Holiday Shopping Spree: A Guide to Going Local
December 22, 2020
The lights are on in Ocean Park and that means the holiday season has officially begun! This year, we think it’s even more important to shop locally and support our retail businesses and artisans. And we’re happy to provide some shopping guidance to help your efforts.
If you’re hopping over to Oak Bluffs to see those lights, plan ahead and place an order for some delicious Enchanted Chocolates. Almond Butter Crunch anyone? In addition to curbside pick-up (with preorder), Enchanted Chocolates will ship to most states as well.
On Saturdays (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), you could also plan to stop in the Handworks Christmas Cottage, where there are new Martha’s Vineyard-themed ornaments and village pieces this year. The Cottage is also open by appointment, and you can order online as well. And don’t forget the most excellent destination for games, puzzles, kites and more: The Lazy Frog on Circuit Ave.
Pick up the wine, cheese, and other snacks you need for cozy family gatherings around the fire with a stop at Tony’s Market. Then stop by Jardin Mahoney to make sure you find something for the gardener on your holiday gift list.
A shopping trip to Edgartown should definitely be in your plans. The lighthouse (thanks to the folks at Martha’s Vineyard Museum) will be lit as usual on Friday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. If you plan to gather outside to watch the lighting, remember to wear a mask and practice social-distancing.
Your spirits will definitely be lifted just by browsing through Donaroma’s, where twinkling lights, holiday greenery, sparkling ornaments, and festive decorations create an atmosphere of joy and calm. And that’s all before you start your shopping! Pick up a pre-shopping latte at Espresso Love, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. And don’t forget to walk down to Stefanie Wolf Designs on N. Water St. where you’ll find something for nearly everyone on your list — including yourself (fair warning!).
Over in Tisbury, the fun begins at Tisbury Toy Box, where you can pick out games and toys for the kids on your list, or ask for curbside pickup by browsing the inventory online. Need help with just the right gift? Give the store a call.
In town, Rainy Day feels cozier than ever with linens, dishes, Vineyard-themed gifts, kids’ outfits, gifts for men, and more. Always a popular holiday destination, this is a great place to check off many names on your list. Then pop across the street to the Green Room, the perennial favorite in town for both adult clothing and surfing gear, as well as shoes, boots, hats, scarves and gifts like Yeti coolers.
For unique and beautiful gifts including ceramics, glasswear, and Fair trade foods like pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and tahini, visit Olive Branch Fair Trade in the Woodland Center.
If you’re looking for a Vineyard-made gift but don’t want to venture into a store, visit the new Island shopping site, marthasvineyardmade.com. From soaps to cutting boards, eye pillows to sea salt, the variety of Island-made gifts is inspiring, and gift boxes are available, too (featured photo).
Other unique holiday gift ideas include a membership to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum or one of dozens of discounted gift certificates offered in Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank’s unique Lift Certificate program, which was set up to help businesses during this pandemic year.
Or why not give yourself the gift of better health, better posture, or less back pain with any number of services or products from Vineyard Complementary Medicine? And speaking of gifts for yourself, the Chatham Refinishing company has dozens of ways to improve your indoor and outdoor spaces; winter is a perfect time to start dreaming.
And don’t forget that you’ve still got a chance to participate in the online auction for a low-number Martha’s Vineyard license plate to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. The next auction runs from December 9 to December 13.
For additional holiday gift ideas, check out The Vine’s Holiday Gift Guide issue and the Vineyard Gazette’s Holiday Catalog, both available at all Vineyard Gazette vendor outlets.
Have a warm and peaceful holiday!
Photo of Stefanie Wolf jewelry by Jeanna Shepard.
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