Shop local! Columbus Gift Guide for the 2023 holiday season

It’s time to start purchasing your holiday gifts! We have a big list of local options in our Columbus Gift Guide to work through your shopping list!

If you’re waiting until Christmas Eve, make sure to check store hours, as smaller, local store may be closed or closing early. Merry Christmas!

Looking for all of the holiday fun in Columbus? Check out these pages!

This holiday season, aim to buy local for some, if not ALL of your gifts! Not only will your recipients love receiving unique gifts, buying local supports the local economy, as well as individuals, instead of large companies. That’s especially important this year.

Plus, Columbus has SO MANY amazing artisans, vendors, artists and more! We’d love to hear your suggestions for our Columbus Gift Guide! Leave a comment below, or on our Facebook page to give others more ideas.

If you own a business, or just love supporting particular ones, leave a link for others to check out the goods! Don’t forget to check out our links for local stores to check out in areas and suburbs all over Columbus!

Where to shop local in Columbus for the Holidays

Scroll down for links to our other gift guides, including White Elephant gifts, hostess/teacher gifts, and more. Amazon affiliate links included.

Columbus Gift Guide: Local goods that make great gifts

Columbus Gift Guide: Variety of Local Gifts

These places are one-stop shops with tons of great, local options – from consumables and personal care to art, accessories, and clothing.

These are great places to start or finish up your shopping. You’ll find options for many on your gift lists, and probably a few things for yourself as well.

Celebrate Local Located at Easton, this store offers Ohio-made artisanal goods from 300+ Ohio small businesses! You’ll find locally-made apparel and jewelry, housewares, and lots of amazing local foods! You can also shop online if that suits you better.

The Ohio Craft Museum offers handmade jewelry, accessories, decorations and more from independent local artists. You’ll find options at all price points. The Gifts of the Craftsman Sale is going on through Christmas Eve as well.

North Market has so many vendors that it’s easy to find something for everyone – especially if looking for consumables. The 2nd location in Dublin Bridge Park is open now too! Downtown | Bridge Park

Whole Foods carries lots of local brands throughout the store and has local section as well.

Morgan House has rooms and rooms of goodies, gifts, jewelry, clothing, furniture, home accents, and more. Definitely a one-stop shop!

Cedar & Thread in Granville is a shopping destination. This huge boutique features a wide selection of gifts, housewares, apparel, jewelry, holiday decorations, and so much more. You could probably find something for nearly anyone on your list at this store.

STUMP Plants Gift Card: Stumped on what to give this year? Set apart by its customer service and plant education, STUMP features a collection of houseplants and custom planters that are bringing more plants into people’s lives through easy to follow care instructions and thoughtfully designed products. E-gift cards available at online and in stores. Ohio locations in Columbus, Cleveland and Lancaster.

Gift shops at Ohio Statehouse, Ohio History Center and Columbus Museum of Art feature many Columbus-themed and unique products. Note: check website for hours and online shopping availability; these are subject to closures and may not be available for in person shopping.

Columbus Gift Guide: Local Beverages

Whether beer, wine, or liquor is the beverage of choice, there are TONS of local drink options.

Wine on High is offering lots of holiday gift options, including 3, 6, 12- month wine club memberships, wine baskets, and gift card specials. Now thru December 24 receive a bonus $25 gift certificate for every $100 in gift cards you buy! Details here.

Watershed Distillery: The distillery is happy to help create custom gift baskets including their spirits, distillery swag, candles, tours and restaurant gift cards to create the perfect gift this season. See website for options.

Winans Chocolates + Coffee has a variety of giftable items available online for shipping or pickup. Options include Bourbon Cherry Cordials, gift sets from Winans Chocolates + Coffees, all sizes of candies and treats, great teacher gift ideas, coffee and coffee subscriptions, and more! See options online.

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing always offers great holiday gifts at all price points! See all of the options!

Columbus Coffee

Yes, coffee could be under beverages, but I think it deserves it’s own mention. People in Columbus loooove coffee, as evidenced by the great local coffee shops in the city.

Pick up a pound of local coffee, some coffee-making accessories, or some treats, and your recipient will be thankful for the morning salvation of good coffee.

Experience Columbus has a great list of coffee shops around the city where you’ll find good coffee to gift. There’s even a Columbus Coffee Trail that you work through to earn a free t-shirt.

Get caffeinated on the Columbus Coffee Trail – and earn swag!

Columbus Food

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

The gift of Jeni’s Ice Cream is ALWAYS a good idea (and it ships if you need!). The only problem I see with purchasing Jeni’s Ice Cream as a gift is that it’ll be tough to keep it in your freezer without eating it yourself!

Jeni’s Ice Cream would make a perfect Secret Santa gift, teacher gift – or let’s face it…gift for anyone. Want to take the gift to the next level? Include a Jeni’s gift card, salty caramel sauce, or an ice cream scoop from this brand, which was recommended by Jeni herself (and I concur).

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Graeter’s Ice Cream

We can’t leave Graeter’s Ice Cream off this list, because there’s always room for more ice cream. Graeter’s offers in-store and online purchases, as well as gift packs, merchandise, chocolates, and other sweets.

Krema Nut Company

I love this place! So many goodies to buy for gifts (and yourself!). The Hot & Spicy Peanut Butter is AMAZING, and makes awesome spicy buckeyes, if you’re in to that kind of thing. Check out their offerings here.

While the Krema Kitchen (milkshakes and sandwiches) is closed during the holiday season, a gift card would be a great option too!

Freedom a la Cart’s Cause Cookies

Now sold out. For 4 years, the organization’s holiday initiative offers patrons the opportunity to give their loved ones/colleagues/employees a meaningful gift this holiday season while giving back to help sex trafficking survivors reclaim their freedom, develop workforce skills and build healthy futures.

By donating $25, patrons will receive a dozen of these beloved local favorites, including their new Peppermint Bark, Pecan Snowball Cookies, Cranberry Orange Shortbread, and their traditional Gingersnaps. It makes the ultimate gift for those who love sweet treats and giving back to the community.

Cause Cookies; Freedom a la Cart

Columbus Gift Guide: Local Items

HOMAGE: Whether you’re looking for Columbus-themed shirts, or just something made locally in Columbus, Homage is your place. Order online or stop in at one of the stores. There are so many options, and their shirts are so, so soft. From sports, pop culture, colleges, and city themes (and so much more), you’ll find something for literally everyone.

They often have special deals or discounts (look at the top of the website). Get a gift card and let them pick out their perfect gift (great option for teens and college students).

Holiday Art and Craft Fairs: Find other amazing local items at Local Craft and Holiday Fairs around here – we have a huge list!

Raising Cane’s: Named after the founder’s golden retriever, the brand is giving back this holiday season with their annual Plush Puppies Fundraiser, selling limited-edition plush puppies and donating 100% of local net proceeds from area restaurants to RESCUEDOhio, a local foster-based rescue run entirely by volunteers.

This year’s Plush Puppies – stuffed animal “Raising Cane’s” inspired by Christmas in New York with the “Rockefeller Tree Cane” and “Countdown Cane” – are available for purchase in-restaurant for $9.99 plus tax. The fundraiser lasts through December 31.

Plush puppies can be purchased online too, with proceeds going to Canine Companions, a national organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to the recipient.

This is a great gift for a dog lover in your life, benefitting an amazing local dog rescue.

Columbus Gift Guide: Local experiences for gifting

Movie Tickets (or Private Screenings): Pick a theatre nearby for them to enjoy a movie or two. Don’t forget about great local theaters such as Studio 35, Drexel, and Grandview Theatre. This can be a great future family outing, friend gathering, or work event.

Sports tickets: There are plenty of sporting events around the city, including Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Clippers (very affordable), Columbus Crew, Ohio Roller Derby, and all Ohio State sports.

Theatre Tickets: CAPA Theatres offer tons of great plays, musicals, concerts, comedians, and shows for all ages at various price points through the year.

ZipZone Tours: This adventure destination features hands free, guided zip line tour in the treetops at Camp Mary Orton in North Columbus.

There are a variety of adventure options to choose from, including ziplines and climbing, and they even offer a kid-friendly tour for ages 4-7. They have Black Friday deals, and sell gift cards as well. Follow on Facebook to see the latest deals.

Note: they have closed for the season, but this will be a great gift for your recipient to enjoy in the Spring or Summer!

Painting classes: Studios include Wine & Canvas, The Party Studio, Studio 614, Color Me Mine and more. These are often held in studio or at wineries and other establishments. Great for the art lovers on your list!

Brush Crazy: Stop in at Brush Crazy and purchase a gift card for a loved one (or for yourself). They also have lots of fun classes and arts-to-gogh options, if you want to grab a gift or schedule an outing. 1299 Bethel Road

Escape Rooms in Columbus: The Chamber Escape Room, Trapped Columbus, Room Escape Columbus, Lockology Columbus Escape Room, and more – if you have any to recommend, I’d love to add them to the list!

Shadowbox Live tickets make a great gift for local comedy and Saturday Night Live fans, as the sketch comedy reminds me of SNL. Shows are definitely geared towards adults for some mature content, but holiday shows are toned down.

Axe Throwing in Columbus: This sport is developing quite a following in Columbus! Check out Columbus Axe Throwing and Dueling Axes. Gift certificates would be great for someone with everything, or the minimalist in your life! You may be surprised how much grandma likes throwing axes!

Trampoline and Bounce Parks: Sky Zone, Rockin Jump, Altitude Trampoline Park, Urban Air Adventure Park, Get Air, and more.

Games and Fun: Arcade and game entertainment bars are IN right now in Columbus! Grab a gift card for 16-Bit Bar & Arcade or Pins Mechanical, and give them the gift of fun!

Both have locations in Columbus and Dublin, and offer select times that 21 and under can also play (varies for each location). It’s a gift that’s good for all ages!

Spa day: Gift cards for a mani, pedi, massage, or hair services are always appreciated – and useful!

Car washes or detailing: Know someone who loves their car (or hates how messy/dirty their car is)? Buy some car wash certificates to use throughout the year. Want to really treat them? Get their car detailed or buy them a gift card to have it done.

Classes and Lessons: Whatever your recipients’ interests are, there’s a class for that around Columbus. Fitness, painting, sports, glass blowing, photography, writing, cooking, sewing and crafts, cake decorating, home improvement, self defense…the options are nearly limitless and impossible for me to list.

Do an internet search for the “desired activity + local area”, or check local community centers, and you’re sure to find a few choices. Great options for kids are gymnastics, piano, acting, cooking, swimming, and whatever else their little hearts will enjoy.

Columbus Gift Guide: Local season pass gift ideas

Season passes are the gift that keep giving. Not only does the gift last for several months to a full year, they are the gift of an experience, which is more valuable to most than just stuff.

Whether it’s a gift for a whole family, or just an individual, they will appreciate the thoughtfulness that you took to choose a pass that they will enjoy.

These gifts can be a bit more expensive, but the value is worth it when choosing a bigger gift. If the season pass is out of your price range, purchase a one-time use pass instead.

Attractions often offer specials during the holiday season, so be sure to ask, or look around the websites. Look for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday specials!

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium: Several membership options are available and memberships typically pay for themselves within 2 visits and include special discounts and other benefits. They’ll even have a chance to use their gift card for Wildlights this year during the week after Christmas, and again next year early in the Wildlights season (until expiration).

Zoombezi Bay: Any water park lover will be thrilled with a season pass to Zoombezi Bay. Passes include admission to The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and other benefits. Passes are usually less expensive if purchased in the winter months.

COSI: There’s never enough time to enjoy all of COSI in a day, so a membership is a perfect way for loved ones to enjoy all of the traveling exhibits, Giant Screen Movies, Planetarium, and all of the regular COSI fun. While COSI is more geared towards families and kids of all ages, there’s fun to be had for any science lover.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: With every changing exhibits and gardens, plus fun activities each week, cooking classes, and other special events, it’s unlikely someone could get bored with a membership to Franklin Park Conservatory. No matter the weather, there will always be plenty of beauty to enjoy.

Columbus Museum of Art: This membership will thrill the art lover on your list. CMA is such a fantastic place to explore, and features fun for all ages.

Local outdoor swimming pool. Memberships are only valid for several months of the year, but they pay off during the hot summer days. Many local pools offer early bird discounts on memberships, so Christmas is the perfect time to buy.

Community Center membership. Community centers offer so many benefits for individuals or families. From fitness, hobby classes, sports, events, and even indoor swimming pools, its a membership that can be used all year. Ask if there is a discount for residents of the community. Many have reduced fees for local tax district and school district residents.

Wexner Center for the Arts: From film to exhibits to special events, there’s so much fun to be had at Wexner Center for the Arts. They offer features that are family friendly, as well as ones that are perfect for date night. Gift memberships are presented in a box with an extra gift included.

Mad River Mountain Ski Resort: If your recipient loves skiing pr snowboarding, Mad River Mountain is just a short drive away and is great for when they only have a few hours to ski and for practice before big ski trips.

Need more gift guides?

Find a HUGE list of experience gifts for around Ohio!

Gift Guide: Create Memories with Experience Gifts around Ohio

Don’t forget to check out our Columbus Gift Guide: Hostess Gift Ideas with additional local gift options that are perfect for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, friend gifts, co-worker gifts, and Secret Santa gifts.

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