Gift giving can be more of a mental exercise than we expect sometimes. If you’ve been racking your brain trying to figure out what to get some of the tricker personalities on your list, we have some very special ideas for you.
The hand-picked ideas below can all be found at Pocono Arts Council’s Holiday Shop at 530 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA. With a variety of work from 30 artisans there is something for everyone. Keep in mind, these lists are not exhaustive. We aimed for three ideas per personality, but in most cases, there are many other wonderful options for each.
The Christmas Traditionalist
A Christmas Traditionalist prefers their eggnog cold, their tree fresh cut, and presents wrapped – never bagged. They might like a Christmas tree ornament of a Christmas tree. Perhaps a new Christmas stocking full of homemade cookies? Or the ultimate Christmas decor (regionally speaking) is the stained-glass Moravian star.
The Host
The Host makes throwing a party for their 30 closest friends look effortless. They would enjoy a felted wool runner to brighten up the dinner table, fortunately we have some colorful options available. A sweet ceramic spice bowl would add some elegance and whimsy to their charcuterie and paired with a large platter their spread will look like it came right out of a magazine.
The Seasonal Decorator
The Seasonal Decorator prefers winter themes over holiday specific decor because it means they have more time to soak up sights and sounds of each. They’d love to unwrap a miniature kiln-fired snowman (available in a variety of expressions) to add to their collection, a roasted chestnut candle to turn sweater weather up to eleven, and a peace dove pillow to curl up next to when the snow starts falling.
The New Homeowners
The New Homeowners are still trying to figure out which box they packed their favorite kitchen gadgets in. They’d appreciate a welcome home ornament / wall hanging to commemorate the big move, or practical gifts like a plastic bag holder or hand-forged iron hooks to keep their coats off the floor.
The Activist
The Activist keeps their causes close at heart. Let them know their activism is seen and appreciated (while supporting local artists)! They might like the Black Lives Matter kitty, love is love rainbow heart, or the pride Adopt a Ninja!
The Wee One
The Wee One may not have fully developed aesthetics yet, but they are counting on you to show them. We’d suggest a sweet doggy sweatshirt to cuddle up in, stained-glass mittens ornament, or eye-catching dimensional embroidery for their nursery.
The Local
The Local may or may not be ‘born and raised’ in Monroe County – the only requirement is a strong love for the Pocono Mountains and their town. Surprise them with a map necklace (a few towns available), an original oil painting of iconic Delaware Water Gap, or a Dee Huxster watercolor print.
The Homesteader
The Homesteader likes to keep things simple, but they really like their chickens (and their farm). An artful gift for the chicken raising, seed sowing, tomato growing folks in your life might look like an original oil painting, a colorful chicken coop sculpture, or an original value study of a farm.
The Bird Watcher
The Bird Watcher is not easily surprised, but we bet they’ll never see some of these tweet treasures coming! Might we suggest an original oil painting of a tanager, a reclaimed wood birdhouse (complete with punny signage), or a sweet Victorian owl ornament.
The Hopeless Romantic
The Hopeless Romantic… do we really need to introduce them to you? They are the rom-com lovers in your life – the ones with multiple poetry books on their coffee table and only the best herbal teas in their cupboard. Because their home is just as romantic as they are, the following items would be ideal: hand-embellished toile pillows, a blazing heart wall hanging, and a vintage hankie or two.
The Fashionista
The Fashionista blazes their own trail… they love fashion, but don’t follow any rules regarding white shoes. An artful addition to their closet or jewelry box would be most welcome. Try a pair of hand-embellished jeans, a fun pair of earrings or a necklace, or a felted wool scarf for blustery winter days.
The Writer
The Writer might seem tricky to buy for, but they are quite happy with ‘old-fashioned’ gifts. A hand-turned pen with a selection of note cards would be appreciated… and perhaps a shoulder bag to carry them in. Your gift would allow them to write notes while taking a stroll or stopping at a cafe for some inspiration.
The Crafter
The Crafter doesn’t usually get hand-crafted gifts because they are makers – but very few appreciate handmade the way they do. Consider a playful pin cushion to assist their fabric craft, a vintage sewing table to provide extra space for their current projects, or a fun ceramic mug for coffee or tea to keep them going.
The Foodie
The Foodie loves to experience new recipes and new ingredients – but more importantly, they love to share those experiences with their loved ones. They would love to open gourmet peanut butter, a citrus-juicer, or serving platter for their gatherings.
The Teenager
The Teenager can be the scariest person on your list – but they certainly don’t have to be. Some suggestions that might strike a chord with the teens in your life are some inspired original art or a wall plaque for their room / dorm, or a toiletry bag for impromptu sleepovers.
The Gardener
The Gardner, more often than not, has dirt under their nails and prunes dead leaves with their fingertips as they pass public planters. Gift them some floral beauty for indoors this holiday with an artful vase, an original cyanotype print, or a dimensional embroidered flower.
The Techy One
The Techy One prefers the cutting-edge, loves reporting bugs and sharing Easter Eggs, and has a meme for every situation. These suggestions are proof the arts cross-over into all genres… try a cellphone carrier, some drone photography, or video game magnets.
The Nature Lover
The Nature Lover has outerwear for all seasons, an uncanny knowledge of local trails, and always smells like fresh air. Help them bring the outdoors in with these unique gifts: a decorative gourd, hand-forged iron leaf pendant, or intricately detailed pyrography wall art.
The Artist
The Artist likes to experiment and explore. Perhaps they’ve exhibited at a local gallery or prefer to keep their work in their studio. Either way, they might enjoy an Adopt a Ninja ornament (there’s one for every personality), an art as stress-relief workbook, or a gift membership or donation to Pocono Arts Council.
The Minimalist
The Minimalist would be thrilled to receive nothing more than your heartfelt wishes for the season. We’d suggest writing those wishes on a handmade card and sending it with love (and maybe some homemade cookies if you’re baking this year).
The College Student
The College Student could use an extra day in their week (really, we all could), or some practical gifts to help them stay comfortable between semesters. We’d like to suggest a hat and scarf set for long walks across campus, gourmet peanut butter for those energy dips, or the ever popular handmade card with cash.
The Christmasy Couple
The Christmasy Couple reminds you of holiday specials and perfectly flavored eggnog. Always in tune with each other, they love couple’s gifts and snuggling with some hot cocoa. You might want to grab some matching Christmas pjs, a seasonally dressed elf couple, or a colorful photographic print for their home.
The Mechanical One
The Mechanical One can help you fix your leaking faucet over the phone, travels with a toolbox in their trunk, and loves engines of all kinds. You might gift them an original piece of airplane art, colorful pyrography, or a fix-it Adopt a Ninja.
The Traveler
The Traveler is not always sure if they’re coming or going and is always planning their next big adventure. Consider a toiletry bag for essentials, an artful bathrobe for mornings on the hotel balcony, or a wall plaque for when they return home.
If the person you’re in search of a gift for isn’t on this list, stop by the Holiday Shop… you might find inspiration walking through the displays. Of course, we’re happy to help you find a personal artisan-made gift if you’re feeling unsure.
Photo Credit: Antoni Shkraba.