It’s the time of year when you’ve got a long list of people to shop for. Instead of braving the mall or getting overwhelmed by major online retailers, make a plan to do your shopping in the Greater Merrimack Valley. This way you’re guaranteed to have unique, special gifts for all of your loved ones that show how much you care about them this holiday season. Shop small, shop local. Shop in the Greater Merrimack Valley.
Moonlight & Mindfulness
When there’s someone in your life who loves candles, tea, and all things holistic and alternative, the best place to shop for their gift is Moonlight & Mindfulness. Get them beautiful candles that will fill their homes with relaxing scents. Pick up delicious teas and coffees along with a mug or personal teapot to serve it in. There are even candle-making workshops you can take to make a personal candle for a loved one, which will make it all the more exciting for them to receive.
Crafty Yankee
An iconic shop in Lexington, Crafty Yankee is a store that specializes in goods that are responsibly-sourced and made by New England artisans. Here you’ll find creative gifts and decor perfect for all ages and tastes. Choose a beautiful gift for a loved one from the extensive jewelry and fashionable accessory selections like scarves, socks, and handbags. Get soap, lotions, artisan shaving cream, and other bath products your loved ones will feel luxurious using. And if you know someone is having a baby, there’s a selection of books, plushies, and warm clothes that will make that first holiday special for both the parents and little one.
Mill No. 5
Shopping at the mall during the holidays can be stressful, and all the big box stores feel too impersonal. That’s why you should instead go shopping at Mill No. 5. Built inside of an old mill – hence the name – this trendy shopping center is home to local, independent boutiques you won’t find in a mall. There’s no better way to get a bunch of gift-buying done for multiple people than to head to The Shops, where there’s tons of variety. Get high-quality art supplies for your creative friends at Curation 250. For the music lover, find great vinyl records at A Damn Shame Records or vintage instruments at Tone Loft. Pick up the best pop culture goods, like action figures, books and manga, and card games at Pop Cultured. And that’s just the tip of the holiday shopping iceberg.
While you’re at Mill No. 5, don’t forget those holiday cards! You can get unique stationary at Sweet Pig Press that will stand out from the more cookie-cutter cards that get sent out. Perhaps you could book a holiday photo session at Pizzuti Photography. Photos of yourself and your family members in festive settings are always a popular extra treat to send along with your annual holiday cards.
Visitor Centers
It might surprise you to learn that the visitor centers of the Greater Merrimack Valley are excellent places to pick up holiday gifts. They’re especially great for friends who love to travel or have a special connection with the area.
Lexington Visitors Center
The Lexington Visitors Center is great for finding gifts for anyone who loves the town of Lexington. Here you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that will make them feel like they were on the trip with you, or that they can add to their collection of travel keepsakes. This includes drinkware, t-shirts, books about Lexington’s history, and more.
Town of Concord Visitors Center
When you’re shopping in Concord, hit the Town of Concord Visitors Center for some great gifts. Whether it’s stocking stuffers or something to put under the tree, the visitors center has plenty of options. Pick up ornaments, baby clothes, mugs, and pencils that showcase what Concord is known for, from the Revolutionary War to Little Women.
Museum Gift Shops
Museum gift shops are a great place to get gifts for loved ones with niche interests or who love learning. Oftentimes, you don’t even need to visit the museum to access the gift shop (though it’s highly recommended so you don’t miss out on cool exhibits). Or, if the people you’re shopping for have been wanting to visit the Greater Merrimack Valley themselves, consider picking up a gift card or membership for them as a holiday gift so they can enjoy the museum themselves.
Discovery Museum – Discovery Store
Do you have a young child in your life, whether it’s your own, a niece or nephew, or a friend’s baby you adore? Then pick up something for them at the Discovery Museum’s Discovery Store! Here you can find toys that will teach your child through play, science kits, puzzles, and craft supplies. These fun toys and kits are great for younger children with a curiosity about the world around them.
New England Quilt Museum – Gift Shop
The New England Quilt Museum’s Gift Shop is the ideal place to get a present for someone who loves crafty and cozy goods. It’s where you can find an eclectic and charming selection of goodies that will put a smile on their face. There are beautiful handmade quilts, coffee table books of quilting patterns, stylish accessories, and lovely home decor that will fit country-chic, boho, and cottagecore aesthetics.
The holiday season goes hand-in-hand with shopping, so make your gifts memorable by shopping small and local. These independent, high-quality, creative places to shop will show how much thought and love you put into your presents this year when it comes time to open them. Come to the Greater Merrimack Valley this holiday season and spread the festive cheer to your friends and family while supporting the local community.
