Back to all posts

Gift Giving Ideas Vol. 1

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Sue Hoxie, Better Middlebury Partnership

Sometimes we lament as to what we can’t get in Middlebury. Sure, there are a few things (mostly those that plug into an outlet) that require a trip to Burlington or Rutland or with a few clicks arrive at your front door.

This is the first in a series of four blogs with gift suggestions that can be purchased locally.  We’ll start with the ladies, and subsequent blogs between now and Christmas will offer suggestions for men, kids and home. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, as I was, at the wide variety of choices right on Main Street. Perception versus reality perhaps…

One thing that amused me while researching was all the SOCKS!! With a few exceptions such as the stationery, kitchen supply and game stores, there are enough socks to outfit every foot in the 05753 zip code!

Come downtown during the day or one of the Midd Night Strolls (December 5 & 12) when stores are open late. You can’t appreciate the softness of cashmere, the scent of locally made soaps or the shimmer of new jewelry from your computer screen.

Ladies first!

If the woman in your life is introspective, perhaps a new journal. Thoughtful? How about some pretty note cards. Organized? Buy her a 2020 calendar or datebook. Artistic? Main Street Stationery has all sorts of art supplies, paints, brushes, pens, pencils, canvases and sketch pads. If she wraps all the gifts—there’s paper, cards and bags.

Another way to think about paper is the printed word…Vermont Book Shop (on Main Street or within Stone Mill Market) can make recommendations or what about a new cookbook from Kiss the Cook? We have two well respected used bookstores in our midst—Otter Creek Used Books (Marble Works) and Monroe Street Books (Route 7, not on Monroe Street).

Does your wife, mother, girlfriend or daughter (you get the idea) trust your fashion sense? Wild Mountain Thyme has a full line of clothing—sweaters, dresses, tops, bottoms, dainties—and socks. Do you have party to attend? Mendy’s carries beautiful party clothes in addition to casualwear, jeans—and a few pairs of socks. Inside Mendy’s is the Perfect Shoe Boutique, kind of a store within a store, which offers a variety of quality shoe brands.  Middlebury has several used clothing stores (Neat Repeats, Round Robin, Buy Again Alley, HOPE) whose inventory is primarily women’s. Green Mountain Adventures has a great selection of casual clothing as well as hats, coats, base layers, Skida products…oh, and SOCKS! Or you could go the safe route and buy a gift certificate at most of these stores or purchase some Middlebury Money.

What about sparkly and shiny things? Middlebury is fortunate to have Autumn Gold, a full-service jeweler who can design a custom piece or show you a beautiful estate jewelry. Danforth Pewter has lovely earrings and necklaces, as well as hair barrettes and zipper pulls (great stocking stuffer!). Stone Mill, Sweet Cecily and Edgewater Gallery also offer handmade jewelry from a variety of artists.

Make her feel pampered and more beautiful with products (hair, skin, hands) or gift certificates from one of Middlebury’s salons and spas. Parlour, ProSkin Studio and Waterfalls Day Spa all have special deals on gift certificate purchases during the month of December.

See what I mean about all the options available right here? No need to drive up or down Route 7. Head downtown, patronize your local merchants and you’ll probably run into an old friend or two. Take a few minutes to catch up and wish them a Happy Holiday.

Related Posts

Experience

Video: Ralph Myhre Golf Course

This beautiful, challenging and fun course is a perfect way to enjoy a Vermont summer day. Visit http://www.ralphmyhregolfcourse.com for more information and to book…

Shop

Addison West

Monique Bonner from Addison West, a new home decor, design and lifestyle store on Main Street in Middlebury, gives a short tour of some of…

Shop

11th Hour Botanical Wellness

Jenn Buker welcomes you to 11th Hour Botanical Wellness & Spa-fé at the Marble Works in Middlebury. What exactly is a Spa-fé? It’s a combination…