Stumped on what to get them this year? Here are 7 unique gifts you can buy in Bucks County

Everyone has at least one person on their holiday shopping list who’s hard to shop for.

It’s tempting in these situations to go with one of the old standbys: a bottle of wine, scented candle or maybe a gift card. And yet, there’s no better feeling than seeing their eyes light up as they open up the perfect present.

Bucks County with its curated shops, skilled local vendors and vibrant arts and culture scene provides many unique opportunities to find a gift that either speaks to the heart of what your loved one is passionate about or celebrates the past and present of the local community.

Here are a few ideas to help you wrap up your holiday shopping or in the very least leave you with some local gift-giving inspiration:

Annual Mercer Tile Ornament from The TileWorks

The TileWorks, in Doylestown Township, has released its 2023 annual ornament, the Distlefink.
The TileWorks, in Doylestown Township, has released its 2023 annual ornament, the Distlefink.

Each year, The TileWorks releases a limited-edition Christmas ornament honoring one of Henry Mercer’s designs. The 2023 ornament is a Distlefink looking over its wing as a sign of happiness and good fortune in the new year. It comes in two different styles: 4-inch brocade cream on red and 3-inch round blue underglaze.

Available for a limited time online at thetileworks.org or at The Tileworks showroom located at 130 E. Swamp Road in Doylestown.

Price: $35

Bucks County-inspired apparel from Made in Morrisville

Made in Morrisville designs creative, research-driven apparel that celebrates Bucks County.
Made in Morrisville designs creative, research-driven apparel that celebrates Bucks County.

Husband and wife team, Hussam and Dana Jallad, create and sell original T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs and other gifts that pay homage to the county and its individual towns. Through their local business their goal is to provide “research-driven creative designs and quality products that celebrate Bucks County, its rich history and environment.”

Orders can be placed online at madeinmorrisville.com. They also have upcoming booths at the Perkasie Hometown Holiday Market on Dec. 1 and the Perkasie Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2.

Price: Items range from $5 to $56

Personalized laser-cut wood ornaments from Dougwork3D

DougWork3D, in Quakertown, creates personalized ornaments using laser-cut designs.
DougWork3D, in Quakertown, creates personalized ornaments using laser-cut designs.

Have a favorite athlete, first responder or pet in your life? Custom order a personalized laser-cut wood ornament from Dougwork3D, based in Quakertown. The ornaments, which are made from Baltic birch plywood, come in a variety of styles, including sports, first responder roles, family members, teachers, nurses, dog and cat breeds and more. Each one can be personalized with a name and backer color, as well as a uniform or badge number.

Custom orders can be placed through Dougwork3D’s Etsy shop. They will also have a booth at the Quakertown Tree Lighting Festival on Dec. 1.

Price: $14.99

Travel-themed gifts from An Adventure Awaits

Find gifts for the traveler in your life at An Adventure Awaits, such as these framed push pin maps.
Find gifts for the traveler in your life at An Adventure Awaits, such as these framed push pin maps.

Every avid traveler has a bucket list, so gift them a framed push pin map from An Adventure Awaits. Whether they’re trekking the U.S., globetrotting around the world or hiking the national parks, there’s a map for them. Other travel-themed gifts, such as mugs, magnets, and journals are also available.

An Adventure Awaits products can be found at Makers: Vintage + Handmade located at The Square at 123 N. Main St. in Dublin. Orders can also be placed online at shopanadventureawaits.com.

Price: Maps start at $60

Membership at The Bucks County Children’s Museum

Bucks County Children’s Museum, in New Hope, features educational-based interactive exhibits, where kids can learn through imaginative play.
Bucks County Children’s Museum, in New Hope, features educational-based interactive exhibits, where kids can learn through imaginative play.

Gifting an experience can go a long way, especially when it’s something you can do together as a family. Purchase a single-visit gift certificate or enjoy the Bucks County Children’s Museum with unlimited visits throughout the year with one of three membership options:

  • Grandparent Membership for $75: Free admission for a grandparent (must be present at time of admission) and up to 3 guests.

  • Bring 4 Membership for $90: Free admission for up to four guests.

  • Bring 6 Reciprocal Membership for $125: Free admission for up to six guests at the Bucks County Children’s Museum, plus discounted admission at 200 participating children’s museums nationwide.

The Bucks County Children’s Museum is located at 500 Union Square Drive in New Hope. Memberships can be purchased online at buckskids.org.

Homemade Cookies from Bake Ability

Erin Campbell, left, and Trey Koller work together decorating sugar cookies to serve at Bake Ability in Buckingham on Friday, May 7, 2021. [MICHELE HADDON / PHOTOJOURNALIST]
Erin Campbell, left, and Trey Koller work together decorating sugar cookies to serve at Bake Ability in Buckingham on Friday, May 7, 2021. [MICHELE HADDON / PHOTOJOURNALIST]

The sweetest gifts are not only delicious, but also support a local business with a mission. Bake Ability, a specialty bakery in Buckingham, serves handcrafted baked goods — such as cookies, scones, muffins, cupcakes, pizzettes, brownie and lemon bars — made by young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities under the mentorship of professionals.

Throughout December, their seasonal cookies include mini versions of their iced cookies, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and oatmeal raisin; as well as full-sized iced cookies, which come in different shapes and sizes, such as trees, snowflakes, ornaments, lights and more. Party trays are also available.

Bake Ability, in Buckingham, is taking orders for their holiday cookies throughout December.
Bake Ability, in Buckingham, is taking orders for their holiday cookies throughout December.

Bake Ability offers a shipping option for their mini cookie assortments, making it a nice option for sending gifts to long-distance friends and family.

Orders can be placed online at bakeabilities.com, by email or by phone at 215-315-8560. Pick up in-store at 4950 York Road in Buckingham.

Price: Prices vary

Tickets to a show at the Bristol Riverside Theater

"A Christmas Story: The Play" is staged at the Bristol Riverside Theater Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2023.
"A Christmas Story: The Play" is staged at the Bristol Riverside Theater Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2023.

Give someone a night out with tickets to a live performance at the Bristol Riverside Theater. Their upcoming main stage shows include A Christmas Story: The Play, A Raisin in the Sun, Big: The Musical and The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody. Look for additional special events on the schedule, such as Black Theater Night on Feb. 16 and One Night in Memphis running in May.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bristol Riverside Theater box office located at 120 Radcliffe St. in Bristol or online at brtstage.org.

Price: Ticket prices vary depending on showtime and seating. Military discounts are available.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Holiday gift ideas to help you check off that last person on your list