The holidays are approaching quickly — and sometimes finding the perfect gift for loved ones can get tricky. This gift guide has something for everyone. From foodies to die-hard Akron lovers, you can shop local and find a t-shirt or makeup bundle for your favorite people.
For the Northeast Ohio foodie
Waxed Crescent Grazing (starts at $75)
Charcuterie boards are assembled and made in the Akron area and are ready for your grazing pleasure this holiday season. These grazing boards are aesthetically arranged with finger foods from cheeses like colby jack and classic brie to fresh fruit, crackers and dill pickles. Classic charcuterie boards start at $75 and can be customized to fit dietary needs and item exclusions.
Butter Box from Nosh Butters (starts at $30)
Born in Cuyahoga Falls, this woman- and family-owned company produces non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and palm oil free nut butters. The butters, which come from peanuts, cashews, almonds and more, can be purchased by the individual jar or in the more popular 3-pack.
Gift box from Akron honey ($48)
This sweet 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.
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 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. 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.
Custom-themed board from Lady Mea’s Charcuterie Company (starts at $35)
Share a themed board with a loved one this holiday season. Nibble on individual cups or pick through letter-shaped boards at holiday parties. Created by Meagan Janis this year, Lady Mea’s is a new charcuterie board company offering themed boards for holidays, birthdays and other occasions. Lady Mea’s is serving the Hudson, Akron and Cleveland areas with free pick-up or delivery for a fee.
Seasoning from Julia Belle’s Seasonings (starts at $6)
Gift the chef of the family the perfect pantry filler. Founded by Tanya Green, Julia Belle’s Seasonings has handcrafted, speciality seasoning blends, rubs and mixes ranging from Mediterranean to Cajun blends. Shop at Northside Marketplace, online or at Akron Bazaar on Nov. 28.
For the Akron lover
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 on Deck III: Bicentennial Edition playing cards from Art x Love ($20)
The final set of Akron on Deck playing cards are here just in time for the bicentennial (and the holidays). These special edition card sets feature Akron landmarks and businesses depicted by local artists. There are two other versions of the Akron on Deck set. Akron on Deck III can be purchased from Art x Love’s website and at select local retailers.
Tree Ornament from Don Drumm Studios & Gallery ($24)
You can’t talk about art in Akron without talking about Don Drumm, whose studio has been located 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 Crouse Street gallery.
Blimps are cool. Buy tires. T-shirt from Goodyear ($25)
Goodyear celebrated the 100th anniversary of its blimps in 2025. The idea behind this shirt started with an Instagram caption in June of 2024. 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.
For the outdoorsy type
2026 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 on those cold winter days when venturing outside seems less than appealing. It’s available for purchase online and at all Conservancy retail stores. Order by Dec. 17 to receive by Christmas.
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 the 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.
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.
Handmade knits from JLS Custom Designs (starting at $55)
Give the gift of warmth this holiday. JLS Designs hand knits and looms colorful hand dyed beanies and earwarmers/headbands. Shop the handmade knits and knacks online or at Akron Bazaar on Nov. 30.
Outdoor apparel from Appalachian Outfitters
Brave the cold with new outdoor apparel and gear from Appalachian Outfitters. Ranging from fleece quarter zips to hiking gear, items from the online shop will come in handy for the most outdoorsy person you know.
For the creatives and homebodies
Glassblowing workshops at Akron Glass Works (starting at $90)
Make your own ornament or shop the collection of glass ornaments at Akron Glass Works. Participants can blow their own ornaments or snowmen during the workshop.
Gift card to Akrona Galleries (starts at $25)
What’s better than an original painting as a finishing touch in a new home? Gift someone with a gift card to Akrona Galleries and allow them to choose from jewelry, blown glass and fine art. Akrona also offers beginner art classes for children and adults.
Holiday Guest Soap from The Ash House ($15)
This soap assortment box contains 12 holiday-themed soaps. This box contains three of five scents including Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Yule Tree, Krampus, Mulled Cider and Christmas Ale.
The Ash House also has an entire holiday shoppe this year equipped with shower steamers, coco-soy candles and more.
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.
Candles from Black Culture Candles (Christmas sampler starts at $30)
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 sample size sets, 8-ounce and 13-ounce jars. They can be purchased online or at Northside Marketplace.
Beauty gift box from Bomani Beauty (starts at $15)
It’s skin care, hair care and makeup galore. Bomani Beauty is offering beauty gift boxes this holiday season. The boxes are separated by personal care categories and packed with items from Scalp Soother Anti-breakage oil to best selling Vampi lip gloss. Gift boxes from Bomani Beauty can be bought online, in-person at Joyful Interactions on 1686 W. Market St. or at the Akron Bazaar on Nov. 28.
Literary-themed soap gift set from The MacBath (starts at $23)
This one is for book and soap lovers. Soaps from The MacBath are unique, as you will find quotes and phrases from “Pride and Prejudice,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Anne of Green Gables” and other classics printed on the soaps. This bookish soap company is offering gift sets with soap trios, lustrous lip balm, or lotion and soap duos. Shop The MacBath online or at the Akron Bazaar on Nov. 28.
Akron gift experiences for everyone
Mystery book from Banned Books Box (starts at $22)
Give the neverending gift of reading this holiday season. Banned Books Box has a monthly subscription service for readers. One mystery banned book a month starts at $22 and will be delivered to the recipient’s home.
Mixology Class with Majestic Tails Bartending (prices vary)
Schedule a hands-on mixology class with Erica Banks, owner of Majestic Tails. You are sure to make memories at this mixology class while learning how to craft and garnish drinks. Majestic Tails also offers bartending and cocktail or mocktail catering. Become a cocktail creator for a day or have a bartender mixing tailored drinks at your holiday party. Inquiries can be submitted online.
Pottery class with Grant Ederer Design (starts at $90 for each student)
Try out throwing pottery with a few friends. Walk in with curiosity and leave with knowledge about pulling walls, developing shapes and more. This hands-on pottery class is limited to groups of four and lasts for two and a half hours. The work that you create will be available for pick up in two to four weeks. Classes can be scheduled via email.
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).
Season tickets to upcoming plays in Akron ($25 to $100)
Gift season tickets to a theater lover this year. Broadway in Akron is featuring a triple threat lineup of shows next year starting with the musical comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire,” then “The Music Man” and “Stomp” (for its 30th anniversary).
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.
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, red pandas and the zoo’s animal ambassadors, including 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 square canvas for up to four people. (Additional people can be added for $20 each.) The larger 30” x 60” canvas costs $275.
Stocking stuffers from Sweet Pea Kids (starts at $3.50)
Rack up the stocking stuffers for the kids. From “Lump of Coal” bath bombs to “Beary Merry Christmas” slime, Sweet Pea Kids has trinkets for the little ones. Order online or shop at the store in Uniontown.
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. Elizabeth’s is currently a pop-up inside Northside Marketplace. If you buy a book through Elizabeth’s Bookshop.org storefront, the profits will go back to the store.