Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, but Ithaca, NY boasts a vibrant collection of unique gift shops, each offering a treasure trove of possibilities. Whether you're searching for a quirky souvenir, a thoughtful present for a loved one, or a special treat for yourself, this guide highlights 28 of Ithaca's best gift shops, categorized for easy browsing.
Ithaca's Best Gift Shops: A Curated Selection
This list covers a range of styles and price points, ensuring you find the ideal gift no matter your budget or recipient. We've organized them for your convenience.
Unique & Quirky Gift Shops
- The Shops at Ithaca Mall: While a mall, this location contains a variety of smaller gift shops offering diverse items. Check their website for current tenants.
- Collegetown Bagels: While primarily a bagel shop, they also offer a small selection of Ithaca-themed gifts and merchandise.
- Buffalo Street Books: Though primarily a bookstore, they often feature unique and locally-made gifts alongside their literary offerings.
- GreenStar Natural Foods Market: This cooperative grocery store has a surprising array of gifts, from locally-made food products to artisan crafts.
- Wegmans: While a large supermarket chain, their Ithaca location often stocks a surprising selection of locally-sourced gifts and gourmet food items.
Home Goods & Decor
- Home Ec: This shop focuses on stylish home goods, perfect for housewarmings or for adding a touch of elegance to your own home.
- The Giving Closet: Offers a curated selection of home decor and gift items, often with a focus on sustainable and ethically sourced products.
- Ithaca Vintage: A treasure trove of vintage and antique finds, perfect for those seeking unique and one-of-a-kind home decor.
- Purple Sage: A beautiful shop with a focus on natural home goods and decor, often featuring locally made items.
- Arbor Hill Grainery: While a grain store, they also carry a range of interesting kitchenware and home goods.
Jewelry & Accessories
- Lost & Found: This shop is known for its eclectic mix of jewelry and accessories, offering something for every style.
- Serendipity: This boutique offers a sophisticated collection of jewelry and accessories, ideal for special occasions.
- Finger Lakes Designs: This store showcases jewelry and crafts featuring local imagery and designs.
- The Bead Lady: A fantastic place for finding unique beads and supplies for jewelry making, or pre-made jewelry pieces.
- Ithaca Rocks!: Find locally-made jewelry featuring stones and minerals from the region.
Art & Crafts
- The Space: This art gallery showcases and sells a wide variety of locally made art, perfect for finding unique and original gifts.
- Center Ithaca: Often features rotating exhibits and sales of art from local artists.
- Johnson Museum of Art Gift Shop: Find beautiful items inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.
- Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: A wider selection than their gift shop, look for exclusive art items.
- Greater Ithaca Art Center: This community center for arts and crafts also offers a small gift shop with rotating items from local artists.
Specialty & Gourmet Food
- Equal Exchange: This fair-trade store offers a wide range of ethically sourced gourmet food items and gifts.
- Treva's: A local bakery with delicious treats perfect for gifting, alongside unique kitchen items.
- The Ithaca Farmers Market: A seasonal market offering a huge range of locally sourced food and artisan goods. (Check for seasonal availability)
- Ludovico's: Features a wide variety of gourmet foods and local products.
Books & Stationery
- The Bookery: This independent bookstore is a haven for book lovers, often featuring unique stationery items and gifts.
- Barnes & Noble: While a chain bookstore, their Ithaca location stocks a diverse range of gifts and stationery.
Local & Ithaca-Themed Gifts
- Cornell University Store: Features a variety of Cornell-themed gifts and merchandise.
- Ithaca Tourism: You can find Ithaca-themed souvenirs at their office or online.
Finding the Perfect Gift in Ithaca
This list serves as a starting point for your gift-giving journey in Ithaca. Remember to check store websites and social media for updated hours, inventory, and special events. Happy shopping!
