Walkable and quaint, local shopping districts provide one-stop holiday shopping

“Shopping local is a great asset to the [community] and gives shoppers the opportunity to visit several different retail stores within a quaint village setting,” said Lewiston Town Supervisor Steve Broderick.

Park once and spend the afternoon wandering among decorated storefronts as you peruse locally made wares for your loved ones. “When you see the gift bag under the tree, you get excited because you know it’s from someplace special,” said Jennifer Pauly, president of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “Our business owners take pride in what they do every day and it shows.”

Avoid mall madness and monotonous online stores with these local shopping districts.

Elmwood Avenue

Elmwood provides the quintessential Buffalo shopping experience. Look no further than Buffalo ShopCraft (773 Elmwood Ave.) and Thin Ice Gift Shop (719 Elmwood Ave.) for hundreds of handmade gifts created by local artisans from artwork to ornaments. Get lost in Talking Leaves Bookstore (951 Elmwood Ave.) as you wander through shelves filled with national bestsellers and neighborhood authors alike. For the green thumb in your life, visit Put a Plant On It and gift an exotic houseplant or handmade planter. Although there are appetizing food options on every block, a few favorites include Forty Thieves Kitchen and Bar (727 Elmwood Ave.) and Jack Rabbit (1010 Elmwood Ave.) serving elevated Buffalo favorites.

Hertel Avenue

Hertel is always bustling with new shops and restaurants alongside mainstay institutions. A highlight is Queen City Vintage (1478 Hertel Ave.) where you could browse the collection of Bills and Sabres merchandise for hours. Unique finds at Cone Five Gallery (1508 Hertel Ave.) include handcrafted glass, ceramic and metalwork from vases to clocks. Other great stops include Revolver Records (1451 Hertel Ave.) and Gutter Pop Comics (1421 Hertel Ave.). The dining scene on Hertel has new hot spots and established favorites such as Lloyd Taco Factory (1503 Hertel Ave.), CRaVing (1472 Hertel Ave.) and Kostas (1561 Hertel Ave.).

East Aurora: Main Street

With several appearances in television holiday films, it’s no secret that this storybook district makes for the perfect shopping stroll. For the adventurers in your life, check out Kickstand Culture (654 Main St.), a bicycle-themed store selling accessories, jewelry and home goods made for and from recycled parts. Buffalo sports fans will love anything from Leveled Up Buffalo’s (650 Main St.) massive selection of Zubaz-striped apparel, ranging from crew necks to bucket hats. For the foodies, pick up a customized six pack of craft beer from Aurora Brew Works (191 Main St.). A trip to East Aurora means a stop at the historic Vidler’s 5 & 10 (676-694 Main St.) where you can shop from a charming variety of goods on two large floors. (Don’t forget the candy department.)

After working up an appetite, hit up the new Main & Hamlin (198 Main St.) for wings or head across the street to 189 Burger (189 Main St.) for signature sandwiches.

Hamburg: Buffalo and Main streets

The Village of Hamburg’s main intersection is home to a bevy of underrated shops ripe for perusal. Graphic-Poetry Stationery Shop (38 Main St.) is the unique home to a hand selection of specialty stationery goods and novelty gifts. Shop sustainably by checking out Turn the Page (79 Main St.), an indie used bookstore, and Ross Records, host to new and gently used vinyl. An assortment of lifestyle boutiques round out your trip, including Molly + Kate (35 Main St.), Nigh Road (50 Buffalo St.), Rustique by Ashley and Grayhart Boutique (161 Main St.), each offering curated collections sure to tick off your list. Cap off a successful shopping trip with specialty drinks from nearby Black Smoke Bourbon Bar (50 Buffalo St.) or Alchemy Wine & Beer (50 Buffalo St.).

Lewiston: Center Street

Strolling the historic and picturesque Center Street in Lewiston is one of the pinnacles of Western New York shopping. You’ll surely be drawn in by the lush aroma wafting from the boutique shop Trait-Carré (480 Center St.), showcasing its hand-picked collection of soaps, candles, aromatherapy and skin care products. Walk along to find French-inspired jewelry boutique Chéri Amour (522 Center St.), one-of-a-kind art at Inspirations on Canvas (449 Center St.) by local painter Kathryn Pignatora, and Research and Design’s Niagara County location (721 Center St.), a hub for trendy Buffalo-themed apparel. Grab a sweet treat from the Village Bake Shoppe (417 Center St.) where you’ll find a variety of allergy-friendly desserts including cupcakes, cookies and cheesecakes from the scratch family bakery.

Williamsville: Main Street

This Williamsville shopping district is known for trendy restaurants and even trendier shopping. Stroll into Nest in the Village (5727 Main St.) where you’ll find seasonal selections of curated homewares, clothing and accessories. Walk along to Rove Boutique and Gifts (5596 Main St.), whose wares support local micro-businesses with themed “Swiftie” and “Let’s Go Buffalo” collections, among others. Curate a self-care basket at Buffalo Gal Organics (5655 Main St.) where you’ll find holistic skin care products like honey milk lotion and gemstone-infused body oil. After your stroll, indulge in one of Buffalo’s best brunches at Britesmith Brewing (5611 Main St., overlooking Ellicott Creek), or a seasonal drink at Overwinter Coffee (5548 Main St.).

Other shopping districts

Lancaster: Stroll along Central Avenue and hit up boutiques such as the Gilded Maple (4 W. Main St.), From the Attic (41 Central Ave.) and Josie’s on Central (36 Central Ave.) for seasonal apparel and accessories. Enjoy a treat from the deliciously plant-based Long Weekend Bakery + Cafe (34 Central Ave.).

Orchard Park: Highlights throughout the village include Agate and Birch (4120 N. Buffalo St.) for modern home decor, Sunshine + Bluebirds (4125 N. Buffalo St.) for seasonal apparel, Lunar Rei Candle Co (4230 N. Buffalo St.) and the new Wayland Brewing Company (3740 N. Buffalo St.) for a midday lunch stop.