The holiday season is upon us and that means filling stockings and finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. If you’re not sure where to start, we hope this guide will give you some unique gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list!
For the Antique Lover
Blue Moon Antiques has some beautiful pieces in their Grantsville shop and will be offering a 20% discount on everything in the store for the month of December. With something in every price range, a gift from Blue Moon Antiques will truly be one-of-a-kind.
For those who love to cook
Schoolhouse Earth on Rt. 42 has a large selection of seasonings, marinades, dip and soup mixes, dressings, vinegars and more to help your home chef put their own distinctive spin on whatever they are cooking for the holidays and beyond. You’ll also find both decorative and functional serving ware, along with dipping bowls, mugs and more.
Of course, you want to start with the best ingredients in your dishes. We all benefit from access to fresh and healthy local food. The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market reconnects the community to their local food system. This provides a unique opportunity for farmers to sell local, fresh food, as well as to educate the public on how to eat seasonally the food produced in the area you call home. Buy Local-Buy Fresh! For a schedule of local Farmers Markets, see Calendar of Events, starting on Page 18.
For the home bartender
Gean & Olive in downtown Oakland offers fun cocktail mixes to create your own craft cocktails right at home. They have simple syrups and tonics, flavored cubes for champagne, infusion kits and more. There is also an excellent line of hot toddy, sangria and mulled wine spices – perfect for those winter nights.
For those in need of a holiday beverage
The Tourist Trap is selling Silipints (registered trademark) that are available in a variety of fun colors. Made from silicone, they are great for all ages and can be used with hot or cold beverages.
McHenry Beverage and Zip éez at the Lake and Luke’s Liquor in Oakland stock a variety of spirits, wine, beer, mixers and more — all you need to make your next gathering complete as well as great gift ideas for those harder to buy for people in your life.
For the Wine aficionado
The Wine Cellar at Deep Creek, located on Glendale Road, has a highly curated selection of wines. They only feature small production wines, including many affordable selections. Many gourmet cheeses are now in stock, just in time for the holidays. Mango and Ginger Stilton, Blueberry Stilton, Sage Derby, Cahill Porter, Gloucester with onion and chives, and Huntsman have finally made it across the pond to Garrett County. Also available are Pâte, Foie Gras and other favorites from D’ARTAGNAN.
For the Art Lover
The Gallery Shop, located in downtown Oakland, is your first stop for the person on your list who loves art. This retail storefront provides a venue for local visual artists to show and sell their artwork. Here you’ll find everything from creative stocking stuffers like handmade soaps and note cards to handcrafted jewelry to framed art.
The Craft Shop at Penn Alps in Grantsville also offers fine products made by craftsmen from the tri-state area including those from Spruce Forest Artisan Village, located next door.
Other local retailers also feature decorative artwork including Favorite Things Gift Shop where you will find Thomas Kinkade prints and Bear Creek Traders offering a very cool selection of wooden artwork and lake décor for your home or business. New Germany Store in Grantsville is offering a selection of prints and cards by local oil painter, Catherine Peacock.
For those who love all things Christmas
Christmas fanatics will love the gorgeous selection of ornaments, trees, holiday décor and Dept. 56 Villages available at The Christmas Chalet. For a special family or friends’ gift, there are lots of ornaments to choose from that can be personalized. As always, the personalization is done free by their elves.
In downtown Oakland, The Painted Cupboard is not to be missed. This fun shop is completely transformed at Christmas, displaying and selling the latest in holiday décor including Country Primitive.
For the Fashionistas
While in downtown Oakland, make sure to stop by The Chic Shack, located inside The Painted Cupboard, for a large variety of women’s accessories. Purses, sweaters, scarves, jewelry and more – you’ll find something here for every lady, young and old, on your list.
Cashmere Clothing at the Lake has a variety of clothing for your favorite girl, including casual, activewear and professional looks. New merchandise arrives weekly, so you are sure to find something unique here.
A Mountain Fix offers one of the largest selections of sterling silver jewelry in the area They also have some very unique items including a sterling silver framed Deep Creek Lake map and wine glass earrings.
For those who prefer experiences over things
OMG Relax offers thirty-minute seated massages for just $39.99. Make a night of it for you and your friends or purchase a gift card for that one person on your list who really needs to slow down and relax.
Another fun idea for a get together of friends or family is an afternoon at the Himalayan Salt Cave & Spa in nearby Bruceton Mills, WV. The Salt Cave features 30,000 pounds of pink salt imported from Pakistan; two salt saunas heated to 101 degrees; and salt rooms for facials, massage and acupuncture.
Wisp Resort offers a variety of fun activities this winter including snow tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing, Mountain Coaster rides and more. A gift certificate here is good towards any of these adventures, and lessons for most activities are available.
For the HomeBody
We’ve all been spending more time at home these past few years. This is a great time to update some of that dated décor or purchase something just for you. Some ideas? A lift chair for grandparents, a vanity for sister, a desk for Dad, bunkbeds for the boys, and new home décor wall art and lamps for Mom. Fitzwater Furniture in Oakland offers all that and more!
Are you tired of searching for just the right gift for special occasions and the holiday season? Railey Design Furniture & Décor’s newly curated gift shop has what you need! Featuring everything from pottery to candles to handcrafted throws, you are sure to find something you love.
For Kids of all Ages
A Mountain Fix in McHenry offers many unique items for family members including a Fire Pit fishing pole and an indoor/outdoor fire pit that can be used and enjoyed year-round. Bear Creek Traders has fun gift ideas for all ages including fun toys and games you won’t find anywhere else. You can also Build-Your-Own-Bear at Animaland located at The Tourist Trap, a fun experience for the stuffed animal lover on your list.
For the Bargain Shopper
Pick of The Litter Thrift Shop offers gently used items including everything from home accessories and furnishings to gift ware, jewelry and much more at discounted prices. All proceeds are used to support HART for Animals, so your shopping dollar goes even further!
Gift cards are always a good choice for those hard to buy for people on your list, and several local businesses are offering great deals if you purchase them this month. Get a free pizza for every $40 spent on gift cards at Deep Creek UNO. Voucher is redeemable for a medium frozen pizza from Deep Creek UNO or a freshly baked pizza from Arrowhead Market. Cards are available for purchase at all four locations. Offer is valid 11/26 – 12/31. Deep Creek UNO will also be offering get $60 in gift cards for every $50 spent. Offer valid 11/26 – 12/24.
The owners at Pine Lodge Steakhouse and Mercantile are offering a $60 gift card for every $50 spent (or $120 card for $100).
For those who love everything Deep Creek
These cool EXPLORE MORE t-shirts could make a great family t-shirt for holiday gatherings or on Christmas cards. There are three colors to choose from (and a few specialty options). Visit https://www.DeepCreekTimes.com/explore-more to order.
Bear Creek Traders, The Tourist Trap, Pine Lodge Mercantile and A Mountain Fix at the Lake also offer some great locally themed apparel for all ages and budgets.
You can also find Deep Creek Lake themed glassware and more at those locations.
For those who love to eat
Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory offers holiday tins filled with their delicious popcorn in a variety of flavors. They also have a nice selection of homemade fudge and other candies.
Gean & Olive in Oakland is selling their homemade delicious caramels again this season. Also available online!
Hilltop Candyland in Grantsville and sister store The Farmer’s Market in Oakland offer a wide variety of nuts, fresh produce and over 900 varieties of candy…perfect to fill up those stockings!
Of course, gift cards for any of our local shops and restaurants are always a perfect fit for anyone in your life and are always much appreciated.
For more information on any of these retailers, please visit our Shopping Guide on Page 68 for locations, hours and more.