Photo by Michelle Dillon Clutch Collective MOV sells a variety of items such as art prints, stickers, greeting cards, and even some jewelry and other accessories.

Christmas is fast approaching and many still need gift ideas for their friends and family. There are gifts in Marietta that uniquely reflect the city that will bring a smile to the face of those who receive the gifts.

Marietta is known for its rivers and more specifically its riverboats/sternwheelers. One way to enjoy these is via a riverboat cruise.

The Valley Gem sternwheeler offers several different types of cruises.

The Winter Wonderland cruise on the Valley Gem costs $49 for adults aged 13-54, $47 for those age 55 and older, $39 for children aged 3-12 and free for children 2 and under, according to the boat’s website.

The cruise runs 6-8 pm. Dec. 27, according to the website.

“Bring your family and friends and be transferred into a Winter Wonderland,” the website said. “We will be serving a delicious winter wonderland inspired dinner buffet while cruising the Ohio River.”

There is also the Holiday Luau cruise on the Valley Gem. Tickets cost $46 for adults aged 13-54, $44 for adults age 55 and older, $36 for children aged 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and under, according to the website.

The cruise runs 1-3 p.m. Dec. 28, according to the website.

“Got the after Christmas blues?” the website said. “How about digging out your best Hawaiian shirt and come to the Valley Gem for a Holiday Luau. We will be serving a luau themed lunch buffet with live music and lots of Holiday fun!”

There are also several events held on the Major/River, a passenger barge/towboat combination.

Learn more about cruises and events available on the Valley Gem and Major/Rivera at valleygemsternwheeler.com.

For those who like their gifts to be versatile, there is Marietta Bucks.

It is the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce’s gift certificate program, according to the chamber website.

Marietta Bucks was originally started as a way to encourage local residents to shop local business and it has expanded over the years, the website said.

Marietta Bucks “make an ideal gift for that hard-to-please person and are great to give employees,” the website said.

Participating merchants include Mahone Tire Service, Threadz Boutique, Workingman’s Store, Walmart, Bridgeport Equipment and Tool, Oopsa Daisy Florist & Gifts, Austyn’s, The Galley, Jeremiah’s Coffee House, Marietta Brewing Company, Tampico Mexican Restaurant, Town House, Copper Leaf Interior Design Studio, Marietta Adventure Company, We Love Pets, Baker & Baker Jewelers, Dads Primitive Workbench, Marietta Makery, Schafer Leather Store, the Lafayette Hotel and more.

Marietta Bucks can be purchased year-round in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $25 and $50 using cash, credit card or check and they expire after two years, according to the website.

There is a 2.5% fee to cover administrative costs when purchasing bucks, so for example, $10 in Marietta Bucks costs $10.25. Gift envelopes are provided at no extra charge and every recipient also receives a brochure listing participating merchants, the website said.

To order Marietta Bucks call 740-373-5176 or email info@mariettachamber.com and once the order is received the bucks can be picked up at the chamber office in the Riverview Building at 100 Front St., Suite 200.

Find more information about Marietta Bucks and participating merchants at mariettachamber.com.

If you are thinking more along the lines of a unique item or decoration to give your loved one, look no further than Clutch Collective MOV on Front Street.

Clutch Collective MOV opened in 2021 and is an independent art shop in Marietta featuring a curated collection of art prints, stickers, greeting cards, original ceramics and more, according to its website.

You can discover exceptional creative work from 80-plus artists from the Appalachian region and beyond, including emerging and established artists, the website siad.

With the pieces sold at the shop you can “elevate your space with authentic, regional artwork and artful gifts,” the website said.

If your loved ones and friends like to support local businesses, Clutch Collective MOV is the place to buy their gift because it is full of handmade items from local, regional and national artists, according to the shop’s Facebook page.

“Did you know that when you buy art from Clutch Collective, you’re doubling your impact on our local and regional economy? … That’s because your dollars end up in the wallets of people who live in our regions .. and those people — like us! — spend those dollars locally.”

Clutch Collective recently started an online shop where you can find some of its merchandise. To look at what is available online, learn more about some of the local artists whose pieces are in the shop and more, go to clutchcollectivemov.com.

Michelle Dillon can be reached at mdillon@newsandsentinel.com