35 Gifts from Local Shops, Makers, and Stores (at Every Price Point)
This season, you don’t have to go far to find a thoughtful present for everyone on your list. From cocktail shakers to quirky throw pillows, we have the goods.
Under $50
For the extra-sweet hostess
Love&Flour “All that Glitters Is Gold” Macaron Box Set
Made from scratch in unique flavors such as chocolate–sea salt caramel and chai latte and accented with gold foil, these festive treats look as good as they taste.
$40 for a dozen, available at the Holiday Market at Snowport.
For the on-the-go coffee lover
Sipify “Team Fox” Two-Straw Pack
Need a stocking stuffer for the java addict in your life? Designed to prevent scalding sips and teeth stains, these locally invented aerating straws let you enjoy your coffee or tea at just the right temperature. Bonus: A portion of every purchase supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
$28, available at sipify.me.
For the gluten-free eater who craves desserts
Damask Cakes “Classic Confetti” Gluten-Free Cake-Pop Kit
Just because your pal is GF doesn’t mean she can’t indulge in tasty treats. Crafted by expert pastry chefs using all-natural and ethically sourced ingredients, this cake-pop kit is more than a gift; it’s a fun baking experience in a box.
$27, available at damaskcakes.com or on select days at Damask’s kitchen/warehouse in Amesbury.
4. For your work bestie
Aeemelia Face Cream and Exfoliating Cloth Bundle
She’s always willing to go the extra mile at the office; make sure she takes care of herself, too, with this Boston-made skin-care set. The recently released face cream offers a light, whipped texture and unparalleled hydration thanks to a blend of oils and aloe vera juice—perfect for applying after a good buff with the exfoliating cloth included in this special holiday bundle.
$49, available at Terma Goods.
For your jewelry-obsessed niece
Hip Hope Hoorah “Kidding Around” Bracelet
Completely customizable by the Hip Hope Hoorah pros with letter beads and gold-plated spacers, this adorable piece is casual and lightweight enough for your favorite budding trendsetter to wear every day. In a hurry? Grab a premade one.
$18, available at the Holiday Market at Snowport.
For the neighbor with the enviable home theater
“Entering Boston” Wall Bottle Opener
Before the movie starts, let them pop open everyone’s brewskis in style as they show off their plush seats—and their Boston pride.
$36.50, available at Gifted.
For the friend who lives the high life
Bubby’s Baked Hot Cocoa
It might have the word “Bubby” in it, but trust us: This definitely isn’t your grandma’s hot chocolate. Infused with 5 milligrams of full-spectrum cannabis, the beverage mix is a warm, cozy way to give your favorite edible connoisseur a little pick-me-up.
10 servings for $30, available at the Goods.
Under $100
For the grandma who’s always hosting Sunday brunch
Farmhouse Pottery Maple Syrup and Bell Pitcher Gift Set
Is she a syrup sommelier or a pancake Picasso? Either way, she’ll catapult her breakfast game into the big leagues with this ultra-sweet kit featuring a meticulously crafted bell pitcher and pure Vermont maple syrup neatly packaged in an heirloom wooden box.
$90, available at farmhousepottery.com.
For the uncle with a Vermont ski house
Parachute Shearling Wool Clogs
Surprise him with these breathable cloud-like clogs that turn every step into a cozy embrace, and you just might get a weekend invite this year.
$99, available at Parachute.
For the sister-in-law whose tree is up before Thanksgiving
ChocAllure “Chocolate Jewels” Advent Calendar
Her kids may have all flown the nest, but she’s still counting down the days until Christmas. Give her some (delicious) help with ChocAllure’s edible advent calendar, which marks each of the 24 days before the holiday with an exquisitely adorned chocolate jewel in flavors such as double hazelnut and French caramel.
$86, available at the Holiday Market at Snowport.
For the dog-loving new homeowner
Amy Weiss Design “Pug Dog” Mezuzah
Made with love by a talented local female artisan, this laser-cut wooden mezuzah will welcome them home in style. Many households have one on each doorway, so feel free to customize another with letters or other unique designs.
$72, available at amyweissdesign.com.
For your sneakerhead daughter
“Converse by You” Custom Sneakers
She’ll have the coolest kicks in school when you take her to Converse’s bespoke-sneaker pop-up at the Current, where she can customize a pair of Chucks however she likes (think chenille varsity letters or Boston skyline patches)—then tie it up in a bow with glitter, cotton, or satin laces.
Starting at $60, available at Converse at the Current.
For the serial binge-watcher
Third Piece Fingerless Mittens Knit Kit
Netflix and knitting are a match made in heaven. Designed for beginners, this kit includes everything your favorite couch potato needs to make a pair of exquisite fingerless mittens—needles, luxurious Merino-wool yarn, and exclusive access to an informative virtual class—while watching her favorite show.
$65, available at thirdpiece.com.
For always-traveling friend
Kai Reed Diffuser
With its blend of gardenia and other heavenly fragrances, this diffuser will bring back memories of warm, tropical climes, even when it’s snowing outside.
$79, available at Grettacole.
Under $300
For the couple who know Home Alone 2 by heart
Furbish Studio “Filthy Animal” Needlepoint Pillow
With this cheeky accessory, they can relive the moment when Kevin McCallister scares the pants off the Plaza hotel staff every time they walk into their living room.
$108, available at Milk Money.
For the client with a penchant for British treats
The Bee’s Knees Holiday Hamper
Sprinkle him with Yuletide joy (and a little taste of England) with this gift basket chock-full of biscuits, mince pies, fruit cake, tea, mugs, and a Jamie Oliver cookbook.
$250, available at the Bee’s Knees.
For the sister who decorates everything for the holidays
The Woods Maine: Three Pines x ChappyWrap Heirloom Blanket
Let her stash her everyday throw in the linen closet; this festive evergreen-accented blanket is just begging to be snuggled with while watching Christmas movies.
$135, available at thewoodsmaineshop.com.
For the pal who wants Botox results without the ouch
LexRx Bestsellers Starter Kit
No injections are necessary with this needle-free kit of skin-care starters, including LexRx’s Everyday cream, tinted moisturizer, Vitamin C serum, and facial cleanser, which work together to clean, brighten, and tone.
$299, available at LexRx.
For the pickleball-obsessed granddaughter
Ame & Lulu “Baseline” Pickleball Tote
She can flaunt her skills on the court—and her impeccable style—with this bag, which offers pockets galore to hold two pickleball paddles, plus a towel, sneakers…and a bottle of rosé if she is so inclined. Sounds like a party to us.
$148, available at Isabel Harvey.
For Santa’s “elves” (because they deserve a break from all of that wrapping!)
Bridgewater Chocolate Three-Tier Tower
Let them unwrap the joy of the holidays with a gold-bow-topped tower from this Newbury Street newcomer, then indulge in milk-chocolate-covered shortbread, toffee, and the signature “kitchen sink” chocolate bark.
$160, available at Bridgewater Chocolate.
For the mom who needs a break
Sip & Script Calligraphy Class
Give her the gift of a fun day out with friends—and maybe even a new hobby—when you snag a four-pack of tickets to a Sip & Script calligraphy class, which offers 90 minutes of instruction in the magic of modern calligraphy at a variety of local cafés, restaurants, and bars (with cocktails available, naturally!).
Starting at $260 for four tickets, available at sipandscript.com.
Under $600
For the family who loves holiday outings
Four Orchestra Tickets to Anthony Williams’s Urban Nutcracker
This inclusive, Boston-centric spin on the holiday classic incorporates many dance styles, from tap and hip-hop to swing and, of course, ballet, making it the perfect way to ring in the most wonderful time of the year.
$500, available at bochcenter.org.
For the girlfriend who wants you to put a ring on it
Adamas Fine Jewelry Private Collection “Evil Eye” Necklace
Adjustable to multiple lengths, this diamond-and-gold stunner should hold her over till you pop the question—and ward off any envy that might crop up when you finally do put a ring on it.
$517, available at Adamas Fine Jewelry.
For the ultra-stylish mother-in-law
Face a Face “Sotsas 1” Sunglasses
Accessorize her impeccable outfits with designer shades that look fashionable but protect her eyes all year long.
$588, available at Lunette Optic.
For your tradition-loving mensch
Simon Pearce “Riverstone” Menorah
Brand-new this year, Simon Pearce’s fresh take on the menorah brings the old and new together in one showstopping piece that’s reminiscent of the rivers and brooks in Vermont.
$325, available at Simon Pearce.
For the funcle who can shake a good cocktail
Match Pewter Custom-Engraved Cocktail Shaker
Etch his favorite catchphrase on this pewter heirloom barware, and let him shake it like a pro.
$468, available at Weston Table.
For the dad who appreciates designer duds
Gucci Embroidered Beanie
Baby, it’s cold outside, but the kids still want to go out and play. Thank goodness for this cozy wool topper, which will undoubtedly make him the coolest dad on the playground.
$395, available at Gucci.
For the little James Beard chef in the making
Le Toy Van Kitchen and Fridge
You had us at sink with tiled backsplash. This pint-size wooden set has everything your kiddo needs to start whipping up new imaginary recipes from scratch—and the best part is it’s as aesthetically pleasing for you as it is fun for them.
$535, available at CouCou.
Over $600
For the social butterfly who never misses a gala
Thom Solo “Ruffle”
Patent-Leather Pumps Pretty in periwinkle, this comfy-chic heel from coveted local designer Thom Solo can be dressed up or down for family parties, galas, and every event in between.
$995, available at thomsolo.com.
For the bride in need of “something new”
Anita Ko Loop Earrings with Diamonds
Made by a celeb-favorite designer (now exclusively carried in Boston by Long’s Jewelers), these 18-karat-gold loop earrings are sure to sparkle and shine on her big day and beyond.
$5,900, available at Long’s Jewelers.
For the perpetual power luncher
Tod’s “T Timeless” Mini Shoulder Bag
Give her a place to stash that Amex Black card in style: a luxe suede-and-sheepskin number that’s sure to wow while she’s out wining and dining clients at the city’s hot spots.
$3,495, available at Tod’s.
For the wife who deserves to be spoiled rotten
David Yurman “Sculpted Cable” Necklace with Diamonds
Looking for a gift she’ll cherish forever? Have her try this pavé-diamond-encrusted 18-karat-gold stunner, available at Date & Time’s brand-new David Yurman boutique, on for size.
$49,000, available at Date & Time.
For the pedal pusher who always arrives sweaty to the office
Mercedes-Benz “C-Class” E-Bike
Surprise him with a fast-moving Mercedes e-bike, and his coworkers will thank you. Even better, take him along with you to Good Wheels in Lexington (the only authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz e-bikes in the country) for a plush shopping experience and test drive.
$1,999, available at Good Wheels.
For the bling-loving tech aficionado
Van “Robot” Charm
When our robot overloads arrive, she’ll be ready thanks to this Italian-made bijou bot featuring customizable stone combos and arms and legs that sway and slay.
$1,750, available at LuxCouture.
7. For the eco-minded speed demon
Ferarri 296 GTB
Unwrap the future of driving with this plug-in hybrid, which goes from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds.
Price upon request, available at Ferrari of New England.
First published in the print edition of the December 2023/January 2024 issue with the headline, “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”