Holiday shopping can be brutal. It is stressful and frustrating. Crowds of people all rushing to buy the the same item on sale, only to find out it was limited stock and now is unavailable, not to mention the long wait times. But shopping for the Craft Beer Lover in your life doesn’t need to be. With proper planning and preparation, shopping for your craft beer lover can be the most enjoyable part of your Holiday shopping experience.

Here are a few survival tips and gift ideas.

Don’t drown yourself looking for the the White Whale: A whale is an elusive and hard to find beer. Every Craft Beer fan has one, and they are always hunting. Often the whale is from out of state, aged, or was brewed in such small quantities that they are almost impossible to find. But don’t stress, because while your Craft Beer Fan really wants to try that elusive libation, they also enjoy the hunt for it. They won’t mind if it isn’t in their stocking. A perfectly acceptable and enjoyable alternative is a selection of bottles from your local bottle shop or breweries. The staff are pretty knowledgeable and can help you find a few alternatives to the elusive whale. Some of our favorite places to buy craft beer in the Mansfield area are Wayne’s Market, Mitchell’s Orchard, Wilging’s Meats, and J & J’s. Don’t forget to pick up a few bottles for yourself while you are there.
Stay Hydrated. Shopping for the Craft Beer Lover can be exhausting and you are bound to get thirsty. Take some time to treat yourself to a flight and snacks. While quenching your thirst, take a look at their swag shop for glassware options from flight paddles and glasses, to shaker pints, or tulips, and seasonal growlers. And since you have enjoyed a tasty flight, fill a growler with your favorite selection from the flight to share as a gift or the next holiday gathering you attend. Glassware and a growler are perfect for gift giving too and make wrapping presents more enjoyable.
Plan ahead: Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that keep on giving through the year. A Phoenix Crowler Club Membership is a great way to let them pick their own fresh craft beer all year long. Available in 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month memberships. Tickets to beer festivals like the Ohio Craft Brewery Association’s Winter Warmer in Cleveland or The Columbus Beerfest help extend the holiday season. Don’t forget to pick up a membership or ticket for yourself. It is always more fun to share the experience. You can also plan your own brewery tour. Pick up gift cards to multiple breweries in the area, and provide a map with each brewery highlighted. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting to enjoy craft beer throughout the year?
Protect yourself from the elements: Trudging in and out of different breweries looking for everything on their list puts you at risk for some extreme weather conditions. We suggest you wear multiple layers of clothing allowing you to remove or add clothing as needed. Brewery tees, zip ups, and hoodies are comfortable and perfect apparel for a long day of shopping. Pick up a zip up and brewery tee for your craft beer lover and a sweet bottle hoodie sweatshirt for yourself.
Know your craft beer lover. Research their other interests ahead of time and combine them into one supreme gift. If they love to read, consider picking up beer related books. If they love board games, grab a beer board game. Do they love coffee as much as beer? Bundle up a mug from your local brewery and a pound of coffee from the local coffee house. And if your craft beer lover has an amazing beard, consider picking up some beard balms or oils that are infused with hops. Check out our 2017 gift suggestions to help you find some awesome bundled gift ideas.
Treat yourself: Holiday shopping should be fun, but if your shopping experiences have not felt like the most wonderful time of the year, you should take some time and treat yourself. You deserve a happy or hoppy holiday too.