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Yelp Rochester’s ultimate holiday gift guide



‘Tis the season to shop! With our favorite local businesses hit harder than ever in 2020, let’s use our spending power to support them. Whether you’re gifting for an amateur sommelier or pet-lover, there is something for everyone inside the walls of a ROC-owned business. Check out this Yelp collection (crafted by the Yelp ROC Elite Squad and Yelp Community Manager, Megan C) for the full guide, and conscious consumers looking to shop exclusively Black-Owned, LGBTQ+ businesses, Latinx-owned, or thrifted options can scroll to the bottom of this blog.

General Gifts & Trinkets

From the tough-to-shop-for in-laws to picky coworkers to the occasional hostess gift, sometimes you just need a quick gift in a pinch! Recommendations in our gift guide collection include a piece of ROC pride from Peppermint, a one of a kind trinket from One World Goods, or a gorgeous piece of home decor from Warehouse127. Other great options? A record from Record Archive, a puzzle or craft from Dan’s Crafts and Things, or some new prints from Little Button Craft

Clothing & Accessories

Grab your secret santa’s size and swap big box retailer online shopping for some local threads. Whether you’re on the hunt for gorgeous jumpsuits, scarves, and accessories at Statement Boutique, or some cheeky socks from Parkleigh, you support your community when you shop small. Also included in our guide is the Shops at Westridge, Mansawear, and more. 

Food & Beverage

We all know there is no shortage of local restaurants, cafes, and bars that are in need of our end of year support. Favorite gifts in the food and beverage category include hot chocolate bombs from Laughing Gull, a bottle of celebratory Blanc de Blancs from Living Roots, and a unique oil and vinegar combo from F. Olivers. Find more foodie inspiration by clicking here.

Experience & Education

Experiences are truly the gifts that keeps on giving, and ROC has lots of remarkable things to do and learn. From a membership to the Seneca Park Zoo (open year round!) to a virtual poetry class at Writers & Books, local businesses have adapted to 2020 and are bringing us ways to learn online and, in some cases, safely and in-person. Other notable options in this category include the Rochester Brainery, Lift Bridge Books in Brockport, and classes at NYKitchen

Local Art

Local artisans are what gives Rochester its special spice, and supporting them this year is more important than ever. Get to know local artisans at the Hungerford Building, Andersen Arts Building, through instructors at Flower City Arts Center, and in countless other venues across our fair city. Be sure to check for visitor restrictions and hours prior to checking out any of these hot spots.

Black-Owned Businesses to shop
LGBTQ+ Businesses to shop
Latinx-Owned Businesses to Support
Thrifted/Sustainable Options

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