It seems to happen more quickly every year: No sooner have you put the turkey pan away than it’s time to start prepping for the winter holidays. If you’re like me, the prospect of gift-shopping looms heavily. I dread the crowds, the parking (or lack thereof), the endless Christmas music. But fear not – there’s a more pleasant way to shop for your nearest and dearest, while supporting local merchants and spending a leisurely day in the Napa Valley. Read on for some of my personal favorites.

Best shops for elegant clothing for her – Helen Lyall, Napa; Pearl Wonderful Clothing, Reeds and Cricket in St. Helena.

Best shops for gifts for the guys – Scott Lyall and SideStreet Cigar, Napa; Mario’s, St. Helena; A Man’s Supply, Calistoga.

Best shops for body products – Heaven & Earth, Napa Soap Co., and Napa Valley Bath Co., all in St. Helena.

Best bookstores – Napa Bookmine, (on Pearl Street and at the Oxbow Public Market) in Napa; Copperfields (stores in both Napa and Calistoga), and Main Street Books, St. Helena.

Best shop for fair trade – Rabbit Rabbit, St. Helena.

Best gifts for the home – Acres and Napa Valley Vintage Home in St. Helena.

Best shops for locally produced olive oils – Olive Press at Oxbow Public Market in Napa; Olivier in St. Helena; and the Calistoga Olive Oil Co. in Calistoga.

Best shops for making food gift-baskets – Oakville Grocery, Oakville; Dean & DeLuca, St. Helena.

Best one-stop shop for Napa Valley goods – The Mercantile at the Welcome Center in Napa features a wide array of artisanal products – including home goods, pottery, and kitchen décor – many of which are locally produced.