This is the season to be busy. When family gatherings, office parties and other commitments abound, it’s easy to turn to the internet to find special gifts for special people.
I’m guilty — I have online shopping carts full at the moment. But before I click those purchase buttons, I’m planning to review and consider what I might source locally, since we have such fantastic small business shopping options in the area.
In Preston, we have shops tucked here and there across the county. For selections of gifts check out Sophie’s Attic in Kingwood, and the Modern Homestead gift shop in Reedsville (and grab a Christmas tree, wreath and cup of hot chocolate, coffee or cider while you’re there).
The Rustic Barn in Masontown specializes in handmade burlap wreaths, but also includes other cute gifts and holiday décor. Plus shops in Terra Alta, others in Kingwood and around the county might have just the treasure you’re looking for.
If you want something locally made or West Virginia-themed, the gift shop at Arthurdale Heritage is a must visit, as are the Preston Community Arts Center and the Rowlesburg Christkindlmarkt, set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14.
Mon County has even more options, including lots of shops with a wide array of gifts such as handmade items (my favorite).
I want to tell you about a few of my go-to shops downtown. River Fair Trade has beautifully handmade clothes, winter accessories, gifts, ornaments and more from around the world.
The Appalachian Gallery sells locally made, high-end goods, including Blenko glass, lovely house-made stained glass window hangings, adorable toys and professional picture framing;
Hoot and Howl is stocked with local artisan goods, including my current must-have tea blends — it looks like a small shop but it’s packed full of awesome gifts and will host “holiday pop-up parties” featuring visiting artisans every weekend in December with samples of some of the available teas.
The Old Stone House sells its popular holiday spiced tea, made by the Service League, which runs the charity gift shop, and many ornaments and gifts.
Grabbing a coffee from Quantum Bean, my favorite spiced chai from the Blue Moose or a bubble tea from TK’s while shopping is really the best way to eliminate any stress from the process of finding the perfect gifts for everyone.
This weekend, Zenclay hosts its annual pottery sale, Main Street Morgantown hosts a cookie crawl downtown and the Morgantown Christmas parade will take place Monday.
If you want to get out of town for holiday shopping, Penn Alps celebrates Christmas in the Village Friday and Saturday, in Grantsville, Md. I recommend taking a few hours to visit — especially after dark, when illuminated paths in the artisan village lead to artists’ workshops, and twinkle lights make the whole atmosphere especially festive.
Another out-of-town holiday shopping option is the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh. This is another European-style market, with huts for artists and artisans to sell their wares, a stage with ongoing concerts, and Santa himself set up for photo ops with kiddos for a suggested donation to the Pittsburgh Food Bank.
While my schedule is full of holiday events (a concert by Vox Principalis Choral Association, the Friends of Deckers Creek Holiday Social, etc.), I will take time to track down the perfect gifts for everyone on my list while supporting local businesses and artisans.
ALDONA BIRD is a journalist, previously writing for The Dominion Post. She explores possibilities of local productivity and sustainable living in Preston County.
