Some Christmas gifts are easy. Your nephew just wants anything with Thomas the Train on it and your best friend’s daughter always wants another iTunes gift card. However, some presents aren’t so easy. Whether it’s your retired father who just goes out and buys anything he actually wants or your spouse who doesn’t like to give you a list because they look forward to the “surprise,” sometimes Christmas is hard. We’re here to help with timeless gifts that are not only gratefully received, but also show a touch of heart.

1) Art

The right piece of art can be both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. Since we’re big supporters of local artists ourselves, take a look at what you can buy right here in Tuscarawas County. We have every breed of artist here locally, from painting to pottery and glassblowing to woodworking. If you’re not sure about the right piece, stop into the shop and take a look at some of these local artists’ work. And, if you need any help, we can always help point you towards that perfect piece of art.

 2) A Candle

OK, so it sounds cliche, but this isn’t just any candle. Man Can candles are the brainchild of child entrepreneur Hart Main. He dreamed of a candle with scents that men would like. And with scents like bacon, sawdust, Memphis BBQ and fresh-cut grass, he’s really hit the nail on the head. Hart recently added scents designed with women in mind, like passionate, with undertones of flowers and burgundy wine. Even better, they’re made in actual soup cans which are first used to feed a meal to someone in need. Then the candles themselves are hand poured in a facility that provides jobs for those with developmental disabilities. That’s a feel-good gift anyone can get behind, and we’re proud to stock them here at McDonald Niklaus.

3) Olive Oil

Yes, that sounds weird, but hear us out. If you haven’t tried ultra-premium artisanal olive oil, you don’t know what you’re missing. In New Philadelphia, OV Harvest will let you stop in and personally sample them before you buy to make sure that you love what you’re getting. In addition, they can put together the perfect gift. Just give the shop a few pointers on what you’re looking for and they’ll customize a gift just for you.

4) Food

A gift of food is a great way to give an experience instead of an object. If you’re looking for some ideas, the What’s Cooking Cafe might be the perfect place for you. Run by Anna Martinelli, a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh’s culinary program, the bakery at the What’s Cooking Cafe has some fantastic treats. You can always pick up a gift certificate, but for a high end treat, give that special someone one of their ultra rich cheesecakes or a half dozen of their famous cupcakes.

5) Memories

For a truly unique gift just dripping with personality, consider a custom three-dimensional framing. Bring in a couple of mementos and pictures that are important to that hard-to-buy-for person and we can do the rest. It could be a golf ball and tee, a pocket watch, an arrowhead collection or almost anything else. At McDonald Niklaus we can help transform these keepsakes into a stunning art piece full of meaning and memories. If there’s a more personal and meaningful Christmas present, we don’t know what it is.