Sybil’s Yarn Shop

Cyzeski noted that she also offers private shopping hours.

“Families can come and book private shopping on Sundays,” she said. “We’re here until 3 and they can book until 6 or 6:30. Last year, (participating families) played games and had snacks and we’ll offer that again.”

Theresa’s Emporium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 to 7, Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday.

For more information, visit theresasemporium.com or call 607-432-1020.

Donabeth Neil, owner of Purple Star Boutique at 5995 state Highway 28 in Fly Creek, said she, too, has stocked up on cozy comforts for holiday shoppers.

“Unique clothing (and) fleece is big this year: fleece hooded open jackets, fleece PJ sets, fleece socks and faux leather leggings and oversized sweaters,” she said.

Neil said decorative pieces and accessories are big, too, though shipping delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting inventory.

“Jewelry is always a big gift-giving item, and candles,” she said. “Purple Star carries an eclectic array of items, (such as) beautiful clothing, jewelry, local pottery, socks, pillows and chimes. I ordered Christmas inventory months ago, but due to the shipping issues, I’m not sure what is going to be available. And a lot of Christmas decorations I ordered are totally out of stock, with no restock available.”

Despite such challenges, Neil said, Purple Star will have “something for everyone” this season.

“(The) demographics (are) local, downstate and New Hartford (shoppers),” she said.

Find “Purple Star Boutique” on Facebook, call 607-4351286 or visit purplestarboutique.square.site.

In Oxford, Gallery Three-Two-One has specialized in showcasing local artisans and American-made products for more than three decades. Last year, founders and husband-andwife potters Diane and Bill Troxell sold the business to their daughter and fellow potter, Sarah Smith, and her husband, Ron.

The 41 State St., Oxford shop is a 9,000-sqare-foot dairy barn, with 2,300 square feet converted into a showroom for locally and regionally crafted jewelry, pottery, small furniture, glass work, paintings, food and more. The gallery-shop represents more than 250 makers and artists.

Smith said, as the holidays approach, she starts broadening offerings.

“We have ordered more pieces and have worked to not only extend our lines of artist work that we already carry, (but) we also worked hard to find other artists whose work appeals to our current customers,” she said.

And though Smith said she plans for the holiday shopping season “all year,” operating through the pandemic has proven tricky.

With the Knittybiddie

We carry a wide array of yarns, needles and notions for knitters, crocheters and felters, as well as beautiful accessories from local craftspeople. Not sure what to get? A gift card is never the wrong size or color