The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start thinking about gifts for loved ones. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect gift. But don't worry. We've curated another gift guide to help you navigate the holiday shopping frenzy.
These are all high-quality, thoughtful gifts under $100, many of which are made by local artisans and entrepreneurs based in Columbus, Ohio.
For the Homebody
Solid Wood Cutting Board from T.Y. Fine Furniture
Cutting Boards from T.Y. Fine Furniture is one of a kind. They're crafted from hard maple, cherry, and walnut sourced sustainably in Ohio. These natural solid wood beauties are coated with an organic, food-grade finish, which keeps moisture at bay while ensuring safety for you as it contains no harsh chemicals.
There are different styles to choose from, some designed to double as serving or charcuterie boards. If you want to splurge a bit more on a holiday gift, pair the cutting board with these cheese knives from Etsy.
Mugs and Ornaments from White Squirrel Clayworks
White Squirrel Claywork offers a range of beautiful handmade pottery that are ideal for thoughtful gifts. The mugs and ornaments are especially suitable as holiday gifts because they feature a unique and rustic touch that is on-brand with the season's cozy vibes.
Behind the Ohio-based brand is a husband-and-wife team whose love for the natural world is shown through the plant and animal designs in their pottery collection. They also use sustainable materials and green energy to create their products.
Cutting boards from T.Y. Fine Furniture are made from natural hardwood, a mix of White Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut.
Scented Candles from Penn & Beech Candle Co.
Scented candles actually make the perfect gift for every occasion. They convey a sense of luxury while still remaining relatively affordable. This is particularly true when you shop in local brands like Penn & Beech Candle Co., where there is more attention to quality despite the reasonable price point.
This Indianapolis-based brand, with stores in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in hand-poured candles that burn cleanly and evenly thanks to their natural soy wax, cotton paper wicks, and high-quality fragrance oils. They boast an impressive collection of over 100 scents.
If you're looking for a gift that's a bit different from candles, Penn & Beech also offers reed diffusers, which spread fragrance without needing a flame.
For the Tech-Savvy
Phone Case from Carved
Now, a phone case isn't exactly the most amazing gift out there. But if you get one from Carved, it's unique and personal, which is basically what we're looking for in a thoughtful gift, right?
Carved mainly creates phone cases from wood burls and epoxy resin right from their workshop in Elkhart, Indiana. While they have design collections, each phone case is actually special because no burl fragments are exactly alike in color and grain pattern.
Aside from phone cases, Carved also creates wallets, pocketknives, and wireless charger covers.
Anker Power Banks
If you're looking for a practical and affordable gift idea under $100, an Anker power bank definitely fits the bill. Now, unlike the other items on this list, a power bank isn't locally made with a personal touch. But phones are essential, and if there's a way to extend their battery life, then we need to have it.
For the Coffee Snob
Pour-Over Coffee Set from Richman Farm Pottery
Some of us can make do with the brew from a regular coffee maker, while others enjoy putting in the extra effort to savor their cup of coffee. For the latter, a handcrafted ceramic pour-over set from Richman Farm Pottery may be the perfect gift.
The artisan behind this Etsy shop, based in Bainbridge, New York, makes ceramics by hand, one piece at a time. As a result, each item features unique variations that set it apart. The design often reflects the beauty of farm life, adding a charming and cozy touch to each piece.
Brewed Coffee on Wooden Table. Photo by interwebly from Pexels.
Coffee Beans from One Line Coffee
A coffee snob is likely to appreciate trying coffee sourced from different regions around the world. Consider gifting them a pack of beans or, better yet, a coffee subscription from One Line Coffee.
This Columbus-based roastery is known for its commitment to quality and direct trade relationships with farmers. Without intermediaries, farmers can receive a fair price for their beans, improving their livelihood and making their communities more resilient. This direct trade approach not only benefits farmers but also allows One Line Coffee to source the highest quality beans.
Gifts to Bring to Avoid Arriving Empty-Handed at a Party
Natural Soap and Skincare from Glenn Avenue
Here's another local brand in Columbus, Ohio: Glenn Avenue Soap Company. They offer a collection of gift items, mainly handmade natural soap, and various skincare products like lotion, bear balm, face moisturizer, and lip balm. Whether you're looking for a luxurious gift set or a few items under $50, you'll find something for everyone.
Glenn Avenue is especially known for its natural foaming soap that is prepared through traditional methods. The process can be pretty tough, which is why many craft soap makers prefer to stick with bar soap instead.
One thing to note is that the company handcrafts the products in small batches, ensuring quality control. On top of that, the brand focuses on using natural ingredients, ensuring that its products are gentle on the skin and kind to the environment.
A Person Holding a Variety of Artisan Soaps. Photo by Meruyert Gonullu from Pexels.
Bottled Cocktail Mixers from Simple Times Mixers
Surprise the party host with one bottle of cocktail mixer from Simple Times Mixers. A 32-ounce bottle can whip up around eight to ten cocktails, making it a solid deal for the price, which is definitely budget-friendly. It's a great gift for anyone who loves entertaining or simply enjoys a good drink without the fuss.
Simple Times Mixers, a Columbus-based company, prioritizes using real ingredients and natural flavors to ensure a high-quality taste experience. Most of their cocktail mixers contain six ingredients or fewer, with no artificial components—only real ingredients.
They also offer a Bottle Return Program wherein customers can return the bottles to their store in Gahanna. Of course, the bottle will be sanitized before reuse. This initiative helps eliminate waste and encourages small efforts for the environment.
Fuss-Free e-gift Cards
Gift Card for Jeni's Ice Creams
If you're short on time to find a present, a gift card is a solid choice, and you can hardly go wrong with one for Jeni's Ice Creams. Who doesn't love a delicious dessert? Plus, they offer dairy-free and gluten-free choices, so there's something for everyone.
As you may know, Jeni's has several locations across the United States. But it all started in Columbus, Ohio with ice cream maker Jeni Britton. What makes Jeni's Ice Creams special is the ingredients, aside from the recipe, of course. The rich flavor and smooth, buttery texture of the ice cream the brand is known for didn't come about by accident. Jeni's source ingredients from dedicated producers and growers—from fresh fruits and veggies, and family-owned dairies to Fair and Direct Trade chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.
Other Places to Get Gift Cards From in Columbus, Ohio
e-Gift Card for Potted Plants From Stump
The planters from Stump are extra special. They're either locally made with clay sourced in Ohio or are created by ceramicists and other independent makers across the United States.
e-Gift Card for bath bombs and craft soap from 3rd & Sycamore
Formerly known as Tiki Botanicals, 3rd & Sycamore offers a wide range of handcrafted skincare products, including candles. They also offer candle subscriptions, which are under $100.
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While the featured budget is $100, some of these brands offer products that are below $20. There's no need to break the bank to share gifts with the people important to you. As the cliche goes, it's the thought that counts. You can make something from scratch or simply add handwritten notes to the gifts for a special touch.
We hope this curated list of gift ideas inspires you to create a memorable holiday season for your loved ones. Happy gifting!