Move over, Oprah! There’s a new gift guide in town.
You know what’s NOT one of my favorite things? Mega-corporate shopping sites that were toxic to our economy even before we became home-bound, mired in a pandemic, and dependent on online shopping. While I know it’s not always feasible, I like to support small and independent businesses as much as I can. But that’s easier said than done. So, this year, I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite small businesses, with the hope of both supporting them during these difficult times AND making someone else’s holiday shopping a little easier.
HERE WE GO!
GOURMET GIFTS
Burdick Chocolate
Wonderfully handmade European-style style chocolates. I especially recommend the signature assortments and the caramels.
https://www.burdickchocolate.com
Jasper Hill Farm
While Moses Sleeper is my fav, all their cheeses are delish.
https://www.jasperhillfarm.com
Blake Hill Preserves
Sweet and savory Jams and preserves, including some no added sugar ones. Don’t miss the black currant with wild mint jam.
https://blakehillpreserves.com
The Boston Shaker
ALL the cocktail ingredients, tools, and books one could desire. I especially dig the Owl & Whale Sea Smoke bitters.
https://www.thebostonshaker.com
Cookie Monstah
Every flavor of these cookies are like the best, most classic versions of themselves.
https://www.thecookiemonstah.com
Treehouse Brewing
They sadly don’t ship their (fantastic) beer, but they do ship their merch and coffee blends.
https://www.treehousebrewco.com
Burial Beer
I’m a sucker for a gothy brewery, especially if they have good beer. (Especially the stouts and IPAs.)
https://burialbeer.com
Kakawa Chocolate
Gourmet chocolatier especially know for authentic and historic chocolate drinking elixirs.
https://kakawachocolates.com/pages/contact-kakawa-chocolate-house
Sweet Lydia’s
Gourmet confections specializing in handcrafted marshmallows.
https://sweetlydias.com
Ariel’s Honeys
Raw, sustainable infused honeys with some incredible flavors. One of my favorite gifts!
https://www.arielshoney.com
BOOKSTORES/COMIC SHOPS
Brookline Booksmith
Indie bookstore in Brookline, MA.
https://www.brooklinebooksmith-shop.com
Porter Square Books
Indie bookstore in Cambridge, MA.
https://www.portersquarebooks.com
Comicazi
Local comics shop with a wide selection of funky/hard to find/vintage toys and collectibles.
https://www.ebay.com/str/comicazionline
Bookshop of Beverly Farms
Indie bookstore in Beverly, MA.
https://bookshopofbeverlyfarms.com
Pandemonium Books & Game
A bookstore and gaming store with a scifi/fantasy focus.
https://pandemoniumbooks.com
GIFTS & SUCH
Hive & Forge
Artisan clothing, soap, candles, jewelry, tarot cards & more.
https://www.hiveandforge.com
Emporium 32
Immensely cool Salem-based shop filled with gothy, steampunk, Victorian, & more offerings.
https://www.emporium32.com
The Vermont Country Store
Gifts of all kinds with an old-fashioned flare.
https://www.vermontcountrystore.com
Polkadog
High quality, handmade, and responsibly sourced pet treats.
https://www.polkadog.com
Hauswitch
Modern, witchy home goods from independent makers. (Salem-based, so you know it’s good.)
https://hauswitchstore.com
Witch City Wicks
Hand-crafted soy candles made in Salem, MA.
https://www.witchcitywicks.com
Fan Service Nails
A personal fav. Geek-themed nail polishes, perfumes, and other beauty items.
https://www.fanservicenails.com
