2025 Holiday Gift Guide
- Friends of Clermont
- Nov 6
- 12 min read
Find the perfect gift with our Holiday Gift Guide. Weāve carefully curated a one-stop shop for every taste and budget.
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Stop by the Clermont State Historic Site gift shop for more unique gifts.Ā
Please note: the 10% Friends of Clermont member discount is only available online and not in-store.Ā
Gift guide directory
For the Zen-chasers
Give the gift of relaxation this holiday.
Castleton Candle, located in Averill Park, NY, expertly crafts a one-of-a-kind experience with its 100% soy wax candles. Their candles not only burn cleanly but also throw fragrance better than traditional paraffin wax candles. We have five scents in our online gift shop: Woodland Snow, Cinnamon & Vanilla, Blue Spruce, White Sage & Lavender, and Cranberry Woods.
A new arrival this season is a scent specially created for Clermont: Holiday Candlelight Evenings. Inspired by our Holiday Candlelight EveningĀ fundraiser, this candle captures the essence of the holiday season at Clermont. The indulgent scent of blue spruce transports you to the teal and wood-paneled walls of Clermontās parlor, adorned with a brilliant Christmas tree. This special edition candle is only here for a limited time!
Catsā View Farm, named for the farmās view of the Catskill Mountains, is located right here in Germantown and specializes in goat milk soap that leaves your skin feeling luxuriously soft. Catsā View Farm uses clean ingredients, resulting in a gentle and soothing product. We sell four varieties of soap on our online gift shop: Rosemary Mint, Lavender, Eucalyptus & Green Tea, and Sage & Lemongrass.
Located in the village of Chatham, Marton & Davis is a charming shop specializing in home goods, bath and body products, candles, antiques, garden dƩcor, and assorted gifts.
Looking for a relaxing gift for the historian in your life? Why not try the Marquis de Lafayette gingerbread candleĀ from Liberty & Co.? Inspired by Lafayetteās visit to Mount Vernon in 1784, this candle commemorates the āLafayette Gingerbreadā served in the generalās honor. As you may know, Lafayette visited Clermont in 1824 during his tour in the Hudson Valley.
For the bibliophiles
Looking for a unique gift for the book lover in your life? Here are our top book recommendations.
Claire Brandt expertly explains how the Livingston family, descended from Scottish merchant Robert Livingston, became one of the most influential families in the Hudson Valley. This edition also includes the Livingston family genealogy from 1654 to 1964.
Travis M. Bowman illustrates the epic collaboration between Robert Fulton, the handsome but not entirely successful artist and inventor, and Robert R. Livingston, the Hudson Valley aristocrat. Together, Fulton and Livingston would change the course of history and set the stage for the Industrial Revolution.
Travis M. Bowman and Matthew A. Zembo offer a fresh perspective on the Clinton-Sullivan campaign and explore the hard truths about the dispossession of the Haudenosaunee homeland and American colonialism. Earlier this year, both Bowman and Zembo gave an author talk at Clermont
about the lasting legacy of the 1779 land campaigns.
Bruce E. Naramore and Reed Sparkling bring the legacy of Clermont to life through captivating anecdotes and breathtaking photographs. This detailed yet compact history provides readers with a guide to the rooms of the house and a timeline of noteworthy events in the history of the estate.
Geologists Robert and Johanna Titus connect the distant geological past of the Hudson Valley with the innovative art of the Hudson River School in the 19thĀ century. Throughout their narrative, it is revealed how the Ice Age shaped the region and how the terrain shaped the development of its culture. Thereās even a section about the geology of Clermont! This year, Bob led geology walks around Clermont, pointing out the unique geological markers found on the estate. This book is perfect for either the art historian or the scientist in your life!
Mary Mistler describes the resilience and strength of New York women by weaving together the biographies of ten prominent Hudson Valley women, including Clermontās own Margaret Beekman Livingston. This book is a fan favorite with Clermont patrons, thanks to a recent book talk with Mary. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you donāt miss future author talks!
Robert M. Toole brings garden archaeology to life by exploring some of the Hudson Valleyās great estates, including our very own Clermont. If you or someone you know is interested in gardens, architectural history, and local history, you donāt want to miss this new arrival to the Friends of Clermont online gift shop. Ā
Chris Kendall gives readers an intimate look into the lives of the Livingston family through their most prized possessions. It's the perfect gift for the art lover in your life.
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Looking for more books? Stop by Oblong BooksĀ in Rhinebeck or Millerton for more literary treasures!
For the patron of the arts
Give the gift of creativity while supporting local artists and musicians this holiday season.
Internationally recognized tea bag artist, Ruby Silvious, has partnered with Friends of Clermont on several occasions. Silvious believes in keeping an open mind and thinking beyond the boundaries of what we may consider traditional art. Using everyday materials as her canvas, Silvious transforms emptied tea bags into miniature works of art. Her artwork has been featured in a plethora of publications, including CNN Travel, Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan China, The Guardian, Good Morning America/ ABC News, and Ripleyās Believe It or Not. She has several pieces for sale on her website, along with her two books.
Diane Matsakis is a fine art landscape watercolorist who captures the scenic beauty of the Hudson Valley. By applying a heavy rendering of pigment, she achieves a near-photographic quality in her work. We have four watercolor notecardsĀ available in our online gift shop, including the iconic view of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River from the Clermont mansion.
Looking for a gift for the nature-loving artist in your life? Look no further than the Backyard Birds of the Hudson Valley coloring book. Created by local artist, Paul Kmiotek, this collection of pen-and-ink drawings features several native New York birds in iconic Hudson Valley landscapes, including our very own Clermont! Also available in our online gift shop are six unique pen-and-ink notecardsĀ from Paul. Designs include a hummingbird, a monarch butterfly, a goldfinch, a bluebird, a cardinal, and the Clermont mansion.
Upstate FilmsĀ has been screening world-class films for over fifty years. Since its founding in 1972, Upstate Films has screened over 7,000 films to 2.6 million viewers. Associated theatres include Starr Cinema in Rhinebeck, Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties, and the Upstate Midtown Theater in Kingston. They have movie passes you can purchase that make for great stocking stuffers. You can also give the gift of membership; members receive discounted tickets, invitations to private member-only screenings, and more. Film offerings change daily, so thereās always something new to see!
For twenty years, the Northern Dutchess Symphony OrchestraĀ has delighted audiences in the Hudson Valley through live orchestral music. The 50-piece orchestra often includes internationally acclaimed guest artists and dance ensembles to accompany their performances. This seasonās performances include A Christmas Carol (12/6), Epic Movie ScoresĀ (1/24), Americana 250Ā (3/21), and The Beatles, Elvis, and BeyondĀ (6/20). Be sure to check their website throughout the year for special performances.
Founded nearly a decade ago, The Orchestra Now (TÅN)Ā offers accomplished young musicians a full-tuition fellowship towards a masterās degree in several fields within Bard Collegeās orchestral studies program. With dozens of concerts a year at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Fisher Center at Bard, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the next generation of classical musicians.
Harpist Sarah GossĀ has performed all over the globe including the British Isles, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. Weāve been fortunate to have Sarah perform for our guests at the Tea at Clermont Gardens for the past two years. She is currently based out of Connecticut, but offers lessons to aspiring harpists, both in-person and online!
Musicians of MaāalwyckĀ are celebrating their 25thĀ anniversary this season. Specializing in orchestral music from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the ensemble frequently performs at concert venues and historic sites around the Capital region. The ensemble will be returning to Clermont this winter to perform at the Holiday Candlelight Evening. You can purchase their two albums, Hyde Hall and the Silver GoddessĀ and Music in the Schuyler Mansion, on their online store.
The following musicians were featured in this yearās Harmonies on the Hudson concert series.
The WallpapersĀ are a dynamic acoustic duo featuring powerhouse vocalist, Amy Serrago, and multi-instrumentalist and producer, Yves Gerard. Together, Amy and Yves have been delighting audiences in the Hudson Valley and New York City with their eclectic song choices, weaving their original tunes with new spins on old classics. You can listen to their single, Down, on multiple music streaming platforms, and you can purchase Amyās album, Past Lives, on Apple Music.
With music inspired by the New Orleans jazz scene, The Hammerhead HornsĀ delights audiences with energetic percussion, plunger-driven brass and blues-soaked vocal renditions of music by Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Bessie Smith, and Muddy Waters. The ensemble has several covers available for download on their website.
The Yankee Brass BandĀ is a group of dedicated brass instrumentalists who hail from across the nation. For one week each summer, the Yankee Brass Band assembles for a series of live performances, one of which was at Clermont this July. Using painstakingly restored antique brass and percussion instruments from the mid-to-late nineteenth century, our guests got a taste of what audiences almost two centuries ago experienced during the "Golden Age of Bands." Despite the groupās limited live performance schedule, fans can purchase their CD, Oft in the Stilly Night: Genteel Brass Music from a Romantic American Past, from their online store.
Internationally recognized pianist Sova is a New York City-based composer who has performed on three continents. Her music, with ambient-inspired soundscapes, ranges from whisper-soft echoes to expressive cascades. Sova also has the honor of being a NYSCA-NYFA recognized composer. She has ten albums and singles available for purchase on her online store.
For the history buffs
Support your local historic sites this holiday by giving the gift of membership.
Friends of ClermontĀ supports the work of New York State in conserving the living legacy of Clermont State Historic Site. As one of the oldest surviving estates in the Hudson Valley, Clermont was home to many generations of the Livingston family. By becoming a member (or by gifting a membership), you are not only supporting the preservation of Clermontās legacy as a cornerstone in early American history, but also helping to support the important community programming, such as the Harvesting History program. Members enjoy exclusive events and receive discounts on workshops, tours, and programs. Donāt forget, all Friends of Clermont members get 10% off in our online gift shop. Discount does not apply to purchases made in-person at the Clermont State Historic Site gift shop.Ā
Friends of Mills at StaatsburghĀ supports the preservation and interpretation of Staatsburgh State Historic Site, the former home of Ruth Livingston and Ogden Mills. As one of the finest estates of the Gilded Age, the mansion is a true cultural gem in the Hudson Valley. All members receive a complimentary regular tour, advanced program notice, a subscription to their e-newsletter, and 20% off in their gift shop.
Located in Troy, NY, the Hart Cluett MuseumĀ comprises of two adjacent 19th-century townhouses: the Hart-Cluett House and the Carr Building. The museum offers guided tours of the historic house and has both permanent and rotating exhibitions. Members receive free admission to the museum and research library (upon request), and a 10% discount in their museum shop. Ā
Once the home of artist Samuel F. B. Morse, Locust Grove is a stunning example of the Italianate architectural style. Visitors can take guided tours of the historic mansion, stroll the historic gardens, and walk on one of the many hiking trails. Members receive one free admission to the mansion, unlimited access for dog walkers, and a 10% discount in the museum shop.
LyndhurstĀ is one of the finest examples of a Gothic Revival mansion in America and is a National Historic Trust Site. Located in Tarrytown, the mansion offers visitors three tours to choose from: the classic tour, the upstairs-downstairs tour, and the landscape tour. Members receive free grounds admission, free passes to the Lyndhurst Craft Shows, a 50% discount on Lyndhurst Classic Tours, a 10% discount in the museum shop, and free National Trust for Historic Preservation membership.
Located in Rhinebeck, Wilderstein Historic SiteĀ was home to three generations of the Suckley family. The last resident of whom was Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, a distant cousin and close confidante to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Wilderstein is not owned by the state or federal government and is dependent on the generosity of its members and donors. Members receive free tour admission and a 10% discount in the Wilderstein Gift Shop. They also sell a selection of historical books on their online gift shop.
Looking for historical gifts beyond membership? Here are some suggestions to get you started!
Catskill CollectiblesĀ is your one-stop shop for all things uniquely Catskills! Find everything from vintage Catskill collectibles, memorabilia, and antique regional finds.
Looking to add some historical decor? Look no further than this Alexander Hamilton pillowĀ or Founding Fathers tea towel set.
Prefer to take your love of history on the go? Perhaps this Hamilton Burr travel mugĀ or Founding Fathers t-shirt is more your style.
For the foodies:
Searching for the perfect culinary gift this holiday?
Clermont CoffeeĀ is a micro-roaster located just down the road from Clermont State Historic Site. Their coffee beans are ethically sourced from small producers and co-ops that utilize sustainable agricultural practices. By supporting small producers and paying premium prices, Clermont Coffee helps to support local educational opportunities and the social and economic advancement of communities around the globe. Flavors vary between coffee bean varieties, so be sure to read the tasting notes!
We offer three varieties on our online gift shop: decaf Peru, Tanzania, and Brazil.
Harney & SonsĀ have been masterfully blending tea for over forty years. We have been fortunate that a Harney & Sons master brewer has been serving tea at our Tea at Clermont GardensĀ fundraiser for the past two years. We have two tea blends that were made specially for Clermont. Our Chancellorās BlendĀ tea is a decaf vanilla black tea with an aroma reminiscent of sugar cookies. Our Clermont Blend tea is a blend of eight different white and black teas, creating a one-of-a-kind tea experience. Each tea canister makes 30-40 cups.
No cup of Clermont Coffee or Harney & Sons tea is complete without a mug! We have two Clermont mugs to choose from: the ceramic bistro mugĀ and the travel mug.
Whitecliff Vineyard and WineryĀ is one of the largest vineyards in the Hudson Valley and cultivates over 20 varieties of grapes for its award-winning wines. For more than 30 years, the Migliore family has been dedicated to creating sustainable and quality vegan wines. You can visit one of the vineyardās two tasting rooms (Hudson or Gardiner) and browse the 16 wine selections currently offered on their online store.
Since 2014, Hudson Valley DistillersĀ has been hand-distilling spirits using locally sourced ingredients. They are a family-run, veteran/woman/LGBT+ owned business that believes in the āfarm-to-bottleā approach. Their online store showcases their popular Red Hook Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Valley Vodka, Fellows Gin, and their limited-edition Applejack, and a variety of cocktail blends.
Looking to host a holiday party this year?
Caterer Rob HandelĀ is a native of the Catskills whose farm-to-table cooking pairs locally farmed and foraged produce with grass-fed and pastured meats and poultry. Handel has catered our Tea at Clermont Gardens fundraiser for the past three years. Give the gift of restaurant-quality cuisine from the comfort of your home with his private in-home chef catering. Rob also offers hands-on cooking classes, couples lessons, and foraging walks throughout the year. Ā Ā
Located in Coxsackie, Village BloomsĀ uses locally sourced florals and botanicals to create thoughtful arrangements and centerpieces. Whether youāre searching for centerpieces for your holiday gathering or looking to gift a bouquet to someone special, arrangements from Village Blooms are sure to bring joy to your home this holiday season.
For the travel bug
How do you choose a gift for the adventurer in your life? Here are a few suggestions to get you started!
Voted as one of the best glamping resorts in the U.S., Gatherwild RanchĀ offers guests a truly unique experience, right in Clermontās backyard. Choose from luxury platform tents, an A-frame cabin, the guest house, or even a vintage Shasta! Also located on-site are the hammock lounge, pizza oven, sauna, and cold plunge. With many local breweries, cideries, wineries, historic sites, and nature parks close by, thereās something for everyone at Gatherwild Ranch.
Elevate your outdoor adventures with our Cozy Outdoor Picnic Blanket.Ā Made from soft, durable fabric, this generously sized blanketĀ is perfect for picnics, beach days, and backyard gatherings. The water-resistant backing ensures you stay dry on damp grass, while the vibrant, stylish patterns add a pop of color to any outing.Ā
Yankee TrailsĀ is here to help you plan your next vacation! Choose from bus trips, cruise packages, air destinations, and themed travel packages. Spend a festive day in New York City this holiday season with Yankee Trailās Radio City Christmas Spectacular travel package, only available for a limited time. Donāt miss your chance to see the world-famous Rockettes in their 100thĀ anniversary year.
