Unique gifts to be found in Holmes County

Kevin Lynch, Wooster Daily Record
·4 min read

MILLERSBURG − Holmes County has many unique ideas for those hard-to-shop-for people on your Christmas shopping list, from world famous cheeses, meats and chocolates to locally made and hand-crafted furniture products, and other specialty items.

At Tis the Season in Berlin, located across the street from Hiland High School, it is Christmas all year around, offering room after room of gift ideas, from gnomes and nutcrackers to collectables and ornaments.

The store also features garlands, wreaths, centerpieces and trees, as well as lighting and accessories for displays.

Samantha Hatt of Wooster had two little helpers with her as she browsed. She shared the excitement of her toddler Edwin.

Samantha Hatt and her children Edwin and Clara Miller look over some of the dolls on display at Tis the Season in Berlin.
Samantha Hatt and her children Edwin and Clara Miller look over some of the dolls on display at Tis the Season in Berlin.

"His expression when we came into the store was priceless," she said.

To help shoppers find last-minute gifts or for unique items available only in Holmes County, the Daily Record has put together a handy little gift guide to get readers through the shopping season.

Swiss heritage, good cheese

Because of the Swiss heritage that is prominent in Holmes County, cheese houses flourished in the area and Heini's Cheese Chalet and Guggisberg Cheese are two of the area's leading producers of cheeses.

Heini's Cheese Chalet is the factory retail outlet for Bunker Hill Cheese, located on County Road 77 in Berlin Township that features a wide variety of locally made, award-winning cheeses.

Guggisberg Cheese, located on state Route 557 near Charm is home of world champion baby Swiss cheese,

Gary and Cindy Kline from near Cincinnati were able to find several gifts for friends and family during their weekend getaway to Holmes County. They were shopping for some cheese at Guggisberg and shared some of their experience.

Charm Harness and Boots carries a wide variety of boots and hats to meet the needs of many shoppers.
Charm Harness and Boots carries a wide variety of boots and hats to meet the needs of many shoppers.

"We've been coming here for more than 20 years," Cindy said. "Everyone we meet here is so nice and friendly. We love to get away here and enjoy the country feel. It reminds us of having dinner with our grandparents."

Meat snacks go great with cheese

Other food items that go great with the cheeses are meat snacks, such as the grand champion Summer Sausage sold at Winesburg Meats on US Route 62 in Winesburg. Other meat snacks such as beef sticks and jerky are also available.

Another nice idea to package the locally made meats and cheeses would be adding a homemade basket, like the ones made in Holmes County by Levi Shetler and sold at Sol's Palace in Berlin.

Kathy Hochstetler straightens a display at Studio 4 Designs in Berlin. The store features many unique homemade woodworking items created by her husband John.
Kathy Hochstetler straightens a display at Studio 4 Designs in Berlin. The store features many unique homemade woodworking items created by her husband John.

Sol's Palace is an arts and crafts mall that features a wide variety of locally made items by Holmes County crafters, ranging from soaps to candles to handmade dolls, ceramics and wood crafts.

Studio 4 Designs, also in Berlin, is a home furnishings store that offers distinct wood pieces crafted by John Hochstetler, whose wife Kathy owns and operates the store that has been a Berlin mainstay for nearly 10 years.

The Pottery Niche is another store that offers unique gift ideas. Business owner Loretta Gray's shop located on state Route 39 (Main Street) in Berlin, is full of imported Polish pottery.

A wide selection of pieces made and painted in Boleslaweic, Poland, are each a piece of art in their own right. Yet, all the pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe, making them useful as well as beautiful.

Loretta Gray, owner of The Pottery Niche, featuring pottery made in Poland, has been a popular stop in Berlin for two years now.
Loretta Gray, owner of The Pottery Niche, featuring pottery made in Poland, has been a popular stop in Berlin for two years now.

Other tasty treats

If your gift list has someone with a sweet tooth, Coblentz Chocolate Company in Walnut Creek is sure to satisfy with a wide selection of gift boxes and samplers, as well as the opportunity to create your own box of tasty treats.

Simply savoring the succulent scent of the store makes the trip to Walnut Creek worthwhile. Coblentz Chocolate Company is located on Walnut Street in Walnut Creek, next to the Carlisle Village Inn.

Millersburg Coffee Company, located on Township Road 312 in Millersburg, is another delicious option, offering specialty coffee direct from Colombia to the family-run roastery in Millersburg.

Another gift option

Another option is a getaway gift package to one of the multitude of hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts or AirBNBs that are becoming evermore popular.

The Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau website offers complete list of potential places to stay in Holmes County.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes County has unique gifts for everyone on your list