Kim’s Holiday Gift Guide: A Season of Giving at Williams Lumber

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on what makes this time of year so meaningful: family, tradition, and the pure joy of finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. At Williams Lumber & Home Centers – an independent Ace Hardware with seven convenient locations throughout the Hudson Valley – we take that mission seriously. We’re not just a hardware store; we’re a place that brings people together, a place where thoughtful presents live alongside practical tools and home treasures.

A Winter Wonderland With Heart

Every year in early November, something magical happens at our flagship Rhinebeck store. We transform the space into a genuine winter wonderland—twinkling lights, themed Christmas trees, model trains, and aisles lined with heirloom ornaments. It’s become a holiday tradition for so many in our Hudson Valley community and beyond.

Why do I put so much energy into it? Because this season means everything to me. For more than 30 years, I’ve loved playing “Kim Kringle”—sharing warmth, joy, and that old-fashioned holiday spirit through every tree, wreath, and ornament we choose.

Gift Giving, Simplified—and Sincere

One of my greatest joys is curating our holiday gift assortment. Whether you’re shopping for kids of any age, a DIY-loving friend, or someone who enjoys cozy comforts, we’ve got something to make their face light up.

In our Nail It Right Gift Guide, I highlighted a few favorites. For the DIYers, we stock a full lineup of reliable power tools—think DeWalt, Craftsman, Milwaukee, Makita—along with everything they need to get creative around the house.

For the “work hard, play hard” crew, our Carhartt clothing section is a gem: rugged jackets and warm outerwear that go from the job site to the weekend campfire. And for keeping drinks cold (or hot), our YETI coolers and tumblers are as functional as they are built to last— the perfect go-to for discerning gift givers.

Then, of course, there’s the Home & Gift aisles: Yankee Candles and wax melts, plush Warmies, classic Ravensburger puzzles, Legos, books, warm socks, hand tools, and little treasures for under $20 that are sprinkled throughout the store—perfect for stuffing stocking and staying in budget this holiday.

Another great gift idea is Meyers Soap, known for its fresh, botanical scents and gentle yet effective clean. Beekman 1802 soaps and hand creams, made with nourishing goat milk, are also a perfect choice from a high-quality Hudson Valley brand—soothing, hydrating, and beautifully packaged. Together, these brands offer thoughtful, affordable gifts for hosts, teachers, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates a little everyday luxury.

For milestone moments—a first home, a new baby, a big anniversary—our vast selection of ornaments, including hand-crafted options from Old World Christmas, are a unique way to commemorate personal, lasting memories.

Big-Ticket Gifts That Make a Statement

When it comes to big-impact outdoor cooking gifts, Weber is just the beginning. We also carry Traeger wood-pellet grills for the smoky-sweet flavor everyone loves, Gozney pizza ovens for gourmet pie-making right at home, and Ooni portable pizza ovens that turn any backyard or campsite into a culinary adventure. Whether you’re gifting a first grill, upgrading someone’s outdoor kitchen, or surprising a foodie who loves to entertain, these brands bring serious “wow” to Christmas morning.

For the tool lovers and DIY masters in your life, our aisles are packed with trusted brands that our customers swear by. Beyond favorites like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Craftsman, and Makita, you’ll also find STIHL and Husqvarna outdoor power equipment, EGO battery-powered tools, Bostitch pneumatic tools, Black+Decker essentials, Klein Tools for electricians, and Ace hand tools from. These are the kinds of gifts that don’t just get unwrapped—they get used, appreciated, and relied on for years.

And for the adventurer, the YETI coolers and drinkware. With hundreds of YETI items in our inventory—from rugged hard coolers to insulated tumblers—you can pick something just right for that special someone.

Shop With Us & Support Local

When you choose Williams Lumber this holiday season, you’re supporting a small business. With seven locations across the region, our stores are more than just places to buy things—they’re part of our community.

Plus, being part of the Ace Hardware network gives us strength: we combine the reach of a national brand with the heart and personal touch of a family-run business.

We know holiday shopping can be hectic, which is why we make it easy: shop online with Ace, pick up at your local Williams, or even get same-day delivery.

Giving Back: A Tradition We’re Proud Of

Giving isn’t just about gifts—it’s about gratitude. One of our favorite traditions is partnering with Trees for Troops, a program that delivers Christmas trees to military families. Our community has donated hundreds of trees over the years, and we’re honored to be part of something so meaningful.

We also proudly support children and families in need through a long-standing relationship with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, working alongside Ace Hardware’s national fundraising efforts. Each year our Williams Lumber locations participate in in-store donation drives and point-of-sale campaigns that benefit local CMN hospitals like Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital.

Make holiday giving simple this year by shopping at Williams Lumber. We have everything you need for everyone on your list—so stop in today and nail it right the first time.

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!