By Melissa Hicks
The Makery Market (State College – local makers / gifts)
Under $20
- Bath bombs, shower steamers, handmade soaps, and lip balms from Bath and Body for teachers, coworkers, and stockings.
- Mini prints, cards, stickers, and kidfriendly art/craft supplies for creative kids and quick addons.
$20–$40
- Everyday jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets) from the Jewelry section, repeatedly mentioned in reviews as favorite gifts.
- Candle + selfcare bundles pairing local candles with body products (e.g., Anatomy Naturals, other local brands).
$40–$75+
- Framed art, small paintings, and pottery (mugs, planters) from local artists.
- Gift certificates for classes or open studio at The Makery for kids, teens, and creative adults.
How to shop this guide fast
- Online: Filter the Makery Market site by Jewelry, Bath and Body, Bath Bombs and Steamers, Essential Oils and Fragrances, and Art and Craft Supplies, then sort/scan by price to match bands.
- Inperson: Tell staff “$25 teacher gift,” “$50 creative teen gift,” or “experience gift for an adult,” and ask for 1–2 jewelry/selfcare picks or a class gift certificate.
Master Goblin Games (State College – games / hobby)
Under $20
- Small card games, dice sets, and RPG accessories (minis, dice bags, condition rings) as stocking stuffers.
- Booster packs, sleeves, and small TCG accessories for Magic: The Gathering and similar games.
$20–$40
- Beginnerfriendly “gateway” board games (family coops, party games) frequently highlighted when the shop is profiled.
- Intro box sets or starter rulebooks for Dungeons & Dragons or other RPGs.
$40–$75+
- Bigbox strategy or legacy games for gamenight families.
- Warhammer/miniatures starter sets, paint kits, or bundled terrain for hobbyists.
How to shop this guide fast
- Walk in and ask, “What’s your best coop family game under $40?” or “Starter D&D gift for someone new?” Staff are used to matching games to age, experience, and budget.
- For hobbyists, ask for “a Warhammer/miniatures starter gift around $60” and let them pull a bundle (starter box + paints or tools).
Stax of Trax (State College – music / vinyl)
Under $20
- Single vintage LPs from classic rock, jazz, or soul bins, highlighted in vinyllover coverage of the shop.
- 45s or bargainbin records as fun, lowcost music gifts.
$20–$40
- Highercondition or indemand LPs for favorite artists.
- Twotothree album “starter stacks” around a theme (e.g., jazz classics) assembled with staff help.
$40–$75+
- Collectible pressings or multiple highquality records for serious fans.
- Vinyl plus a store gift certificate so recipients can dig for their own finds.
How to shop this guide fast
- Tell staff: “I need 2–3 great jazz LPs for someone who just got a turntable, budget $40,” or “classic rock essentials for a college student.” They’ll curate quickly.
- If you don’t know their taste, buy 1–2 “safe” classics and add a gift certificate.
The Nittany Quill (State College – stationery / calligraphy)
Under $20
- Notecard sets from the Bestsellers & Customer Favorites list (e.g., Garden Party Thank You Notecards, Inner Light Notecard Set) and individual greeting cards.
- Bookmarks, pens, and small journals noted by reviewers as distinctive and high quality.
$20–$40
- Boxed notecards plus a pen or small journal combo for graduates, teachers, or hosts.
- Small framed calligraphy pieces and Penn State notecard collections (e.g., “Penn State Forever” sets).
$40–$75+
- Larger framed calligraphy works (quotes, PSU pieces) featured as gift items.
- Deposits toward custom calligraphy or invitations for weddings and major milestones.
How to shop this guide fast
- Online: Visit the “Bestsellers and Customer Favorites” section and pick 1–2 sets plus a matching pen within your price band.
- Instore: Ask for “a bestseller notecard set and a pen around $30” or “a framed calligraphy piece under $75 for a PSU grad.”
Douglas Albert Gallery (State College – art / gallery / gifts)
Under $20
- Small prints, postcards, and tiny decorative items near the front of the gallery.
- Modest jewelry pieces and trinkets noted by visitors as affordable entry points.
$20–$40
- Everyday jewelry (earrings, necklaces) reviewers often buy as gifts.
- Small framed prints and seasonal décor (ornaments, small statues).
$40–$75+
- Statement jewelry, larger framed art, and collectibles (Bethany Lowe, distinctive snow globes) discussed in local gift guides.
- More substantial art pieces for milestone events.
How to shop this guide fast
- Tell staff: “I need a unique art or jewelry gift around $50 for someone who loves X style,” and let them pull a few options.
- For showpiece gifts, give a firm budget (e.g., “up to $150”) and ask for “one or two wow pieces” plus a tour of seasonal items.
Dwellings (State College – home décor / gifts)
Under $20
- Candles, small vases, and tabletop décor mentioned in reviews.
- Picture frames and small decorative objects for host gifts.
$20–$40
- Throw pillows, décor accents, and tabletop collections that refresh a space.
- Paired items like tray + candle or two complementary objects.
$40–$75+
- Larger accent décor (statement vases, lamps, wall art).
- Multipiece décor sets or higherend accessories for weddings and new homes.
How to shop this guide fast
- Walk in and say: “Housewarming gift around $35” or “something to make a small apartment feel cozy under $50.” Staff can quickly build a small vignette.
- For bigger gifts, give a room type (living room/entryway) and budget so they can suggest a coordinated set.
McLanahan’s Downtown Market (State College – general store / PSU gear)
Under $20
- PSU mugs, keychains, magnets, decals, small plush lions, and basic souvenirs.
- Snack and candy bundles for students.
$20–$40
- Standard Penn State Tshirts, longsleeve tees, and hats.
- Lightweight sweatshirts for layering in fall.
$40–$75+
- Hoodies, heavier sweatshirts, and coldweather gear framed as core apparel.
- Quick “fan pack” builds (shirt + hat + mug).
How to shop this guide fast
- Go straight to the PSU apparel section and decide: “small souvenir” vs. “full outfit,” then pick within your price band.
- If rushed, ask any staffer, “What’s your most popular hoodie under $60?” and grab a matching hat or mug nearby.
Family Clothesline (State College – Penn State apparel)
Under $20
- Logo socks, hats, gloves, and baby accessories.
- Smaller fan items like lanyards.
$20–$40
- Everyday Tshirts and long sleeves; large portion of their catalog sits here.
- Youth tees and basic crewnecks.
$40–$75+
- Premium hoodies, quarterzips, and jackets frequently highlighted as top gifts.
- Bundle a hoodie with a hat for a primary gift.
How to shop this guide fast
- Decide on layer (tee vs. hoodie) and budget, then ask for “bestselling design this season” in that band.
- For outoftown family, ask for “classic designs that won’t go out of style” and choose one per person.
Old State Clothing Co. (State College – PSU apparel / custom)
Under $20
- Small accessories (ties, hats, socks, decals) and Greeklife accessories.
$20–$40
- Distinctive graphic tees and long sleeves that lean into Old State’s unique design aesthetic.
- Greek shirts and spirit wear basics.
$40–$75+
- Embroidered hoodies, jackets, and specialrun designs showcased on social media.
- Custom group orders as “group gifts” (matching shirts or hoodies).
How to shop this guide fast
- In store or online, filter by “New Arrivals” / featured designs and pick a tee/hoodie within budget.
- Ask staff for “most popular alumni design this year” or “Greek gift under $50.”
Nittany Outlet (State College – Penn State outlet)
Under $20
- Discounted shirts, hats, and small souvenir items in the outlet sections.
$20–$40
- Markeddown sweatshirts and higherquality tees; ideal for buying for multiple people.
$40–$75+
- Multiitem bundles (hoodie + tee + hat) while still staying budgetfriendly.
How to shop this guide fast
- Go straight to clearance/outlet racks, pick one item per person within a single price band (e.g., all $30 hoodies).
- If unsure, ask which hoodie or jacket style is selling fastest and build everyone’s gift around that.
Contempo Artisan Boutique (Boalsburg – artisan / boutique)
Under $20
- Smaller accessories and simple jewelry pieces when available, plus small gift addons.
$20–$40
- Everyday artisan earrings, bracelets, and necklaces highlighted in artist coverage.
$40–$75+
- Statement jewelry and specialoccasion pieces (including designs featured in nationallevel contexts) for partners and milestone gifts.
How to shop this guide fast
- Walk in and say, “I need artisan jewelry around $35 for a friend” or “a special piece under $80 for my partner,” and let staff narrow the cases.
- Use one strong piece as the anchor and skip overthinking—this is a “one great item” shop.
Designer’s Studio (Centre Hall – furniture / décor / gifts)
Under $20
- Candles, small tabletop décor, and small accessories noted in their gift section.
$20–$40
- Decorative pillows, frames, and midsized home accents.
$40–$75+
- Statement décor items, personalized/monogrammable goods, and more refined home accessories.
How to shop this guide fast
- Go to the gift area and ask for “a housewarming gift around $35” or “something special for a new homeowner under $75”; staff can quickly build a coordinated set.
- For big occasions, give them the room type and budget so they can suggest one standout piece.
Tait Farm Harvest Shop & Greenhouse (Centre Hall – specialty foods / gifts)
Under $20
- Single jars of fruit spreads, shrubs, relishes, dessert sauces, and mixes; Tripadvisor mentions these as favorite hostess gifts.
- Small seasonal items or artisan pieces from regional makers in the Harvest Shop.
$20–$40
- Smaller gift collections like Berries & Biscuits and Tait Farm Breakfast (bestselling breakfast sets).
- Custom small boxes combining 2–3 products with staff advice.
$40–$75+
- Larger curated boxes (Happy Valley Breakfast, Blue & White Breakfast, Gluten Free Breakfast) and seasonal gift sets.
- Buildyourown custom gift boxes from the Custom Gift Boxes section with multiple jars and mixes.
How to shop this guide fast
- Online: Go directly to Gift Collections and Happy Valley Inspired Gift Collections, pick a box in your price band.
- Inperson: Tell staff, “I need a hostess gift around $30” or “a big family gift around $60,” and let them suggest a prebuilt box or assemble a custom one.
Belle Mercantile (Bellefonte – multivendor artisan market)
Under $20
- Soaps, candles, stickers, children’s books, small plants, and tiny art from individual vendors.
$20–$40
- Jewelry, accessories, and home décor pieces curated from local makers.
$40–$75+
- Multiitem gift boxes (soap + candle + print), larger art, or bigger décor pieces from multiple booths.
How to shop this guide fast
- Walk one lap, then choose 1–2 “anchor” vendors (e.g., one for selfcare, one for art) and buy everything you need from them by price band (one item under $25 per recipient).
- If overwhelmed, ask the frontdesk staff, “Who has the best teacher gifts under $20?” or “Which vendors are most popular for jewelry?”
Smith + Front (Bellefonte – modern handmade / boutique)
Under $20
- Small handmade goods, accessories, and locally themed items highlighted in local shopping guides.
$20–$40
- Apparel, bags, and home pieces with a modern, indie aesthetic.
$40–$75+
- Higherend clothing, handbags, or multiitem gift bundles.
How to shop this guide fast
- Ask for “a handmade gift around $30 for someone who loves modern design” and let staff point you at 2–3 pieces.
- If you have multiple recipients, pick a single category (all scarves, all mugs, etc.) and buy variations.
Bellefonte antiques / vintage cluster (Creekside Rock & Gems, Fez Records, Plaza Centre, etc.)
Under $20
- Small minerals and crystals, single records, vintage trinkets (ornaments, sheet music, small antiques).
$20–$40
- Statement mineral pieces, curated records, or small antique sets.
$40–$75+
- Larger mineral specimens, rarer records, or multiitem antique/vintage bundles.
How to shop this guide fast
- Decide if your recipient is more “rocks,” “records,” or “vintage everything,” then pick just one of the cluster shops and stay within a single price band.
- Ask staff, “If you had $30 for a unique gift, what would you grab right now?” and let that guide your choice.
Helen Foxx & Co / Lucy’s Gift Shop at A Flower Basket (Bellefonte – boutique / gifts)
Under $20
- Small accessories, jewelry, or gift items in Helen Foxx; small home/gift items in Lucy’s Gift Shop.
$20–$40
- Boutique clothing pieces, scarves, or seasonal décor.
$40–$75+
- Full outfits or larger home/gift pieces, plus floral + gift combos at A Flower Basket.
How to shop this guide fast
- At Helen Foxx, ask for “a stylish gift around $40 for a woman in her 30s/40s” and let staff pull 2–3 current favorites.
- At Lucy’s Gift Shop, choose one floral or plant item and one small gift item to create a simple, highimpact bundle.
