We all know how stressful gift shopping can get during the holidays. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be! Westside Rochester is full of amazing local spots that make it super easy (and fun!) to find the perfect gifts — and you’ll be supporting our community at the same time. 

Whether you're on the hunt for an experience gift your kids will never forget, a unique treasure from a local artist for a friend, or a gift card that tells a co-worker, "I thought of you," this guide has you covered. 

Special Thank You to our Holiday/Small Business Guide Sponsor: 

Advantage Federal Credit Union- To Home of Student Checking and Rewards Checking

Here are some of our favorite local gift ideas in and around Rochester Westside:

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Experience Gifts:

Give the gift of adventure and memories this holiday season! From family-friendly activities to classes and events, experience gifts are perfect for everyone.

Advantage Federal Credit Union

• Location: 1975 Buffalo Rd, Rochester NY 14624
• Why we love it: Student Banking for ages 13-18 and in High School. The financial gift that keeps on giving! Pays you CASH! Earn up to $120 CASH each year just by using your debit card!

Great Lakes Gaming

• Location: 22nd floor of Innovation Square
• Why we love it: Whether you're a seasoned player from the Super Nintendo days or just starting out on Roblox, we have something for everyone. Check out the amazing events, camps and opportunities that await you at the lounge in the clouds!

Seabreeze

• Location: 4600 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14622
• Why we love it: Get a whole summer's worth of fun for one great price! Two parks in one and fun for all ages

Strasenburgh Planetarium

• Location: 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
• Why we love it: The Strasenburgh Planetarium's family holiday spectacular returns as our new state-of-the-art laser system and full-dome visualization system combine to create a more colorful and immersive experience than ever before. Now through January 5, 2025

Kodak Center

• Location: 200 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14615
• Why we love it: Great shows for all ages. Make is a family night or date night! Tickets make a great gift! 
  • Classical Arts Entertainment presents The Nutcracker (Dec 11)
  • Cirque Musical Holiday Wonderland (Dec 13)
  • 92.5 WBEE Presents Lee Brice: You, Me and My Guitar (Jan 31)
  • John Crist: Jokes For Humans (Feb 13) 
  • Dirty Dancing In Concert (March 25)
  • Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real! Comedy Tour (April 3)

The Rochester Broadway Theatre League

• Location: 885 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605
• Why we love it: Great shows for all ages
  • DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL (Dec 3-8)
  • MJ THE MUSICAL (Dec 17-22)
  • A LIVE CONVERSATION WITH CHEVY CHASE (Dec 29)

MT ED

• Location: 4785 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612
• Why we love it: Quality Theatre Education

Know of other experience gifts in Westside Rochester we should include? Let us know at LeahL@macaronikid.com.

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Locally-Owned Stores in Westside Rochester

From locally-made T-shirts and baked goods to specialty stores, let's make this a year that we buy all local! Each purchase from a Rochester-owned business makes such a difference to local shop owners. These local shops offer a range of unique gifts that we love:

In The Heart of Hilton Gift Shop 

• Location: 9 South Ave, Hilton NY 14558
• Offerings: We're a craft co-op gift shop with items made by local crafters & artisans for home decor & more.

Do you have a favorite locally-owned shop in Westside Rochester? Share their info with us at LeahL@macaronidkid.com.

Restaurants

Not sure what to get? A gift card to a local restaurant, boutique, or shop is always a great idea. Here are a few standout options in Westside Rochester :

BTB Wood fired Pizza Bar & Grill

• Location: 134 Greece Ridge Center, Rochester, NY,
• Why It’s Great: Locally owned family friendly restaurant and bar serving wood fired pizza, wings, wraps, burgers, salads, Italian dishes in a beautiful setting. You can also watch sports on over 40 TV's!

The Friendly Feline Cat Cafe

• Location: 3180 Latta Road Suite 200, Rochester, NY,
• Why It’s Great: Grab a fancy hot chocolate or a Peppermint Mocha with a special treat before getting some cat therapy. 

Know of a great local spot in Westside Rochester we should feature? Email us at LeahL@macaronikid.com

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Seasonal Markets & Pop-Up Shops in and around Westside Rochester

Support local vendors and find an array of holiday treasures at local craft fairs, seasonal markets and pop-up shops this season! Check out these spots for unique holiday finds:

Roc Holiday Village (Wednesday-Sunday 11-15, 18-22, 26-29) 

Lots to the Tots Kids Holiday Shop (Dec 11 6pm-8pm)

Special Events in and around Westside Rochester

Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop: December 14 at 10am. Greece Baptist Church. To register & order your house (just $5/house) email greecebaptistregister@gmail.com. All the decorations will be provided. Just bring your creativity. All ages welcome.

Christmas Animal Encounter: Make your family tradition at Stokoe Farms even more magical. Weekends. Book your family and friends a Christmas Animal Encounter! Head to our cozy heated tent and hold our newest Joey Kangaroo, cuddle up with Pippy Squeak the Patagonian Mara, and learn all about why Ivan the Russian Tortoise sleeps all winter. Hedgehogs, Rabbits, Bearded Dragon, Sulcatta Tortoise and more, are ready to meet you and your family!

Independent Consultants in and around Westside Rochester

• Who: Hair by Ginny @Hair Impressions
• Why It’s Great: Hair Cuts for all ages. Specializes in Cuts and Color

• Who: Courtney’s Dash & Sparkle with Red Aspen
• Why It’s Great: Nail Dashes perfect for holidays or everyday style 

• Who: Mary Kay with Jessica Gasper
• Why It’s Great: Get in style and refreshed with makeup, cleaners and more

Celebrate our Town’s amazing local businesses this holiday season by choosing to shop local as much as you can. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Look for more information about all of these local businesses and a special giveaway in our 12 Days of Giveaways (December 1st-December 12th).

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays from Macaroni KID Westside Rochester!