By Kate Bartlett
The one-of-a-kind boutiques in the heart of Ellicottville offer unique finds for the whole family. From clothing to cigars and socks and essential oils, you are bound to find something to appreciate for the New Year.
Alexandra (10 Washington Street) – A contemporary shop in the Village, Alexandra features gifts for the home, Bath & Body, candles and more. Celebrating 27 years in business, owner Joan Ess along with her steady sidekicks Lynn Timon and Joann Duke strive for American made and pass very strict standards: “It has to be well made and beautiful to look at.” Stop in to Alexandra to browse their beautifully curated selections daily from 11-5pm.
Ava Grace Fashions (22 Monroe Street) – Owner and founder Jessica Gilbert has a passion towards lifting up women and a commitment towards bringing customers a friendly experience and stylish clothing at affordable prices. Ava Grace Fashions customers enjoy the hands on-experience based products now available in-store including permanent and custom jewelry. Make a necklace or token with your word using a hammer to imprint your intention or sit at the Make-It-Station to create a custom jewelry or drinkware item. Sit the kids at the craft station where affordable crafts are available to keep the kiddos busy while parents shop. Lastly, check out the formula of the month at the Essential Oil table; supplies & recipes for sprays and rollers to enjoy fragrance and be creative are set up for a true hands-on experience. With a large online shop, Jessica actively posts new styles on IG, Facebook and has a VIP Gals Facebook group. Ava Grace also offers drop off/pick up laundry services call to start that process and an Air B&B onsite.
Daff Dry Goods (17 Washington Street) – Established in 1997, owner Laura Solly combines her love for the outdoors and casual living with top brand merchandise with a western flair. Brands include Patagonia, Pendleton, Brighton, True Grit, Blundstone and more. They offer a range of apparel for men, women and children as well as home good and jewelry. At Daff, they strive to be the perfect post-adventure shopping destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
Gado Gado (26 Monroe Street) – A women’s boutique providing beautiful and unique finds for the upbeat, fearless and global woman seeking her individualized style. Suzanne Roberts opened this shop 26 years ago in order to make globally diverse style accessible to the everyday women. The shop offers women’s clothing, accessories and a unique selection of gifts that are purchased through small businesses and fair trade as often as possible.
GI Threads (20 Washington Street) – Recently opened in 2020, GI Threads is a women’s clothing and gift boutique that offers effortless and trendy pieces for everyone. Favorite brands include Free People, Barefoot Dreams, Z supply, Dolce Vita, Steve Madden, Nordic Beach, Dr. Squatch Soap and many more. Stop in for a fresh, fun shopping experience and leave with a trendy new piece.
Good for the Spirit Gifts (11 Martha Street) – Ellicottville’s spiritual gem, Good for the Spirit Gifts is a spiritual gift shop opened by international presenter, energy healer, and astrologer Suzy Woo in 2020. Inventory includes everything for spiritual wellness such as crystals, crystal carvings, divination tools including oracle and tarot cards, books, sound healing tools, artisan soaps, intention candles, essential oils, crystal jewelry and more. Suzy is also available for energy healing and readings in her private practice attached to the shop. Explore their extensive online collections, WooHoo Wednesday sales on FB and IG to discover a spiritual side of yourself.
Kazoo II (21 Washington Street) – Located in the heart of the Village, Kazoo II carries a beautiful selection of eclectic gifts, home décor, folk art, books, jewelry, Americana and American Southwest items and a back room filled with timeless toys and treasures. Owner Arlene Solly intentionally and mindfully selects every item in her store, and collects pieces for her shop in her travels. Most unique are her authentic selections of turquoise jewelry from Native American villages in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Nature’s Remedy (26 Monroe Street) – This natural market and wellness center offers a full line of foods and natural healing products including herbs, vitamins, minerals, books, teas, aromatherapy and more. Owner Gretchen Mendell is committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic whole foods and supplements available. Since 1994, the shop strives to empower individuals to sustained wellness through a holistic approach. Their Holistic Center offers certified herbalists and wellness coaches offering detox foot spas, chi machine, whole body cleansing reflexology and more.
Purple Doorknob (11 Washington Street) – A whimsical, vibrant sock shop with something for everyone! From fun, spirited socks to reflect your style, to athletic socks for competitive athletes, The Purple Doorknob has over 2,000 different sock designs. You’ll be greeted by their famously purple building, friendly staff and an organized curation of socks from floor to ceiling men, women, children, holiday, athletics. Shop online and in store daily.
She Shed, He Shed (22 Washington Street) – Stocked with carefully selected pieces to complete an escape for men and women alike. Owner Susan Barzya’s mission is to create a unique shopping experience with items for self-care, gifts, pampering and fun that complement the many unique experiences here in Ellicottville. Curated items include lotions, blankets, drinkware, jewelry, booze infusions, and the areas only Cigar Shop with complimentary new cigar smoking lounge, “Cygaro” at 32 Washington Street. Susan loves Ellicottville, and wants to help shoppers elevate their experience here through items in her shop.
The Old West Co. (18 Washington Street) – A fashion forward western shop geared towards modern-day style for women and men. Fashions include cowboy boots for women, a smaller selection for men, in addition to western-style shorts, skirts, t-shirts, dresses and more. The shop features a hat bar that allows shoppers to personalize their own cowboy hat with different accessories including bands, features, dried flowers and branding irons to imprint initials or different symbol brands. Old West is slowly adding jewelry, wallets, and other accessories to their inventory.
Watson’s Chocolates (27 Washington Street) – Chocolatiers to the slopes since 1946, family owned and operated Watson’s carries classic gifts for any sweet tooth. Best known for their sponge candy, Watson’s also carries truffles, turtles, fudge and gift box chocolates. Stop in to satisfy your chocolate craving!
