The holiday shopping season is almost upon us and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, it can be easy to forget the small local businesses that keep our community thriving. We are so lucky in Vermont to have so many wonderful local businesses to meet anyone’s shopping list – what’s better than being able to support our local economy and buy thoughtful gifts that will light up everyone's faces on your list?
Gift Basket with Local Vermont Favorites
When you think of quality, local Vermont products the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is maple syrup, cheese, and of course craft beer. One of my favorite gift ideas, especially for out-of-state family and friends, is creating a personalized gift basket with various local Vermont products. Because everyone loves Cheese, I usually start with some local cheese from either Cabot or Dakin Farm mixed with some meats from Vermont Smoke & Cure.
For those on my list with a sweet tooth – I always add chocolates from Lake Champlain Chocolates and maple syrup from Runamok Maple (the sparkle syrup is always a hit).
I like to finish off my gift baskets with some local craft beer based on the receiver. People are always thrilled to receive any of the local brews we’ve gifted. A few favorites especially for non-locals Heady Topper from The Alchemist or Sip of Sunshine from Lawsons Finest Liquids.
Gifts to Keep them Warm
Vermont Winters can be so long and cold that a gift everyone appreciates is something to keep them warm and cozy. They’ll think of you every time they wear them! You can’t go wrong with a gift from Vermont Flannel Company whether it’s a nice shirt, blanket, or pajamas! While socks may seem like a lackluster gift – there is nothing disappointing about receiving a pair of Darn Tough Socks Christmas morning. Made with Merino Wool, their socks are not only warm and cozy but are manufactured with sustainability in mind and have a lifetime guarantee! Skida is another local Vermont brand that you can’t go wrong when gifting - perfect for any outdoor enthusiast on your list! I like to pair socks from Darn Tough with a nice hat from Skida as a gift to keep them warm from their head to their toes!
For the Home
Beautifully crafted, handmade products are always an appreciated gift. Bennington Potters have been a local favorite since 1948 with each piece of stoneware carefully crafted and unique – no two pieces are exactly alike! The Trigger Mug is a popular favorite and a great piece to get anyone started on a collection. Simon Pearce is another company that makes beautiful, handcrafted products. Guaranteed to wow anyone on your list and manufactured with environmental sustainability in mind by using hydroelectricity, solar polar, and thoughtful packaging.
Experience Gifts
You can never go wrong with giving the gift of an experience and family time together. For families, gift certificates to the Echo Center or Shelburne Farms are a great way to support local businesses and give the gift of memories and educational fun for the whole family! It’s no secret that the restaurant business has been hit hard by the pandemic the last year or so, purchasing a Gift Card to a local favorite provides you the ability to support that restaurant and gift someone an evening out and a break from cooking.