It’s the most LOCAVORE time of the year…

DCP’s local holidays buying guide: Make your list, check it twice and avoid the mall like the friggin’ plague

By Jennifer Hanauer

Whether you are occupying Dayton or occupying a Christmas stocking, buying local for the holidays is the way to go.  Keeping your money in Dayton supports the local economy, makes neighbors out of strangers and has the fringe benefit of being a small but important stand against corporate greed. The Buy Springfield Program developed by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce published a study showing that for every $100 spent in locally owned businesses, $68 stays in Springfield, while for the same amount spent at a national chain, only $43 stays in Springfield. Why would we send our money somewhere else when there are so many options for keeping our money here?
To make buying local for the holidays a smidgeon easier, DCP has compiled a guide to procuring gifts for the problem children on your list. Happy holidays, and please remember, in this time of crazed anxiety over holiday buying, parking lots are way easier to navigate at local businesses than they are at the mall.

Married couples who already have everything
But who couldn’t use another bottle of wine in their collection? The Wine Gallery in downtown Dayton, Emporium Wine in Yellow Springs and Arrow Wine & Spirits with locations in Kettering and Centerville all carry wines produced in Ohio. Need something a little stronger? They also carry Buckeye Vodka, produced here in the Miami Valley.

Boyfriend’s mother
In my experience, jewelry can get you far with mothers. Rita Caz and Heaven on Earth Emporium in Yellow Springs, and Colorful Me and One O.A.K. Jewelry, who each have stalls at PNC’s 2nd Street Market, carry handmade jewelry by a variety of artists, from beads to silver, all beautiful and unique, just like mothers. Not sure you know her well enough to select something with the endurance of something like jewelry? A fresh arrangement from The Flowerman or an all-seasons bouquet from Missy’s Wooden Roses will always be welcome, hopefully just like you.

Sister’s boyfriend
He rolls his own cigarettes and smokes out of a pipe from time to time, so why not get him something fancy for his tobacco use? The Oregon Smoke Shop on Fifth Street features glass pipes hand-blown by local artisans. Elegant.
Nephew who once mentioned to you the words “ACen” or  “Comic-Con”
Introduce him to comics drawn by local artists and printed right here in Dayton, available at Super-Fly Comics & Games in Yellow Springs.

Grandma and her prize Bougainvilleas
Wegerzyn Gift Shop at PNC’s 2nd Street Market has hard-to-find tools and accessories for the ardent gardener, and every purchase made raises money and awareness for the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation. She’ll be so proud of you.

People who love their dogs like children
Animal Snackers Bakery, a function of the Friends of the Humane Society who have a booth at PNC’s 2nd Street Market, make scrumptious puppy snacks to sell to raise funds for the Humane Society. They also make and sell toys that are fun for all animals. For those who know people at that next level of dog-devotion, why not get them a piece of artwork from Life in Letters at The Greene spelling out their pet’s name? I can assure you they don’t already have one; each piece of art that they make is unique.

Children (whom you love almost as much as you love your dogs)
Itsy Fitsy in Springfield specializes in tiny fashions and specialty items for babies and small children. Whether the kid needs an Ohio State bib or a swanky handmade headband, Itsy Fitsy has the locally made item for you.

Bossman
Trophy Nut, based out of Tipp City, can put together the perfect gift for the manager in your life that loves … well, nuts (or loves to drive you nuts!). Know his or her taste well enough to really lavish them? Go Peruse the Cannery Arts and Design Center on Third Street and see if you can find that perfect piece of artwork for your boss to hang in their den.

Mailman/Mailwoman/Mailperson
Do you like the tradition of giving your mailperson baked goods during the holidays to thank them for a year’s worth of visiting your home six days a week to bring your retro correspondence and countless coupons, but aren’t much of a baker? Visit elé Cake Co., with stores located in Beavercreek and West Carrollton, to find some delectable baked goods. It’s a proven fact that postal workers who consume baked goodies statistically don’t get as many dog bites as postal workers who go without.

Crackhead Phil and other wayward souls
Want to give your local woebegone a special something to let them know someone is thinking of them during this festive time of year? Night Sky Coffee in Troy bakes all of their own muffins and pies, perfect for giving and receiving.

Bookworms and people who use texts decoratively
Dark Star Books in Yellow Springs, Jay and Mary’s Book Center in Troy and Bonnett’s Book Store in the Oregon District all have a “Local Authors” section and many of the books were printed in the Dayton area at places like Kestrel Publications in Beavercreek. Help your Daytonian fill in their library with books like the “Haunted Ohio” series written by Dayton’s own Chris Woodyard.

Coffee enthusiasts who like to drink responsibly
Boston Stoker has put together a Heart to Honduras Gift Box containing two kinds of coffee, a mug and a half-pound of chocolates. A $3 donation will be made to the Heart to Honduras Ministry with every purchase. Un Mundo Café in Springfield has also put together gift baskets with a global conscience and mouth-watering goodies.

Tech-savvy individuals
Maybe you can’t get them the latest from the late great Steve Jobs (because they already have it), but you can help them dress it up! Running with Scissors Creative Collective in Springfield has handmade iPad covers and Fabric Art Creations, who both have an Etsy.com store and a stall at PNC’s 2nd Street Market, can cover all of your dress-up needs. Running with Scissors also sells exclusive creations called Shidekiks made from socks by DCP’s own contributing photographer Jessica Valle (also available at www.shidekiks.com).

The acquaintance whom you really wouldn’t mind seeing gain a few pounds
Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates, based out of Springboro, and Dohner’s Maple Camp of West Milton have all of the sugar and candies you’ll need to plot your revenge on the skinny minnie who brings you lattes on the reg.

People who use their kitchen for something other than Cousin Vinny’s pizza box storage
So your friend cooks, but is their kitchen equipment supportive of our local economy? Newly opened Ghostlight Coffee is proud to be the exclusive distributor of Kent Development Group’s handmade cutting boards. Each is unique, comes with its own name and is made from reclaimed lumber from abandoned homes in Dayton.

People who use their kitchen for Cousin Vinny’s pizza box storage
Get them to eat outside of the box and I don’t mean Taco Bell. For those that take a, shall we say, laissez-faire approach to cuisine, spice up their life with a quick mix from All Mixed Up, which specializes in gourmet mixes from dip to dessert. Want something that will be even easier for them? Hit up Granola Snacks of Centerville for a tasty mix, anything from PB&J granola to Candy Cane granola. Walt’s Homemade Salsa, based out of Miamisburg, also makes great gifts for the after-hours pizza crowd.

Ohio State fans
Both Gourmet Gift Baskets of Springfield and Winan’s Fine Chocolates and Coffees can put together the perfect gift basket for your fellow football devotees.

Michigan fans
…

People who think they have a very respectable collection of vinyl
Add some local flavor to their record shelves by browsing Omega Music’s local music section. You may also consider one of the many band T-shirts also available.
Group of coworkers, whom you see more than your family, but for whom buying individual gifts is cost-prohibitive
Take in some chocolate-covered Mike Sells potato chips from Esther Price or some cuppies Cake, Hope & Love of Beavercreek to help your coworkers remember how much they’re thankful for you.

When did I agree to go to this holiday party and what is a “White Elephant Gift Exchange” anyway?
In need of a unique gift for a yet-to-be-revealed recipient? Urban Handmade of Yellow Springs has unruly options for quirky gifts: dizzy-making clocks, “I heart Ohio” T-shirts, pendants made of Scrabble tiles, etc. Want to be the first of your circle of friends to introduce a new invention? Eric Corti of Mason has developed a wine balloon for preserving unused portions of wine in the bottle. Made in the U.S.A. and available online for $22.

Now that you have a few ideas, plot some locally owned businesses on the map for your plan of attack this holiday season. I’ll pre-suppose that you have a fair amount on your plate for the coming month, so allow me to delineate what a master multi-tasker you’ll be when you decide to keep your money here in Dayton: by nurturing locally-owned businesses you’ll stimulate Dayton’s economy, promote innovation and diversity in our community, contribute to our area’s non-profit organizations, take control back from major corporations, all the while reducing the environmental impact commerce has on our world. If all of these points haven’t been enough to persuade you to buy local, consider this: Esther Price gives out free samples in their stores. Happy shopping!

Reach DCP freelance writer Jennifer Hanauer at JenniferHanauer@DaytonCityPaper.com.

 

 

Buying Guide

 

Beavercreek

 

Cake, Hope, and Love

Cupcakes

www.cakehopeandlove.com

1490 N. Fairfield Rd.

Dayton, OH 45432

937.912.9253

T – Th 10:00am – 6:00pm

F 10:00am – 7:00pm

Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

 

Ele’ Cake Co.

Baked goods

www.elecakeco.com

1279 N. Fairfield Rd.

Dayton, OH 45430

937.384.2253

M – F 8:00am – 7:00pm

Sat 8:00am – 5:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

Life in Letters

Original artwork

www.lifeinlettersgallery.com

The Greene

57 Chestnut St.

Beavercreek, OH 45440

937.271.8420

M – Th 10:00am – 10:00pm

F – Sat 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sun 12:00pm – 6:00pm

 

Centerville

 

Arrow Wine & Spirits

Wine, gift baskets

www.arrowwineandspirits.com

Centerville Location

615 Lyons Rd.

Dayton, OH 45459

937.433.6778

M – Sat 9:00am – 9:00pm

Sun 11:00am – 5:00pm

 

 

Boston Stoker

Coffee, gift baskets

www.bostonstoker.com

Centerville Location

6177 Far Hills Ave.

Dayton, OH 45459

937.434.0075

M – Th 6:00am – 9:00pm

F 6:00am – 10:00pm

Sat 7:00am – 10:00pm

Sun 7:00am – 8:00pm

 

 

Esther Price

Candy, gift baskets

www.estherprice.com

269 N. Main St.

Centerville, OH 45459

937.433.2535

M – F 9:00am – 6:00pm

Sat 9:00am – 5:30pm

Closed Sunday

 

 

Trophy Nut

www.trophynut.com

Nuts, gift baskets

Centerville Location

6109 Far Hills Ave.

Centerville, OH 45459

937.438.0024

M – F 10:00am – 6:00pm

Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

 

Winan’s Fine Chocolates & Coffees

Chocolates, gift baskets

www.winanscandies.com

2806 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.

Dayton, OH 45359

937.610.4555

M – Th 9:00am – 9:00pm

F – Sat 9:00am – 10:00pm

Sun 10:00am – 8:00pm

 

Clayton

 

Boston Stoker

Coffee, gift baskets

www.bostonstoker.com

Clayton Location

8321 N. Main St.

Clayton, OH 45415

937.890.2345

M – F 5:30am – 10:00pm

Sat 6:30am – 11:00pm

Sun 6:30am – 10:00pm

 

Esther Price

Candy, gift baskets

www.estherprice.com

North Clayton Villages Location

4810 Bolanzo Blvd.

Clayton, OH 45315

937.836.7405

M – F 9:30am – 6:00pm

Sat 9:30am – 5:30pm

Closed Sunday

 

Downtown Dayton

 

Boston Stoker

Coffee, gift baskets

www.bostonstoker.com

Downtown Dayton Location

34 W. 2^nd St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.223.1224

M – F 6:30am – 6:00pm

Sat 8:00am – 2:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

Cannery Arts and Design Center

Original artwork

canneryarts.com

434 E. Third St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.313.9883

W – F 11:00am – 6:00pm

Sat 11:00am – 5:00pm

First Fridays 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Closed Sunday – Tuesday

 

Esther Price

Candy, gift baskets

www.estherprice.com

Dayton Location

1709 Wayne Ave.

Dayton, OH 45410

937.253.2121

M – F 8:00am – 5:30pm

Sat 8:00am – 5:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

 

Ghostlight Coffee

Cutting boards made of reclaimed wood, honey

ghostlightcoffee.com

1201 Wayne Ave.

Dayton, OH 45410

937.985.2633

M – F 7:00am – 7:00pm

Sat – Sun 8:30am – 7:00pm

 

The Wine Gallery

Wine

www.thewinegalleryandcafe.com

5 W. Monument Ave.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.224.9463

T – Th 11:00am – 10:00pm

F 11:00am – 1:00am

Sat 10:00am – 1:00am

Closed Sunday

 

Kettering

 

Arrow Wine & Spirits

Wine, gift baskets

www.arrowwineandspirits.com

Kettering Location

2950 Far Hills Ave.

Dayton, OH 45419

937.298.1456

M – Sat 9:00am – 9:00pm

Sun 12:00pm – 6:00pm

 

Downtown Dayton

 

Bonnett’s Book Store

Books

www.bonnetts.com

502 E. 5^th St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.228.1222

M – Sat 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

Omega Music

Vinyl, cds

omegamusicdayton.com

318 E. 5^th St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.275.9949

M – Th 10:00am – 9:00pm

F – Sat 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sun 11:00am – 8:00pm

 

Oregon Smoke Shop

Hand-blown glass pipes

436 E. 5^th St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.220.9140

Sun – Sat 12:00pm – 8:00pm

 

Press

Coffee, tee shirts

www.facebook.com/PressCoffeeBarDYT

257 Wayne Ave.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.286.4585

M – F 7:00am – 8:00pm

Sat 9:00am – 8:00pm

Sun 9:00am – 6:00pm

 

PNC 2^nd Street Market

www.2ndstreetpublicmarket.com

600 E. 2^nd St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.228.2088

Th – F 11:00am – 3:00pm

Sat 8:00am – 3:00pm

Closed Sunday – Wednesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years

 

All Mixed Up

Gourmet mixes, seasonings, hard to find ingredients

www.homemadegourmetmixes.com

937.770.1331

 

Colorful Me

Handmade jewelry

513.422.0718

 

Dohner’s Maple Camp

Maple syrup, candy

937.884.5759

 

Fabric Art Creations

Recycled, repurposed fabrics, rugs, runners, jewelry cases

www.fabricartcreations.etsy.com

937.374.1600

 

The Flowerman

Locally grown flowers

www.yourflowerman.com

937.433.8610

 

Friends of the Humane Society

Pet treats and toys

www.friendsofthehsgd.net

 

Missy’s Wooden Roses

Wooden rose arrangements

missyswoodenroses.com

937.436.6172

Every other Saturday 8:00am – 3:00pm

 

One O.A.K. Jewelry

Handmade jewelry

www.etsy.com/shop/OneOakJewelry

937.236.0793

 

Wegerzyn Gift Shop

Garden tools, house plants

www.facebook.com/pages/Wegerzyn-Gardens-Gift-Garden-Shop/120275631326225

937.226.1977

 

White Mountain Honey Farm

Honey, Bees Wax soap and candles

www.facebook.com/pages/White-Mountain-Honey-Farm/173486803915

937.286.0980

Sat 8:00am – 3:00pm

 

 

Riverside

 

Esther Price

Candy, gift baskets

www.estherprice.com

194 Woodman Dr.

Dayton, OH 45431

937.253.4971

M – F 9:00am – 6:00pm

Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

 

Springfield

 

Gourmet Gift Baskets

Gift baskets

www.thebestgourmetgiftbaskets.com

20 N. Fountain Ave.

Springfield, OH 45502

937.324.9774

 

Itsy Fits

Babie’s and small children’s clothing and accessories

www.itsyfits.com

10 N. Fountain Ave.

Springfield, OH 45502

937.327.1676

M – F 10:00am – 5:30pm

Sat 10:00am – 2:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

 

Running with Scissors Creative Collective

Handmade purses, jewelry, anatomically correct chocolates

www.rwscc.com

117 S. Fountain Ave.

Springfield, OH 45502

937.605.4983

November 1^st – December 23^rd

T – Th 10:00am – 6:00pm

F 10:00am – 8:00pm

Sat 10:00am – 4:00pm

Sun – M By appointment

 

Un Mundo Café

Coffee, gift baskets

www.unmundocafe.com

117 S. Fountain Ave.

Springfield, OH 45501

937.323.8355

M – Th 7:00am – 7:00pm

F 7:00am – 10:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

Tipp City

 

Trophy Nut

Nuts

www.trophynut.com

Tipp City Location

320 N. 2^nd St.

Tipp City, OH 45371

937.667.4448

M – F 10:00am – 5:30pm

Sat 10:00am – 2:00pm (October – December)

Closed Sunday

 

 

Troy

 

Boston Stoker

Coffee, gift baskets

www.bostonstoker.com

1293 S. Dorset Rd.

Troy, OH 45373

937.552.7965

M – Th 5:30am – 10:00pm

F 5:30am – 11:00pm

Sat 6:30am – 11:00pm

Sun 6:30am – 10:00pm

 

Crop Circle Clay

Handmade pottery

www.etsy.com/shop/cropcircleclay

Located inside Brower Stationers

16 S. Market St.

Troy, OH 45373

937.335.2117

M – F 8:30am – 5:30pm

Sat 9:00am – 2:00pm

Closed Sunday

 

Jay and Mary’s Book Center

Books

www.jayandmarysbooks.com

1201-C Experiment Farm Rd.

Troy, OH 45373

937.335.1167

M – Sat 10:00am – 9:00pm

Sun 12:00pm – 5:00pm

 

 

Night Sky Coffee

Coffee, baked goods

nightskycoffee.com

18 N. Market St.

Troy, OH 45373

937.339.1300

T – Th 6:30am – 9:30pm

F 6:30am – 11:00pm

Sat 7:00am – 11:00pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

 

Winan’s Fine Chocolates & Coffees

Chocolates, gift baskets

www.winanscandies.com

 

Bookstore Location

1201-A Experiment Farm Rd.

Troy, OH 45373

937.332.7014

M – F 7:00am – 9:00pm

Sat 8:30am – 9:00pm

Sun 12:00pm – 5:00pm

 

Downtown Troy Location

10 W. Main St.

Troy, OH 45473

937.335.9119

M – F 7:00am – 8:00pm

Sat 8:00am – 8:00pm

Sun 12:00pm – 5:00pm

 

West Carrollton

 

Ele’ Cake Co.

Baked goods

www.elecakeco.com

West Carrollton Location

810 E. Dixie Dr.

Dayton, OH 45449

937.384.2253

M – Sat 6:00am – 7:00pm

Sun 9:00am – 5:00pm

 

Yellow Springs

 

Dark Star Books

Books

www.darkstarbookstore.com

237 Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.9400

M – F 11:00am – 7:00pm

Sat 10:00am – 7:00pm

Sun 11:00am – 6:00pm

 

 

Emporium Wines

Wine, baked goods

www.emporiumwines.com

233 Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.7077

M – Th 7:00am – 7:00pm

F 7:00am – 10:00pm

Sat 7:00am – 7:00pm

Sun 7:00am – 6:00pm

 

Heaven on Earth Emporium

Handmade jewelry

253-C Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.2000

Sun – Sat 12:00pm – 6:00pm

 

Rita Caz Jewelry Studio & Gallery

Handmade jewelry

www.ritacaz.com

In King’s Yard

224 Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.7713

M – Th 10:00am – 5:30pm

F 10:00am – 7:30pm

Sat 10:00am – 5:30pm

Sun 1:00pm – 5:00pm

 

Super-Fly Comics & Games

Comics and graphic novels

superflycomics.com

132 Dayton St.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.1445

Sun – T 12:00pm – 7:00pm

W – Sat 11:00am – 8:00pm

 

Urban Handmade

Handmade purses, jewelry, gifts

urbanhandmade.wordpress.com

241 Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.319.6049

M – Th 11:00am – 5:30pm

F – Sat 11:00am – 6:00pm

Sun 11:00am – 5:00pm

 

 

Winds Café Wine Cellar

Wine, baked goods

www.windscafe.com

209 Xenia Ave.

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

937.767.9441

T – Th 11:00am – 9:00pm

F – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

 

Online Shopping

Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates

Chocolates

www.riverdalefinefoods.com/FRShop/main.asp

Main Office

45 N. Pioneer Blvd.

Springboro, OH 45066

937.743.4377

 

Granola Snacks

Healthy snacks

granolasnack.com

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 751472

Centerville, OH 45475

937.630.4700

 

Robert Rothschild Farm

Gourmet sauces, spreads, preserves

www.robertrothschild.com

3143 E US Highway 36

Urbana, OH 43078

800.356.8933

 

Twin Creek Farm Seasonings Co.

Seasoning mixes

www.twincreekfarm.com

Mailing Address

767 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.

Centerville, OH 45459

937.985.1158

 

 

Walt’s Homemade Salsa

Homemade salsas

www.waltshomemadesalsa.com

Distributed by:

Major Food Creations, LLC

P.O. Box 308

Miamisburg, OH 45343

937.859.8294

 

Wine Balloon: The Wine Preserver

Wine balloons for preserving wine

wineballoon.com

Metroplex Services, Inc.

dba – Wine Balloon

P.O. Box 64

Mason, OH 45040

Tags: buy local, locavore, locavore movement, shopping