2023 Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
Gifts for Her | Gifts for Him | Gifts under $50 | Gifts for the Host | Gifts for the Kids | Gifts for anyone
We've curated a collection of unique and thoughtful gifts from local businesses that are sure to make your holiday shopping a breeze. From charming boutiques to innovative online stores, our guide is your go-to resource for finding the perfect presents for anyone in your life!
Gifts for Her:
Featured Product: Simple, timeless and meaningful handcrafted jewelry for your loved ones. Custom orders available!
Price: $35+
Location: Rockland, MA
A Note from the Owner:
Hi there! My name is Nicole Bekerian and I am the owner and founder of Simply the Best by Nicole. Our journey started in May 2021, when I decided to start my own business and pursue a dream that I have had since I was a little girl.
The decision to center my business around jewelry was an easy one - I have always loved how different pieces can hold significant meanings or add exactly what is needed to your favorite outfit. It is important to me that all of my clients have an opportunity to choose pieces they really love and create a memorable experience.
I've always been someone who appreciates the simple things in life and that translates to my jewelry designs. Simplicity can speak volumes. For me, starting Simply the Best was part of a healing journey when I lost my dog and best friend of 11 years, Gibbs.
I wanted a tangible reminder of him always with me, so I created the signature, a simple black onyx gemstone bracelet (which symbolizes protection) with eleven spacers to signify his eleven years. After that initial piece, I was excited about the future and wasted no time – I even wrote up a business plan while waiting for my flight home at the airport.
When I started making more jewelry, it always knew it was very important to me to be inclusive with my sizing. Like clothes, jewelry needs a range of different sizes! I hated the experience of being worried about whether or not a bracelet may be too tight or wondering whether or not a necklace for a friend would be too short or too long on them because of “standard” sizing. With this in mind, all of our pieces are made in various sizes and can be made at any size upon request so that it fits perfectly.
Today, my business serves to share my designs with you and your loved ones. Because we believe you deserve - simply the best.
Featured Product: Women's Quilted Block Printed Robe
Slip into this luxurious robe and you will never want to take it off. Not only is it a gorgeous work of art on one side, it's reversible with another fabulous print. With pockets on both sides, it's the perfect gift because it's one size fits most and arrives in a matching tote bag.
100% Cotton
Artisan made, Jaipur, India. Hand block printing is a 2,000 year old method. Small imperfections are expected and loved.
Price: $178-$196
Location: Barnstable, MA
Discount Code: NIM10 for 10% off
A Note from the Owner:
I've worked in Interior Design for the past 10 years. I fell in love with all of the beautiful fabrics and decided to start designing my own. I started with linens and then I met a dressmaker and the rest is history. A very short history, I launched in May of 2022.
Featured Product: Emmy Studs
Representing harmony and joy, this cushion cut aqua Chalcedony stone looks exquisitely regal nestled in a simple four-prong setting. (Post back, 8mm stone, 14K gold plated sterling silver)
Our pieces are handcrafted and our stones are natural so every piece is beautifully unique,
Price: $46
Location: Shelburne, VT
Discount Code: NIM20 for 20% off
A Note from the Owner:
As a hobby back in 2015. The brand has organically grown and evolved over time. Every piece is handcrafted in Vermont using natural semi-precious stones and fine metals.
Featured Product: Glam Girl Jewelry Organizer
The perfect jewelry organizer! It has little sections and pouches to keep all kinds of jewelry organized. Handy size to carry around and travel with.
High quality Nylon fabric outside adds a luxurious look and pink heart zipper pulls add some extra charm!
Price: $54
Location: Farmington CT
A Note from the Owner:
I launched the business while on maternity leave to help moms feel special!
Gifts For Him:
Featured Product: Mahogany Inlay Nantucket Hitch Cover
An artisan crafted in New England, solid mahogany with Nantucket Island design inlaid in maple trailer hitch cover for your Jeep, SUV, or truck.
Price: $145
Location: Stonington, CT
A Note from the Owner:
Our business started with a gift. Our son wanted a hitch cover of Block Island and could not find one. We made him one for Christmas and people started asking him where they could buy one and our business launched a few months later. Since that first Hitch Cover we had added 60+ designs and expanded our wood working line to include signs, custom furniture and our latest line of Nantucket Bracelets that feature the beautiful woods that we work with (cherry, ebony, holly, rosewood and walnut)
Featured Product: Nantucket Beach Fence Photograph
Bring that feeling of Beach into your home year round. Remembering the feel of sand between your toes as you walk the path to the beach. Faint smell of the beach roses in the air. Would look great in any room in your home. From your coastal inspired kitchen to your kids bedrooms. FRAME is just for example. Does not come framed.
Price: $48+
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Discount Code: NIM20 for 20% off
A Note from the Owner:
My business sprouted from my love of photography and exploring New England Coastal Towns.
Gifts under $50
Featured Product: Joy Blocks
This wooden JOY Block Bundle is handcrafted in coastal Massachusetts. It is the perfect gift for anybody on your holiday list or display in your own home for the holidays.
Price: $30
Location: Hanover, MA
Discount Code: NIM20 for 20% off
A Note from the Company:
Rustic Marlin is a home decor and lifestyle brand founded out of love when founders Brian and Melanie O’Neil tied the knot. What started as a few signs for their wedding has grown into a line of quality products all handcrafted by our talented team of craftsmen, designers and artists in coastal New England. We create special pieces to celebrate special moments, big or small.
Featured Product: Easy like Sunday morning Tee
Uniquely designed 'Easy Like Sunday Morning' tshirt.
Price: $24.99
Location: Marion, MA
Discount Code: NIM10 for 10% off
A Note from the Owner:
Lilthings started out as a hobby during Covid and then quickly turned into an online store.
Featured Product: New England Invite: Fresh Feasts to Savor the Seasons
A Modern Twist on Classic New England Entertaining
New England Invite gives the seasoned host and the busy novice the tools they need to effortlessly entertain at home. Collected seasonal recipes with a modern take on New England traditions make for festive gatherings all year round. Enjoy expert entertaining tips, delicious recipes and simple party decor ideas to make any celebration pop. From a summer clambake to a fall harvest-themed party, you will find full entertaining menus and the steps you need to make these events come to life.
Price: $32.95
Location: Scituate, MA
A Note from the Company:
Kate Bowler is the author of the award-winning lifestyle blog Domestikatedlife.com where she has writen about festive entertaining tips, simple recipes, DIY projects and life in New England for the past 14 years. She is the author of: New England Invite: Fresh Feasts to Savor the Seasons, a cookbook filled with easy entertaining menus for every season and occasion. Her recipes and styling work have been featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens and The Boston Globe.
Featured Product: Desk Calendar
Our 2024 Desk Calendar comes gift ready in a presentation box with a pretty band. Inside are 12 illustrated calendar cards and a hand crafted pine stand. Made in Massachusetts.
Price: $30
Location: Scituate, MA
A Note from the Owner:
My creative journey began in 2011 with the creation of the Finding Silver Pennies site since then I've created stationery, home decor, and gifts with my watercolors and surface pattern designs.
Featured Product: Heart Fidgets
We designed the fidgets for a behavioral specialist to bring into classrooms as a quiet fidget tool. The fidgets have two marbles inside flaxseed, and customer select dried.
They have been loved by child and adults.
Price: $17.95
Location: Rochester, NH
A Note from the Company:
Owner Jessica Leff, and her husband Aaron, live a homestead life with their 3 boys, deep in the woods, chasing adventures in nature and digging their fingers in the earth. Jessica stitched her first wrap to support her mother in finding peace during a time of illness. Inspired by the therapeutic effects of the wrap, and their love for nature, Jessica and Aaron launched Parker Mountain Comfort Wraps in 2015. Their mission is to offer you sustainable, ethical and high quality products that align with who they are, and the values they have established.
Gifts for the host:
Featured Product: Charcuterie Boards
Boards For Days client is a classy, forward-thinking company who places great care in the aesthetics and presentation of things. Our large board is perfect for WOWing your guests at your holiday party this year! These boards will always be themed to the holiday and we always source quality meats and cheese and use in season fruits. We are here to take the stress off of you and make your party the talk of the town.
Price: $175 & $60 | We provide Delivery & Pickup
Location: Danvers, MA
Discount Code: NIM10 for 10% off
A Note from the Owner:
After an unexpected health scare, I left corporate world as an account manager to start my own Charcuterie company (something that had been a passion of mine for years).
Featured Product: Off Season Vibes Soap Set
Our Off Season Vibes Set includes Snow Drop, Cranberry Spice and Field & Sky bar soaps. This seasonal set is a great way to celebrate the beauty of the off season on the Cape.
Price: $32
Location: Falmouth, MA
Discount Code: NIM10 for 10% off
A Note from the Owner:
I made my first bar of soap in 2018 and spent a year perfecting my craft and learning so much along the way. I opened Atlantic Soap Co. in 2019 and expanded into candles and personal care products.
Featured Product: Freshly Roasted Nuts, Handcrafted Chocolate, and Exotic Dried Fruits
Gräem Nuts and Chocolate is a European inspired nut roaster that specializes in nuts, chocolate and dried fruit. Our nuts are dry-roasted on-site in small batches. We handcraft our chocolates in-house, such as our Signature Chocolate Bark and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. We also feature a selection of imported chocolates from Europe. Our dried fruit is sourced throughout the world with the majority being organic without added sugar or preservatives. We offer products that are not only great snacks for yourself but can also be shared with friends or family for the holidays.
Price: $45-$150
Location: Concord, MA
A Note from the Company:
Gräem started as a dream for owner Nikki Crugnale. Since childhood she always wanted to have her own store. This dream came true in 2018 when she opened Gräem Nuts and Chocolate in Concord, MA. After traveling throughout Europe, she was inspired by all of the beautiful shops, and wanted to bring a taste of Europe to this charming, historic downtown.
Gifts for the kids:
Featured Product: Nantucket Soul Baby romper, hat, and blanket.
Price: $92
Location: Newport, RI
A Note from the Owner
I started 19 years ago when I found out in the same week that I had cancer and was pregnant. I chose to create an organic clothing company that was safe for my child and others.
Featured Product: Personalized Wool Beanie AND Personalized Knit Hats
A curated collection of personalized gifts for women, men, children and the home.
Price: $68
Location: Bernardsville, NJ
A Note from the Owner:
There’s nothing better than knowing something was made just for you. Let us help you create something special this holiday season!
Featured Product: Whale Wooden Lacing Toy
Perfect for toddlers and young children, this Montessori Wooden Whale Lacing Toy will delight your child and entertain them for hours! Perfect for at home play or an on the go activity, this whale helps with motor skill development and eye hand coordination.
Made from Baltic Birch, the same material used for the Lovevery Toys, this whale is hand cut and measures 7"x4". The toy is finished with baby safe beeswax polish. Each toy is handcrafted by Henry + Olives Founder Kate Even.
Price: $26
Location: Quincy, MA
A Note from the Owner:
When I became a mom in 2021, I found that I was spending too much time on multiple big box websites searching for high quality (and affordable!) items for my home and baby. I dreamed of creating a one stop shop that is not only a source for unique baby items and gifts made in the USA, but also a place where busy parents can find items for their home and life that help them spend less time "doing" and more time living.
Our goal at Henry + Olives is to empower mothers (and dads!) to create joyful family moments, and we hope our carefully sourced products do just that.
Gifts for Anyone
Featured Product: Custom Watercolor House Portrait
These illustrated pen and watercolor portraits make thoughtful gifts for new homeowners, those leaving a beloved home, and for the important people in your life who are hard to shop for.
I work from reference photos and check in with my clients throughout the process to ensure the portrait's layout and details align with their vision. Available sizes are 5x7", 8x10" and 11x14" and clients can add on additional artist prints of their portraits or simple frames. More information can be found at https://www.yellowleafdesign.com/illustration.html
Price: $300-500
Location: Boston, MA
A Note from the Owner:
Painting and drawing have been many things to my life, but making art has primarily been a way for me to connect with those around me and express my gratitude for these connections. I create and share my studio work in my print shop as a way to help others cultivate gratitude and connection in their own lives.
Featured Product: Protect Your Peace Self-Care Box
The holidays can be stressful, so we have a self-care box packed full of items that will help you take care of yourself so you aren't running on fumes this holiday season. Includes: hot chocolate stirrers, cozy socks, mountain chai tea, a journal, and a rose wrapped sage stick.
Price: $65
Location: Malden, MA
A Note from the Company:
The company story began when founder, Mallory Gothelf, was sitting on her bed at her first treatment center in high school.
Mallory watched as her family entered her room, unsure exactly what to say or do. She wasn’t sure what to say or do either.
Everyone in Mallory’s life had to dig deeper for healing. They found healing in small, but bold statements of love and support.
Mallory saw it in the letters and notes family and friends wrote for her while she was in the hospital. She saw it when her dad bought an UNO deck for them to use because he saw it was the only time she took part in the world outside of herself. She saw it every evening when a “song of the day” from her brother found its way into her inbox. It always contained music he thought would lift her spirits. She saw it when a friend picked out the cereal part of some Lucky Charms to leave a bag of marshmallows (the only good part) on her pillow when she came back to her dorm from treatment one night.
What she realized was these meaningful moments of engagement helped everyone connect when her illness tried to sever all connections. Small gestures opened the door for healing.
She drew inspiration from these moments in her recovery and coupled that with professional mental health guidance to create a box that would serve as a way to meet yourself or your person where they are in their healing journey.
Featured Product: Sunburst Mug
Immerse yourself in coastal vibes as you sip your favorite brew from this hand-thrown and decorated mug. Whether you're savoring a hot cup of coffee at sunrise or winding down with a soothing herbal tea as the sun sets, this mug will transport you to the serene shores of Nantucket.
Price: $58
Location: Boston/Nantucket, MA
A Note from the Owner:
I began taking ceramics classes at the age of ten, and I learned to weave my first Nantucket Lightship Basket when I was eleven. I recently decided to turn my passion for these crafts into a business, with Cane representing my baskets, and Clay representing my pottery. Each of my pieces are inspired by the sun, sand, and sea of my island home of Nantucket! I hope you find something you love. - Lisa Genthner, Owner & Maker
West Village Knit & Needle
Featured Products: NYC Brownstone Canvases by Bad Bitch Needlepoint and 3 NYC canvases by Blue Ridge Stitchery
3 hand painted needlepoint canvases by Bad Bitch Needlepoint. They are 3 brownstones with Fall, Spring and Winter seasons.
3 hand painted needlepoint canvases by Blue Ridge Stitchery. The Guggenheim Musuem, The Flat Iron Building and the Public LIbrary.
Price: Brownstones are all $84. Guggenheim is $78, Flatiron is 78 and Public Library is 70
Location: NYC
A Note from the Owner:
I started my business during covid when rent prices dropping! This has been a dream of mine for years!
Nantucket Perfume CO.
Featured Product: Perfume Oils
Price: $85
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
A Note from the Company: Founder John "Harpo" Harding started Nantucket Perfume Company in 1983, originally known as The Fragrance Bar. He was what perfumers call a "Nose", renowned for his remarkable sense of smell and exceptional skill in creating intricate olfactory compositions. Today, Harpo's legacy and the company's mission continues to be honored with dedication and passion. His daughter, Caroline, has assumed the role of "The Nose," following in her father's fragrant footsteps. With her talent and commitment, Caroline ensures that Nantucket Perfume Company maintains the same level of artistry and quality that her father instilled in the company, allowing their customers to experience the timeless and enchanting fragrances that have defined the company since its establishment. Patricia, Harpo's wife, works alongside Caroline to preserve the brand's essence and uphold its rich history, ensuring that Nantucket Perfume Company remains a beacon of olfactory craftsmanship and artistic perfumery.
