.com

St. Lawrence County

Phil and Jackie’s

69 Main St., Massena

philandjackies.com

Nature’s Storehouse

21 Main St., Canton

386-3740

natures-storehouse.com

Seasons Specialty Gifts

27 W. Orvis St., Massena

764-7671

seasons-gifts.com

Misty Hollow

22 Market St., Potsdam

265-1660

mistyhollowcraftsandhobbies.com

St. Lawrence County Arts Council

41 Elm St., Room 231, Potsdam

(Downtown Snell Hall, 2nd Floor)

265-6860

slcartscouncil.org

Brick & Mortar Music

15 Market St., Potsdam

274-9311

bandmm.com

Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm

1551 Highway 72, Potsdam

265-1776

adkfragrancefarm.com

Argent’s Jewelry and Coin Shop

32 Market St., Potsdam

265-6389

Canton-Potsdam Gift Shop

50 Leroy St., Canton

261-5415

Em Bears

P.O. Box 402, Hannawa Falls

268-1227

embears.com

Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) store

53 E. Main St., Canton

386-4289

tauny,org

Maple Run Emporiums Inc.

49 Market St., Potsdam

274-0102

MapleRunEmporiums.com

Lewis County

Nolts Country Store

7189 state Route 812, Lowville

377-3077

Marguerite’s Cranberry Emporium

7614 N. State St., Lowville

376-4411

mcegifts.com

Cozy Country Corner

7608 North State St., Lowville

376-4004

cozycountrycorner.lightspeedwebstore.com

Bonaparte Candle & Gifts

7790 State Route 3, Harrisville

543-7535

The Blue Bird Country Store

8311 state Route 26, Lowville

376-2473

bluebirdcandle.com

Amish Connection

9882 state Route 12, Copenhagen

688-2569

amishconnectionllc.com

Croghan Candy Kitchen

9740 state Route 812, Croghan

346-1591