Need help checking some names off your holiday shopping list? Our Akron-centric gift guide is here to help. From pottery and coffee to cookies and books, our guide has something for even the most tough-to-shop-for recipients. The hard part is resisting the urge to buy something for yourself.
For the Akron lover
Akron on Deck playing cards from Art x Love ($15 to $20)
These playing card sets feature Akron landmarks and businesses depicted by local artists. Currently, two different Akron on Deck sets are available. The third and final deck, a bicentennial edition, will be available in mid-December. Akron on Deck can be purchased from Art x Love’s website and at select local retailers.
Tree Ornament from Don Drumm Studios & Gallery ($21)
You can’t talk about art in Akron without talking about Don Drumm, who has had a studio in the city since 1971. Drumm creates striking aluminum pieces, from serving platters and bowls to candle holders and sculptures. He offers an array of ornaments available for purchase online and in person at his gallery.
Blimps are cool. Buy tires. T-shirt from Goodyear ($25)
Goodyear launched a new blimp merch line this year, giving fans plenty of time to stock up before the fleet of airships celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025. The idea behind this shirt started with an Instagram caption in June. Hopefully the staffer who came up with it got a free set of tires (Did you know Goodyear makes tires too?) for this excellent marketing.
Don’t Mess with Akron T-shirt from the Social Dept. ($25)
Like most Midwesterners, Akronites are exceedingly friendly — and fiercely proud of their city. This tee is perfect for both Akron natives and newbies. No word yet, though, on what happens if one does mess with Akron.
Akron Ring Dish from Zeber-Martell Gallery & Clay Studio ($32)
This Northside gallery handcrafts all of its ceramics in house and has an entire line that celebrates its home city. This small dish can be used as a jewelry holder, spoon rest or soap dish. To make the gift extra special, pair it with a piece of jewelry — like these dangly black and gold earrings — from the gallery.
For the foodie
Whole bean coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters (starts at $14.50)
Coffee lovers will appreciate this local shop’s specialty, in-house roasted beans. Akron Coffee Roasters — which just opened Coffee Lab at Bounce Innovation Hub — offers several varieties of beans. A popular pick is the Interrobang Espresso Blend that also works nicely when prepared as coffee.
Fat T’s Cookies Fat Lite Subscription Boxes ($22-$23)
Make the sweets lover in your life extra happy with this monthly subscription box. (Because what’s better than cookies? Cookies delivered to your door.) Choose a three- or six-month subscription, and Fat T’s will send the recipient one cookie a month. Buying for someone with an extra sweet tooth? Upgrade to the Full Fat Box.
But First, JoJos T-shirt from Made in Akron ($26.99)
As the youth would say, iykyk. (Are the youth still saying that?) One thing you better not say when someone asks if you know what jojos are is, “Aren’t they just potato wedges?” I learned that the hard way.
Mugs from Summit Metro Parks ($7.95 for the camp mug; $28.95 for a TRJ Pottery mug)
One can never have too many mugs, and Summit Metro Parks offers several varieties. The TRJ Pottery mug (left), features the state of Ohio on one side and Summit Metro Parks’ leaf logo on the other. It’s available in red, green and orange and can be purchased at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm or by calling 330-865-8065. The dark blue speckled camp mug says, “Get out and explore with Summit Metro Parks.” It can be purchased at the nature realm.
Gift box from Akron Honey ($48)
Launched just in time for the holidays, this new set includes five 3-ounce bottles of honey: raw wildflower, bourbon barrel, hibiscus, apple cinnamon and habanero hot. It also features five honey sticks and a honey dipper. A bonus to the box is “Sweet Conversations,” a collection of cards, each with a different question meant to spur thoughtful conversations.
For the outdoorsy type
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Mini-Guide from Free Period Press ($8)
This guide is small enough to fit in your pocket but is packed with info. It features an illustrated map of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a checklist of 19 of the park’s most popular trails. A description of each trail is followed by a blank page to jot down notes about the trail.
2025 calendar from the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park ($16.95)
This calendar offers eye-catching views of the national park and its animal inhabitants. Perfect for staring longingly at on those cold winter days when venturing outside seems less than appealing. It’s available for purchase online and at all Conservancy retail stores.
Track Your Visit Wooden Map from Summit Metro Parks ($45.95)
This wooden map is functional and makes a great piece of wall decor. All of Summit Metro Parks’ properties — 15 parks and two nature centers — are laid out on this map of the county. It comes with wooden pegs that can be inserted into the corresponding holes as a person visits each location. It comes in two colors and can be purchased at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm or by calling 330-865-8065.
Heathered fleece pullover from Summit Metro Parks ($64.95)
Stay warm during winter hikes with this cozy, gray half-zip. It features a Summit Metro Parks design on the top left side, plus a small zipper pocket on the left sleeve. It’s available in sizes small to 2XL and can be purchased at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm.
Mittens from sewkatieco ($40-$50)
Katie Wiebe’s mittens are made from upcycled wool sweaters and lined with gray fleece. They come in a variety of patterns and will keep hands warm and toasty during Ohio winters. Purchase a pair via Wiebe’s Etsy shop, or stop by her booth at the Akron Bazaar this weekend.
For the homebody
Children’s books from Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre (prices vary)
The folks at Elizabeth’s are making it easier to shop for little ones this holiday season with their list of inclusive winter picture books. “Sweetest Kulu” and “A Big Bed for Little Snow” are available at the shop, which is in The Well CDC. More titles will be in soon. If you buy a book through Elizabeth’s Bookshop.org storefront, the profits will go back to the store.
“Something About Living” by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha ($16.95-$16.99)
This poetry collection is the best-selling book of the year from University of Akron Press — and with good reason. It recently won the 2024 National Book Award in Poetry. Tuffaha’s third collection of poetry explores the push and pull between two identities: one American and one of Palestinian, Jordanian and Syrian descent.
“Native Americans of the Cuyahoga Valley” edited by Peg Bobel and Linda G. Whitman ($32)
This recent title from the University of Akron Press features eight essays about the area’s Indigenous people and their culture, from the pre-Columbian era to present day.
Puzzle from the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park ($28.95)
This 1,000-piece puzzle features a geometric design of the national park, with Brandywine Falls front and center. It’s available for purchase online and at Trail Mix Peninsula (1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula).
Candles from Black Culture Candles (Start at $49)
Black Culture Candles are all about celebrating moments that bring people together and creating a story. The floral Grandma’s Garden features notes of nectarine, bergamot and peony, while the woody Friday Night smells of chocolate, peppercorn and amber. Black Culture Candles are available in 8-ounce and 13-ounce jars. They can be purchased online or at Northside Marketplace.
Experiences everyone will love
Candlemaking at Street Craftery ($25 to $32)
Street Craftery offers 30-minute and one-hour candlemaking workshops at its downtown location. Guests will select their favorite scents and then create a signature candle to take home. Street Craftery also offers splatter painting workshops and accepts group reservations. Gift cards are available for purchase in person.
Tickets to “Come From Away” ($25 to $100)
Broadway in Akron will wrap up its season with this musical based on the true story of airline passengers who were stranded in Newfoundland after the Sept. 11 attacks. The show will be at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall for two performances March 25 and 26, both at 7:30 p.m.
Get Closer Tours at the Akron Zoo ($55 to $150)
Animal lovers will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at some of the zoo’s furry, hairy and prickly residents. The animals available for Get Closer Tours are the lions, Galapagos tortoises, goats, grizzly bears, the red panda and the zoo’s animal ambassadors, which include Daisy the armadillo, Forest the porcupine and Chloe the kinkajou.
Family Splatter from Akron Artworks ($175)
Families will love this experience of creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art together. This workshop is for all ages. The price includes six paint colors and a 30-inch canvas for up to four people. (Additional people can be added for $20 each.) The 30” x 60” canvas costs $275.
Gift card to Weathervane Playhouse
This local theater organization has a stacked 2025. Shows include “The Amen Corner,” “Jersey Boys,” “Dial M for Murder” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Gift cards never expire and are available for purchase online and at the box office.
Gift card to Akron Break Room
Everyone needs to release steam every once in a while, and Akron Break Room makes it easy to do. Don a jumpsuit, safety visor and gloves, grab a baseball bat and get whacking. There’s no shortage of items to smash, from dishware and glass bottles to computers and TVs. Guests can even bring in their own items to smash if they like.
Gift card to All Fired Up Akron
This Copley studio offers a variety of art classes, perfect for artists of all skill levels and ages. Guests can choose from pottery painting, glass fusing, candlemaking and more. Class prices range from $25 to $90. Walk-ins are welcome except for sold out events, private parties or groups with eight or more people.
