Neighbors’ 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: A Locally Made Collection
From art pieces to aromatic candles, explore this roundup of locally made gifts.
The most memorable holiday gifts are those wrapped with intention and inspiration. Whether it’s a small sentimental trinket that conjures a sense of nostalgia or a thoughtful present that’ll help someone conquer their goals for the new year, meaningful gifts are truly treasured. This holiday season, we’re encouraging our readers to use their gifting as a way to support Uptown’s small business community.
The Columbia Neighbors team has curated a gift roundup inspired by the Lee C. Bollinger Forum’s inaugural Holiday Market. The market, which runs through Dec. 19, was designed to celebrate and champion local entrepreneurs.
From Harlem-inspired candles to cozy cable-knit sweaters made right here in the community, check out the locally loved items on our 2025 holiday wish list and shop them online or in person at The Forum!
Kymani’s List
NYC Icons Mini Batik Bundle—Set of 4 Urban-Inspired 4" Hoops | $35, Jillian Trumpet Creative
"I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how everything is an art form or has some element of creativity in it. This is the perfect gift for a native New Yorker or a recently arrived transplant who wants to get crafty while honoring the city’s classics. Put the phone down, pick up a paintbrush, and get started on your next at-home DIY project."
V-Neck Cable Knit Sweater | $19.99, JMS Empire
"We’re still technically in fall, but winter has definitely made an early arrival. Support a Black-owned business and Columbia University A’Lelia Bundles Community Scholar, and gift this cozy item to someone who needs a really good sweater this season."
Dreams Mug Set | $12, Botanical Moment
"Nothing says 'I’m thinking of you' like a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa—or, in some cases, matcha! This kit comes with a perfectly sized ceramic mug, bamboo lid, and stainless-steel spoon, so you or that special someone can enjoy their favorite beverage on the go."
Kelly’s List
Ceramic Pitcher | $34, Vicki Finkel Ceramics
"Handmade is the antidote to this age of AI-generated, and what better reminder of that than this beautiful ceramic pitcher, perfect for your morning orange juice?"
Luna Tank | $89, Reprise Activewear
"The spoonful of microplastics in our brains has been on my mind lately, so I was heartened to learn of the work of Reprise Activewear, which produces plant-based clothing free of toxic chemicals for when you are at your sweatiest. It is a splurge, but this tank fits just the bill for yoga class."
DeLuLu Candle | $38, The 125 Collection
“We love a 125th St.-inspired local business! Other than that, I’ll let the description of this delightful candle do the talking: 'Light this candle when you're manifesting your main character era, ignoring red flags, or just vibing with your wild expectations. With a scent as bold as your daydreams, DeLuLu brings a whimsical escape to any space, because reality is overrated, and your delusions? Iconic baby!'”
Brandee’s List
Nourishing Body Cream with Shea Butter & Lavender | $20, Yara Shea Beauty
"These frigid forecasts are a reminder to stay moisturized this season. I find shea butter creams to be super soothing! Beyond the product itself, I admire how Yara Shea Beauty is building a bridge between skincare and social impact by supporting women and girls in Ghana and Nigeria. It's a win-win situation."
Baked Apple Pie Candle | $22, Bambrey Street Creations
"The holiday season tends to take me down memory lane, and one of my fondest memories is sitting in my great-grandmother’s kitchen in Harlem as she made her delicious baked apple pie from scratch. This Bambrey Street Creations candle evokes a sense of nostalgia. I love how the brand’s founder, Selena Cherry, is using the collection as a form of storytelling. Many of the candles are inspired by her own memories."
Purple Dream: 12" Resin Wood Slice Tray | $180, DMC Original Art
"I consider myself a home décor enthusiast. When it comes to curating our spaces, they should reflect our interests and individuality. I’m really drawn to jewel-tone hues, so when I saw this purple Resin Wood Slice Tray, I knew I had to add it to my list. It’s the perfect artistic conversation piece."