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2021 Holiday Season: Shop Local Guide
Updated: Nov 29, 2021
Hello and happy holiday season! I am constantly encouraging people to support local businesses by shopping small and the holiday season is no exception... So this year, I want to make things as easy as possible and do all of the planning for you (that is my favorite part!). Here is a list of local businesses that offer excellent options for your holiday gift list!
Please comment below or message me if I left out any local favorites that I haven’t included yet! This list is separated by broad categories (after all, with small businesses, you all wear many hats!), and each business is listed alphabetically within the category!
Handheld Goods & Miscellaneous Items
(jewelry, candles, apparel, accessories, homewares, and more)
A retail shop and art gallery run by a community of local artists that offers unique and handmade jewelry, cards, pottery, and other various artwork (paintings, sculptures, apparel and accessories, and more) located in Maynard, MA.
Unique antique store featuring, located in Hudson, MA. Shopping here is like playing iSpy or going on a scavenger hunt in the most fun sense of those words. For any antique or vintage enthusiasts - this is the place to check out.
Brooklyn & Rye (pictured)
Self-care central located in Hudson, MA. Candles, skin care, herbal remedies, sleep aids and muscle balms, stationery… and so much more. I’ve been a few times and still haven’t seen everything they have to offer. However, I can definitely recommend both the Magnesium Sleep Butter and Muscle Balm from personal experience, and if those are any indication, the rest of their selections must be great, too!
This apothecary in Hudson, MA offers unique artisan goods, plants, skin care, and herbal items - I have received candles, stationery, tea, bath salts, and some beautiful earrings as gifts from here and also recommend the beard oils and beard balms for any scruffy people on your list. They are also offering holiday gift sets!
Online-exclusive collection of customizable items based on patterns from the Design Pool digital pattern library. This woman-owned business utilizes low-waste manufacturing and offers print-on demand service for all items. Pet beds, tote bags, and mugs are just some highlights. Check out the holiday line or the new Cryptology Collection (the concept behind this collection is awesome!).
High-quality framing shop and art gallery located in Maynard, MA. The prices and turn-around-times for framing are reasonable, the people are great to deal with, and they also promote local fine artists and allow them to offer their pieces for sale. Have a piece or art or photo you’d like to have framed for someone on your list? This is the place to go!
The Haberdash (pictured)
Boutique located on Main St in Hudson, MA (and they also have locations in Cape Cod and Worcester, MA AND you can shop via their Instagram) that offers women’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, and other handmade items (most of my trendy - and adjustable - face masks came from here!). I have purchased many gifts for friends and family here since they opened AND have received gifts from here as well (most of my laptop stickers and my beloved pineapple necklace, for example). The jewelry is lovely, the bohemian clothing is fun, and the stickers make great stocking stuffers.
Keep Rocking On (pictured)
Shop online from anywhere OR visit the new store in downtown Hudson, MA (located within Dance On... Dance Center). Keep Rocking On was created by my friend as a way to use beautiful and unique handmade items to help spread awareness to end the mental health stigma by donating 25% of sales to various mental health organizations. I have rings, earrings, and a necklace from here in addition to a holiday ornament! Selections vary as each item is made entirely by hand and new items are being added regularly.
Kitchen Sink Candle Company (pictured)
It started as a hand-poured candle company with chef-inspired food themes and is now a retail store in Bolton, MA offering excellent candles PLUS kitchen decor and tools, spa and bath & body products such as bath bombs and handcrafted small-batch vegan soaps, chocolates and candies, and seasonal decor. The highlight here is, of course, the candles - which can be personalized (and they have cute town, teacher, and wedding candle options). I also always enjoy the coffee mugs and dish towels (particularly those with sarcastic sayings on them).
All things baby-and-toddler can be found here... Clothing, puzzles, games, you name it. Plus select items for homes, families, and parents, too! This shop puts an emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable products and is located in downtown Hudson, MA.
New-England based Fiber Artist that creates one-of-a-kind weavings and wall hangings. Check the website regularly until you find something you love, as it is updated often (custom orders are not currently available). Tracy’s art is all over our home and we’ve gifted items of all sizes and styles to friends and family. HORNaments are certainly a holiday highlight - scoop one up if they’re still available!
Handmade soap company based in Dover, NH with an Etsy shop that can ship to anywhere! Items include bar soaps, shaving soaps, herbal bug spray, lip balm and My Little Pony and Pokemon themed bath bombs and laundry soap. Check out the Christmas soap or lip balms and bath bombs for great stocking stuffers!
Activities & Experiences
Personal training studio offering one-on-one training and group classes with in-person sessions at their brand new facility in Hudson, MA or via virtual sessions. Offering multi-session packs or custom plans. Alicia is an excellent trainer who is passionate about her craft and perfectly balances challenging and cheering on her clients.
Therapeutic and restorative massage in Northborough, MA. Beth utilizes slow flowing, deep techniques, joint mobilization, trigger points and assisted stretching to help relieve muscle, fascia and joint aches and pains. Gift certificates are available and can be purchased online! Email or print options are available.
Yoga studio in Hudson, MA offering Aerial Yoga and Lyra classes plus private events and more. Class packs are available! These classes are lots of fun and accessible for all, regardless of age, body type, or experience level. Kids classes are also available. Inquire about gift cards.
Massachusetts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Martial arts school in Acton, MA offering brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, MMA, self-defense, and fitness classes for all ages. The kids’ classes here are very popular and would make a great gift for the kids on your list that need a break from screen time and Gift certificates are available and trials include all of the gear someone would need to get started!
Master The Time Personal Concierge
A lifestyle management and concierge business based in the Boston area. They work with individuals, families, and businesses on managing appointments, planning an event or comprehensive home management. What an incredible gift it would be to give someone their time back! Contact Pavlina of Master The Time to manage the tasks that have to be done but can be delegated - and give the gift of time and freedom to someone on your list!
Dining +
Hobson’s Homemade & Serendipity Cafe (pictured)
Retail options are available, including: locally roasted coffee, Rishi tea, Taza chocolate, . This is a locally owned business located in Maynard, MA that puts an emphasis on clean ingredients, fair trade, non-GMO and small batch items. Pick up some scratch-made baked goods to take to a gathering or scoop some retail chocolates, coffee, etc. for gifting.
Medusa Brewing Company + Taco Gato
Local brewery in downtown Hudson, MA offering a rotating selection of original handcrafted ales and lagers. They often collaborate with other local breweries, restaurants, and businesses and believe in the power of community. Grab some beer (or seltzer!) and some killer tacos to bring to your holiday party or pick up a gift card and some growlers or cans for your friends.
Retail shop selling artisan cheeses and specialty foods in Hudson, MA. Cheese platters are a great item for a holiday gathering but their wine, cheese, and other goodies make great gifts (as do gift certificates). Anyone in your life that loves food, hosting parties, or eating cheese will love this one.
What pairs well with cheese…? Hmmm…
Bolton, MA winery and brewery offering … buy in bulk for discounts (and to cover your entire list PLUS a bottle or two for yourself!). Blueberry Merlot, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Renaissance are some of my favorites (though I haven’t tried any that I didn’t like!).
Rail Trail Flatbread Co., Less Than Greater Than, and New City Microcreamery
<< >> (speakeasy): Speakeasy cocktail bar located within New City Microcreamery . Gift cards would be a great gift for a couple in your life that is in need of a nice date night!
New City Microcreamery: In addition to their liquid nitrogen ice cream to-go, New City also offers pies for the holidays. Gift cards are also available.
Rail Trail: Flatbread pizza restaurant offering unique twists on new American comfort food classics, kids meals, craft beer, wine, craft cocktails. Scratch made food and an emphasis on community and serving local and seasonal ingredients. Highly recommend their appetizers and flatbread for any holiday gathering as takeout. Gift cards are also available.
Locally-owned coffee shop in Marlborough MA, in addition to coffee, tea, and food, they feature retail items from local makers and sell plants in their “retired” coffee mugs (great host gift! And a good conversation starter). They put an emphasis on community and supporting local artists and businesses here, which is important to me. Gift cards available.
Hudson Winter Farmers’ Market (pictured)
Next date: Saturday, December 18th from 11am-2pm
Featuring: Holiday Soap Gift Sets (pictured); Hudson Hives (pictured); plus bath bombs and lip balms, greeting cards, jams and jellies, local meat and eggs, and more.
Other options for supporting local include:
Barely Read Books (Sudbury, MA)
Beyond the Barn (Hudson, MA)
Chill Kitchen & Bar (Marlborough, MA)
Decanted Wine Truck (they travel!)
Kind Goods Market (Maynard, MA)
Nan’s Market (Stow, MA)
Pamela Chiasson Art (Hudson, MA)
Traveling Town Tavern (they travel!)
Wright Jewelry & Design (Hudson, MA)