It’s that time of the year. What do you get someone who has everything and needs nothing? Instead of stressing over gift-giving this holiday season, head out to local businesses and peruse the handmade items of local artisans. Need a few ideas? We have some suggestions!

 

Handmade Bath and Skincare Products

Many people embrace a natural approach to health and purchase chemical-free products. Whisper Hill in Quechee has been producing products free of synthetics and chemical preservatives for decades. You’ll find high-quality ingredients like goat’s milk, shea butter, and essential oils to provide moisture-rich soaps and lotions and calming scents like lavender and jasmine. At Whisper Hill, you can buy rosemary spearmint lavender hand and body wash or botanical lotions with cucumber peel extract. Dan & Whits General Store in Norwich is another local business where you can find Vermont-made essential oils, body creams, organic deodorants, and more healthy alternatives.

Handmade Specialty Gifts

Is a friend or family member a knitter? Visit Norwich Knits for yarn and fibers from local sheep and dyers. You could even grab a schedule of classes and events to include in the gift bag. Maybe you have an aspiring woodworker in the family. Visit Andrew Pearce to pick up a beautiful handmade wooden bowl set or cutting board. You can even make the gift extra special with engraving. Does a grandparent love watching the birds gather in the spring? Check out the handmade birch birdhouses at Farmhouse Finds & Gifts.

Handmade Pottery

Local New England artists create beautiful pottery that make perfect gifts for the holidays. Whether it’s a piece to sit on a mantle as home décor or a piece to be used daily like a coffee mug, these creations are available at all types of vendor events and specialty shops this season. Check out BOG MOUNTAIN POTTERY, Tip Top Pottery, Farmhouse Pottery, or EarthStar Pottery to get inspired. From serving bowls to dinnerware to vases to pitchers, you’ll find a perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for aunt or grandfather.

Homemade Canned Products

Put together a gift basket of various local jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, and more this holiday season. It’s a great way to support local small businesses while also giving tasty treats. Visit online shops like Gizmo’s Pickled Plus to order homemade horseradish or zucchini relish, Tomapo Farm to order maple syrup and honey, or Porters Finest to order apple butter or fruit jellies.

Homemade Wines and Brews

If you know a friend who loves a wine tasting, visit a local winery and pick up a bottle or two. Putney Mountain Winery and Spirits offers wines on-site and online. Give a taste of Vermont with the Apple Maple semi-dry wine that also makes a tasty mulled cider wine. Or head over to River Roost Brewery and put together a six-pack with a variety of Vermont specialty beers.

So don’t fret over what to get your coworkers or kids’ teachers this holiday season. Shop locally and buy handmade and homemade specialty gifts. Consider hobbies and interests when choosing gifts and use those to inspire you to think creatively. Does your best friend have a new dog? Shop Balderdash Dogwear for a cute handmade collar or leash or Danforth Pewter for an adorable pewter dog figurine. Instead of picking up another tie or pair of socks, think outside the box this holiday season.