Cheese melted breadsticks with all of the sauces
Natural serum when my cuticles’ cracking
All of the neons that make my heart sing
These are a few of my favorite things
When COVID peaks
When we quarantine
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad
🎶
Our wonderful city has so many great things to offer, from experiences to consumable gifts and back to excellent gifts. I’ve posted Best Of lists and I’ve considered posting some sort of list of my favorite products in Cincinnati. But how would I categorize them? By consumables or gifts? And what kinds of products would be featured?
So in the spirit of gift-giving season, and especially on this Small Business Saturday, I did my best to throw the rules to the wayside and just pick 12 local items that I absolutely love and that can be purchased (or inspire a purchase) at small businesses here in Cincinnati for the holidays.
Cuticle Serum Travel Oil – $15
Spruce Nail Shop
This 100% natural, toxin-free, cruelty-free combination of safflower, jojoba, vitamin E, lavender, and lemon oils always has my cuticles looking right. Especially after an at-home manicure.
Gift idea: Cuticle serum partnered with a gift card for future use.
Lavender Vanilla Soy Affirmation Candle – $19
Yellow Dahlia Candle Co.
I’m not the only one who is obsessed with this nearly new all natural candle shop. The scents are wonderful, burn times are great, and, to top it off, it is woman and black owned.
Gift idea: An excellent gift for a friend, family member, or coworker. Great for housewarming parties, too!
Goetta – $3.99/lb
Eckerlin Meats
I love goetta and I love how specific it is to Cincinnati. My absolute favorite take on Porkopolis’ famed sausage grain patties come from Eckerlin Meats in Findlay Market.
Gift idea: Have a loved one who lives in Ohio who wants to try or misses goetta? Have some shipped to them! …treat yourself to a goetta, egg, and cheese sandwich when you call to order ahead. (You’re welcome.)
American Sign Museum – $15
The Sign Museum is my favorite place in Cincinnati. If you have any interest at all in art, design, typography, signage, and/or history: this place is a must visit.
Gift idea: A visit to the Sign Museum costs only $15. Trust me when I say spring for the $35 annual membership. It’s a great gift idea!
Photo and Art Displays – prices vary
The Heart Department Co.
I use these card stands and clipboards for photo displays in my own home, have given them as gifts, and have outfitted my Tour de Cincinnati booth using these displays for artwork, labels, business card holders, and more.
Gift idea: Have some photos printed locally and get a memo board or card stand for your loved one(s) to display them!
Händlmaier Sweet Bavarian Mustard – $5
Jungle Jim’s International Market
I am not a mustard person, but when I first tried this particular kind at Mecklenburg Garden’s Mustard Club, I fell in love and learned that not all mustards are created equal. Now we make sure to always have a jar on hand. (Particularly for pretzels and deli sandwiches.)
Gift idea: Head to Jungle Jim’s for Händlmaier and all the international goodies you want to gift to someone else. Perusing those aisles is truly an experience. JJ’s also has gift baskets, classes, and gift cards for purchase in their online store.
Ooey Gooeys and Chocolate Chip Cookies – <$5
Donna’s Gourmet Cookies
Cookies are another thing that so many shops and independent bakers do so deliciously in this city. (Truly, I can make so many recommendations.) But the one that always tops my list is Donna’s, especially now that Ooey Gooeys (an extra large take on standard cookies that are golden brown on the outside and ooey gooey in the middle).
Gift idea: Gift card or gifting iced theme cookies for birthdays or showers. Party trays are also available.
Homemade Brand Cookies ‘N Cream – $5.29/1.5qt
United Dairy Farmers
My all-time favorite ice cream flavor.
Gift idea: I’m not sure how gifting this would work, aside from handing over a pint of ice cream (which works), but my suggestion is to treat yourself to a bowl or three in the middle of gift shopping for others.
Plant Drops on Instagram – prices vary
Fleurish Grounds
There are so many great plant shops around here that I highly recommend, but my current favorite way to shop for house plants and other gifts is through Fleurish Grounds’ Instagram drops on Tuesdays.
Gift idea: FG also offers classes and gift cards on their website.
Breadsticks with Cheese – $6.29 (for five)
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
LaRosa’s breadsticks with cheese – $6.29 (for five)
If I were to turn into any food item, this is it. With ranch, pizza sauce, and garlic butter to dip me in, of course.
Gift idea: A gift card is always a hit!
Honorable Mention: Roasted Garlic Asiago bagel with plain schmear (OTR Bagel Bar), Noodle Soup and Vegan Salad Rolls (Pho Lang Thang), and anything from Blue Manatee, Joseph-Beth Cincy, or King Arthur’s Court.
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