Thoughtful, locally made gifts that say “thank you” with craftsmanship and a sense of place. It’s very mountains.
By Dan Koday
If you’ve ever spent a holiday season in the mountains, you know the party circuit moves fast. One night it’s a roaring fire in Woodstock, NY, the next it’s a candlelit dinner in Sharon, CT, a fondue night in Great Barrington, MA, or a wine-soaked fireside hang in Narrowsburg, NY. And if you’re lucky enough to be on the invite list, there’s only one unspoken rule: never show up empty-handed.
This year, we sourced from local artisan makers and asked some of the most stylish people we know in this corner of the globe to showcase the ultimate host gifts—things that feel personal, functional and perfectly at home in the mountains. Whether it’s something to sip from, light up or simply admire, these are the holiday gifts that say thank you—with an ineffable flair they’re sure to treasure.
Baby Alpaca Fur Hat • $107
The epitome of winter luxury, the premium baby alpaca fur hat is hypoallergenic and handcrafted. It’s as stylish as it is comfortable. Fluff Alpaca, 319 Main St., Great Barrington • fluffalpaca.com
Vetiver Twigs Nest Bowl • $25
Handwoven from fragrant vetiver twigs, this piece doubles as décor and subtle natural scent diffuser. The warm, earthy smell will remind your host of long walks through the woods. Lili and Loo, Hudson, NY • liliandloo.com
Copper Color Catskills Candle Studio, Bourbon + Leather Special Edition Candle • $32
Hand-poured in Tannersville, NY, this scent blends bourbon, smoke and soft leather—essentially a cozy cabin night in candle form. Catskills Candle Studio, Tannersville, NY • catskillscandlestudio.com
Oil Can • $22
“Juliette Hermant of Maison Bergogne has created a retail experience that’s breathtaking,” says Dane Pressner, Design Director of D’Aquino Monaco and owner of Found by DaneCharles. “You’re immediately transported into a different time and place.” This vintage copper oil can from Hermant’s Narrowsburg shop can be styled on a bar cart, used to water plants or simply admired as an objet d’art. Maison Bergogne, Narrowsburg, NY • maisonbergogne.com
Upstate Arch Crewneck • $65
From Hudson Valley staple Hamilton & Adams, this cozy military-green sweatshirt is a local favorite. A subtle nod to life Upstate—no explanation needed. Available online and at r52home in Jeffersonville, NY
Mouse Light • $30
A country mouse that actually earns its keep: this whimsical light brings a soft glow to any nightstand or bookshelf. Homestedt, Livingston Manor, NY • homestedt.com
Merewif Feelings Ring • $85
The perfect small token for a host who loves handmade things, this gold-plated ring feels both sentimental and stylish. Clove & Creek, Hudson, NY • cloveandcreek.com
Vintage Copy of Apples of New York • $400
A rare treasure for the nature lover or design-minded collector, this early edition celebrates the state’s rich apple varieties with stunning illustrations and charming botanical descriptions dating to 1905. A.THERIEN, Cairo, NY • atherien.com
Medium Terra Cotta Casserole • $295
Rustic meets refined in this perfectly weighted dish. “The colors are incredible, and it’s the best for baking or braising in the oven,” says Bobby Graham, co-founder of DUGAZON. DUGAZON, Sharon, CT
Melamine Faience Fleurs Isolées Dinner Plate • $16
“They don’t break, can be put in the dishwasher and you can take them anywhere,” adds Matt Marden, co-founder of DUGAZON. In other words: elegant enough for the table, durable enough for the patio. DUGAZON, Sharon, CT
Paper Cocktail Napkins • $8
For the friend who loves a good quip with their martini. “Fun cocktail napkins elevate even an impromptu moment,” Pressner says. “My favorites are by Anne Taintor.” Foxtrot Home, Ridgefield, CT | foxtrothome.com
Outdoor Research Trail Mix XT Fleece Jacket • $130
For the host who insists on an outdoor cocktail hour, this fleece hits the sweet spot of technical warmth and style. Soft, durable and handsome enough for a casual dinner. Outdoor Research • outdoorresearch.com
Antique-Inspired Wine Bottle • $75
A sculptural, conversation-starting bottle that looks as good empty as it does filled. Perfect for gifting to your host with their favorite vintage inside. Hall Space by Nonneta, Eldred, NY • nonnahall.com
Stio Slipstone Japanese Denim Shirt • $179
Not your average denim shirt. This one, from mountain-born brand Stio, has a perfectly broken-in feel and a dark wash that looks equally good at brunch or chopping wood. Men’s and women’s versions available. Stio • stio.com
DiResta Mini Ice Pick • $55
Maker Jimmy DiResta’s mini ice pick can break up large chunks of ice used to chill drinks just as easily as it can take on large chocolate bars or peppermint bark. I Make • imakeny.com
Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven • $850
For the ultimate mountain host—the one who’s always tinkering with the fire pit or feeding half the neighborhood. This live-fire pizza oven takes outdoor entertaining to the next level. Breeo • breeo.com
Blacksaw Kimura Heirloom Alpaca Blanket • $515
The 100% natural, heavyweight, eco-luxury in a heirloom quality woven from extraordinarily rich superfine alpaca and undyed Peruvian cotton is also hypoallergenic. What a find! Fluff Alpaca, 319 Main St., Great Barrington • fluffalpaca.com
Cara-Sel The Big Jar Salted Caramel • $24
Hudson Valley-based maker Kristin Nelson’s nod to cozy mountain holidays: this rich, buttery caramel sauce doubles as an indulgent gift and a go-to baking ingredient. Swirl it through your favorite cookie dough, drizzle over a warm apple crisp or stir into hot cocoa by the fire. The Ardent Homesteader, Arden, NY •
ardenthomesteader.com
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Fondue Pot • $400
“The ultimate entertaining piece—I love the connection of sitting around a fondue pot after a cold day,” says event planner and Berkshire Muse founder Lauren Fritscher. “This one’s easy to transport outside and big enough for a large group.” Williams Sonoma • williamssonoma.com
Mountain House Pouches • $15
When your holiday or après-party turns into an impromptu hike the next morning, these vintage-inspired packs are a godsend. Just add hot water and enjoy surprisingly good comfort food like chicken tikka masala or beef stroganoff. Mountain House • mountainhouse.com
50 Things to Do in the Wild • $18
Perfect for the family that loves getting snowed in with a purpose, this illustrated guide offers skill-building inspiration to help you connect with—and thrive in—nature. Project Weekend, Narrowsburg, NY • projectweekendny.com
Marbled Enamel Trinket Tray • $18
A high-style, artful accent for your host’s desk or entry console—this swirling marbled enamel tray is equal parts sculpture and utility, perfect for loose change from the farmers market, matches to light the woodstove or even a pair of cufflinks. Paper Trail, Rhinebeck, NY • papertrailrhinebeck.com
Stainless Steel Ice Tray • $34
In the country, running out of ice can mean a 20-minute drive to the corner store. This retro, ’50s-inspired tray keeps the party going—and vibes perfectly with vintage barware. One Mercantile, Great Barrington, MA • sett.onemercantile.com
Comments are closed.