Shop Small Gift Guide

A guide to small shops and artist / creator led businesses to find unique and one of a kind gifts this seasons. Here is my Shop Small Gift Guide.

The other week, I shared my ultimate gift guide for everyone on your list. If you missed it you can see it here. In that post I promised an extensive guide to shop artists / small businesses. With the pandemic and many small businesses trying to make ends meet there is no time like the present to support them. Not to mention all the supply chain issues and shipping delays. When you shop small or buy from artists and makers you are not only helping them survive but you’re also helping them keep a dream alive. I try and shop small whenever I can.

As an artists I rely on these small businesses to sell my items but I also love being able to go down the harbor or Cohasset or down the Cape and just stroll down streets and discover hidden treasures within these beautiful spaces. I’ve had the opportunity to interview many of these shops / makers / artists in my Creativity Over Coffee series. I’ve listed many places to consider and the list is in no particular order. Many shops / artists have online options so you can shop them even if you don’t live on the South Shore.

Shop Small Gift Guide

1. Buttonwood Books in Cohasset.

I’ve been a long time fan and customer of Buttonwood Books. I actually took my kids there when they were teeny tiny (back when they still had the Thomas the Tank Engine Table). This shop has been a refuge with little kids who needed picture books or gifts for friends, a creative space to hear writers speak (it actually made me start my blog), and the welcoming staff. Kathy, the owner, is wonderful. I had the pleasure of interviewing her here. I’ve worked with Susan Buswell who buys the gifts and cards for Buttonwood and she has impeccable taste. Buttonwood Books has a wonderful selection of note cards, stationery, books for adults and children, fantastic puzzles and toys, beautiful home decor and some apparel. They also offer gift wrapping which is wonderful!

2. Pewter and Sage in Kingston

My friend Sarah hand paints the most beautiful signs. I had a hard time narrowing her amazing work down to one photo. Her love of color is joyful and I love how some of her signs look as if they’re “found” with perfect distressing. She custom paints signs if you’re looking for something more personalized. The below sign was a custom one.

3. Kjeld Mahoney Photography in Scituate.

Kjeld is an amazing photographer and his gallery is just wonderful to visit. He’s taken many family portraits and helped me with my own photography. Year round he offers classes but he also sells amazing photographs. We are lucky to have a bunch in our home. I interviewed him few years ago. You can read more about that here. The gallery is a great place to shop for canvases, metal prints, ornaments, mugs and other artwork.

4. Joye in Scituate Harbor.

A truly Joye-ful shop! Nancy, the owner, has such a wonderful eye for beautiful things and also supports so many local artist (including myself). The shop is nestled right on the water and I always find wonderful gifts and things to “gift” myself. Ha! Ha! I had the pleasure of interviewing Nancy last year, you can read that here. Joye carries lovely gifts, jewelry, one of a kind treasures from local artists, note cards, accessories, lovely scarves, sun hats, ornaments, home decor and so much more!

5. Taza Chocolate in Somerville with Scituate Roots

Our neighbors actually own Taza Chocolate. It’s a wonderful stone ground chocolate made in the tradional Mexican style. You can go on tours of the facility and they have a lovely gift shop. I interviewed Alex and Kathleen a few years ago, you can read that interview here. They have wonderful chocolate and hot chocolate. Perfect for small gifts or stocking stuffers.

6. Finding Silver Pennies Shop

I couldn’t do a “shop small” list and not mention the little online shop I have with my son. We enjoy creating art in our Scituate home and we donate a portion of every sale to World Wildlife Fund. In our shop you’ll find note cards, note pads, boxed calendars, and framed prints. We have one more artist Open Studio we’ll be doing at our home December 3rd 2-7pm. I’ll share more about this at the end of this post!

7. Board143 in North Scituate

This is THE place to get all your entertaining needs. Kerri makes phenomenal charcuterie boards and I’m a big fan of their grazing boxes. Those are great for at home, picnics, and at the beach. I’m obsessed with their truffle cashews and their lemon whipped ricotta, while my hubby loves the Prufrock cheese. Board143 carries a wonderful assortment of meats, cheeses, wine, beer, cocktail mixers, fun candy, dinner ideas and more. A foodies paradise. I’m so honored for their support with my note cards.

8. The Pink Frame

My friend Becky creates beautiful seascapes on canvas and also on cards. Her paintings are serene and calming. I am lucky enough to have one in our dining room and have also given her paintings and hand painted ornaments as gifts.

9. B.Home Fine Consignments in Duxbury.

This shop is wonderfully curated. It has lovely pieces by artists and jewelry designers but it also has antiques and consigned finds for the home. Bonnie, the owner, is wonderful. I’ve lost count how many fun things I’ve found there!

10. Scout Vintage in Dennis.

What a fairytale shop! Do you love vintage? Do you love French antiques? If so, come on in! Melissa curates a wonderful assortment of vintage, antiques, and new finds for the home and for one to wear. We’re lucky to have our note cards featured here. The shop is currently decked out as a winter wonderland.

11. Jess Hurley Scott in Scituate.

Jess is an amazing artist based in Scituate. She creates life-like wave paintings on a series of acrylic panels. They’re so cool. She also creates mini versions of these as ornaments and pendants. I actually interviewed her a few years ago, click here to read.

12. Where Watermelons Grow in Marshfield.

Fun, handmade jewelry made on the New England coast by Sara Jean. I’ve gifted so many pieces by her and also have several pairs of earrings. Think hammered gold, sea pearls, shells, rocks. Sara’s jewelry is so beautiful and soft.

13. Mix it Up Kitchen in Duxbury.

This is more of an event than a thing to gift. Mix It Up Kitchen does wonderful classes for adults and kids. Our son, Conor, has loved taking classes there and he’s learned so much. He learned to make amazing Madelines and galettes. This is a great place if you’re looking to give family and friends the gift of experience!

14. Rising Tide Collection in Scituate.

My friends just launched this company last month. Sara and Ashley have the most comfy cozy sweatshirts, baseball caps, tees, and fun stickers. I’m loving my sweatshirt devoted to all of Scituate beaches and I got the kids some baseball caps for Christmas.

15. Fish Prints by Jenna

Jenna creates beautiful fish prints to hang on the wall, adorn the tree, but also has created beach chairs, totes and pouches. Her creations are stunning. I had the opportunity to interview Jenna here.

16. Pretty in Ink Scituate

My friend Andrea creates beautiful calligraphy gifts and address stamps. In fact, she created one for us and I LOVE it. It really makes writing holiday cards and thank you cards easier. Her calligraphy is gorgeous and I think you’ll love all her personalized gifts.

17. Waev Jewelry in Scituate.

My friend Emily creates beautiful and lifelike creations inspired by the coast. I actually gave my mom a mussel necklace like this. Emily sculpts these with precious metal clay.

18. The Nautical Collection in Scituate.

My friend Kat captures so much beauty in our town. I also love her sailing photographs.

19. Native in Scituate Harbor.

Native in Scituate Harbor has so many goodies from all over the world. Marie curates a wonderful collection. One of my favorite finds is a beautiful handmade lamp and I always love getting little sculptures, pins, and bracelets for stocking stuffers for our kids.

20. BirchBarn Designs in Scituate.

My friends Matt and Shelley have such a lovely business. Matt makes beautiful things out of wood – serving and charcuterie boards, barware supplies, a barrel collection, and even does custom counter tops. I’ve seen them in person and they are stunning! They personalize many of their items which makes gifts from here even more special!

21. The Golden Cod in Scituate.

My friends Robbin and Jeff own the golden cod. The cod is such a symbol for life on the coast. We have some great caps and sweatshirts from their shop. They also have hand carved golden cods for the home, cod necklaces, and more apparel.

I hope you enjoy this “Shop Small” Gift Guide. I also wanted to share a very fun event that I’d love to invite you all to! On December 3rd I’m taking part in a Scituate Open Studio with 16 female owned businesses. It’s the same night as First Friday Night in the Harbor, so you can stop by all the Open Studios and then head down to the harbor. A portion of the event will go directly to Scituate Community Christmas. You can see more below: