Shop Small, Shop Local: Your State College Holiday Gift Guide
Your 2025 Guide to Shopping Local in Happy Valley
There’s something magical about the holiday season in Happy Valley — the lights downtown, the decorated windows, the bustle of shoppers holding warm drinks and strolling from one small business to the next. State College and nearby Bellefonte are filled with locally owned shops offering thoughtful, handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find online or in big-box stores
If you're looking to make your shopping meaningful this year, here’s your guide to the best places to purchase Christmas gifts from local businesses — while supporting the artisans and shop owners who help make our communities special.
Belle Mercantile: A Treasure Trove of Local Makers
If you want a single destination where you can find gifts for everyone on your list, Belle Mercantile is your go-to. Located in a beautifully restored brick building in historic Bellefonte, this marketplace is home to over 70 local vendors, creators, and small businesses.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Hand-poured candles
- Locally crafted soaps and skincare
- Houseplants and handmade planters
- Art prints and original paintings
- Seasonal décor
- Jewelry, accessories, and textiles
- Vintage finds
It’s the perfect spot for:
- Hostess gifts
- Stocking stuffers
- Unique home décor
- Gifts for new homeowners (think wall art, custom signs, and cozy accents)
Downtown State College Boutiques
State College is full of independently owned boutiques offering everything from fashion to home décor. During the holiday season, these shops decorate beautifully and carry curated collections that make gift shopping feel fun instead of overwhelming.
Some popular categories you’ll find downtown include:
- Stylish clothing and accessories
- Penn State gifts
- Books from independent booksellers
- Specialty foods and gourmet treats
- Greeting cards, stationery, and small-batch goods
You’ll also find vintage and resale boutiques where you can score unique or designer pieces — perfect for the trendsetter or fashion-lover on your list.
These spots are ideal for:
- Friends and coworkers
- Teens and college students
- Gift exchanges or Secret Santa
- Anyone who appreciates something unique instead of big-box basics
Local Eats and Gourmet Treats
If you’re shopping for someone who loves food (or simply “the person who has everything”), consider gifting locally made food such as artisanal cheese from Goot Essa, locally roasted coffee from Rothrock Coffee or a gift basket from Tait Farm.
Gift cards to local restaurants also make a great gift. The following are a just few of the local's favorite spots:
- Hublersburg Inn
- American Ale House
- The Tavern Restaurant
- Flour & Stone
Whether you’re hunting for artisan jewelry, cozy home décor, handmade soaps, or gourmet treats, the local shops in State College and Bellefonte offer something meaningful for everyone on your Christmas list. This holiday season, skip the generic gifts and support the local makers and shop owners who bring heart and creativity into our towns.
And for those imagining life in a new custom home here in Happy Valley, these shops offer a taste of the community you’ll soon call home.
Love supporting local? Build local, too.
Triple E Homes is a trusted Centre County builder creating high-quality, custom homes for families who want to be part of the State College community.
Contact us today to get started.
