10 Great Last-Minute Gift Ideas from Local Brands

The countdown to the holidays has officially begun and we are now in the final stretch. If this season has left you feeling stressed over the remaining people on your list that you still need to shop for, then this post is for you.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite local brands that are sure to please even the most discerning person on your list—while taking some of the guesswork out of the equation for you.

1. TOUGH
   For the cancer thriver in your life (or their loved ones), grab a copy of TOUGH: Women Who Survived Cancer featuring 37 inspiring survivor stories. I was honored to have my thyroid cancer survivor story included in this Amazon bestseller and hope it will serve as an inspiring resource for those going through a cancer diagnosis. You can purchase your copy on Amazon, here.
   
   
2. Gyrotonic LINY
   Give a unique gift of wellness this holiday season with a gift certificate to Gyrotonic LINY in Huntington, NY. What could be better than getting someone you love to embark on a self-care practice in the new year, while helping them tone, lengthen, and strengthen their body? Patricia, the master trainer at Gyrotonic LINY, offers private one-on-one classes (which I highly recommend) and semi-private classes with up to four people. I’ve been taking Gyrotonic classes with her and have noticed such a difference in my breathing, posture, and overall positioning. You can read more about why I love Gyrotonic so much and how it could be a great gift for the seasoned athlete or older loved one in your life who needs a low impact, yet effective workout in this post or this one.
   
   
3. Stephanie Occhipinti Design
   For the jewelry lover who desires pieces with meaning, Stephanie Occhipinti has you covered. Her double hand-carved knot rings in gold, silver, and rose gold would make a striking gift. I wear my knot rings from her every day and love the sentimental meaning of inner strength behind the design. Recently, I gifted her tassel necklace to a friend and may need to order the same necklace in rose gold for myself. Visit her website to see some of her unique creations.
   
   
4. ScentSationals
   For a personalized gift, create a custom scent at ScentSationals in Huntington, NY. This is a fun and creative way to give a unique gift. You can name your scent whatever you like (mine is Living in Steil, naturally) and have the ingredients kept on file, making future orders easy. The store will even gift wrap your creation for you free of charge. And if perfumes don’t make the perfect present, ScentSationals has plenty of other items in the store from soaps to jewelry that makes great gifts.
   
   
5. Ghost Flower
   For the fitness lover who has a closet full of workout wear, this is the brand for them. This female-founded, California brand is both fashionable and functional. Rooted in Chinese medicine, Ghost Flower incorporates acupressure points into their workout pieces and makes the perfect present for the wellness warrior in your life. Now on their second collection, each piece is finely made with premium Italian fabric and seams that flow over the body’s natural energy channels. Plus, Ghost Flower is all about teaching you how to activate the acupressure points on their garments to receive the maximum benefit from each element. Use my ambassador code XOVANESSASTEIL and save 25% off your first purchase.
   
   
6. Books by Kerriann Flanagan Brosky
   For the avid reader and history aficionado (especially the one who loves reading spooky stories or murder mysteries), check out one of Kerriann’s many riveting reads. I’ve attended two of her book lectures and am fascinated by the topics she writes on. Being a Long Island local, I found her Historic Crimes of Long Island—Misdeeds from the 1600s to 1950s book especially gripping and particularly enjoyed hearing Kerriann lecture on some of the stories featured in the book.
   
   
7. LocaLI Bred
   For the Long Island lover, this curated subscription box filled with all local products is the gift for them. I sampled a box last year and was amazed at all of the products that were included—from a jam from my beloved Kerber’s Farm to a handmade candle from Birch & Main (see #8 below)—the box was full of tons of useful gifts. This would be ideal as a hostess present or to gift a subscription to a boss or co-worker.
   
   
8. Birch & Main
   For the person who loves the scent of holiday candles or lights candles regularly, Birch & Main is a favorite brand. I discovered them after receiving a LocaLI Bred subscription box and have been obsessed with their White Birch candle that was in my box ever since. The scent is clean and fresh, and I look forward to picking up more candles from them once I finish this one.
   
   
9. Humble & Spark / Zachary’s Fine Jewelry
   The jewelry lover in your life will thank you when you gift them something from Humble & Spark or Zachary’s Fine Jewelry this holiday season. Laura of Humble & Spark has everything you need from beautiful everyday pieces to dainty diamonds all right on her Etsy page. I have this necklace from her shop and have received countless compliments on it. And, if you’re looking for more expensive one-of-a-kind pieces, Laura’s parents own Zachary’s Fine Jewelry in Huntington, NY. There, you’ll find some of the most exquisite pieces I’ve ever seen with no attention to detail spared.
   
   
10. Redingote Equestrian
    For the avid equestrian in your life, this is one gift that they need (and will use daily!). Riding in the winter can be tough—add on barn chores and teaching lessons—and those frigid temps can be miserable. But Redingote Equestrian has got you covered (literally!). This waterproof jumpsuit is the answer and will keep the horse lover in your life warm and dry on the longest and coldest of days. The best part is that you can even ride in the suit—keeping you clean, too.