This year I’m highlighting small, local businesses in this gift guide because that’s who needs our support the most! Most of these shops are female owned/operated and, of course, it’s a diverse group of entrepreneurs.
Candles from Savvy Cocoas
You guys have probably heard me raving about my friend Savannah and her sensational Savvy Cocoa’s candles! These are the only candles I’ll buy anymore. She makes them right here in Boston by hand and the scents are dynamic, unique, and not overpowering. Some of my favorites this season at Campfire Bae, Dapper Bae, and Boss Bae. But honestly, you can’t go wrong. She’s exceptionally talented.
Face Mask from Pirouette
I met Melissa Lorenzo-Hervé, the owner of the Pirouette fashion brand when I interviewed her for The Bay State Banner. The brand uses stylish and intelligent designs to make clothes that make women’s lives easier. For example, a skirt with a zipper slit that can be kept down for work and zipped open for date night. During COVID-19 they’ve started manufacturing face masks. They’ve been a lifesaver for me! The thin wire keeps my glasses from fogging up at all, I’ve been successfully wearing them to the gym and, well, everywhere. For the holidays they’re offering special gift sets with a matching masks and gloves, a perfect, pulled-together pandemic look!
2021 Reads from All She Wrote Books
I almost exclusively shop with independent bookstores these days and All She Wrote Books in Somerville is spectacular! They specialize in female, queer, and POC authors, the books that aren’t generally celebrated. On top of the great selection, the owner Christina is very, very helpful. She’ll talk through reads with you and help you find the perfect book for your tastes (or the person you’re buying for!). The above title is by a local author as well, double local support.
Honorable Mention: Brookline Booksmith, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, and Harvard Bookstore are my two other local picks for books.
Wine and Liquor from The Wine Press
The wonderful humans who run The Wine Press (a local wine and liquor shop with locations in Brookline and Fenway) have saved my life time and time again. They are so knowledgeable and friendly and their stock is expanding all the time. There are several things I love about The Wine Press. First of all they have a huge selection of natural wines, which isn’t something most local liquor stores feature. They also offer a lot of local liquor brands, including this brandy that’s produced in Western, MA. The On The Rocks bottle is a pre-made cocktail, all you have to do is serve it over ice. I think that’s so, so handy for BYOB restaurants, picnics, or for cocktails that require a lot of ingredients.
A great gift idea from The Wine Press is a subscription to their monthly box delivery. These wines are curated by sommeliers from local restaurants and sourced from The Wine Press’s impressive collection.
A Knitting Class from Third Piece
Recently I took a virtual knitting class with Third Piece and I’m ADDICTED. I’m now knitting every night while watching a movie. The classes were very informative and you can order a kit with all the supplies from Third Piece that they ship to your house. It makes it very easy to learn a fun new skill. Their classes come in a variety of levels, from beginner making scarves and headbands to more advanced making sweaters and using complex patterns. In addition to various knitting lessons they also make and sell their own line of handmade high end fashion, and knitting and crochet supplies.
Truffles and Almonds from Cacao
I’m a chocolate and truffle person myself, but what I love about Cacao in Jamaica Plain is that you can get a box of delectable truffles, and something like these cinnamon dusted almonds for the bizarre people who aren’t into chocolate. They also have dried fruit and raw nuts, for the healthy eaters. In the chocolate department you can pick up bonbons, chocolate bark, chocolate covered fruit, you name it.
Honorable Mention: My other favorite shops for chocolate are Beacon Hill Chocolates and Hilliards Candy.
Natural Skincare Products from Follain
I’m hopeless when it comes to makeup but I love a good skincare product! And the great thing about gifting skincare is that everyone can use it. Follain is a brand born and based in Boston (woman owned) that produces and sources all natural skincare. With these products you know that you’re getting something effective and nontoxic, which can’t be said for most standard brands. Above I have the pure shea butter in the gold tin that’s delicate enough to be used on your face and this facial oil from Organic Bath Company, another woman and black owned business Boston business.
Divine Scents from Atlantic Soap Company
I’m so happy I discovered Atlantic Soap Company this year! Based on the Cape, this small shop hand makes artisanal soaps in the most magical scents. This is a special Holiday Pack that includes a cranberry scent that’s been a huge hit, and has a nice connection to the Massachusetts cranberry bogs. These are not your grandmother’s fancy soaps. The scents are so contemporary and nuanced and I love the asymmetrical cuts and packaging, it’s presented like a modern art piece. The barrier of entry is also nice and low here, you can buy a single soap for just $11.
Comfortable Lingerie and Loungewear from Lively
Lively is technically based in New York but they are woman owned and Boston has one of just four in person stores and fit studios. Lively’s whole mission is to make bras that are actually comfortable for women while still looking fashionable and even sexy. And because it’s designed by women who know what the needs are, it works! The grey lace bra pictured above is not only gorgeous, it’s wire-free and supremely comfortable. Lively also offers swimwear, athletic wear, and loungewear based on the same principles. The loungewear set pictured above is so soft and luxurious to wear on the weekends, and the jogger pants are perfect for a petite person like myself who’s always hemming pajama pants.
Cards and Stationary from Rugg Road Paper Company
As you know, I’m a big sender of cards and letters. Rugg Road Paper Company in Beacon Hill is a local shop that provides a huge spectrum of paper goods. They also offer simple, custom stationary design for small events like birthday or anniversary parties. In a wonderful double support of local businesses, they feature cards by local artists. The one pictured above is by Ma Plume Calligraphy. These cards are often one-of-a-kind or handmade and they’re downright frame able.
*Please Note: I was provided with complimentary products by Lively, however, all opinions expressed are my own.