I have seen pleas from shopkeeps at great local stores like City Buddha and Big Fun for shoppers to keep the “little guy” in mind this winter. And, I have been asked by a number of people for Cleveland-centric gift ideas. This, to me, sounds like the perfect marriage.

Brainstorming, here are a 15 ideas:

1. A gift certificate from Cleveland Independents. This is a great idea. Who doesn’t love food? This promotional group of independently-owned area restaurants includes Great Lakes Brewing Company, Lago, Melt Bar & Grilled, Nighttown, Paladar, Sergio’s SARAVA and many others. Now you can purchase a single gift certficate in any denomination, print it at home and use it at the restaurant of your choice.

2. A Cleveland Plus Pass. This multi-attraction discount pass saves you–the giver–30% or more off access to 10 top attractions and comes with value-added discounts for the recipient. Buy a two-, three- or five-day pass. It won’t activate until your user visits his/her first location.  

3. A book from Gray & Co. Publishing. This Cleveland publisher has a host of books about and by Clevelanders, one of the most recent of which is Big Chuck!–an entertaining read for Clevelanders or former Clevelanders. But you can pick up a Les Roberts’ mystery, Cleveland Rock and Roll Memories as recounted by Carlo Wolff (with help from others), nostagic books about area amusement parks and food or travel Ohio with Neil Zurcher.

4. Local chocolates. The opportunities here are endless. The best-known, perhaps is Malley’s Chocolates and their pecan billy bobs, but there are a host of other great local chocolatiers . . . Olympia Candies in Strongsville, Pretzables, Sweet Designs, the new Lily Handmade Chocolates, Fantasy Candies, Chocolate Emporium, Harry London Chocolates and Faroh’s Candies and Gifts are among them.

5. A gift basket of Italian import items from Gallucci’s. Take the RTA HealthLine down Euclid Avenue and stop at 67th to visit this nearly 100 year-old family-owned business specializing in fine wines, cheeses, imported meats and more.  

6. Buy a recording of the Cleveland Orchestra. We take it for granted, but we have one of the world’s greatest orchestras right here in CLE! (You can also purchase a recording of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra through local label Telarc. You save money on the purchase and CJO still makes a cut of the profits.)

7. Give a museum membership. An altruistic last-minute gift option that lasts a year and doesn’t involve clipping a coupon out of the paper or standing in line. Join the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Historical Society, Dunham Tavern Museum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Akron Art Museum or any number of area nonprofit institutions.  

8. Stuff a stocking with retro candies or vintage toys. Pick up wax lips, candy cigarettes, chocolate coins and Pez dispensers at the wonderful b.a. Sweetie candy warehouse on Brookpark Road. Then, head over to Coventry to get your whoopie cushion, novelty tee, Obama mask, GI Joe and so much more at Big Fun.

9. Get an original gallery gift. Kokoon Arts Gallery, Bonfoey, Artefino, Eye Candy Gallery, Brian Jones Gallery in Little Italy, the new, eco-friendly Virescent Designs in Tremont, Lake Erie Artists in Tower City and what seems like countless others in this creative city offer one-of-a-kind presents that really make a statement.  Or buy online from Cleveland Handmade.

10. Try a new local store. bliS in Woodmere specializes in women’s “art-to-wear.” Chic et Mode in Tower City is a fun, flirty boutique. Marg of Pepper Pike has unique jewelry and accessories. RoVals Designer Artisan Boutique in Lakewood features original pieces from local artisans and designers. And, you can buy exceedingly Cleveland-centric souvenires like a Guitarmania replica or a lamp with an “Old Browns Stadium” shade at The Only Cleveland Store.

11. Send them for R&R at a local B&B. Sanctuary can be fewer than a few miles away. Why not give the hard-to-shop-for person on your list an exceptional overnight and homecooked breatkfast at one of the area’s B&Bs or inns?

12. Buy local spirits. Try giving an Ohio wine (our ice wines are something special to the area), a Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale six-pack or a 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale from Akron’s Thirsty Dog (both available at Giant Eagle stores).   Or, pick up a growler of ale from the Brew Kettle in Strongsville or from Rocky River or Willoughby brewing companies. It doesn’t last as long, but it’s still tasty.

13. Show your team spirit. The ever-popular team-wear. Be it an Indians’ jersey, a Brownies t-shirt, a Cavs sweatshirt or a Lake Erie Monsters’ ballcap, a fan of Cleveland is usually a fan of Cleveland’s teams.

14. A PlayhouseSquare gift card. Treat that someone special to a Broadway show without choosing the performance for them. It comes in $25-$100 denominations.

15. Send them on an island vacation . . . just an hour away. Sandusky is quickly a waterpark capital. Kalahari Resort, Castaway Bay and Great Wolf Lodge are perfect one-day or weekend getaways that will have your gift recipient forgetting it’s cold outside. –AK