Like it hot and spicy? Since 1999 this has been the place to get gourmet sauces, rubs, spices, marinades and salsas, as well as grills, BBQ accessories, Southwest style giftware, smokers and more. Hot sauces range from hot to extreme. Salsas come in traditional, hot and fruit, along with more unusual blends, like Chardonnay artichoke salsa and garlic chipotle salsa. Some of the BBQ sauces come with whimsical names like "Catch a Fire Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce" and "Hogs Ass BBQ sauce". They also carry jams, jellies, mustards, dips and spreads, along with relishes, pickled products and even Bloody Mary mixes, as you will need something liquid to cool your mouth down. - Christine A. Smyczynski

Located in a 1872 three-story brick building in the heart of Clarence Center, this family-owned upscale gift shop is the place to shop for "the perfect gift". The building was originally a dry goods store operated by the Eschelman family for nearly 100 years. Afterwards, it housed a country store known as the Clarence Emporium for many years. Today's shoppers can choose from home décor, artwork, greeting cards, handmade jewelry, Vera Bradley items, gourmet foods and seasonal gift items. Located within The Perfect Gift is Get Heeled, which specializes in shoes, including bridal shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. - Christine A. Smyczynski

On the cusp between Allentown and the Elmwood Strip, this non-profit gallery and store offers both art and imported goods from Central and South American crafts co-ops. Run by the local Latin American Cultural Association, the store also features language, dance and cooking lessons, as well as exhibits of contemporary art. Friendly staff is on hand to help should you have any questions about their products or classes.Poetry lovers can partake in the occasional readings held at 7:30p, after normal store hours.

Opened in 1956, this Allentown gallery/boutique offers only high-class objects ranging from fine silver and porcelain to photographs, jewelry and collector's plates. The store also offers appraisals on your cherished antiques and provides free delivery within the Buffalo city limits. Among its clientele can be found the Niagara County Historical Society, Royal Ontario Museum, and Smithsonian. On Sundays, the store sets up shop at the Clarence Antique Markets in Clarence Hollow, east of Buffalo.

Whether it's clothing from local designers or from as far away as Bali, this Allentown shop stocks it for the woman with interesting taste. The shop's clothing lines are not only comfortable, they're unique. One of the top local designer lines represented here is Flax, created by a woman working out of her farmhouse in Ithaca, NY. Bali's Kusnadi produces individually-styled and cut clothing with Indonesian accents and jewelry. There is a second location in East Aurora (712 Main, +1 716 652 7126).

While touring the spectacular Albright-Knox Art Gallery in the Delaware Park area of Buffalo, stop in at the gift shop and check out the posters, prints, reproductions, publications and other memorable gift items. Among the specials are Chihuly Studio Editions, signed by the artist and with an autographed book on the series. You can also get Frank Lloyd Wright products such as a necktie with the Tree of Life design and books on the architect. After shopping, stop at the Garden Restaurant for high tea.

This long-time fixture on Williamsville's Main Street carries more than 30,000 classic toys, like science and building kits, puzzles, books, sock monkeys and other educational toys. They also carry items for dress-up play, erector sets, and Playmobile figures. Clayton's is one of the largest specialty toy stores in the area and they carry many items you won't find in the "big box" stores. If you are buying a gift for your favorite child, they offer free gift wrapping. Moreover, the shops knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect gift for the special child in your life. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This family-owned toy store is stocked with a variety of toys that will spark imaginative play, such as toy soldiers, puzzles, and board games. One thing you won't find here are video games, as the shop's owners want to encourage creative play. The shop is also jam-packed with an ever-expanding collection of over 10,000 models of cars, trucks, planes, fire engines, tractors and construction vehicles. In fact, they have the world's largest selection of construction vehicle models, including bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, and dump trucks. Each year, they host the International Model Construction and Truck Show. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This Williamsville children's boutique has unique, affordable clothing, gifts, and accessories for children. Clothing includes jackets, coats, and hats, along with girl's dresses and dress-up clothes for boys. They carry sizes from newborn to size 14. Moreover, they carry accessories like jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Owner Maggie Schwartz first opened the shop in 1990, shortly after the birth of her children, when she noticed that there was a need for a shop that carried upscale children's clothing. It is one of the few locally owned children's clothing shops in the area. In fact, they have won the award for the best kids shop in western New York several years in a row. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This shop, located in the heart of the village of Williamsville, features the work of over 100 local artisans and craftspeople. It is the only store in western New York with goods made all by local artisans and craftspeople. You'll find affordable gifts, including jewelry and home décor. Some of jewelry selections include charm necklaces, chunky necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and more. Form the home, choose from vases, cheese plates, buffalo shaped cutting boards, hand-painted ornaments, painted furniture, photography, and other unique items. It is a great place to shop for a gift in any season. - Christine A. Smyczynski