This year, shop Niantic for all your holiday needs! You’ll find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts, tasty treats and special gift cards to delight even your most hard-to-buy-for loved ones.
Our local businesses are working hard to offer items and services that might just make the perfect gift for someone special in your life. In fact, the shop elves have been working round the clock to bring in new items and gift ideas for you.
At Grace, soft and cozy women’s apparel in warm colors and brand new styles abounds. Ladies, you can even pick out a festive holiday outfit here. You’ll find baby apparel, books and accessories, as well as jewelry, gloves, hats and scarves for women. Check out the gorgeous books they offer on all kinds of topics from baking to drink-making, decorative items for your home and so much more!
With recent renovations to their space, Bayberries Fine Gifts has made more room for a wider selection of stylish sweaters, outerwear and accessories for women – think fleece and flannel – perfect for New England winters. You can also find great kitchenware here including towels with fun sayings and the Mud Pie brand of serving dishes. Check out their nautical-themed Christmas decorations. And they still have their great selection of greeting cards. Only found here, the Scout brand offers all sizes of durable and lightweight bags, perfect for trips to the beach or out on the boat.
Smith’s Acres has you covered with their extensive offering of Christmas trees, greenery and decorative bows to get your home cozy for the holidays. When you stop in, don’t be surprised if you pick up a gift or two as well.
Anna Pearl’s Curiosities features one-of-a-kind estate items including vintage jewelry, clothing and accessories. “Giving something a new life is special in its own right,” says owner Anastasia Egan, who shares her passion for unique, well-loved items. Here, you’ll find the details and quality workmanship you’ve been looking for – at all price levels.
Azalea offers an eclectic mix of gorgeous items for your home from serving dishes, platters and bowls to useful, beautifully crafted utensils. Shop for stocking stuffers here, too, where you’ll find ornaments, soaps, candles and more. They’re the only shop in town that sells locally produced – and delicious – Nightingale Honey. You’ll find women’s one-of-a-kind apparel in Azalea, too, along with clothes and environmentally friendly toys for the little ones in your life. New this year are lined, soft and supple leather gloves for both men and women.
If it’s a beachy vibe you’re looking for, head over to Coastal Gifts on Main. They offer clothing for all sizes and ages featuring their fun Coastal Crab logo. Other items bear the logo, too – hats, glasses and more. While there, check out their wooden beach neighborhood signs and framed sea glass art. Lots of ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers here. Their Niantic sweatshirts are super comfortable and come in a variety of great colors.
At Olde Red Saltbox, you never know what you might find. Their impressive selection of antique tools is sure to conjure up fond memories for many. You’ll also find unique and old-timey Santas, snowmen, wooden signs, ornaments and more. You’ll even find unique handmade jewelry here.
While we’re on the subject of holidays past, you won’t want to miss the The Silver Skate. Located at Past to Present On the Corner, this is a seasonal pop-up holiday shop, so don’t miss this opportunity to stop in and pick up something nostalgic from their wide-array of ornaments and decorations.
And let’s not forget that we have a record store in town (not that anyone could!) Tumbleweeds is our downtown mainstay for a wide array of records and fun apparel with music and 60s vibes. Bring your list of sought after records, and the staff will be happy to help you. They also have an extensive array of Niantic apparel.
When you’re stuffing those stockings, include homemade fudge, chocolates and nostalgic candies from Gumdrops & Lollipops – sure to delight all ages! New this year are their hot chocolate bombs. These make fun gifts and are made onsite with love in flavors like peppermint and salted caramel. Place one in your mug and add a cup of warm milk. Then sit back and watch the magic happen!
Knitters and crocheters are easy to mark off your list since Niantic is home to a boutique knitting shop, the KnittyGrittyYarnGirl. The unique shop brings “yarn to the people” with fashionable kits, fabulous yarns and fun times.
Don’t forget The Book Barn. Their team is on hand to help you select just the right book for that special person. They have gift cards on hand, too.
Pick up a Grota Solna gift card for the unique experience of relaxing in a Himalayan salt cave. While there, check out their gift shop where you’ll find unique items for soothing and healing.
For families with little kiddos, give the gift of fun at the Niantic Children’s Museum. Gift cards bought at the museum can be used for museum membership or items at the gift shop.
And for your furry friends and family members, Paw Print Pantry features toys, accessories, healthy treats and more to meet all your pet’s needs.
Shop local and support our small businesses to find that perfect item to let your loved ones know you care. Wherever you go, you’ll be greeted with the best seasonal sounds and aromas, sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
P.S. And don’t forget to stop in for a gift card to one (or two, or three, or more…) of our delicious eateries for that foodie on your list.
About Our Main Street Blogger:
Joanne lives in, and loves, our community. She was looking for an opportunity to help share all that our local businesses do to make East Lyme such a special place to call home, and she is excited to contribute to our blog. Joanne brings to the role her experience from New London Main Street where she contributed content to their website, newsletters and email communications for many years.