2023 New England Holiday Gift Guide

With so many talented artists and creative, hardworking businesses in New England, it’s easy to simultaneously “shop local” and win at gift-giving this holiday season. Here are some of our editors’ favorite New England books, brands, and makers to consider.

AireCandleCo | Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Breathe easy and relax this holiday season with the help of hypo-allergenic, 100% beeswax candles. Made on Cape Cod, they come in heavenly scents like balsam fir, vanilla sage, and pumpkin pie, and give up to 50 hours of all-natural aroma.

Atlantic Soap Company | Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Discover the essence of Cape Cod with Atlantic Soap Company’s small-batch, handmade artisan soaps. Each beautiful bar has a custom bouquet of “scent notes,” and is made using locally sourced seawater and other quality ingredients like volcanic black sand, sea clay, and ocean-farmed sugar kelp.

Ben’s Sugar Shack | Temple, New Hampshire

Ben Fisk took a childhood interest in maple sugaring and turned it into sweet success with Ben’s Sugar Shack. Ben’s is one of New England’s top supplier of pure maple products, including syrup, candy, cream, and even cotton candy.

Mystic Knotwork | Mystic, Connecticut

Shop Mystic Knotwork for endless forms of classic nautical knotwork accessories and home decor, from bracelets and keychains to coasters and doormats.

Blake Hill Preserves | Grafton, Vermont

Offering “sweet, savory, spicy and jams for the modern pantry” from an English fruit preservatory in Vermont, Blake Hill Preserves is the award-winning source for mouthwatering jams, preserves, marmalades (and more!) in endless flavors and collections.

ChappyWrap | Maine

ChappyWrap may have started as a mother-daughter duo looking to recreate a beloved family blanket, but today the brand offers a large collection of reversible, washable woven blankets in multiple sizes – all featuring a plush, natural-cotton blend and a print for every style.

Cheap Old Houses: The Book

Fans of the popular Instagram feed and HGTV series of the same name will love this new book from founders Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein (a New England native). Brush up on what to know before for buying and restoring an historic house, and swoon over more than twenty home tours.

Farmhouse Pottery | Woodstock, Vermont

A modern heirloom pottery favorite for more than a decade, Farmhouse churns out authentically handmade pieces with something for everyone – from mugs, bowls, pitchers, and crocks to felted ornaments and thoughtfully curated gift sets.

Fat Toad Farm | Barre, Vermont

Handmade using a small-batch, traditional process, the award-winning goat’s milk caramel sauces from Fat Toad Farm come in eight luscious flavors, including original, salted bourbon, spicy dark chocolate, and cold brew coffee.

Frank Clegg | Fall River, Massachusetts

From a restored mill built in historic Fall River, Massachusetts, a team of specialized artisans handcraft some of the finest leather goods in America, including heirloom-quality belts, wallets, and bags ranging from versatile totes to handsome travel duffels.

The Golden Cod | Massachusetts

Pay tribute to New England’s cod fishing past with style. The Golden Cod works with local artists to create beautiful pendants, bracelets, crewnecks, and caps featuring the symbolic cod.

Ocean State Pepper Co. | Pawtucket, Rhode Island

A sampler set from Ocean State Pepper Co. is the perfect way to spice up a lucky someone’s life (or your own!). Each themed set contains five hand-blended seasonings for every kind of cook. Add the lighthouse pepper mill for an extra-special local touch.

Kiel James Patrick | Newport, Rhode Island

KJP is a year-round source for preppy New England-inspired apparel, jewelry, and accessories, but their line of bright and colorful holiday sweaters and tartan flannels have a timeless merry appeal that’s hard to resist.

Vineyard Vines | Stamford, Connecticut

With Martha’s Vineyard roots and a corporate headquarters in Connecticut, Vineyard Vines (marking 25 years in 2023) continues to be an iconic source of New England style, from sunny beach days to cozy fireside nights.

Figs & Ginger | Providence, Rhode Island

Along with a popular line of nature-inspired family and mother’s jewelry, Figs & Ginger makes beautiful vintage-style lockets and pendants in multiple sizes.

Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry | Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Dream of beachy summer days on the Cape with the small-batch, locally-made pickles, jams, dressings, and sauces from Lighthouse Keepers Pantry. We love the unique flavors like cranberry ketchup, cranberry lime hot sauce, and citrus cinnamon blueberry jam.

Long Wharf Supply SeaWell Sweaters | Newburyport, Massachusetts

Shop sustainably when you support Long Wharf Supply, whose vintage-inspired SeaWell sweaters are made from recycled oyster shells and water bottles and support the reseeding of . With numerous styles to choose from (all named after New England’s historic maritime hubs, of course) there’s something to keep everyone on your shopping list cozy this winter.

MV Sea Salt | Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

A perfect stocking stuffer for the culinarian in your life, MV Sea Salt is hand-harvested from the pristine waters of Martha’s Vineyard and is “raw,” meaning it’s not dried at more than 115 degrees. The company refrains from using carbon fuels, instead using sustainable solar power, and the result is worth it – and sure to add a touch of coastal flavor to any dishes. 

Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Gift a five-star escape for under $20 with this novel from New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand, whose tales of love, family, and secrets are always set against the backdrop of New England paradise. Or, better yet, snag tickets for the real Five Star Weekend at the Nantucket Hotel this January, which includes a full itinerary based on the novel and a special guest appearance by Hilderbrand herself.

Coastal Brahmin | Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Anyone missing summer will love this collection of Cape Cod-inspired hand block printed summer apparel and home linens. The quilted, reversible robes are an especially nice holiday gift.

GoodNow Farms Chocolate | Sudbury, Massachusetts

The chocolate-lover in your life will swoon over the award-winning offerings from GoodNow Farms in Sudbury, Massachusetts. A true bean-to-bar operation, all of the single-origin bars are made onsite, and range in flavor from bitter to sweet

Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French

Erin French’s newest cookbook, “Big Heart Little Stove,” invites you into the heart of her acclaimed Maine kitchen with dishes pulled from her family recipe box as well as from the menu at The Lost Kitchen. In addition to more than 75 recipes, French shares advice which feels especially relevant to holiday cooking, reminding cooks to start with the best ingredients you can find, keep it simple, and serve with love.

Herbs and Mylk | North Kingstown, Rhode Island

The handmade cold-pressed soaps from Herbs and Mylk are as beautiful as they are nourishing for tired winter skin. Containing no harsh chemicals, detergents, or unnecessary additives, each bar is infused with healing extras like organic butters, refreshing clays, and local milks. 

Finding Silver Pennies | Scituate, Massachusetts

When Danielle Driscoll began a blog to share her art and DIY home ideas, she had no idea the site would one day grow into a lifestyle brand. She now still maintains the blog, while also running an online shop where she sells prints, stationery, calendars, and tea towels featuring her watercolor paintings.

Placemats from Proper Table Co. | Boston, Massachusetts

The perfect “thank you” gift for the friend who always hosts, Proper Table Co’s classy linen-printed acrylic placemats were designed with drips and spills in mind and can easily be rinsed clean following a meal. The goal: Make dining in style a bit less exhausting.

Caramels from Red Kite Candy | Bradford, Vermont

Stuff stockings with a medley of these artisan Vermont caramels, which are delightfully soft, perfectly gooey, and flavored with premium ingredients from pure maple syrup to French sea salt.

Rugged Seas Dry Clutch | Portland, Maine

This Maine-based company transforms fisherman’s hauling pants (bibs) into totes, backpacks, and clutches ready to accompany you from the street to the sea. Many of their goods are waterproof, meaning peace of mind when you’re out on the water knowing that your phone and other items are safe and secure.

Sara Fitz | York, Maine

Dress up your presents this year with Sara Fitz’s whimsical wrapping paper, which features designs centered around New England iconography like lobsters, buoys, and hydrangeas. What’s better, if your recipient falls in love with this Maine studio’s designs you’ll have fodder for many future gifts. They also sell framed prints, wallpaper, and textiles!

Sh*t That I Knit | Boston, Massachusetts

Whether apres ski or around town, the perfect winter hat is key to a great winter day. This female owned and operated knitwear company creates sustainable sourced, handcrafted beanies, mittens, gloves, headbands, perfect for gifting and wearing all season long.

Stonewall Kitchen | York, Maine

It’s no secret that Stonewall Kitchen’s jams, spreads, and sauces make perfect stocking stuffers (especially these adorable miniature holiday jam jars!). Among many mail order offerings on their website, this Maine food brand also has a excellent gift section: From their “Taste of New England” assortment to their “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary” basket, there’s certainly something for everyone on your list.

Swedish dishcloths from Sweetgum Home | Massachusetts

Though they are a New England-based company, these dishcloths take inspiration from Swedish dishcloths, which are essentially reusable paper towels and help to reduce household waste. Sweetgum sells Swedish dishcloths in a wide array of patterns, as well as tea towels, cutting boards, and other kitchen wares.

Vermont Flannel | Woodstock, Vermont

Keep your loved ones cozy this winter with Vermont Flannel’s timeless flannel shirts, which have been handcrafted in the Green Mountain State since 1991. In addition to their classic flannel shirts, they sell blankets, beanies, robes, and scarves – all perfect for bundling up as the temperatures drop.

Do you have a favorite New England brand, maker, artist or book? Let us (and everyone else!) know in the comments!

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