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Gift Guide: 30 Favorite Cincinnati Boutiques to Shop Local This Holiday Season

By and on Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 9:28 am

The winter holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it begins the mad rush to get the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Finding unique and tailor-made items is a time-consuming and stress-inducing task – but it doesn’t have to be.

Skip the online shopping and instead take this time to explore and embrace the holidays by shopping in the Queen City with our gift guide. Below, you’ll find 30 local businesses voted the “best” by readers in CityBeat’s 2022 Best Of Cincinnati issue, from the best gift shop and best overall boutique to the best record store and best jeweler. So whether you’re shopping for a comic book-loving friend, an art-loving partner or a fashion-savvy sibling, you’re sure to find unique and thoughtful gifts.
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Cincy Shirts 1301 Main St., Over-the-Rhine; 2709 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park; 2501 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell Spread hometown pride far and wide with a gift from locally owned Cincy Shirts. At all three locations, grab printed T-shirts with everyone’s favorite hippos Fritz and Fiona, fierce Bengals sweatshirts and fresh FC Cincinnati gear. You’ll also find a medley of Skyline-themed stickers, nods to local pop culture and a selection of Cincinnati-themed hats to represent the city in style. Many of the items come in both adult and children’s sizes, and if they don’t have a size in stock, they can print the shirt on site for you to pick up later.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Cincy Shirts

1301 Main St., Over-the-Rhine; 2709 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park; 2501 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell
Spread hometown pride far and wide with a gift from locally owned Cincy Shirts. At all three locations, grab printed T-shirts with everyone’s favorite hippos Fritz and Fiona, fierce Bengals sweatshirts and fresh FC Cincinnati gear. You’ll also find a medley of Skyline-themed stickers, nods to local pop culture and a selection of Cincinnati-themed hats to represent the city in style. Many of the items come in both adult and children’s sizes, and if they don’t have a size in stock, they can print the shirt on site for you to pick up later.
Adrian Durban Florist 3401 Clifton Ave., Clifton; 6941 Cornell Road, Blue Ash For almost 125 years, the multi-generational, family-run Adrian Durban Florist has been providing beautiful bouquets, floral arrangements and houseplants to the Greater Cincinnati community. Started in 1899 by George Durban, a gardener for a wealthy Clifton family, the shop now has two locations and hand-builds its colorful creations from a daily delivery of farm-fresh flowers. If you’re bored by blooms, they also build gift baskets such as a Taste of Cincinnati box with Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s tomato sauce and Grippo’s chips, or one filled with local craft beer.
Photo: Maija Zummo

Adrian Durban Florist

3401 Clifton Ave., Clifton; 6941 Cornell Road, Blue Ash
For almost 125 years, the multi-generational, family-run Adrian Durban Florist has been providing beautiful bouquets, floral arrangements and houseplants to the Greater Cincinnati community. Started in 1899 by George Durban, a gardener for a wealthy Clifton family, the shop now has two locations and hand-builds its colorful creations from a daily delivery of farm-fresh flowers. If you’re bored by blooms, they also build gift baskets such as a Taste of Cincinnati box with Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s tomato sauce and Grippo’s chips, or one filled with local craft beer.
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Aglamesis Bro’s 3046 Madison Road, Oakley; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery Aglamesis Bro’s was founded in 1908 by Greek immigrants and brothers Thomas and Nicholas Aglamesis, and it is still operated by their descendants today. Specializing in ice cream, Italian ice and gourmet chocolate made from self-described “Old World recipes” and traditional techniques, its candies are extremely giftable. For a sweet sampler full of decadent flavor and texture, choose an assortment that includes creams, fruits and nuts covered in milk or dark chocolate, or opt for seasonally themed, foil-wrapped gold coins, stars, bells or Santas.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Aglamesis Bro’s

3046 Madison Road, Oakley; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery
Aglamesis Bro’s was founded in 1908 by Greek immigrants and brothers Thomas and Nicholas Aglamesis, and it is still operated by their descendants today. Specializing in ice cream, Italian ice and gourmet chocolate made from self-described “Old World recipes” and traditional techniques, its candies are extremely giftable. For a sweet sampler full of decadent flavor and texture, choose an assortment that includes creams, fruits and nuts covered in milk or dark chocolate, or opt for seasonally themed, foil-wrapped gold coins, stars, bells or Santas.
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BlaCk OWned Outerwear 822 Elm St., Downtown BlaCk OWned Outerwear offers a mix of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing and accessories, including colorful T-shirts, comfy-yet-stylish sweatshirts and a plethora of hats in baseball to bucket styles. Shop owner Means Cameron says the goal of the brand is to “promote Black ownership, while challenging societal inequities through our garments and storytelling,” per the website. Each piece is designed with the company’s name as a focal point to keep spreading its mission. Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval, several Cincinnati Bengals players and plenty of other local celebs have been sporting the shop’s wares.
Photo: Katherine Barrier

BlaCk OWned Outerwear

822 Elm St., Downtown
BlaCk OWned Outerwear offers a mix of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing and accessories, including colorful T-shirts, comfy-yet-stylish sweatshirts and a plethora of hats in baseball to bucket styles. Shop owner Means Cameron says the goal of the brand is to “promote Black ownership, while challenging societal inequities through our garments and storytelling,” per the website. Each piece is designed with the company’s name as a focal point to keep spreading its mission. Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval, several Cincinnati Bengals players and plenty of other local celebs have been sporting the shop’s wares.
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Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams The Cincinnati Art Museum is home to thousands of works of art spanning centuries and cultures, but it’s also home to a cozy gift shop filled with goodies and trinkets. You’ll find prints, bags, shirts, puzzles and ornaments of some of the museum’s most famous pieces, as well as books and merchandise from current and past exhibitions and general art history. A selection of creative home decor, Charley Harper tiles and CAM-branded items lets you bring a bit of the museum home with you.
Photo: facebook.com/cincinnatiartmuseum

Cincinnati Art Museum

953 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams
The Cincinnati Art Museum is home to thousands of works of art spanning centuries and cultures, but it’s also home to a cozy gift shop filled with goodies and trinkets. You’ll find prints, bags, shirts, puzzles and ornaments of some of the museum’s most famous pieces, as well as books and merchandise from current and past exhibitions and general art history. A selection of creative home decor, Charley Harper tiles and CAM-branded items lets you bring a bit of the museum home with you.
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Cincinnati Museum Center 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is one of Cincinnati’s most admired gems, filled with exhibits dedicated to history, science and wonder – but if you haven’t checked out the gift shop, you’re missing out. This shop is filled with items that will delight both kids and adults, spanning from science-based STEM kits and unique Cincinnati history ephemera to space-themed jewelry. Nicole Koenig, retail operations manager, tells CityBeat the CMC gift shop is unique because it’s constantly changing. “We are consistently looking at new fresh ideas to offer our guests,” she says. “We buy from local and national vendors, so it’s a good mix of what makes [the] Cincinnati Museum Center and Union Terminal special.”
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Cincinnati Museum Center

1301 Western Ave., Queensgate
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is one of Cincinnati’s most admired gems, filled with exhibits dedicated to history, science and wonder – but if you haven’t checked out the gift shop, you’re missing out. This shop is filled with items that will delight both kids and adults, spanning from science-based STEM kits and unique Cincinnati history ephemera to space-themed jewelry. Nicole Koenig, retail operations manager, tells CityBeat the CMC gift shop is unique because it’s constantly changing. “We are consistently looking at new fresh ideas to offer our guests,” she says. “We buy from local and national vendors, so it’s a good mix of what makes [the] Cincinnati Museum Center and Union Terminal special.”
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Creative House of Art & Design 609 Main St., Covington Creative House of Art & Design offers items for those who enjoy collecting art or making their own. Browse laser-cut buttons with a slew of cute characters, like Pikachu, Baby Yoda and Stitch, along with quirky earrings featuring intricate designs. If you’ve got an RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) fan in your life, make sure to check out the shop’s coasters honoring the legend. For those looking instead for experiences over material goods, gift someone a workshop or schedule a paint party and invite all of your friends.
Photo: facebook.com/creativehousead

Creative House of Art & Design

609 Main St., Covington
Creative House of Art & Design offers items for those who enjoy collecting art or making their own. Browse laser-cut buttons with a slew of cute characters, like Pikachu, Baby Yoda and Stitch, along with quirky earrings featuring intricate designs. If you’ve got an RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) fan in your life, make sure to check out the shop’s coasters honoring the legend. For those looking instead for experiences over material goods, gift someone a workshop or schedule a paint party and invite all of your friends.
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The Daily Vintage 1810 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Reduce, reuse and recycle with a splash of time travel at the Daily Vintage. The store’s stock is constantly updated with stylish vintage finds, including retro Cincinnati sports apparel like classic Bengals, Reds and UC sweatshirts and shirts, along with fantastic ’80s and ’90s pop culture throwbacks. It also has timeless hats, purses, accessories and clothes for every season that are both fashionable and sustainable. Check out its Instagram page for the most up-to-date options, or just make an impromptu stop in the store — you never know what you’ll find.
Photo: Maija Zummo

The Daily Vintage

1810 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Reduce, reuse and recycle with a splash of time travel at the Daily Vintage. The store’s stock is constantly updated with stylish vintage finds, including retro Cincinnati sports apparel like classic Bengals, Reds and UC sweatshirts and shirts, along with fantastic ’80s and ’90s pop culture throwbacks. It also has timeless hats, purses, accessories and clothes for every season that are both fashionable and sustainable. Check out its Instagram page for the most up-to-date options, or just make an impromptu stop in the store — you never know what you’ll find.
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Everybody’s Records 6106 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge With an expansive collection of new and used records, the independent Everybody’s Records has impressed music fans in the Cincinnati area for more than 40 years. Peruse the wide selection of vinyl covering genres from rock, pop and reggae to jazz, rap and country, plus find albums by local acts. Leave time to browse the CDs and cassettes to reveal long-lost favorite tunes you grew up listening to. Not only is this shop jam-packed with music, but you’ll also find band T-shirts and custom Everybody’s pieces.
Photo: Maija Zummo

Everybody’s Records

6106 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge
With an expansive collection of new and used records, the independent Everybody’s Records has impressed music fans in the Cincinnati area for more than 40 years. Peruse the wide selection of vinyl covering genres from rock, pop and reggae to jazz, rap and country, plus find albums by local acts. Leave time to browse the CDs and cassettes to reveal long-lost favorite tunes you grew up listening to. Not only is this shop jam-packed with music, but you’ll also find band T-shirts and custom Everybody’s pieces.
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Fern 6040 Hamilton Ave., College Hill; 737 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills Fern is a green oasis for plant lovers and design enthusiasts with a wide selection of houseplants to choose from, including air plants, ferns, hoyas and cacti, along with everything you need to take care of them in style. Its two locations are filled with all the tools you need to keep plants flourishing, from watering cans, natural plant food and propagation tools to modern and chic planters. Don’t forget to check out their stationery, coffee table books and home decor products for the perfect finishing touch for a well-accessorized home.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Fern

6040 Hamilton Ave., College Hill; 737 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills
Fern is a green oasis for plant lovers and design enthusiasts with a wide selection of houseplants to choose from, including air plants, ferns, hoyas and cacti, along with everything you need to take care of them in style. Its two locations are filled with all the tools you need to keep plants flourishing, from watering cans, natural plant food and propagation tools to modern and chic planters. Don’t forget to check out their stationery, coffee table books and home decor products for the perfect finishing touch for a well-accessorized home.
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Fleurish Home 135 Main St., Hamilton; 110 S. Second St., Suite B, Loveland Fleurish Home has a little bit of everything all in one spot, from home decor and kids’ toys to apothecary items and trendy women’s clothing. For those who love to entertain, there are coasters, cutting boards, towel holders, wooden spoons and decorated napkins. For the style-centric, there’s jewelry, handbags, scarves and eyewear collections. And for interior design fans, check out the pillows, throws and seasonal decorations.
Photo: facebook.com/fleurishhome

Fleurish Home

135 Main St., Hamilton; 110 S. Second St., Suite B, Loveland
Fleurish Home has a little bit of everything all in one spot, from home decor and kids’ toys to apothecary items and trendy women’s clothing. For those who love to entertain, there are coasters, cutting boards, towel holders, wooden spoons and decorated napkins. For the style-centric, there’s jewelry, handbags, scarves and eyewear collections. And for interior design fans, check out the pillows, throws and seasonal decorations.
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HOMAGE 1232 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Whether you’re shopping for a loyal UC Bearcat, dedicated OSU Buckeye or die-hard Xavier Muskie, HOMAGE has the gear to represent their favorite Ohio team, plus duds dedicated to the Bengals, Reds and FC Cincinnati. You’ll also find super-soft shirts, sweatshirts and hats repping Cincinnati classics, like Uncle Woody’s, Skyline, Little Kings and Kings Island, all designed in a vintage style. Not a sports fan? HOMAGE also sells clothing with pop culture references from classic ’80s movies to shows like The Office.
Photo: Katherine Barrier

HOMAGE

1232 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Whether you’re shopping for a loyal UC Bearcat, dedicated OSU Buckeye or die-hard Xavier Muskie, HOMAGE has the gear to represent their favorite Ohio team, plus duds dedicated to the Bengals, Reds and FC Cincinnati. You’ll also find super-soft shirts, sweatshirts and hats repping Cincinnati classics, like Uncle Woody’s, Skyline, Little Kings and Kings Island, all designed in a vintage style. Not a sports fan? HOMAGE also sells clothing with pop culture references from classic ’80s movies to shows like The Office.
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Hustler Hollywood 18 E. Seventh St., Downtown; 411 Elm St., Downtown If you’re opting for naughty over nice this holiday, Hustler Hollywood is a one-stop-shop for erotic gift-giving, with a selection ranging from sex toys and adult books to lube, X-rated lingerie and BDSM kits. The store caters to every type of person in a self-described “judgment-free zone governed by knowledgeable and unbiased staff.” So feel free to shop for kinky costumes, playful pleasures or educational items without blushing.
Photo: Google Streetview

Hustler Hollywood

18 E. Seventh St., Downtown; 411 Elm St., Downtown
If you’re opting for naughty over nice this holiday, Hustler Hollywood is a one-stop-shop for erotic gift-giving, with a selection ranging from sex toys and adult books to lube, X-rated lingerie and BDSM kits. The store caters to every type of person in a self-described “judgment-free zone governed by knowledgeable and unbiased staff.” So feel free to shop for kinky costumes, playful pleasures or educational items without blushing.
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I Love Cincinnati Shop 441 Vine St., Second Floor, Downtown The I Love Cincinnati Shop is for those who can’t help but share their love for the Queen City with all of their family and friends. As the name suggests, you’ll find T-shirts, mugs, hats, keychains and drinkware focused on our city’s greatness. There are countless apparel options for local college and professional sports teams, shirts honoring cuisine like the legendary 3-Way, and wood cutting boards and ornaments featuring the Cincinnati skyline.
Photo: facebook.com/ilovecincinnatishop

I Love Cincinnati Shop

441 Vine St., Second Floor, Downtown
The I Love Cincinnati Shop is for those who can’t help but share their love for the Queen City with all of their family and friends. As the name suggests, you’ll find T-shirts, mugs, hats, keychains and drinkware focused on our city’s greatness. There are countless apparel options for local college and professional sports teams, shirts honoring cuisine like the legendary 3-Way, and wood cutting boards and ornaments featuring the Cincinnati skyline.
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indigenous craft gallery 1609 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills indigenous craft gallery offers a mix of handcrafted products, from jewelry and pottery to prints, ornaments and stained glass, with many made by local and regional artists. Owner Diane Christian-Budd says her store’s selection — with unique pieces in media like wood, metal and fiber — and energy set it apart. “[It’s a] relaxed environment with wonderful natural light to show off the beauty, color and variety of our handmade works,” she says. “Plus, we have a gallery cat named Junipurr, who is always available for soft pets.”
Photo: Maija Zummo

indigenous craft gallery

1609 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills
indigenous craft gallery offers a mix of handcrafted products, from jewelry and pottery to prints, ornaments and stained glass, with many made by local and regional artists. Owner Diane Christian-Budd says her store’s selection — with unique pieces in media like wood, metal and fiber — and energy set it apart. “[It’s a] relaxed environment with wonderful natural light to show off the beauty, color and variety of our handmade works,” she says. “Plus, we have a gallery cat named Junipurr, who is always available for soft pets.”
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Joseph-Beth Booksellers 2692 Madison Road, Norwood At Joseph-Beth, you’ll find a book (or two) for anyone on your list, whether they’re into mystery, romance, biographies, cooking or anything in between. The kids’ section boasts hundreds of titles for ages ranging from newborn to middle school. While getting sucked into a good book is easy, the shop also has a gift section on the first floor with locally made goods and treats, home decor, fashion accessories and stationery.
Photo: Maija Zummo

Joseph-Beth Booksellers

2692 Madison Road, Norwood
At Joseph-Beth, you’ll find a book (or two) for anyone on your list, whether they’re into mystery, romance, biographies, cooking or anything in between. The kids’ section boasts hundreds of titles for ages ranging from newborn to middle school. While getting sucked into a good book is easy, the shop also has a gift section on the first floor with locally made goods and treats, home decor, fashion accessories and stationery.
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Kentucky Botanical Co. 406 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Kentucky Botanical Co. sells a variety of Kentucky-grown hemp products, all free from unnatural flavors and preservatives. Some items include CBD tinctures, gummies, capsules and a mixture of topical creams and personal care products, like bath soaks, salves and cooling pain relief lotion. “We offer a selection of products that we are passionate about to start a conversation and ignite an interest in everyone who walks in the door,” says owner Christain Watt. “From the owners to our associates, we bring knowledge and passion for the products that we carry to every interaction.”
Photo: Maija Zummo

Kentucky Botanical Co.

406 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Kentucky Botanical Co. sells a variety of Kentucky-grown hemp products, all free from unnatural flavors and preservatives. Some items include CBD tinctures, gummies, capsules and a mixture of topical creams and personal care products, like bath soaks, salves and cooling pain relief lotion. “We offer a selection of products that we are passionate about to start a conversation and ignite an interest in everyone who walks in the door,” says owner Christain Watt. “From the owners to our associates, we bring knowledge and passion for the products that we carry to every interaction.”
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King Arthur’s Court 3040 Madison Road, Oakley King Arthur’s Court is a whimsical and nostalgic toy store. The open-concept store’s shelves are filled with dolls, building blocks, cars and gadgets. There’s a section dedicated to books, puzzles and board games, and the shop has a vast number of craft and STEM kits to keep kiddos learning while having fun. While the toys on the main floor are mesmerizing, kids also can climb and swing in the dungeon-themed play area in the renovated basement. Bonus: King Arthur’s Court offers complimentary gift wrapping with each purchase.
Photo: Maija Zummo

King Arthur’s Court

3040 Madison Road, Oakley
King Arthur’s Court is a whimsical and nostalgic toy store. The open-concept store’s shelves are filled with dolls, building blocks, cars and gadgets. There’s a section dedicated to books, puzzles and board games, and the shop has a vast number of craft and STEM kits to keep kiddos learning while having fun. While the toys on the main floor are mesmerizing, kids also can climb and swing in the dungeon-themed play area in the renovated basement. Bonus: King Arthur’s Court offers complimentary gift wrapping with each purchase.
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Kismet 1233 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; 2037 Madison Road, O’Bryonville Kismet is an eclectic shop with two locations selling unique clothing and baubles with a boho lean. Catering to free spirits, Kismet’s selection of chunky knits, printed dresses and cute hats is complemented by a treasure trove of globally inspired jewelry, tarot cards, crystals, candles, journals and tons of zodiac-themed accessories.
Photo: Emerson Swoger

Kismet

1233 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; 2037 Madison Road, O’Bryonville
Kismet is an eclectic shop with two locations selling unique clothing and baubles with a boho lean. Catering to free spirits, Kismet’s selection of chunky knits, printed dresses and cute hats is complemented by a treasure trove of globally inspired jewelry, tarot cards, crystals, candles, journals and tons of zodiac-themed accessories.
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Knickers of Hyde Park 2726 Erie Ave., Hyde Park Knickers of Hyde Park specializes in beautiful intimates and undergarments. Associates are at the ready to guide shoppers through the store’s selection of top brands, including Panache and Chantelle, and to provide the best fit possible for all body shapes and sizes. Browse an assortment of elegant lingerie pieces, including baby doll-style and teddy pieces, or shop for soft and cozy loungewear like plush robes, silky pajama sets and fluffy slippers.
Photo: Maija Zummo

Knickers of Hyde Park

2726 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
Knickers of Hyde Park specializes in beautiful intimates and undergarments. Associates are at the ready to guide shoppers through the store’s selection of top brands, including Panache and Chantelle, and to provide the best fit possible for all body shapes and sizes. Browse an assortment of elegant lingerie pieces, including baby doll-style and teddy pieces, or shop for soft and cozy loungewear like plush robes, silky pajama sets and fluffy slippers.
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