WASHINGTON HEIGHTS – It's the most wonderful time of the year to shop local Uptown, and these small businesses and artist won't disappoint with their holiday goodies. Whether you're looking to pick up a collection of delicious chocolates or a basket full of cheese for the fromage fan in your life — or a nod to uptown's own Lin-Manuel Miranda — these shops have got you covered.
More: See DNAinfo Partners' Neighborhood Picks in the 2016 Holiday Guide
Feel Good About Buying, $5 and Above
Inwood Upstart is the place to go for unique, fair-trade and handmade goodies – like "Rescue Chocolates." These treats are not only delicious, but also help support different animal rescue charities each month. Upstarts also sells fair-trade products not just from local artisans, but throughout the world as well.
Gift Baskets and Cheese Platters
Inwood local cheese shop Inwood Gourmet is offering cheese-filled gift baskets and food platters to bring along for the holidays, as well as gift cards for the cheese-lover in your life. Prices vary depending on the size of the baskets or platter.
Holiday Cards of Inwood, $4
Send out a piece of Inwood to loved one this holidays season from the Harry Mandel collection of 5x7 folded cards with envelopes. The cards highlight Inwood favorites like the Dyckman Farmhouse, Inwood Hills park through the seasons and the West 215th step-street that connects Park Terrace East to Broadway. The cards are available at Dichter's Pharmacy at 4953 Broadway, Inwood.
Give a Piece of Lin-Manuel Miranda, $5 to $25
Give the gift of Lin-Manuel Miranda this holiday season with a few select pieces featuring the Broadway star for the United Palace "Reawaken Wonder" campaign. The collectible pieces feature a T-shirt ($25), tote bags ($15) and pins ($5) with the slogan "I'm in, Lin" or "Reawaken Wonder" logo to commemorate your support for the "Reawaken Wonder" campaign to renovate the historic theater. Gifts can be purchased at the United Palace by calling 212-568-1157 or email mikef@unitedpalace.org.