What do you get the person that has everything, the person that’s really picky, or the person that you feel deserves something more than the convenient gift card? The answer is simple, something thoughtful and unique! The choices at both Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market and Countryside Public Market are incredibly abundant! Need proof? Our team at Countryside has come up with their favorite items at the market to give as gifts this holiday season – let’s get right into it!
Serena
Farmers’ Market Manager
Kettle Corn
Pass the kettle corn! Jeremy’s popcorn is by far the best I’ve ever had in my entire life. And I’m not even exaggerating. Every kernel is a perfect mushroom of salty sweet delight. It’s a hit at family parties, and an even bigger hit when I get the whole bag to myself. (I sometimes even try to hide it when I bring it home so that nobody else eats it.) The only downside is caution: it’s really really hard to stop eating.
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Stained Glass
Leona’s stained glass is the perfect gift for anyone who loves beauty. Each piece is handmade, with love and attention. My favorite is the queen ann’s lace window hang. It’s available in assorted colors and really comes alive when the light hits it. Leona has a passion for art and for making people smile. Her pieces would look darling in a window or on the Christmas tree!
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
A Wreath
I got one of Liz’s wreaths last year for myself, and I have to restrain myself from buying a new one every week. They are just breathtaking, and hold up perfectly over time. Liz grows, dries, and arranges all the flowers so artistically, my current wreath is a real showstopper. I love to give them as gifts, but I love even more to look at mine every day when I come downstairs. My only recommendation: don’t throw a football in the house near this wreath – they are delicate dried flowers after all.
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Alicia
Public Market Site Manager
Stocking Stuffers
Christmas stockings are one of my favorite holiday traditions. When I was little, my grandma lovingly made all of her grandkids their very own stockings. Now, when I wake up on Christmas morning and see it filled with all kinds of tasty goodies and small items, it takes me back to memories of holidays around the fireplace with my family. My mom always made sure to tell Santa to get me my favorite healthy snacks along with a few pieces of indulgent chocolate. That, and the traditional pair of socks… thanks, mom (she knew how cold my feet can get). Ornaments were always a part of our gift-giving to each other as well; it’s fun to reminisce about past years through the ornaments that cover the tree. My wish list for this year would include anything with dark chocolate from Chocolate Harmony, Toasted Walnut N Tart Cherries from Savory Snackage and a beehive ornament from Urban Honey Bee.
All items available at Countryside Public Market
Bianca
Assistant Farmers’ Market Manager
Flours for Baking
On the list of people you have to shop for for the holidays, a host/hostess gift may often slip your mind. However, you don’t want to get them wine like everyone else, right? No, no, no. You want to get them something much more thoughtful and useful! Some organic, all purpose flour from Mud Run is always on my list – and in my fridge – because you never know when you may be in the mood to whip up some pancakes, cookies, or pie! I mean, the possibilities are endless! Get your host something that says ‘Thank you for your hospitality’ or ‘Please make me cookies with this’ like all-purpose flour from Mud Run Farm does!
Available at Countryside Public Market & Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Cat Toy
I’m always wondering what to get the pickiest person I know. You know, the one you buy things for all the time, but it never really seems like they have any use for what you lovingly picked out? That’s right – my cat. She is often unamused by what I bring home for her. That is, until I brought home a cat toy from Thanks Marge! They come in all different colors, filled with catnip, and a bell that’s loud enough to make your feline friend stop chewing the carpet, but quiet enough that you’ll let them play with it all night. Visit Thanks Marge! You’re welcome.
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
A Plant
One thing that I enjoy giving as gifts, just as much as I like receiving them, are plants. Every time I walk past Western Reserve Heritage Seeds booth, I get super giddy. With so many different varieties that I have never seen before, I am always bound to stop and ask questions, take pictures, and inevitably leave with 3 different ones – it all happens so fast. Andrew is always willing to help you pick something out, as well as tell you how to care for each one! And for someone who has (unintentionally) killed my fair share of plants – that is always super helpful!
Available at Countryside Public Market & Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Erin
Director of Local Food Programs
Coffee
Coffee! Delicious, quality coffee is a daily indulgence of mine – I often go to bed with excitement for my cup in the morning. We are so lucky to have two fabulous roasters at the markets ~ Akron Coffee Roasters and Crooked River Coffee Company. As always, I’m particularly excited about the Akron Coffee Roasters Holiday Sampler. They source extra special beans to provide new and dedicated coffee drinkers with a diverse and pleasing variety of coffee experiences.
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market or online
Soap
I love getting my soap and body products from the market for SO MANY reasons. I can trust there aren’t crazy chemicals and there’s very little (if any) packaging, it’s another way to support agriculture and small businesses, of course because they are a joyful experience to use, AND because there is so much variety. Brighton Wool and Honey, Let’s Grow Akron, and Turtle Island Natural Soap all make wonderful beeswax-based soaps in many flavors. The Natural Body has a fantastic line of facial products, body lotions, and more. (The Glow moisturizer is my FAVORITE!)
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market or online
Bread
Ash Creek Farm’s multigrain sourdough is heaven in the shape of bread. I don’t know all of the technical bread lingo, but here’s what I do know: it’s hearty with the right amount of chew and just a hint of sour. It’s close to my ideal loaf. I’d be thrilled to unwrap it under the tree – or maybe you could talk Peter into making a bread subscription program and I could have it every week?? (Apologies for the lack of picture. I bought a load to snap a pic, and well… my need to tear into it was stronger than my commitment to this gift guide.)
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Other Local Gift Ideas
Countryside
Countryside Tote Bags
- Market Tokens or Gift Certificate for the person you know loves to come out to the market to shop local!
- Countryside Merchandise for the person that loves to sport their love for local!
- A Donation to Countryside in someones name for the person that loves to give back and help the community!
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market & Countryside Public Market
Ovenly Delights
Relief & Repair Cream
- Relief & Repair Pain Relief Cream
- RxLeaf Hemp Drops
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Snowmon’s Kombucha
- 32oz. keepsake bottle of kombucha (your choice of flavor) with a gift bag, snowflake ornament and gift tag included, all for only $15
Available at Countryside Public Market
Storehouse Teas
Tea Sachet
- Set of top three teas in a tea sachet
- Loose leaf tea
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market or online
Noon Sharpening
- $60 certificate to have knives sharpening for only $50
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Thanks Marge!
Cotton Hat
Slouch Hat
- All cotton slouch hats in assorted colors
- All cotton hats in many assorted colors and sizes
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Pierogi Pantry & More
- Gift Cards are now available! eGift cards can be ordered directly from their website and they will also have plastic gift cards available at the market!
Available at Countryside Public Market
Urban Honey Bee
- Gift box with assortments of honey and/or wax products as the customer chooses. Gift box is included for free with the purchase!
Available at Countryside Public Market
Huffman Fruit Farm
Huffman’s Holiday Gift Basket
- Holiday Gift Basket
Available at Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmers’ Market
Juliabelle’s Seasonings and Rubs
- Gift box of 4 seasoning blends – Hot Box or International Box
Available at Countryside Public Market
Note
Vendors don’t necesarily attend every market. If you are attending the market for a particular vendor, we highly recommended checking to be sure they will be in attendance by looking at Countryside Old Trial School Winter Farmers’ Market Vendor Lists or Countryside Public Market Vendor Map