Local Love ECDI's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
- lklosterman8
- 7 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Welcome to ECDI’s Small Business Gift Guide — a curated collection of incredible Ohio entrepreneurs who turn their passion into products, their hustle into impact, and their dreams into businesses that strengthen our communities. When you choose to shop small, you’re not just crossing names off your holiday list. You’re supporting real people, keeping dollars local, and helping neighborhoods thrive in ways big box stores simply can’t match.
In fact, roughly 68% of every $100 spent at a local, independent business stays in the local economy. Small businesses also give back more — donating significantly more to local nonprofits and community causes than larger companies do.
Every candle poured, cookie baked, bracelet crafted, and service delivered by our clients carries a story. A family behind it. A mission driving it. A ripple effect that uplifts the people and places that make Ohio home.
Through this guide, we’re excited to highlight just a few of the many entrepreneurs we’re proud to support — and help you discover meaningful gifts that do good.
This season, give gifts that matter.
Give gifts that make a difference.
Choose your closest city to start supporting local businesses in your area:
Akron | Columbus | Cleveland | Cincinnati | Dayton | Portsmouth | Toledo
Akron
Full Grip Games (Akron)
A beloved game and hobby shop in downtown Akron, proudly serving the community since 2016. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, this is Akron’s go-to destination for all things trading cards and board games!
Black Culture Candles (Akron)
Celebrate the season through scent and story with these artisan candles. The Christmas Scent Journey Collection features three handcrafted holiday fragrances made with crackling wood wicks and luxe coconut-apricot wax. Elegant, nostalgic, and gift-ready, these candles are the perfect cozy, heartwarming present for anyone on your list.
On Cloud Canine (Akron)
On Cloud Canine offers spa grooming, enriching daycare, pet sitting, and personalized training sessions, all delivered by a certified, gentle, and trusted provider. Treat a loved one’s pup to a fun, pampered day or purchase a gift card so they can choose the services their pet needs most. A perfect pick for dog lovers who want their pets to feel just as special this season.
Columbus
Better Beverage (Columbus)
A curated collection of non-alcoholic drinks from women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and sustainability-driven brands — perfect for thoughtful gifting or festive hosting. Choose from themed gift boxes or build your own for a unique, feel-good sip that supports mission-driven makers.
Boujee Dog Bites (Columbus)
Give your pup the gift of gourmet! Boujee Dog Bites creates delicious, restaurant-style meals for dogs—complete with added health benefits and plenty of pampering flair. They offer fun holiday specials, seasonal toys, accessories, and meal subscriptions, plus convenient grab-and-go fridges around Columbus.
Clō Wine Gallery & Lounge (Delaware, OH)
A boutique wine shop and cozy lounge where you can sip in-house or grab bottles to-go. Gift a curated bottle, a wine club subscription, or take advantage of 10% off when you purchase six or more bottles—perfect for the wine lovers on your holiday list.
Café Graciela (Columbus)
As one of the first Afro-Colombian-owned specialty and single origin coffee companies, their mission goes beyond great flavor – they are dedicated to supporting education for talented students in Colombia. Savor rich, high-quality coffee while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Deez Cookies (Columbus)
A bespoke baking company known for themed cookie collections, luxury packaging, and creative flavors that make gifting feel special. Their Merry & Bright, Sleigh, Holiday, and Holly Jolly boxes are perfect ready-to-give options — plus pralines and snack mixes for shelf-stable treats. Enjoy 5% off with code ECDI through 12/15.
Fruits & Roots Coffee Roasters (Columbus)
Give the gift of thoughtfully roasted coffee or premium loose-leaf tea. Their holiday boxes come beautifully packaged and feature your choice of specialty coffees or teas sourced from intentional, relationship-driven farms around the world. Perfect for coffee lovers, tea drinkers, and anyone who appreciates a meaningful sip.
Groovy Sunshine Co (Delaware, OH)
A cheerful gift shop filled with items designed to brighten your day — from clothing and jewelry to toys and handcrafted goods from talented local vendors. Explore unique finds like geodes, candles, crochet stuffies, plush blankets, crystals, and fun 3D-printed items. They offer 10% off for students, teachers, veterans, and small business owners.
Jeremiah’s Corner (Columbus)
Books that inspire empathy, resilience, and self-love in children. Covering topics like disability acceptance, breaking stereotypes, and embracing differences, their books help kids discover their unique gifts and pursue their dreams.
Makers Social (Columbus)
Combine creativity and cocktails at this interactive bar! Choose from a variety of DIY projects, like jewelry-making, leatherwork, or woodworking, and craft your unique masterpiece while sipping on your favorite drinks. Perfect for a fun outing or a thoughtful gift.
Natural AWA Beauty (Columbus)
Give the ultimate self-care gift with Natural AWA’s African-inspired skincare, made with clean, sustainable ingredients sourced through fair trade to empower women producers. Their holiday facial sets, body butter trios, and body essentials bundles make luxurious gifts for anyone who deserves a little extra nourishment this season. Enjoy 20% off single items for the holidays.
Pocambo Hot Sauce (Columbus)
Small-batch Cambodian hot sauce crafted for serious flavor lovers. Their full holiday package — packed with all the signature sauces — is valued at $85 and offered for just $65, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing gift for foodies, home cooks, and spice enthusiasts.
Cleveland
Amani Vines Winery (Lakewood, OH)
Give the gift of elegance this season with artisan wines crafted to elevate every moment — from cozy nights in to festive holiday celebrations. Amani Vines offers beautifully made bottles perfect for gifting, plus refined tasting experiences that make unforgettable presents for wine lovers.
Barbara's Fiber Art (Cleveland)
Handmade, heirloom-quality textile gifts that brighten any home. Barbara creates vibrant wall art, baby quilts, lap quilts, table runners, and decorative pillows — all designed and sewn using bold, 100% cotton fabrics. With many items under $75, it’s an easy way to give something meaningful, beautiful, and handmade this season.
Black Frog Brewery (Cleveland)
Celebrate the season with small-batch brews from Black Frog Brewery! Their taproom in Holland and their new location inside Cleveland’s MidTown Collaboration Center are the perfect places to pick up unique beers for holiday gatherings, host gifts, or the craft-beer lover in your life.
Crosby's Corn (Cleveland)
Treat the snack lover in your life to gourmet popcorn! With over 37 delicious flavors, including caramel, cheese, buttery, savory, and fruity options, there's something to satisfy every taste.
Element LABS (Avon Lake, Ohio)
Give the gift of feel-good luxury with handcrafted bath, body, and self-care products made from natural, sustainable ingredients. From soaps and bath bombs to scrubs and body butters, every item is designed to elevate daily routines into spa-worthy moments.
Jossi's Bakery & Shop (Broadview Heights)
Your go-to spot for holiday sweets! Jossi’s offers beautifully arranged cookie trays, festive pastries, Christmas cupcakes, and seasonal treats at amazing prices. Perfect for gifting, parties, or bringing something delicious to your next holiday gathering.
Mugsy Bakes (Cleveland)
Single-serve dessert mixes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and ridiculously delicious. Their holiday Chocolate Peppermint flavor and “Mugsy Little Christmas” bundle feature festive mug cake and cookie mixes that are bright, cute, and perfectly giftable. These palm-sized treats make adorable stocking stuffers and easy go-to gifts for teachers, coworkers, and neighbors.
Total Relaxation by Rachel (South Euclid, OH)
Give the gift of pure relaxation with spa packages designed to melt stress away. From therapeutic massages to custom facials and soothing body treatments, these pampering experiences make the perfect holiday gift for anyone who deserves a little “me time.” Grab a gift card or choose from their popular packages for a truly rejuvenating present.
Urbane Vodka (Cleveland)
Elevate your cocktail game with Urbane Vodka! Crafted in small batches for exceptional smoothness and refined flavor. Find it in Northern Ohio stores and discover recipes on their website!
Table For 2 (Cleveland)
A curated vintage furniture and home décor shop filled with restored pieces, modern handmade accents, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Perfect for the home décor lover on your list, their collection includes cozy home goods, statement furniture, and seasonal treasures.
Wood Thingamajigs (Chagrin Falls, OH)
Handcrafted Ohio- and Cleveland-themed décor, ornaments, kitchenware, and more — perfect for holiday gifting. From wooden ornaments and barware to cheeky house signs and coasters, their pieces add charm, nostalgia, and personality to any home. A great pick for Ohio lovers, hosts, and anyone who appreciates beautifully made woodwork.
CALM Creative Design (Cleveland)
Give a gift with heart (and stitches!). This Black woman–owned studio creates custom embroidery, artisan quilts, and personalized gifts that feel truly one-of-a-kind. From embroidered apparel to modern quilts and custom tees, every piece is thoughtfully handcrafted to reflect someone’s style, story, or special moment. Perfect for meaningful, personalized holiday gifting.
Simple Sexy Boutique (Richmond Heights, OH)
An upscale women’s boutique offering chic, ready-to-wear looks for every occasion. From statement pieces to elevated everyday outfits, their curated collections make it easy to gift confidence, style, and a little holiday sparkle.
Cincinnati
Cooler Keg (Cincinnati)
A portable stainless steel kegerator that lets you serve anything on tap — beer, cocktails, cider, coffee, and more — anywhere you go. Ideal for entertainers, tailgaters, and holiday hosts who love to elevate their gatherings. Enjoy $200 off with code ECDI.
Canine Crunch Co. (Metamora & coming soon to Mount Lookout)
A small-batch dog bakery offering homemade, healthy dog treats made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Their shop also features unique gifts for dog lovers — from apparel and toys to fun, one-of-a-kind décor. Online ordering available for easy holiday gifting!
In the Curious Kitchen (Cincinnati)
This woman-owned small business blends Southern charm with bold, handcrafted flavors — from pimento and beer cheeses to bourbon-infused jams, cocktail kits, and beautifully curated gift sets. With nationwide shipping, it’s the perfect place to find hostess gifts, holiday bundles, and treats for anyone who loves to entertain.
Jazron (Cincinnati)
Elevate holiday style with authentic African fashion from Jazron — a one-stop online shop for stunning men’s and women’s apparel. From vibrant everyday pieces to show-stopping party looks, their curated collections empower you to feel confident and beautifully you. Shoppers can enjoy 10% off for the season.
Mindful Modern Living (Cincinnati)
Give the gift of calm. Mindful Modern Living offers private sound-healing sessions (for one or two) that help melt stress, ground the nervous system, and bring deep end-of-year restoration. A perfect experience-based gift for partners, friends, or anyone craving a mindful reset this holiday season.
My Masterpiece Studio (Norwood)
A bright, welcoming paint-your-own-pottery studio where all ages can get creative. Choose from a wide variety of ceramics or join one of their fun group events and parties. For the holidays, they offer tons of seasonal pieces — vintage Christmas trees, ornaments, plates, platters, mugs, and more — all ready to paint and personalize. A perfect hands-on gift or festive outing.
Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar (Cincinnati)
Give the gift of nostalgia! This kid-friendly cereal bar features 70+ cereals from around the world, fun toppings, cartoons, and video games — plus breakfast favorites like sandwiches, bagels, parfaits, and coffee. A perfect treat-experience for families, cereal lovers, or anyone young at heart.
Silverlining Scents (Cincinnati)
Give the gift of calm this season with handcrafted candles, wax melts, room sprays, and diffusers designed to bring warmth and serenity to any space. Each fragrance is thoughtfully created to inspire peace, comfort, and a little extra light during the busy holiday season. Perfect for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or anyone who could use a moment of cozy relaxation.
Simplee Miss Bath & Body Products (Cincinnati)
Give the gift of relaxation with handcrafted soaps, butters, lotions, candles, and self-care essentials made with simple, skin-loving ingredients. With tons of affordable bundles and gift sets, it’s easy to create a pampering present for anyone on your list — from cozy bath soaks to nourishing hair and body treats.
Sweets & Meats BBQ (Cincinnati)
A woman-owned BBQ spot serving award-winning smoked meats, homemade sides, and family-recipe desserts. Their food trucks, catering team, and Avondale restaurant make it easy to bring comfort food to any gathering. For the holidays, they’re offering seasonal packages you can order online — plus gift cards that make delicious, easy gifts.
Dayton
Girl Gone Herbal (Kettering, OH)
Handcrafted herbal gifts made with organic, homegrown ingredients. Girl Gone Herbal offers dried herbs, teas, botanical soaps, soy candles, apothecary products, natural home fragrance, and non-toxic bath and body goods. From stocking stuffers to curated gift boxes, their products add an elevated, artisanal touch to holiday baskets and Secret Santa exchanges. Shop online or pick up locally.
LadyFish Aquatics (Dayton)
A perfect pick for the aquarium lovers on your list! LadyFish Aquatics offers a great selection of fish, live plants, and high-quality equipment — ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Whether you’re gifting a new tank setup, vibrant plants, or specialty supplies, this local shop has everything to help aquatic hobbyists create a beautiful underwater world.
Maraluna (Oakwood, OH)
Maraluna is your neighborhood shop with a global heart, filled with ethically made, fair-trade treasures from talented makers around the world. Explore their festive holiday collection featuring cozy winter knits, handmade toys, artisan jewelry, felt garlands, glass trees, and beautifully crafted home goods. Thoughtful, meaningful, and perfect for everyone on your list.
Vidia's Closet (Dayton)
A stylish boutique offering chic, confidence-boosting looks for every woman. Browse their curated online collection or stop into their downtown shop to find fashionable outfits and accessories that make perfect holiday gifts.
Portsmouth
Align Massage Therapy (Portsmouth)
Give the gift of relaxation with massage gift certificates — perfect for easing holiday stress. Choose from couples massages, deep tissue, meditation massage, or their popular $80 relaxation massage. A calming, thoughtful gift for anyone who could use a reset.
Roots of Recovery Herbs (Portsmouth)
Small-batch herbal gift sets for simple, nourishing self-care. Each bundle includes organic essentials like fire ciders, infused oils, magnesium sprays, or herbal teas — all wrapped and ready to give with an intro card. Choose from six wellness-focused sets and save when you gift a bundle.
Toledo
Black Frog Brewery (Holland, OH)
Celebrate the season with small-batch brews from Black Frog Brewery! Their taproom in Holland and their new location inside Cleveland’s MidTown Collaboration Center are the perfect places to pick up unique beers for holiday gatherings, host gifts, or the craft-beer lover in your life.
Pro Golf Fairway Bar & Grill (Toledo)
Pro Golf Fairways offers indoor golf and multi-sport simulators—perfect for golfers, families, friend groups, or anyone who loves a good time. Make a reservation at their full-entertainment facility and enjoy great food, games, and a cozy escape from the winter weather.
Riverside Barbeque Company (Toledo)
Give the gift of bold flavor this season with Riverside Barbeque Company — serving up smoked BBQ, craft cocktails, and live music in the heart of Downtown Toledo. Whether you’re grabbing a gift card, planning holiday catering, or treating someone to an unforgettable meal, it’s the perfect way to support local and share great food with the people you love.
Wooster
Coffee and Capes Comics (Wooster, OH)
A cozy comic-book café where great coffee meets great stories. This family-owned shop specializes in graphic novels, trade paperbacks, and a warm, welcoming space for fans of all ages. Whether you're shopping for a comic lover, a caffeine enthusiast, or someone who loves a quirky local hangout, Coffee & Capes has giftable reads, merch, and delicious drinks to make the season brighter.
Thank you for supporting small businesses.
Learn more about how ECDI supports small businesses and entrepreneurs at ECDI.org.