GIFT GUIDE: 9 ways to buy for EVERYONE on your list in downtown Dayton

It’s official: the holiday season is here. That means it’s time for pie, trimming the tree and shopping.

As we get closer and closer to the big day, the mall is probably the last place you want to be. The idea of pushing and shoving my neighbors the day after I’ve just given thanks isn’t exactly appealing, so I opt for hitting the smaller, more quaint local shops in downtown Dayton.

There are so many unique and interesting places to shop in Downtown Dayton, but if you’re not sure where to start, here is your guide to downtown Dayton holiday shopping, and the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

1. For the Music Lover

  • Have a friend who loves spinning records? There is no better place to beef up their record collection than Omega Music in the Oregon District. With a wide selection of previously owned classics, and new music, there is a section for every musical taste. 
  • Skeleton Dust Records located in the Fire Block District has the perfect swag for that music snob friend of yours (we all have one). This cassette tape tote bag is stylish and practical, and only $10. A perfect steal for toting around their tunes. 

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Skeleton Dust Records opens in downtown Dayton

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2. For the Food Lover

  • Add some spice to your foodie friend's holiday this year and check out the hundreds of unique local foods you could purchase at the 2nd Street Market. The Market has special holiday hours, so make sure to check the website before visiting now through the new year. The Market has dozens of vendors including bakers, culinary specialists and artisans that fill the charming historical freight house. So not only will you be able to snag some great foodie gift finds, you'll have an experience all your own along the way. 
  • Tis the season for gift cards! There is no shortage of great restaurants to choose from in downtown Dayton, so give the gift of food to one of your restaurant loving friends. It's easy for you, and who knows, your friend might even invite you along for dinner! 

3. For your Artsy Friend

  • Around the holidays there is no better place to get a unique and one-of-a-kind gift for the artistically inclined person in your life than the  "The Contemporary's" Holiday Gift Gallery sale. Every item for sale is made by 84 local artists, and prices vary, with items available for every budget, according to the website. The sale lasts until Dec. 22. 
  • The Culture Works "Passport to the Arts" membership is an all encompassing gift for your Dayton arts aficionado. The Culture Works Passport to the Arts Membership is provided to Culture Works supporters who make a tax-deductible gift of $85 or more. Passport Membership provides Buy One – Get One FREE tickets to a variety of arts and cultural events around the Dayton region, as well as admission, restaurant and retail discounts.

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4. For the Booze Connoisseur

  • If you're a Daytonian and you haven't tried Belle of Dayton, then you are missing out. Their vodka is smooth and refined and their gin is award-winning...no, really. Earlier this year, Belle of Dayton's gin was awarded a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits competition. So pick your friend up a bottle at Arrow Wine today! If your friend goes for experience over material item, arrange for a tour of Belle of Dayton's distillery in the Oregon District, and stick around for a $5 flight.

>> 1900s-themed cocktail bar now open in the Oregon District

5. For the Fashionista

  • For the person in your life who is always putting together fabulous ensembles, help them top off the outfit with a hat from Brim, the accessory shop in the Oregon District. For the lady in your life, pick out a wide-brimmed hat and deck it out with a funky feather, scarf or pin. Brim's got a wide variety of great accessories to style her hat over the top. Prices range from $50 to $250.
  • Don't forget about the guy taking fashion risks, too. Not only does Brim carry amazing men's hats, they have ties, sunglasses and beard care products. My favorite gift for your special guy: Dream Beard oils, and speciality beard maintenance kits. They leave your man's beard feeling silky soft and tame. Prices range from $18-40.

6. For the Plant Lady

  • Succulents are all the rage these days, which is lucky for even the plant-killer, since they are nearly indestructable. If you're looking for a great gift for someone who loves greenery, look no further than Luna Gifts & Botanicals, located on Wayne Ave. With a huge variety of plants starting around $8, you can get a beautifully curated selection — and a pot to put them in — for around $40.
  • If you're in the market for fun and eclectic gifts like Luna has to offer, be sure to check out Heart Mercantile on 5th Street. It's owned by some of the same boss ladies, and they've got tons of great stuff for the home, or for your friend with a sense of humor! 

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7. For The Socially Conscious Friend

  • Agnes & Orson is officially the one-stop gift shop in Dayton, located on the ground floor of the Cannery Lofts Apartments. But there, you can also shop for a good cause. Agnes & Orson carries gifts for your recently married friends, offering Mr. and Mr. mugs ($25), and ladies tees that exclaim "Love is Love" ($30). Let your support be known by gifting for a cause.
  • Agnes & Orson also gives back. A candle makes the perfect hostess gift this year, and with the purchase of Sydney Hale Co. candles, 10% of the $30 candle goes to local animal shelters. You can feel good about this purchase by helping pups and cats in need. Also, the available scents are incredible! My favorite: Fir and Blue Sage.

>>RELATED: Beloved downtown shop’s new owner is keeping the ‘sass’

8. For The Finer Friend

  • Sterling Studio in the Oregon District is another place to pick up a piece for any lady on your Christmas list, with its mix of eclectic, funky and classic pieces. I loved their matching earring and necklace sets made of fine stones such as Kyanite and Pink Aura Quartz from $89-375.

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9. For the Coffee Lover

  • Dayton is lucky enough to have an amazing coffee scene. Press is at the top of my list for coffee shops in Dayton, particularly because the coffee served is roasted in-house. The roasterie is called Wood Burl Coffee, it's rich, complex and never bitter. For the coffee lover on your list, consider buying them a pound of coffee and the accoutrements to make Press's coffee in their own home. Throw in a Wood Burl shirt and you've got a perfectly caffeinated gift!
  • Another great coffee shop is Ghostlight Coffee, located in the South Park neighborhood. It's cozy and comfortable, with lots of great places to sit and read. They have some of the best tea in town, and they have a ton of great gift options. I personally love their black and white coffee pot with matching cream and sugar set. This set is going quickly, with only a few left in stock for $50, but there are other cool Chemex coffee brewers with modern and funky design that would perk up anyone's morning!  

>> Daytonians of the Week: Brett and Janelle Barker, owners of Press

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