Sometimes you know exactly what to get someone for the holidays. But if you’re like me, than more often than not, you’re scratching your head for ideas. When it comes to inspiration, browsing in person is the way to go.
I spent about two and half hours strolling up and down Concord’s Main Street on an early November Saturday and saw lots of things I thought might make great gifts. Here’s just a sampling of what’s out there:
Fifty Home, which features products made in the U.S., would be great to get started on stocking stuffers. In early November, it even had stockings from Hung by the Chimney on sale for $18, down from a listed price of $28. Fill it with fun novelty pencils featuring sayings from Harry Potter or the Office from Calliope Pencil Factory ($14) or ones that match the recipient’s astrological sign ($12). It also sells Treesaw Craft magnets in fun patterns ($10 for a set of 5). There’s such a wide variety of stuff in this shop, it’s a must-have on your list of stops.
BonaFide is another one of those stores that sells things that would appeal to people across demographics. Pick up a wooden rattle from Bannor Toys ($15) for the little person on your list, or grab a Whispering Willow soap/lip balm/cuticle salve set ($25) or some Lunchthins (up to $11 for a gallon size) reusable food storage bags for adults.
Candles are a common gift this time of year when days are dark and chilly. Get candles with a special touch when you stop by CandleTree. The soy candles are handcrafted by Ross Mingarelli in Warner. His large 10 oz candles are $15.95 each or three for $40, or get a small 5 oz candle for $11.95. He also sells tiny beeswax candle jars for $5.95.
The holidays in New England is a prime time for all things hygge. Pick up a cozy alpaca wool blanket at Marketplace New England for $100. The alpacas are raised just east along 202 in Barrington. They also have a variety of cozy clothing and local artwork.
Dazzling suncatchers hang in the window of Detailed Stained Glass and would make a lovely gift, but the swirling colors of the Witch Balls ($36) can be used as Christmas ornaments or year-round decorations for maximum gift utility.
Looking for Christmas decor, extra dining ware or the perfect basket to deliver a gift in? Head to Hilltop Consignment. As a consignment store, inventory is always fluid, but in November the store already had out Annalee dolls and village pieces as well as Christmas table settings.
At Caring Gifts, is more holiday décor options. The staff recommended a Christmas music box. The box is designed like a vintage television with the interior of the set a wintery scene. The box plays eight different songs, too. There are different options available for $89.95.
In addition to its floral arrangements, Cobblestone Design Company is a winter wonderland of holiday décor items like a smiling snowman plush statue ($25) or seasonal snowglobes ($35-$40).
Food gifts are appreciated by nearly everyone, and one good place to find giftable food is Things are Cooking. A go-to product is Stonewall Kitchen jams, syrups or baking mix. A single jar of jam might make a good gift for a neighbor or teacher, while pairing jam with pancake mix or kitchen utensils might be a gift for mom. Stonewall’s Wild Maine Blueberry Jam is a bestseller and earns high praise from our family too. (Cost $3.75 and up)
So many people like chocolate and candy that its an easy gift. Sure, its maybe a little generic as a category, but with locally-crafted options like the truffles, fudge and molded chocolate at Granite State Candy Shoppe, no one will complain. Stop by here for hostess gifts, teacher gifts or perhaps for leaving Santa something other than a cookie.
Caring Gifts has a chocolate and candy counter, too, but you’ll also want to check out its other options. They sell maple products from Ben’s Sugar Shack; a large candy maple leaf is $4.95 and nine bite-size ones are $9.95. For a more savory snack, try Port City Pretzels for $5.95; the last time I had a bag of the Ranch flavor, I ate it in one sitting. Or maybe pick out a festive cheese board and knife set for $37.95 and grab some goodies to go with it. If you can’t decide on one thing, Caring Gifts can assemble a gift basket or box at a variety of price points to suit your needs.
Marketplace New England is a retailer for Blackwater Mustard ($7 for 8 oz. jar). Pick from the wide variety of flavors to suit the recipient’s taste. And if you have a four-legged, tail-wagging pup on your list, the store also stocks Gunther’s Goodies dog treats for $5.95.
Give the gift of comfort with a stop at Fabulous Looks Boutique. The shop sells bubble scarves by Rising Tide, which helps support Nepalese schools and ultra-soft acrylic scarves from Fraas ($35). Or pick up a shop bestseller: novelty socks in all sorts of fun patterns ($10).
Give a lucky lady on your list a gift that is stylish and utilitarian with a stop at Gondwana. There’s a Liz Soto vegan leather handbag ($88) that’s reversible and super cute PJ Salvage flannel jammie sets ($68.95) with patterns like flamingos, cacti, Christmasy pugs and skiing polar bears.
At nearby Viking House, grab some slipper socks to go with them like the sherpa-lined kneehighs from Charlie Paige ($20).
If I had more DarnTough socks, $19.95 at Joe Kings, perhaps there would be fewer holes in my footwear. If you do manage to put a hole in these things, the company says, “Our unconditional lifetime guarantee is simple and without strings or conditions. If our socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair.” Sounds like a good deal.
Also at Viking House are more felt gnomes than you can shake a pick ax at. There are a variety of sizes from mini to standard plush size, all at different prices. I was thinking of kids when I first spotted these, but they’d also be great winter décor for a grown-up too.
Pop back in at Fifty Home for toddler-sized dishes and cutlery made from recycled plastic bottles or pick up some toys made from recycled plastic.
Pick up puzzles and games near the end of downtown at Gibson’s Bookstore. They stock classics like Clue to contemporary capers. Of course they have books for young and old as well, but for suggestions on those, you’ll have to turn to page 23.
Speers, Goldsmith Gallery or Capital Craftsmen have you covered if you’re looking for a necklace for a special lady or an engraved watch for your favorite guy. Each has plenty of stunning jewelry on display, but will also help you create a one-of-a-kind piece if that’s what you’re looking for.
Indigo Blues has just the thing to keep that shiny new jewelry safe while traveling: zippered Estella Bartlett jewelry cases ($32). For someone more rough-and-tumble than runway-ready, the shop sells carabiner hitchblades ($22) and flasks ($29) with fun designs.