Ho, ho, yeahhhh! Here it is, the 2019 Unlocking Connecticut Holiday Gift Guide A-Z! Ideas for everyone on your list, while keeping it local. ♡
Don’t forget, most of these stores have extended holiday hours and exceptional gift wrapping services. Reach that goal of being the best gift giver this year!
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa – Ridgefield + Southbury
A spa session is always a welcome gift! Right now, for every $175 in gift cards you purchase at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, you’ll receive an additional $25 gift card. They also have verrry cute accessories boutiques. Offer good through December 31st.
Adore – Mystic
Shop the sophisticated French brand Cire Trudon at Adore. Cire Trudon dates back to 1643 and is the oldest continuously operating candlemaker in the world! They recently released seven perfumes in spray bottles and a five sample gift box and Adore has them.
Arethusa Dairy – Bantam + New Haven
Yum to the “Triple Crown” cheeseboard! It features 1/3 lb of three of Arethusa Dairy’s award-winning cheeses: Europa, Tapping Reeve, and the Arethusa Blue (the cutting board is also included for a total of $75). Available online and in both their New Haven and Bantam retail locations.
Bantam Tileworks – Bantam
How about a mantel filled with these handmade trees? Great teacher gifts too! The Bantam Tileworks distinct glaze and print can be found on ornaments, vases, trays, mugs, and more. Fresh out of the kiln – and everything is made on-site!
Becca Rose Wellness – Mystic
Know anyone who could use the gift of journaling? The clear quartz pen (made in Groton) helps to set intentions as they’re written. Becca Rose Wellness is loaded with items to encourage your spiritual journey and personal growth.
Bella Luna Gifts – Morris
Bella Luna Gifts will put you in the holiday spirit, no doubt about it. This place is like a warm hug! It’s also filled with a ton of fun, useful, and memorable gifts for everyone. Enjoy the beautiful drive to Morris too!
Blue Star Bazaar – Wilton
Pouches + bags = always appreciated and needed. Especially if they’re these cute neoprene bags! Blue Star Bazaar is a great spot to find fashionable casual clothes, great jeans, and girly gifts for women and children.
Byrde + the b – Washington Depot
Byrde + the b (where you’ll find us getting our hair done!) is offering our readers 3 packages at special “mention Unlocking CT” prices. Handsome Afternoon – holiday price $100. Hair Makeover – $365, and Beautiful Morning. Gratuity not included.
C. Billings Home & Design – Sherman
Everyone can use a canvas tote! These beauties are ethically manufactured in India, comes in assorted sizes, and make great travel bags. Visit C. Billings Home & Design for more worldly gift ideas, both new and vintage.
C.P. Farmhouse – Litchfield
We want them all. Besides adorable felt animals, C.P. Farmhouse is filled with Amish-made furniture and two floors of country and farmhouse home decor and gifts. Watch out, you may end up browsing for a couple of hours!
David Jewelers – Watertown
This family-run jewelry store in business for 43 years has a great collection of nicely priced gifts for your favorite niece or girlfriend. These cute pouches are all under $20. And the Katie Loxton jewelry collection for girls is truly adorable.
Eyes on Litchfield – Litchfield
Eyes on Litchfield has a global collection of eyewear from hot designers near and far. Denmark, Italy, France, Spain, Boston, and beyond. Why be like everyone else? You’re going to see and feel better after a visit to our favorite optometrist Dr. Tommasina and her awesome staff.
Fairfield County Antique and Design – Norwalk
Fairfield County Antique and Design is a multi-dealer antique and design center. There are over 26 dealer “rooms” to peruse, in all styles of furnishings, art, jewelry, and vintage clothing accessories. Something for everyone has never been truer!
Forsythia Skin Care Studio – Woodbury
Take it from us, anyone would love the gift of a facial at Forsythia Skin Care Studio. Try the hydro jelly mask! From now until December 24, 2019, mention us and buy one Luxury Signature Facial and get the second 50% off. Savings of $87.50!
Grace Medical Aesthetics – Southbury
Grace Medical Aesthetics is offering our readers a Silk Peel Dermalinfusion facial for $99, regularly priced $175 (buy before 12/30/19, 1 per person). Silk Peels are ideal for all skin types and are gentle enough to be done before events for a nice “holiday glow.”
Hue Studio – Litchfield
Give the gift of a unique art class with Jennifer Sabella at the Hue Studio in Litchfield or book a larger party at your own venue/home. Jennifer teaches the palette knife techniques she uses in her own work. Create your own masterpiece!
John’s Cafe – Woodbury
For every $100 gift card you purchase at John’s Cafe (the best pasta far and wide) you’ll receive a $20 voucher to use at a later date. Bonus: take a photo of the gift card or meal, tag @johnscafe693main on Instagram and follow them to be entered to win a dinner for 4, plus wine pairing. Winner announced New Year’s Day.
Jooj Boutique – Mystic
For gifts that sparkle, shine, and make a statement, Jooj Boutique is where it’s at! JOOJ jewelry is a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces made with fine metals and precious and semi-precious gemstones and beads. Cute accessories, clothes, shoes, and purses. Swoon!
Litchfield Distillery – Litchfield
For the craft spirit lover, a classy Litchfield Distillery gift box. Or, a bottle of one of their 11 Batcher’s series of distinctive spirits. We’re big fans of the apple vodka this time of year! Also, the Bourbon Barrel Maple syrup is heaven!
Little Bee of Connecticut
The Little Bee of Connecticut gift tower combines three of the Southbury based business’ most popular items in one beautiful package. Includes a body salve, beeswax votive, and lip balm. The price is right, and we suggest buying a few to have on hand!
New Beauty & Wellness – Westport
Give the gift of relaxation and renewal with a gift certificate from New Beauty & Wellness in Westport. For extra convenience, you can order online and print it at home, or have them mail it to the lucky recipient. No stress for anyone at this state of the art luxury spa!
Nutmeg Olive Oil – New Milford
Pretty sure everyone loves oil and vinegar! You can’t go wrong with a gift from Nutmeg Olive Oil. They can customize a basket to suit any budget, and have plenty of grab and gift baskets ready to go! Loving this Italian themed basket of goodies.
Paparazzi Boutique – Watertown
A hot seller from Paparazzi Boutique is the Alashan 100% pure luxury cashmere dress topper. It comes in 2 styles (with or without a ruffle) and is cute on everyone! Works casually with jeans and looks great over a dress too.
R. Derwin Clothiers – Litchfield
An abundance of elegant gifts can be found at R. Derwin Clothiers in Litchfield. Whatever you choose from the men’s or women’s store (side by side) will be timeless, luxurious, and gift wrapped beyond your highest expectations.
Revv Fitness – Southbury
Revv Fitness is a shiny new gym in Southbury that we’ve recently discovered. We tried the MX4 small group training and LOVED it. Mention Unlocking CT when you purchase an MX4 10-pack and you’ll get 10% off the $200 price.
Saybrook Home – Old Saybrook
Funky Rock Designs found at Saybrook Home are made from all-natural stones found along the coast of New England. They’re individually drilled to create lamps, beverage dispensers, candle holders, and many other unique products. And like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike!
Shop Cathy B – Woodbury
Go here for your next glam outfit or to find a little something for your fashionista friend. Shop Cathy B is a treasure trove of smokin’ clothes, the best jeans, chic gifts, so many awesome purses, and a super soft baby collection too!
Swank on Bank – New Milford
Swank on Bank has been putting together Insta-ready outfits for 14 years. This women’s clothing boutique has cute ponchos, berets, THE softest sherpa fleeces, plus irresistible jewelry and accessories; all ready to gift wrap or ship!
Terston – Kent
The Uno de 50 collection from Madrid can be found exclusively in Litchfield County at Terston. This must-visit store has another awesome collection of holiday gifts this year. We spotted great guy gifts, Oprah faves, and fun socks!
The Hen’s Nest – Washington Depot
This delightful store has unique, handcrafted, and mostly locally made gifts of art. Jewelry, sculptures, ceramic pieces, cute knitted accessories, woodwork…it’s well worth a visit and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price tags!
The Hidden Acorn – Woodbury
The Hidden Acorn is a great combination of restored furniture, antiques, collectibles, decorative pieces, and supplies to do your own projects, plus classes. And recently, a destination to get Melissa + Doug toys for the kids!
TrailHeads
TrailHeads is a Kent based online retailer of performance hats, gloves, and related accessories for runners + outdoor enthusiasts. Ponytail headbands for the marathon mom and helmet friendly headbands for the kids. Use code UNLOCKING10 and you’ll receive a 10% discount and free shipping.
WEST – Westport
For the most stylish of female friends, WEST is where you go for seriously fabulous, nobody-else-will-have-it clothing! As they say, if Chanel and Jimi Hendrix had a daughter…you’d have WEST. C’mon Santa!
WKND – Warren
WKND is a modern lifestyle shop for men and women. Shop for the guy in your life who appreciates a really cute shirt when he sees one, and grab a new wknd outfit for you. They also have a ton of accessories and gifty things!
Woodbury Barns and Farm – Woodbury
Woodbury Barns and Farm for a luxurious B+B getaway? Yes, please! Guests visiting the 20-acre premiere destination can shop antiques and the gift boutique on-site, and in the near future, enjoy a cup of tea in the tea room and so many more exciting things coming soon!
Ze best sweatshirt around…
Know any Unlocking Connecticut friends out there who would like a cozy sweatshirt that can slip off the shoulder, Flashdance style? Head here to purchase this or our popular trucker hat!
2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Words: Bev/Photos: Lora (unless noted)
fantastic!
Thank you! xx
This is so great!!! I love shopping local and now know new places to go. Xo
Thanks for the many local shopping ideas!! LOVE IT!!!
❤️