A Little Bit About a Lot of Things

I am all about shopping local and shopping small. In the fall I headed over to the New England Made trade show to scope out some ideas for this holiday season. There is something for everyone: the foodie or the hostess, those who like something nautical or a little nostalgic. Take a look at my picks below. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any way for this post.

I had read about Black Dinah chocolates a while back, I remember the article in Boston Magazine. I thought to myself, I’d really like to try them…and then promptly forgot. I was excited to rediscover them. Based out of Maine, Black Dinah uses single origin chocolate and uses local cream and butter. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are quite delicious too. They have truffle assortments and lots of barks to choose from. Such a wonderful hostess gift or buy some for yourself (I won’t tell).

The True North Granola company is based out of Vermont and was founded by two educators, Ingrid and Franklin Chrisco. They make 12 varieties of granola in flavors like cherry vanilla pecan, ginger pineapple, coconut, apricot and maple vanilla. They have 5 gluten free granolas and they are all handmade in small batches using only the finest ingredients.

Rock Maple Syrup is based out of Enosburg, VT and is 100% pure, certified organic. This would make a great hostess gift – something that your host may not splurge on themselves, but will enjoy as a gift!

I am definitely not an energy bar kind of gal. That being said, these are pretty tasty, and not super sweet, which I liked. O.W.L energy bars are from Brattleboro, VT and are non-GMO, gluten and dairy free. What’s in them? Gluten free oats, raw honey, peanut butter, fruits, nuts and organic dark chocolate. Stock up, they have a 6 month shelf life, and come in full and mini (100 calorie) sizes.

MARBL Chocolates is a Massachusetts company that makes tasty treats. Their style and packaging is on the simpler side, but their flavors will leave you coming back for more. Not to be missed are the peanut butter cups – you may love Reese’s, but these are the better, more grown up version.

Runamok Maple makes infused, smoked and barrel aged syrups. They’re based in Northern Vermont and make some of the best syrups I’ve tried. Flavors include: Bourbon Barrel-Aged, Rum Barrel-Aged, Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged, Cardamom Infused, Cinnamon+Vanilla Infused, Elderberry Infused, Ginger Root Infused, Hibiscus Infused, Makrut Lime-Leaf Infused, Merquén Infused, Pecan Wood Smoked, and Sugarmaker’s Cut.

Cake and Islands is based in Dennis Port, MA and makes this adorable sea glass candy. Flavors include: Ocean Blues (blackberry/key lime), Nantucket Sunset (lemonade/mango/pomegranate), Monomoy Cranberry, Sandy Neck Sandbar (blueberry/apple), Brewster In Bloom (tangerine/grapefruit), Truro Treasures (cotton candy/passion fruit), Chappaquiddick Cherry  , Ptown Pink (strawberry kiwi), Girls’ Night Out (mojito/apple martini/mango margarita), Chatham Lighthouse (pear/apricot), Beachcomber (watermelon/pineapple), and Dennis Port Dunes (guava)

Bootblack Brand, out of Barrington, RI, mades small batch complex syrups for the home cocktail enthusiast in your life. There are three flavors available: classic citrus tonic, cranberry jalapeño lime and ginger cardamom lime.

Benoit’s Design Co is based out of Westbrook, ME and laser cuts a wide variety of home decor products from glassware and cutting boards to coasters and wall art. I love those buoy coasters and have my eye on the etched mason glasses.

I think these candles by Heleka would make beautiful hostess gifts or even gifts to your best gal pals. The 12 oz soy candles come in fragrances like: winter forest camomile, pineapple sage, blueberry pancakes and apple harvest – to name a few.

For the shellfish lover in your life, how about one of these beautiful mussel shell pendants. Artist Danielle Gerber, from Portland, ME, finds shells on the coast of Maine – those used for earrings are found intact, so they are the perfect pair. The shells are resin coated and come in a natural, gold, silver or copper back.

Photon Fabrications makes great laser cut gifts, choose from their designs or create a custom one of your own. These cute games in tins caught my eye, and would be perfect for trips with kids.

How cute is this pouch?

Based out of Newburyport, Todder makes fine leather goods that you may have seen in places like Kiel James Patrick. Bracelets, belts, keychains and even things for your four legged friends.

I’ve known about the Salty Cottage for some time now. I found her shop on Etsy and bought myself quite a few pillows for myself on holiday. The North Shore based company makes beautiful pillows that are hand stitched and made from wool blend felt, recycled fabric felt, canvas and linen. Not only are they great to look at, but they are super comfortable! They scream New England with their classic labs and ski designs. I have a more nautical themed set at home.

How great are these Hunter boots?

I love these cards – perfect in their simplicity and quite clever. The line of cards, inspired by her labs, cover all holidays and occasions. Check them out at Ellie Bellie Designs.

Holidays are about traditions. These adorable candle holders would be the perfect way to start a new birthday tradition in your family. Hampshire Pewter hand casts ornaments, home decor items, jewelry and more. What I love about their ornaments is that the front and the back are different (which is hard to come by these days).

Such a great hostess gift or for someone maybe who has moved out of town. Bedrock Tree Farm is located in Wakefield, RI, uses the fir needles from their clippings (they are a Christmas tree farm) to give their products (candles too) the authentic smell of Christmas. Usually I am pretty fussy about scented soaps and candles, but these are clean and fresh, not overpowering at all.

Tags: gift guide, holiday