Massachusetts Gift Guide
For those of you who don’t know – MaryLovesLocal is Massachusetts based! Until I really started looking a little over a year ago, I had no idea how many talented artisans the state had.
I know many of us are doing our best to shop local this year, whether that’s to be more sustainable, give unique gifts or simply to support the makers in your community. Whether you’re shopping from across the country or down the street, here are a dozen gift ideas that you can feel good about buying knowing you’re supporting the dreams of a Bay Stater!
- These adorable stockings are just the start of the adorable children’s toys and accessories by S&J Novelty. A pair of Massachusetts sisters design and hand craft an exclusive line of toys, accessories, blankets, custom made clothes and more for babies and young children. They call their items contemporary with a vintage vibe. Stockings are $35 and toys start at $16.
- South Shore Leather Co. makes wallets, card sleeves, money clips and other items right in southeastern Massachusetts. A perfect gift for boys (a first leather wallet!) or men looking to cut down on how much they carry around. Starting at $20
- Inge Downing of Scituate makes handmade purses, clutches, cosmetic bags and more with a Scandinavian inspiration. Her Etsy shop has hundreds of ready-to-ship wristlets, coin purses, cross body bags and more, with or without the leather detailing that I think takes the classy factor up a notch! Bags start at $12
- Fiorella Soapery of Framingham offers more than a dozen adorable gift sets of self-care goodies like soaps, scrunchies, eye pillows and other ~relaxing~ items. You can also make your own gift with individual bar soaps, whipped soap, shampooo bars, bubble baths, sugar scrubs and more. Gift sets are $25 and and soaps are $8. Available online and in eight Massachusetts shops.
- This Fall River-based shop has a ton of great ideas for men, co-workers or other hard-to-shop-for people in your life. This compass would be a great gift for dad or grandpa, and the shop also sells pocket watches, customized leather key chains, engraved pocket knives and more. This compass is $48
- Holyoke-based Gusto Spice sells every BBQ spice the griller in your life could ever need. From single subs to boxed sets and even no-sugar options, this is a great gift for foodies who are always looking to mix things up. From $9
- Duxbury Saltworks is one of my favorite artisans to date. I’m obsessed with their process – the salt is pulled directly FROM THE OCEAN Y’ALL – and it’s seriously the most unique salt I’ve ever tasted. They come out with a new seasonable blind multiple times per year and offer several great gift items – a simple jar of salt, a gift box or even a seasonal subscription to make sure the latest creations are brought straight to your door. Available on Etsy and duxburysaltworks.com.
- I mentioned this in my gift guide for kids but it’s worth another mention! Cohasset Party Supply on Etsy has several adorable advent calendars that are unique and perfect for younger kids. While you’re there you can of course also shop for more than 100 Christmas-themed party goodies like “Let’s Get Lit” plastic cups, candy cane balloons, party picks and more. Prices vary
- Boston-based Beady & The Beast sells custom beaded bracelets that are perfect for stacking. This photo shows personalized sorority bracelets with Greek letters, but any customization is available. A great, affordable choice for holiday accessories, event celebrations or gift for anyone who loves this stacked look. $9 each
- Wine Flowers Glass in Plymouth makes beautifully painted salt and pepper shakers, wine glasses, pitchers, oil decanders and more. Meredith’s Etsy shop has more than 120 item suggestions (most are made-to-order) but she also takes custom orders if there is a particular flower or piece of glassware you’re looking for! Wine glasses are $27.
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