Category Archives: Holiday Shopping Guide

Gift Shops Report Holiday Business Is Steady As They Adapt To Trends During Pandemic

November 12, 2020November 13, 2020

James Joseph, owner of Sharp Presents in Queensbury, says candy, candles, small consumables and clever household items are selling well thus far for the holiday season.
Andrea Harwood Palmer

Andrea Harwood Palmer
The gift-giving season has arrived and area businesses are gearing up.
James Joseph, owner of Sharp Presents in Queensbury, has seen an increased interest in shipped and hand-delivered gifts during the pandemic.
“It can be as non-touch process as people want it to be. You don’t have to come into the shop to order something. I text my clients photos to validate, change or approve the design. I send email invoices. The product can be hand-delivered or shipped. It’s always how I’ve done a lot of business, and it has certainly increased this year,” said Joseph.
The company specializes in curated gift boxes and crates.
Jeff Strief, owner of Rude Betty in Glens Falls and Happy Jack in Bolton Landing, said about product trends, “We’re seeing that candy, candles, small consumables and clever household items are doing well. Small gifts are continuing to do well. They’re a cheap and cheerful way to improve someone’s mood or disposition.”

Second Adirondack Christkindlmarkt Will Take Place Dec. 6-8 At Charles R. Wood Park

November 14, 2019November 15, 2019

People browse vendor booths at last year’s Adirondack Christkindlmarkt in Lake George. The event returns in December at Charles R. Wood Park.
©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com

Charles R. Wood Park on West Brook Road in Lake George will be the site of the second annual Adirondack Christkindlmarkt event Dec. 6-8.
Last year, the inaugural event welcomed more than 5,000 people from as far away as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Montreal, included 30 artisans and vendors and horse-drawn carriage rides, according to organizers.
The name translates to Christmas Market in English. These markets originated in Germany centuries ago. Other countries and cities have adopted the tradition throughout the years, organizers said.

‘Hometown Holidays’ Event In Glens Falls To Feature Holiday Window Display Contest

November 14, 2019November 15, 2019

Glens Falls businesses will participate in a holiday window display contest.

Hometown Holidays is a popular, family-friendly event in Glens Falls, celebrating the arrival of the Holiday season.
The event this year is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7.
The event is free for collaborative members and non-members.
The Glens Falls Collaborative asked local businesses to join in the fun of Hometown Holidays. Friday evening will be a community event with a tree lighting in City Park. It will also feature the arrival of Santa Claus, and carols by sung by members of the Glens Falls Community Theater.

Catering Holiday Meals Gives People A Stress-Free Holiday Option For Hosting Family And Friends

December 13, 2018December 14, 2018

Deliciously Different owner Robin Getchell-Smith says they love helping people cope during the holidays by catering dinner parties, including intimate dinners hosted at family homes.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Local caterers have advice for those entertaining during the holidays: Leave the cooking to them.

From last minute appetizers, to brunch, to full-scale, sit-down dinners, local restaurants and cafes are up to the challenge of ensuring a stress-free

Deliciously Different owner Robin Getchell-Smith said they love helping people cope with the holidays. During this time of year they are busy with dinner parties, including intimate dinners hosted at family homes.

“Our clients find it is such a more intimate way to celebrate rather than making dinner reservations. They can come early and stay late surrounded by their closest friends,” said Getchell-Smith.

They also do many larger cocktail-style events this time of year. Getchell-Smith said showing off a decorated home for the holidays and hosting a cocktail party is all part of the holiday fun.

Businesses From Glens Falls To Lake George Ready Themselves For Holiday Shoppers

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018

Downtown Glens Falls will be decked out for the holidays. Shoppers will be coming out for Gift Back fair, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24 and other special holiday events.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

As the holiday shopping season swings into full gear, shoppers will find the Glens Falls and Lake George areas as good destinations to get their tasks accomplished.

From outlets to downtown Main Street, shoppers will find charm that shopping malls may not match..

At the gift shop MinkyMink, 203 Glen St. in Glens Falls, owner Maura Forcier said they will hold both a Black Friday and Small Business Saturday sale.

“We have a Ladies Night event on Thursday, Dec. 6,” he added. “All the downtown shops will be offering discounts, and the restaurants have specials as well.

“For gifts, I have these fun Zodiac necklaces from Satya. These 18K gold plated necklaces feature real stones and come with a description on the back of the packaging that describes the signs personality. So, they are really thoughtful and unique,” he said.

The store also has specialized gifts like beer caddies and wine bags

Many Vendors Plan To Participate In First ‘Adirondack Christkindlmarkt’ In December

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018

Vendors are continuing to sign up to participate in the first Adirondack Christkindlmarkt, slated for Dec. 7-9 at Charles R. Wood Park located on West Brook Road in Lake George.

The name translates to Christmas Market in English. These markets originated in Germany centuries ago. Other countries and cities have adopted the tradition throughout the years, organizers said. For the first time ever, the events come to Lake George.

People will be able to find gifts from nearly 30 artisan vendors under a heated tent in the Charles R. Wood Park. There will be holiday light displays, fire pits, children’s activities, live music and entertainment, and more to be announced!

This 3-day festival is happening rain, shine or snow and admission is free.

The schedule is Friday, Dec. 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8,11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Holiday Gifts Of A More Personal Nature Can Be Found In Many Smaller Area Shops

December 14, 2017December 15, 2017

Glen Street in Glens Falls takes on a festive look as shop owners prepare for the traditional shopping season. Downtown shoppers can find gifts outside the ordinary in area boutiques.
Photo by Jesse Winters

By Jennifer Farnsworth

The window of opportunity to find the perfect gift is starting to close. Fortunately, people who are looking for personalized and unique gifts don’t need to travel far from home.

From Lake George to Glens Falls, small area businesses are stocked and ready to help people find that special something. Small shops give personalized attention in an atmosphere that brings joy back to gift giving, something that may be harder to find in larger retail stores or shopping malls.

The selection at small businesses ranges from gourmet food to high-end clothing.

At MinkyMink, 203 Glen St. in downtown Glens Falls, owner Maura Forcier said those looking for curated clothing and accessories at affordable prices will find themselves in luck at her shop. She specializes in statement pieces that she describes as modern and comfortably chic.

SPAC Offers Customized Ticket Packages For 2018 Varied Calendar Of Concerts, Events

December 14, 2017December 15, 2017

In time for the holiday season, Saratoga Performing Arts Center is offering customizable gifts for music lovers through Dec. 31.

The 2017 holiday collection includes the ultimate classical season pass, which features a lawn seat for all performances of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra and the opportunity to upgrade to the best available amphitheater seat for $5 for any performance, up to five times ($165 through Dec. 31); gift certificates that can be redeemed for tickets to any SPAC performance, Live Nation show or the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival; the flex ticket option for the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival ($56 through Dec. 31); and holiday gift subscriptions to Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at SPAC and Opera Saratoga.

“The ultimate classical season pass is the best kept ‘SPAC insider’ secret. What’s well known about these lawn passes is that they offer the opportunity to experience SPAC’s world-class programming for the entire classical season at an average ticket price of just $7 per performance, less than a movie ticket,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC.

‘Hometown Holidays’ In Glens Falls To Feature A Variety Of Activities Spread Over Two Days

November 8, 2017November 9, 2017

People gather in Glens Falls during the Hometown Holidays event that features holiday activities and shopping opportunities. This year, it has been extended to a two-day event, Dec. 1 and 2.
Courtesy Glens Falls Collaborative

By Maureen Werther

The Glens Falls Collaborative is wrapping up preparations for its annual Hometown Holidays event that will take place at venues around the city.

This year’s festivities will last for two days, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, with a party in City Park hosted by DeeJay DuBray, followed by carols, courtesy of the Glens Falls Symphony Children’s Choir, and a tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The chairperson of this year’s event is Nancy Turner, owner of the Bell House Inn at 153 Bay St. in Glens Falls and a newcomer to the city. Turner and her husband, Bill, moved to Glens Falls from Altamont about a year and a half ago to be closer to their grandchildren.

While they were getting ready to open the Bell House Inn, they heard about the Glens Falls Collaborative. Nancy decided to become a member and from there, she went on to become part of the lodging sector on the board.

“Glens Falls Collaborative hosts nearly every event that you see in downtown Glens Falls—Boo to You, Fit Fest, Pet Fest,’” she said, naming off some of the events the Collaborative has initiated since its founding in 2012.

Rich Cirino, president of the Collaborative, said that last year’s event was extremely successful, noting that the City Park was nearly full to capacity.

Survey: Most New Yorkers Plan To Spend The Same As Last Year On Holiday Gift Shopping

December 15, 2016November 8, 2017

Fifty-seven percent of New Yorkers plan to spend about the same this year as last on holiday gifts while 31 percent plan to lessen their spending and 9 percent intend to spend more according to a statewide survey of...