30 Gifts in 30 Days

Are you one of those people who waits until the last minute to shop for the holidays?

When you reluctantly head out with your list, all you find are empty shelves, the “perfect present” on backorder, stressed-out salespeople and sky-high prices eagerly awaiting desperate shoppers, just like you.

This year, think of akronlife as your personal shopping assistant. We’ve scoured the area—from Akron to Hudson, Kent to Tallmadge — hunting for unique presents. And we’ve found the hippest gift ideas in our backyard.

So brew yourself a cup of locally-roasted coffee and map out your shopping plan-of-attack. When your relative or friend opens this special gift from you, we’re sure the response will be priceless.

Each day for the next 30 days we will offer up gifts you just can't resist.

Day 30 – Nov. 30

Buckeye Baskets

United Disability Services, Akron

Prices range from $10.95-$75.95. (Pictured: Season’s Greetings from Ohio, $29.95)

Celebrate the flavors of Ohio with Buckeye Baskets, a line of all-occasion and customized gift baskets assembled by individuals with disabilities served by the UDS' vocational services program.

Day 29 – Nov. 29

Coasters

Hazel Tree Interiors, Akron

$5 - $12.50

This cool store has three kinds of coasters that would make great host/hostess presents. The fused glass coasters are $12 each, hand silk-screened blimp and Akron map coasters are $12.50 for a set of four, and the vintage record coasters are $5 each.

Day 28 – Nov. 28

Galley Boy T-shirt and gold coins

Swensons, various locations

T-shirt ($10) and gold coins ($1 each)

Galley Boy fans would love to receive a T-shirt plastered with a picture of their favorite local burger. The gold coins can be redeemed at the restaurants and make great stocking stuffers.

Day 27 - Nov. 27

Apple Butter

Hattie's Cafe and Gifts, Hudson

2 for $12.99

Hattie’s Café and Gifts in Hudson offers baked goods and gift baskets while donating the proceeds to help people with disabilities. Stock up on delicious food while supporting a wonderful cause!

Day 26 - Nov. 26

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

The Learned Owl, Hudson

$19.99

Stop by The Learned Owl in Hudson to pick up a copy of your favorite festive book in time for the holidays!

Day 25 - Nov. 25

Women’s Boots by Green Roots Collection

The Green Roots Collection, Kent

$642.00

The Green Roots Collection is Hudson’s eco-friendly clothing outlet featuring sophisticated clothing for men and women.

Day 24 - Nov. 24

Chocolate Liqueurs with Original Spirits by Anthon Berg

Sue Nelson Designs, Kent

$2.99 each

Along with Sue Nelson Designs' custom upholstery and framing services, customers travel from all over to Kent to indulge in her collection of imported chocolate liqueurs from Germany.

Day 23 - Nov. 23

Alpaca Gloves from Ecuador

Silver & Scents, Kent

$20.00

Silver & Scents in Kent carries an exotic selection of apparel, accessories, and scented oils from South America.

Day 22 - Nov. 22

Antique Hamilton Clock

City Bank Antiques, Kent

$185.00

For the antique collector on your shopping list, visit City Bank Antiques in Kent for a wide array of clocks, pocket watches, and jewelry.

Day 21 - Nov. 21

Schylling Mini Wooden Piano

Off the Wagon, Kent

$69.00

Look no further than Off the Wagon in Kent for charming gifts for children and the young at heart.

Day 20 - Nov. 20

Dancing Teapot by Ganz

Epiphany, Hudson

$14.00

Come to Epiphany in Hudson for everything quirky from mustache-shaped cookie cutters to dancing teapots!

Day 19 - Nov. 19

Chenille Jacket by Surrealist

The Grey Colt, Hudson

$198.00

This cozy chenille jacket is a sample of the colorful assortment of women’s clothing offered at The Grey Colt in Hudson.

Day 18 – Nov. 18

A growler of Johnny Juice and 3-pack of caramel apples

Mapleside Farms, Brunswick

Growler (prices vary) and 3-pack (start at $15.85)

Mapleside Farms took its always-popular freshly-pressed apple cider and gave it a grown-up kick, turning it into hard cider. Enjoy a growler at home with a sweet treat of caramel apples.

Day 17 - Nov. 17

Honeypot Luminaries by Bee Natura

The Works, Kent

$37.98

The Works in Kent’s Acorn Alley offers an eclectic selection of gifts, including ornaments, jewelery, and these unique handmade honeypot candles.

Day 16 - Nov. 16

Olive oil and vinegar gift basket

Olive My Heart, Hudson

Prices will vary.

Owners Linda and Bob Coleman will you everything you need to know about olive oils and balsamic vinegars. This shop has products from around the world and flavors to complement sweet and savory dishes.

Day 15 – Nov. 15

The Kraiken by Larry and Boo’s Emporium

The Market Path, Akron

$25.50

The Market Path sells fairly traded quality products, handmade by world and local artisans and local farmers. In addition to toys, the store sells pottery, jewelry, drums, purses and much more.

Day 14 – Nov. 14

Gift baskets

DayBreak Lavender Farm, Streetsboro

Prices will vary.

Officially designated by the Ohio State Senate as “the first lavender farm in Ohio’s history,” DayBreak’s gift baskets can be made with botanical bath and body products, as well as lavender items for cooking.

Day 13 – Nov. 13

Mead

Crafted Artisan Meadery, Mogadore

$23.99-$29.99

This local meadery uses the finest raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized honey as well as fruits, spices, herbs and other natural ingredients to create five styles of the world’s oldest fermented beverage.

Day 12 – Nov. 12

JACK by BB Dakota Women’s Jacket

Revival, Akron

$90

This shop in the heart of Highland Square sells new and vintage designer clothing and accessories, plus local items like Goodyear belt buckles and Ohio-themed T-shirts.

Day 11 – Nov. 11

Custom Floral Arrangement

The Greenhouse - A Fresh Flower Market, Hudson

Prices will vary.

Whether you want something special for the holidays or an item to enhance your home décor, Greenhouse arrangements transform ordinary spaces into expressions of your personal style.

Day 10 – Nov. 10

Joe, the Seiberling Family’s Dog

Stan Hywet Gift Shop, Akron

$23

In 1915, young Franklin Seiberling received a St. Bernard as a Christmas gift from his father. He named his beloved pet Joe, and now you can snuggle up with this sweet-faced plush dog too.

Day 9 – Nov. 9

Club 750 Membership

750 ml Wine Boutique and Wine Bar, Akron

$49-$199

Wine beginners and connoisseurs alike will love this club membership. Choose a level to fit your expertise: The Access Explorer series, Classic Blue Chip collection or Epic level that provides hard-to-come-by wines.

Day 8 – Nov. 8

Nora Fleming platters and Minis

GracyLane, Hudson

Platters ($12.50-$60) and Minis ($12.50)

These are great gifts for newlyweds or people who like to entertain but have limited storage. Pick a simple platter, decorate it with one of 84 ceramic special-occasion minis and party away!

Day 7 – Nov. 7

Gourd Birdhouses and Recycled Glass Suncatchers

Nature Realm Gift Shop (Metro Parks, Serving Summit County), Akron

Birdhouses ($35) and suncatchers ($7.95-$9.95)

Clinton’s Diane Fedorka, a.k.a. The Gourd Lady, fashions these birdhouses from gourds she grows in her own garden. The suncatchers, made in Georgetown, Ohio, are created from recycled bottles and make great teacher gifts!

Day 6 – Nov. 6

Wool and Alpaca Winter Headbands

The Sampler, Hudson

$10 each

These cozy headbands are handmade by Wendy Gelin-Milam and come in the most beautiful colors. The best part: They’ll keep your ears warm on a snowy day without messing up your hair.

Day 5 – Nov. 5

Induction Diamond Necklace Presented to Hall of Famer's Wives

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton

$1,499.99

Is there a woman on your list who’s a fan of football AND bling? This necklace contains 52 round high-color diamonds, is made of 14 karat gold and comes on an 18-inch 14 karat gold chain.

Day 4 – Nov. 4

33-inch Inflatable Goodyear Blimp Toy

Rubber City Clothing, Akron

$11.99

Who says Akron doesn’t have good places to buy souvenirs? At Rubber City Clothing, you can grab a replica of our favorite local airship and so many other cool Akron-centric gifts.

Day 3 – Nov. 3

Sculptural Mirror

Janet Rhodes, Hudson

$110

Created by Haitian artist Jean David, this piece is made from converted oil drums. The artist drew the design with chalk and used only a hammer and chisel to cut the design.

Day 2 - Nov. 2

KYE Zipper Wristlet Clutch

NOTO, Akron

$28.50

Handmade by Kylene Brown, of Garrettsville, these wristlets are the perfect gift for the party girl. It's big enough to hold her essentials and cute enough to get attention.

Day 1 – Nov. 1

ATH-M50s/LE LIMITED EDITION Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Audio-Technica, Stow

$209

To celebrate Audio-Technica’s 50th Anniversary, A-T offers this special limited-edition ATH-M50s/LE Anniversary Headphone in a silver-colored metallic finish.