This holiday season it is more important than ever before to shop small and support local! Pick up hand-crafted goods from local makers or unique gift items at local shops, holiday markets and small businesses. Scroll on for where to shop small in Albany County this holiday season!
Fort Orange General Store
Whether you are looking to shop in-person, shop online or shop online & pick up in-store this holiday season, downtown Albany's Fort Orange General Store has you covered! The charming neighborhood shop has a curated selection of home goods and gifts from designers, artists and small companies from the local area and beyond. From hand-knit hats, to Albany-themed sweatshirts and posters, to handmade jewelry, to cozy candles, the shop has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Throughout the month of December, Fort Orange is hosting holiday pop ups featuring local makers inside the store.
Shaker Holiday Market
Peruse unique gifts from regional artisans and get in the holiday spirit at the Shaker Holiday Market! The holiday market is open until December 19 and features one-of-a-kind gifts such as handmade ornaments, pottery, jams, soaps, jewelry and more. Shaker Heritage Society has new safety measures put in place this year such as hand sanitizer and gloves available, one-way aisles, and limits on the number of shoppers checking out in the gift shop. The 80 vendors are also more spread out this year to accommodate social distancing. Face masks are required.
Emack & Bolio's
Emack & Bolio's is more than just a charming ice cream parlor. It is a cheerful spot to shop small this holiday season! The store is filled with ornaments, toys, puzzles, games, mugs and candies perfect for everyone on your Hanukkah or Christmas lists. After browsing the selection, pick up a hot cocoa, ice cream cone or pastry to go! This year Emack & Bolio's also launched an online store called Nipper Dog Toys & Gifts with items available for shipping or next day curbside pick-up!
Lark Street Mercantile
Lark Street Mercantile is a go-to spot for local and hand-crafted gifts. Located on Albany's bustling Lark Street, the curated retail marketplace celebrates Capital Region makers. Pick up mugs, stationary, books, soaps, tote bags, home decor, jewelry and more all hand-crafted by local artisans! Every weekend in December, the shop is offering after hours shopping appointments that can be booked online for free. Lark Street Mercantile also has an online shop, with items available for shipping or pick up in-store.
Mini Italian Christmas Market
This holiday season the American Italian Heritage Museum is hosting a Mini Italian Christmas Market through December 14. For a safe shopping experience, the museum has transformed exhibit rooms into marketplaces that adhere to CDC guidelines. Purchase gifts such as "Made in Italy" foods, cookbooks, Italian language greeting cards, music and more! Curbside pickup is available upon request. The Christmas Market is a major fundraising event for the museum.
Stuyvesant Plaza
Shop at a variety of local businesses and boutiques at Stuyvesant Plaza in Guilderland. Stuyvesant Plaza is home to businesses such as RAD Soap, a shop selling handcrafted soaps made in Albany; Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, a locally-owned and independent book store; and G.Willikers, a locally-owned toy store (offering shopping appointments this year)! While perusing the shops, admire the festive window displays and soak up the holiday cheer!
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce
Support local businesses and shop small with the Holiday Shopping Discount Card from the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. Members of the chamber are offering a variety of deals this holiday season from November 28 until December 31. Special offers available through the Holiday Shopping Discount Card include a take-out dinner special from Sam's Italian American Restaurant, wine bottle discount from Twisted Vine Wine & Tap, a gift card special from Yanni's Too and more.
Local Gift Shops & Liquor Stores
Albany Institute Museum Shop: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Call to arrange for curbside pickup or UPS Shipping.
Broadway Plaza Liquor: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Delivery, takeout and online ordering are available.
Capital Wine & Spirits: Open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Discover Albany Visitor's Center Gift Shop: Open for Small Business Saturday on November 28 (Details TBA)
Empire State Plaza Visitor's Center Gift Shop: Open Monday through Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Store at Albany Center Gallery: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
