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, Mirabelle, 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 book stores – 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 – Wood Fiber Clay, at Oxbow Public Market in Napa; 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.

Can’t make it to the Napa Valley in December? Here are some great options to buy online now for upcoming events in the Napa Valley: