Hometown Holiday Spirit: Uptown Gift Directory

‘Tis the season for gift shopping and Uptown Westerville merchants are eager to help anyone thinking outside the big box stores for thoughtful gifts and stocking stuffers. Purchasing gifts from small businesses sends a big message that local artists are a mainstay in the community shopping scene. A visit to Uptown puts a wide selection of locally roasted coffees, regionally-branded clothing, one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts and experiences to remember right at your feet. Look no further than the heart of Westerville this holiday shopping season.

Note: The following directory is not a comprehensive guide. Uptown’s merchants are always dreaming up creative ways to serve the community, visit them this holiday season to make sure you don’t miss any special offerings.

Local Threads, One-of-a-Kind Artisanal Finds

These merchants feature cozy shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters bursting at the seams with local pride.

• Megan Lee & Friends 13 E. College Ave.

• Ohio Art Market 30 N. State St.

• Pure Roots Boutique 18 N. State St.

Experiences

From sip-and-create events to custom personal care items, give the gift of merriment with an experience in Uptown.

• Blend Candle Co. 16 E. Main St.

• David Myers Art Studio & Gallery 7 W. Main St.

• Daylight Artist Collective 9 E. College Ave.

• Good Vibes Winery 2 S. State St.

• Uptown Art & Clay 13 ½ E. College Ave.

Artisanal Goods & One-Stop Gift Packages

Find authentic local unique gifts and snack packages made by hand in Westerville and elsewhere in the great state of Ohio.

• Espresso Air 25 N. State St.

• Java Central 20 S. State St.

• Meza Wine Shop 48 N. State St.

• Westerville Florist 14 S. State St.

Home Decor

Explore thoughtfully selected gifts to adorn your loved one's home, office or any other space.

• Abbey Rose 21 N. State St.

• Amish Originals 38 N. State St.

• Edwin Loy Home 33 N. State St.

• Westerville Antiques & Rustic Revamp 2 N. State St.

Online Shopping Safety

Many consumers will complete at least some of their shopping online this holiday season. In 2023, U.S. online shoppers spent around $22 billion between Black Friday and Cyber Monday according to market research firm EMARKETER.

Before you click “add to cart,” keep in mind the following online safety tips from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an operational component of the Department of Homeland Security.

1. Check Your Devices - Before making any online purchases, make sure your device is up to date, use a strong password for all of your online accounts and use multifactor authentication, if available.

2. Only Shop on Trusted Sites - Practice caution when searching for online deals and only open emails and click on links from vendors you trust. If you’re uncertain about a vendor’s trustworthiness, look up the company on an independent accreditation site, such as the Better Business Bureau, to view unbiased information about the company’s business practices.

3. Use Safe Methods for Purchasing - If you’re going to make that purchase, what information are you handing over? Before providing personal or financial information, check the website’s privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.

Find more online shopping safety tips from CISA at www.cisa.gov.