Hanukkah is only a few days away, and Christmas is right around the corner. And that means people are going to be rushing to buy the best gifts they can find. But how great is a gift if it's not unique or original? It's like everyone has the same thing. Luckily, in the greater Utica area, there are many unique stores where you can find those one-of-a-kind gifts that nobody else has.

7. The Olde Kountry Market--Rt. 5, Vernon

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Jumpin' Zach Flash, Oldiez 96.1
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Not only do they have great snacks, there are one-of-a-kind games, wooden signs, baskets, candles and much more. It's just a short drive from the Utica area.

6. The Village of Clinton

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Jumpin' Zach Flash, Oldiez 96.1
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There are many stores in the Village of Clinton that have great gift ideas. You are sure to find something original in the many shops that line West Park Row and College Street. Also, the Artisans' Corner (formally McHarris Gifts) has great one-of-a-kind artwork. For a full list of stores in the Village of Clinton, click here.

5. The New Hartford Shopping Center

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You are sure to find a great gift at the New Hartford Shopping Center. With many of the stores locally owned, the unique and original gifts are seemingly endless. For a full list of stores in the New Hartford Shopping Center, click here.

4. College Bookstores

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Oli Scarff/Getty Images
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If you have a local college sports fan on your list this year, a college bookstore has sweatshirts, t-shirts, mugs, blankets and much more. A very unique aspect about Utica is that we have many colleges in the area.

3. The Brewery Shop

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Jumpin' Zach Flash, Oldiez 96.1
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If you have to shop for someone who is a beer connoisseur, this is the place to go. Not only does The Brewery Shop have a wide variety of beer (Saranac), there are t-shirts, mugs and a lot of Utica memorabilia. You can even order things online.

2. The Indie Garage Sale

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Yves Forestier/Getty Images
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The Indie Garage Sale is an annual event that takes place at different times and at different locations. You have to keep an eye on their schedule to see when it will take place. Fortunately, The Indie Garage Sale is taking place right in time for the holiday season at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) on November 30 and December 1, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. There are always great gift ideas here. Everything is unique and handmade. For more information on The Indie Garage Sale, click here.

1. Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institue's Gift Gallery

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Jumpin' Zach Flash, Oldiez 96.1
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Here it is--the number one unique place to find one-of-a-kind gifts in Utica: MWPAI's Gift Gallery. How many of you think to go to a museum to do your holiday shopping? Well, it's a great place to shop for unique gifts. The Gift Gallery is an amazing place to find locally, handmade jewelry, books written by local authors, gifts for children, greeting cards, and much more. For more information on MWPAI's Gift Gallery, click here.

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