Hudson Valley Finds: Awesome Holiday Gifts For The Homebodies on Your List

By inside + out | December 13, 2023

Whether you’re shopping for your favorite homebody, decor enthusiast, host or hostess, or recent homebuyer, a gift for the home is always a thoughtful and welcomed idea. From candles to cookware to creature comforts of all stripes, we’ve got you covered.

WNDRMADE | Kerhonkson NY | @wndrmade | Inside+Out Spotlight

Nothing adds atmosphere like a quality candle. Wndrmade candles are made with an artisanal approach, utilizing scents from pure sources in natural coconut wax. The Palo Santo candle ($60) is a top gift choice, made with pure Palo Santo essential oil sourced from Ecuadorian forests. And for incense lovers…black brass incense holder ($48).

HOPS PETUNIA | Kingston NY | @hopspetunia | Inside+Out Spotlight

Flowers always add a sense of whimsy, romance, and atmosphere to any home. At Hops Petunia in Kingston, you can purchase a designer vase like the White Braided Vase by Karen Gayle Tinney ($310), along with a bouquet that’ll brighten someone’s holiday. They also carry an array of home goods in their shop, like this lovely Tartan Blanket in Berry Herringbone (127.00).

EXIT NINETEEN | Kingston NY | @exit.nineteen

Exit Nineteen is one of our favorite shops. Stop by this Kingston home goods and vintage furniture shop and you’ll swoon over their selection. There’s only one word to express these fabulous glasses – OBSESSED!

FLOWERKRAUT | Hudson NY | @flowerkraut

Flower Kraut in Hudson caught our attention. We love the Dora bouquet ($100) and this Decorative Plaid Small Vase ($42). And that snake! Hand-made Ceramic Snake ($30) by Carter + Rose; just add one to a potted plant or on top of table or desk for an elegant, whimsical surprise.

PHOENICIA SOAP CO & MAKERS SPACE | Shokan NY | @phoeniciasoap | Inside+Out Spotlight

Best known for its selection of bar soap and hair care products, you can also find goodies for the home, like biochar incense ($16) made from hardwood biochar, regeneratively-grown flowers/herbs, and essential oils in minty or citrusy scents. Plus, give a gift of fun for workshops and classes ($55/per person) and learn how to make candles, bath bombs, soap bars, lotion bars or even aromatherapy distillation and blending in the Makers Space.

CATSKILLS CANDLE STUDIO | Tannersville NY | @catskillscandlestudio | Inside+Out Spotlight

Enjoy an Upstate vibe with this seasonal sampler with Catskill Candle Studio’s Winter Gift Set ($48), featuring Cinnamon + Fireside, Campfire + Fir, and Hearth + Home scents.

CITIOT | Catskill NY | @nycitiot | Inside+Out Spotlight

A visit to Citiot begs you to sit and stay awhile, however, if you can maintain your focus on gift shopping, put together a package of provisions and tableware to gift your friends who enjoy spending time in the kitchen, like the fabulous maple syrup from our local Laurel & Ash Farm, a lovely bottle of olive oil, or the fabulous flavors from Momofuku products– a true foodies delight!

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN WOODWORKING | Catskill NY | @catskill_mountain_woodworking

Every home needs a good cutting board, and if this item is on your gift list, here’s your go-to local shop. Exquisite hand-crafted wood products made from locally sourced material.

HAMMERTOWN | Rhinebeck NY | @hammertownbarn

You’ll find a little something for anyone at Hammertown, from throws to kitchenware, furniture and artwork, to accessories, kids toys, and books, like this one on country life in the Catskills by photographer William Abranowicz : Country Life Home of the Catskills Mountains and Hudson Valley ($60). The majestic panoramas, lush vegetation, and bucolic vibe of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River Valley in upstate New York have long proved irresistible for city dwellers seeking respite from urban life and inveterate country lovers alike. Their homes, whether hundreds of years old or brand new, all resonate with their natural surroundings, as each of the 20 houses that photographer Abranowicz captured for this volume attests.

CLOVE AND CREEK | Kingston NY | @cloveandcreek

This mercantile on the Kingston waterfront specializes in offering a selection of artisan-made wares. This floral Carolina Irving serving bowl ($220) is the perfect piece for special occasion dinners made in this Smithy No. 12 Cast iron skillet ($218). Or, share inspiration for country living with a coffee table book like Living Upriver: Artful Homes, Idyllic Lives ($55) by Barbara de Vries, featuring photos and stories of rustic, slower living.

CATBIRD COTTAGE B&B | Accord NY | @catbirdcottage

For those who love to cook and who love the Catskills, the Catbird Cottage Cookbook, A Year at Catbird Cottage, offers 100 recipes to create an array of dishes that vary by season — often with locally sourced or foraged ingredients that can be found upstate. Author Melina Hammer runs the Catbird Cottage B&B out of her home in Accord, and the book includes some of the meals she’s shared over time.

COCOON | New Paltz NY | @cocoon_newpaltz

Cocoon is a hostess haven, with everything you need to set the mood for a party, gathering, or simply a relaxing night at home. How adorable are these artful mugs!

Gifting Bottles of Holiday Cheer

For those who imbibe, who doesn’t enjoy a well-stocked home bar? However, if you’re unsure whether your recipient likes to drink red or rose, organic gin, or local bourbon, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to any of these local wine and spirits shops.