Sue Hoxie, Better Middlebury Partnership
If you’ve successfully navigated the Elf on the Shelf thing and dodged kids’ questions about how it’s possible that there are multiple Santa sightings in Middlebury on the same day—then, you’ve got this! Finding the right gift for the child in your life should be a piece of cake. And, there’s plenty to choose from in Middlebury.
If you’re looking for educational toys and arts & crafts supplies, Main Street Stationery is your stop. For littler kids, head next door to Sweet Cecily. Nancie has stocked up on organic cotton onesies, toys, bibs and bowls. There are aprons and utensils in-pocket (adorbs!) for young, aspiring chefs. For someone a little more mature and a bit adventurous, there’s a wide selection of faux tattoos. A few doors farther south on Main Street, stop into Danforth Pewter. There are tic-tac-toe boards and sturdy pewter baby cups. Over the last few years I’ve purchased several “baby’s first Christmas” ornaments and had them engraved with names and birthdates.
Wild Mountain Thyme has puzzles, soft stuffed animals and lots of clothes—mostly for 18 months and younger. If you’re looking for a cool t-shirt, stop into Vermont’s Own Products for Vermont-themed shirts or Forth ‘N Goal for Middlebury College-branded merchandise in baby, toddler and youth sizes.
If your aspiring chef needs more than an apron, check out Kiss the Cook on Merchants Row. They stock fun Popsicle molds, bento boxes for lunchroom chic, cookie cutters galore or a child-appropriate knife set so they can become expert kitchen helpers.
Has your child been nice? How about a new bicycle! Frog Hollow Bikes carries several brands of kids bikes to fit a variety of ages and budgets. And farther afield, but still within Middlebury’s confines, there’s a wide array of locally made wooden toys to be had at Maple Landmark or fill their stockings with candy from Middlebury Sweets.
While you’re out shopping, don’t forget those less fortunate. Through a donation to HOPE you can make the holidays bright for Addison County children. Donate a new, unwrapped toy, article of clothing, book, or gift for a child in need at one of HOPE’s local designated drop-off sites or bring items directly to HOPE’s main office, Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, 282 Boardman Street in Middlebury.