Though holiday shopping this year will be a little different, it gives us a chance to explore unique gift destinations. Avoiding holiday crowds is a great excuse to seek out less-trafficked “diamonds in the rough.” that will communicate your resourcefulness and sentiments to everyone on your gift list.
Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify hours of operations by contacting the businesses directly.
1. Half Price Books
Books don’t need to be expensive to be amazing. This new/used book dealer will buy your old books and let you convert the credit into new ones. Readers love browsing this shop for its unique selection and dedication to reading as a passion.
They have the latest bestsellers as well as niche-interest and a great kids’ section. You can also find video games, graphic novels, collectibles, and DVDs. Unique discovery: they have donated more than a million books to local charities.
2. Take Root Country Store
Prepare for your rustic inner child to appear. This house-turned-store has all the country-craft homespun seasonal items you could imagine. Scented mason jar candles and holly waft the air, and burlap sack stuffed animals and hand-crafted plush snowmen greet you.
Distressed wood furniture and trees adorned with all manner of country-made ornaments will draw you in for a good holiday browsing. Even if “he” stays in the car while “she” shops, expect that he’ll eventually venture inside when curiosity overwhelms.
3. The Woodshed Design and Boutique
A homespun boutique featuring multiple artisans, this shop is named for the hometown fan section of their high school football field. Delightful finds include homemade candles, hand-sewn shawls, knit hats, and ceramics. There are separate areas dedicated to individual artists.
Shop big and decorate a room or whole house, or just browse small with a hand-scripted pithy-quote mug or refrigerator magnet. Truly unique discovery: Glitter Chimp mason jars of beautiful glitter (yes, the sparkly stuff) for whatever occasion.
4. Silver in the City
Every bit of modern-day cute, kitsch, and crafty witty is packed into this space. Caution: this is one of those stores where you’ll get lost browsing all the wonderful, colorful, and clever items. Then you’ll definitely buy something because you can’t not.
Laugh at the cleverest gift cards. Marvel at craftsperson mastery of paper sculpture in unique light fixtures. Ache to buy every piece of hippy-inspired jewelry and adornment. Treasured find: tiny wood-cut David Bowie earrings. Yeah, it’s that kind of shop.
5. Christmas Tree Shops
Be prepared: this is half holiday shop, half home goods discount retailer. You’ll discover enough trees, wreaths, ornaments, and plush Santas to decorate a mansion for the holidays. Then you’ll find enough discount-priced furniture, rugs, and wall hangings that you’ll wish you had a second mansion for the rest of the year.
Shoppers seek this store out to shop for Christmas, then get engrossed in the huge selection of everything else. Pro tip: grab a coupon flyer at the door for additional savings.
These five favorite finds could be a single-day’s marathon circuit (with lunch somewhere in the middle) or they could be spread out over five separate days. Either way, you’ll need your car for the journey. Contact Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today to see what kind of new ride might make this hidden-gem holiday tour even more rewarding.
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