I am sure by now you have heard about Small Business Saturday and the shop local movement and how it is so important to small towns and the local economy. As the years pass and more people turn to the convenience of big box stores and e-commerce giants like Amazon, shop owners are forced downsize or completely close shop. Main Streets across America are plagued with the same issue. We are seeing it here in our own communities. But you know what, it does not have to be that way.
Since the first issue of the Dresden Buzz in July, we have tried to feature local businesses as some of the content we provide to our readers, and we will continue to do so. We have made it part of our mission to support small businesses and tell their stories because we are so fortunate to have such a diverse selection of specialty stores in our portion of Muskingum County — we want to help get the word out.
With the holiday season upon us, we have a wide gambit of options when it comes to shopping. Hopefully, we can all find time to stop in at least a few of our local shops and make a couple purchases to support local merchants before racing off to the busy mall, crowded big-box chains, or browsing online outlets.
We have created a bit of a summarized outline of the local gift hot spots in our communities in the rest of this article. We hope you find it helpful and we encourage you to show some love for our small-town shop owners.
Gifts for Guys
Guys are particularly hard to shop for…at least that has been my experience, but I would have to say that Adamsville has quite the motherload of gifts for that special dude on your list (some of these ideas make great gifts for women too). Backwoods Hunting and Fishing Supplies is a great place to find guns and gifts for the outdoorsman in your life. A small selection of guns can also be found at Hiltec but their main sellers are their Grill Dome grills, name brand mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and baggers. Colorful or natural Amish built Adirondack chairs and gliders can be purchased at Mills Bulk Food and Deli. Adamsville Hardware has a very large selection of Milwaukee power tools and of course all kinds of hand tools for every level of handyman. As a side note, they also carry some kids ride-on toys and wagons that would make perfect gifts. In Dresden, you will find Agin Hardware which also has tools and other gift items. With all of those tools, your guy may need a new shed, Sheds Direct of Dresden has you covered with many styles of sheds in a variety of price ranges. Guess what, that is not all! Scottie’s apparel which makes great gifts for any fan can be bought at Pro-Stitch Prints also located in Dresden. Moore’s Farm Toys offers custom and scratch built die-cast farm toys that are meant for collectors ages 14 and up and are built in Dresden. One last idea that is perfect for guys and gals alike is a membership to Body of Choice Gym in Dresden.
Gifts for Women
When thinking about shopping in Dresden most people think of Longaberger Baskets. There is no doubt a large array of baskets and basket accessories to choose from in many of the stores including Baskets and More, Stacey’s Baskets, Humble Heart, Smore Baskets, and Basket Guy, however many of these shops offerings extend far beyond the iconic baskets. Smore Baskets has a very impressive seasonal and holiday inventory that is available year round. You can also find Longaberger pottery there in addition to a slew of decor and gift items. Not to mention their store is HUGE! Humble Heart has quite the large retail space as well. Although they are located off of Main Street in Dresden you can’t miss their American Flag roof. Wrought iron decorations, garden flag hooks and flags, berry garland, primitive and country decor and Dresden souvenirs are just a few of their key items that come to mind. Just across the street, you will find Pahasque’s Needful Things, a unique shop with a mix of handcrafted gifts, artwork and antiques and an ever-changing inventory. One of their latest creations are cute shaker boxes all made with the wood from downed trees. Their handmade jewelry is also quite remarkable and perfect for gift giving. On the topic of handmade you might be interested to know that Miller’s Emporium is the exclusive retailer for Miniature Baskets by Flow from the Heart. Another shop with unique locally made products is Lawler’s Pharmacy. The beautiful stained glass displayed in their windows and the fused glass in a display case inside the store are all made by local artisan, Cheryl Fadley of Country Glass Works. Lawlers also sells other gift items and Ohio State apparel. A vintage collector or a lover of retro and antique items would love a gift from Country Cupboard’s Second Chance. Furniture, glassware, vinyl records, books and more can be found among the treasures in Dresden’s newest store. Adamsville has a hidden gem in the Amish run business, Home and Heart Variety store. Everything from shoes, fabric, kitchen supplies, toys, games, books, cookbooks, home decor and more can be found and the prices are really reasonable too. If you are just outside the Adamsville area it is well worth the trip especially coupled with the four other Adamsville stores I suggested above.
Other Gift Ideas
Gift cards or certificates are often available at restaurants. The Warehouse Restaurant in Dresden and Scrappy’s Pizza in Frazeysburg are two that I know of that offer gift certificates. Robin’s Old School Massage is offering gift certificates until Christmas for her relaxation therapeutic and hot stone massages. You may check with the local salons and barbershops (Kayela’s On Main, Darcey’s Star Styles, Headlines Beauty Salon, Rochelle’s Barber Shop and Visions Hair and Tanning) to see if they sell gift certificates for their services. They would make great stocking stuffers! The gift of a weekend getaway at one of the local Inns or Bed and Breakfasts may be a perfect fit for someone on your list. The impressive views and romantic setting found at the Inn at Dresden is a gift to remember. Do you have a friend who loves to scrapbook? If so you may consider gifting them with a stay at the Village Victorian Scrapbook Retreat. The Pines of Dresden and the Jennie-Marie Inn which is located in Trinway both offer their own unique lodging experience that will provide the gift recipient some time to slow down, relax and enjoy.
