Albany Holiday Guide > Holiday Gifts & Ideas

Find The Perfect Gift For Everyone On Your List In Albany NY

Unique people deserve unique gifts. Don't you think? Albany and the Capital Region are in no way lacking those special shops to find just the right thing for that one friend that is always the hardest to buy for, or for your father who never asks for anything, or your siblings...who always ask for too much. Let the lists below get the ideas flowing until you think of the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season!

Holiday Gifts For Him

• Food! Even if you're not trying to find the quickest way to his heart, every guy appreciates some good grub! Whether you opt for a gift basket full of goodies or give him a dining gift card to a local Albany restaurant like the beloved Bombers Burrito Bar, Albany Pump Station or City Beer Hall, he's sure to be happy no matter what choice you make! Browse Albany restaurants...
• Dry Cleaning! A very practical gift for that practical (and otherwise impossible-to-buy-for) guy on your list this season -- dry cleaning. You can choose from a list of Albany area dry cleaners to find one that is convenient for him.
• Car Wash! With the Albany winter comes the salt and the sand and the.... need for a good car wash! Most local car wash locations allow you to purchase a book full of gift certificates toward future car wash visits, which are perfect for gifting.

Gift Ideas For Her

• Pampering! For a day of beautifying and/or photography fun, get her a gift certificate to Krystal Rose Studio and Shannon DeCelle Photography -- a combined salon and photography studio that is brand new for 2012! Whether she wants to enjoy their services at the studio or in the comforts of her own home (yes, they will travel to her!), this gift is a sure bet for any lady on your list.
• Home Decor! If she loves to have a beautiful nest, you can find all sorts of unique gifts for the home at C'est La Vie in Ballston Spa. Or why not a new piece to hang on their wall from a local art gallery like the Sorelle Gallery or Albany Art Room. There are also many on Beekman Street in Saratoga. With all these great options, you are sure to find pieces that will complement her current home decor.
• Tanning! Get her a gift card to a local tanning salon, like Body and Sol so she can sport a healthy glow even in the harsh winter months!
• Jewelry! Stop by Frank Adams Jewelers in Stuyvesant Plaza, or head to one of the other jewelry shops in the area to find the perfect piece that will make her feel special this holiday season.

Gifts For Kids & Teens

• Laser Tag! Fun for all ages, laser tag is a sure-to-please gift for any child or teen this holiday season. Whether you get a group together for a fun outing or simply give a gift card to be applied toward a future trip or party with their friends, Albany Battlefield Live Laser Tag in Crossgates Mall is a great option!
• Gadgets! Visit Best Buy or the Apple Store at Crossgates to pick up the newest shiny gadget... or perhaps the latest game to be played on their gaming system!
• iTunes! Opt for an iTunes gift card so they can buy mobile apps or music to their heart's content.
• Indoor Play! Once the cold weather sets in, kids are left longing for some high-gear, playground fun. Get a gift certificate to one of the area's indoor play centers for the little ones on your list this season. Meme's Fun Factory in Rensselaer, Tumbling Tykes in Latham, Tiny Tots Tearoom in Clifton Park, Bounce Around in Clifton Park Center, Tree Paad in Malta (planned to reopen in January 2012), or Rollarama Skating Center in Schenectady are all great options.
• Holiday Outing! Rather than giving a tangible gift, take them to enjoy a night of lights at the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park display in Washington Park. Proceeds go to support a great cause, and it's really fun for the kids. On certain nights, they'll even get to meet Santa!

Gift Ideas For Anyone

• Shopping Spree! Pick up a gift card to Crossgates Mall, and let that person on your list decide which stores they want to spend it at for a mini-shopping spree. Crossgates offers gift cards that never expire or lose funds. You could also support local businesses in downtown Albany; just give that person on your list a set dollar amount and plan a fun shopping spree together at all the downtown retailers!
• Ski Trip! Whether for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more, a gift card to a local ski mountain, like Maple Ski Ridge, McCauley Mountain, Catamount Ski Area, Jiminy Peak or one of the other local ski areas near Albany makes the perfect holiday gift this season!
• Coffee! A gift card to a local cafe where they can unwind with a warm cup from the Daily Grind, Lil' Buddha Tea, Divinitea (in Schenectady), the Whistling Kettle (in Ballston Spa), Java Jazz (in Delmar), or one of many other local cafes.
• Massage! Everyone deserves a day of rest and relaxation. Why not give it to them? Discover Albany massage therapists where you can get a gift certificate to give as a holiday gift.
• Spirits! Know someone who loves to entertain? Pick up something from Capital Wine & Liquor to fill their whiskey and wine closet -- or if beer is more to their taste, Oliver's Beverage Center and Saratoga Brewery are great options. You could also opt to celebrate local wine with a bottle or two from Altamont Vineyard & Winery.
• Date Night! In this economy, a dinner date is sometimes out of the question unless some sweet Santa has given you a gift card to a nice local restaurant... hint, hint.
• Kitchenware! If your foodie loves to cook, there is always Different Drummer's Kitchen in Stuyvesant Plaza.
• Concert / Event Tickets! Pick up tickets to a local show you know they'll love, whether it's to go see their favorite comedian, music group or sports team... Albany always has great events coming up. Looking to do something out of the ordinary? The Albany Symphony Orchestra offers concert tickets as well as annual memberships for the music lover on your list. They also happen to have an awesome holiday show!
• Chocolate Dipped Fruit! Get a gourmet gift basket from Anthony's Chocolate Dipped Fruit, featuring a wide variety of fruits and options. It's perfect for that person or family on your list who already has it all!

Gifts For Pets

• Toys and Treats! People love their pets, so for that friend who is most devoted to their 4-legged friend, head to Sloppy Kisses in Saratoga Springs or Clifton Park Center location for a wide variety of items, from fresh-baked, human-grade goodies to doggie sweaters, toys and more. Dawgdom in Saratoga is another great option for nearly everything a pet could need or bark for.
• Pampering! Bark Avenue Salon in Burnt Hills is a full-service pet grooming salon and boutique, offering baths, nail clipping, pedicures, teeth brushing and many other services for all breeds of dogs and cats.
• Vacation! Because sometimes pets could use a nice getaway, Milton Manor Pet Spa & Resort in Middle Grove offers all the frills of a luxury vacation for almost any kind of pet!
• More! Discover other local pet-related businesses.

Looking For More?

Of course, this list does in no way cover everyone's friends, family and gift lists, but its a good start! For some more suggestions, browse other Albany shops for great local gift ideas!

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