Maine Gifts
FOR THE FOOD LOVER
FROM ONE FOODIE TO ANOTHER, GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FOOD LOVERS ON YOUR LIST
BY SARAH WALKER CARON
Shopping
for the food lover in your life? Maine offers so many excellent experiences and options for gifting. Here are a few that might just be the perfect fit.
EXPERIENCE A COOKING CLASS TOGETHER
I am a huge fan of experiential gifts that encourage the receiver to do something together with the giver or another loved one. That’s why cooking classes top my list of excellent Maine food gifts. And there are some pretty awesome options.
COOKING AND BAKING CLASSES
BRAVO MAINE
559 Brighton Ave., Portland
From French pastries to sushi, cooking classes at this post often teach a fromscratch method for making delightful food stuffs. Prices vary, but start at around $80 per person.
BRAVOMAINE.COM
COOKING AND TASTING CLASSES
MAINE TASTING CENTER
506 Old Bath Road, Wiscasset
This Maine food hub is serving up classes on everything from mocktail mixology to cheesemaking on the regular for the foodcurious young and old. That means there’s something to sign up for often. Prices for cooking classes vary, but start at around
$35 per person. There’s also tasting and other food-based experiences available through the center.
MAINETASTINGCENTER.COM
THEMED COOKING CLASSES
SALT WATER FARM
Salt Water Farm Road, Lincolnville
Looking for a more immersive experience? Salt Water Farm in Lincolnville offers indepth classes on subjects like cooking over fire, pie making, and modern country cooking. Participants can also book accommodations on the farm if desired. Classes are $250 per person.
SALTWATERFARM.COM
PLAN A FINE DINING EXCURSION
When a colleague several years ago told me that he booked an amazing fine dining experience and overnight stay at one of Maine’s most sought-after restaurants to celebrate his wife’s birthday, I was taken by what a sweet gesture it was. And you can do the same. Here are a few restaurants that are all about the experience.
EARTH AT HIDDEN POND
354 Goose Rocks Road, Kennebunkport Open year round, Earth at Hidden Pond offers a luxury eating experience in a unique location. With three-course or four-course meals, wine tasting experiences, and private
dining options, you can customize the experience to your loved one. Prices start at $95 per person for the three-course meal.
EARTHATHIDDENPOND.COM
ARAGOSTA AT GOOSE COVE
300 Goose Cove Road, Deer Isle
With a variety of table options in settings like private greenhouses, a wine cellar, and more, Aragosta is all about the experience. Dining options include a summer tasting menu, prix fixe meals, and even an a la carte menu. You can also book an overnight stay. Gift cards are available as well, so you can give now and they can enjoy later. Prices vary but start at around $75 per person for the tasting menu.
ARAGOSTAMAINE.COM
SLATE
351 Lily Bay Road, Greenville
You don’t need to travel to southern Maine or the midcoast for a remarkable fine dining experience. Slate, which overlooks Moosehead Lake, offers a farm-to-table tasting menu in a beautiful northern Maine location. Recent menus have included foraged mushroom risotto, salmon gravlax, and more. The five-course tasting menu is $115 per person and gift certificates are available.
SLATERESTAURANT.COM
MAINE FOOD GIFTS
Looking to just give a taste of Maine? That’s a great way to share good food as well. Here are a few options to consider.
LOCAL CHEESES
Maine is fortunate to have many excellent cheesemakers throughout the state. Check specialty food stores like Rooster Brother (29 Main St., Ellsworth) or Salvatore and Roscia (94 Main St., Belfast) for some delightful options.
COOKWARE
Food lovers who love to cook adore receiving the gift of fine cookware. Stores like Now You’re Cooking (49 Front St., Bath) and The Good Table (68 Main St., Belfast) are excellent sources for gifts like this. So is Rooster Brother.
COOKBOOKS BY MAINE AUTHORS
Drop into your favorite Maine bookstore and inquire about local cookbooks. From “The Lost Kitchen” by Erin French to the “Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook” edited by Margaret Hathaway and Karl Schatz, there are many to choose from.
Fun Gifts for
FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS
HANDMADE AND
LOCALLY-
PRODUCED PRESENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS
BY AISLINN SARNACKI
I’mthe proud guardian of a dog and cat, and on Christmas, they each receive a gift bag filled with toys and treats. Mostly, the tradition is for my own enjoyment. But by the way both of my pets practically crawl inside the sparkly red-and-green bags, I can tell they enjoy it too.
Even if you don’t have pets that you pamper on the holidays, odds are you know someone who does. And I promise it’ll put a smile on their face if you bake their pup homemade treats or track down a locally-made toy for their beloved feline. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
HOMEMADE DOG AND CAT TREATS
Countless baked treat recipes are available on the internet and in cookbooks, so — if looking to keep costs low this holiday season — choose one that features several ingredients you already have in the pantry. For example, many baked dog treats include peanut butter, flour, eggs, applesauce, and carrots.
Add some cheer by using festive cookie cutters and packaging the treats in a holiday tin or decorated jar.
Remember: Some foods that are OK for humans are toxic for pets. Be sure to only use recipes from trusted sources. Double check that all of the ingredients are pet safe.
HOMEMADE DOG AND CAT TOYS
If you enjoy crafting, it may be fun to design and create a dog or cat toy. However, it’s important to select fabrics that are safe for animals to chew on. Natural materials such as cotton and hemp are preferable to plastics. Also, if the pet is an aggressive chewer, you’ll want to focus on durability.
The design doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, sometimes, the simpler the better. You can easily braid fabrics into a rope-like toy that has nooks and crannies for hiding small treats. Or you could sew a small pillow filled with catnip.
HOLIDAY HAZARDS
While decorating and entertaining guests for the holidays, we can sometimes inadvertently introduce house plants, food, and decor into our environments that can be harmful to pets. Tinsel, Christmas ornaments, and other seasonal items can cause problems if consumed. Also, be careful if you leave out food for guests. Keep Santa’s cookies out of the reach of your four-legged family members, especially if those cookies contain things like chocolate or raisins, which are both toxic to cats and dogs.
Support local PET SHOPS AND KENNELS
Maine is full of locally-owned pet shops and kennels that offer a wide variety of goods. If shopping for a pet that isn’t your own, you may want to opt for well-made treats and toys rather than things like collars and clothing, which has to be sized. Also, for originality and to support your local economy, seek out locally-made products. Here are just a few:
DOGN’I APPAREL
This Bangor-based dog clothing company produces custom jackets, vets, collars, bandanas, and more. Send them your dog’s measurements and they will make clothing and accessories to fit.
DOGNI.COM
DR. PUSSUMS
Since 1982, this family-owned Maine business has been crafting and selling durable catnip toys for our furry friends. You can purchase items online or at their store in Turner, where you’ll be greeted by a few adorable cats.
DRPUSSUMS.COM
VACATIONLAND DOG COMPANY
Their offerings include crunchy blueberry and pumpkin treats, as well as treats that include Maine lobster. Based in Yarmouth, they sell their products at over a dozen Maine stores.
VACATIONLANDDOGCO.COM
MAINE ROPE MATS
Looking for a unique dog leash? This company from Waldoboro crafts colorful options in rope made of a yacht braid, plus solid brass hardware.
MAINEROPEMATS.COM
BELTED COW COMPANY
Need a collar to go with that leash? This Cumberland-based company creates a wide variety of dog collars, leashes and harnesses – including a style that features the old Maine state flag.
BELTEDCOW.COM
MAINE GRAINS
In Skowhegan, this company bakes dog “Sea Biscuits” that contain wheat bran, whey, and seaweed powder. They use local ingredients, working directly with Maine farmers.
MAINEGRAINS.COM
TRIPOM CHEWS
From Mattawamkeag, this small business makes chicken and beef jerky for dogs, and the treats contain no additives or preservatives.
TRIPOMCHEWS.COM
BARK HARBOR
Visit the “barkery” at this Bar Harbor pet store, where you can find a wide variety of homemade treats for dogs and cats.
BARKHARBOR.COM
7 Ideas for a
FESTIVE
7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PARTY A HIT — FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR GUESTS
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
heTHOLIDAY F Ê TE
holiday season has arrived and with it comes many opportunities to socialize. With so many events on people’s calendars, holiday party hosts may wonder what they can do to set their gatherings apart from others to make them memorable. Read on for seven festive ideas that can set a holiday season party apart from the rest.
1. COOK AHEAD. Being able to mingle with guests and guide conversation or activities is the key to being an excellent holiday host. By cooking foods that can feed crowds ahead of time, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen when you should be out and about. Casseroles, stews, soups, and quiches can be cooked in advance and then warmed (or set in a slow cooker) to bring to temperature.
2. CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME. Choose a color scheme that really pops and sets a festive tone. For a holiday cocktail party, consider bold reds and pinks and add a burst of gold for that contrast of color that adds impact.
3. HIRE SOME ENTERTAINMENT. Conversation and reminiscing can fill some time, but allot some of the party budget to entertainment. Perhaps hire a DJ who can keep the music flowing, or a karaoke professional who will have guests up and singing holiday (or non-holiday) tunes.
4. CREATE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL. An open bar can be expensive, especially if you want to stock it with top-shelf offerings. Wine and beer is more affordable, and hosts who want to offer something a little different can create a signature cocktail for the party. Tie in seasonal flavors, whether you go sweet with a chocolate cream liqueur and mint or something more tart like a cranberry-based drink.
HOW TO HONOR DIFFERENT FAITHS during a holiday party
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
The holiday season is a time to gather and celebrate with family. In recent years, families have become more and more diverse, particularly in regard to faith. For example, data from the Pew Research Center indicates that 46 percent of Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are children of interfaith marriages.
A greater number of interfaith marriages means it’s likely holiday hosts will be celebrating among family and friends with different religious backgrounds than their own. In an effort to ensure everyone feels welcome, hosts can consider these ways to honor various faiths during their holiday celebrations.
· LEARN ABOUT OTHER FAITHS. Knowledge of other faiths can help hosts create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere during the holiday season. For example, a Christian host welcoming a Jewish friend or relative into their home for the holidays can learn about the festival of Chanukah.
· INCORPORATE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED INTO THE PARTY. After learning about the holiday celebrations of other faiths, hosts can incorporate that new knowledge into their decor and celebration. When planning the meal, prepare a traditional holiday dish a guest might eat when celebrating their own faith or culture.
5. REARRANGE THE FURNITURE. If the music is playing and guests are fired up, you’ll need a spot where they can dance. Move large furnishings to create room to cut a rug; otherwise, create an outdoor gathering area complete with stringed lights so guests can take the fun outside, if necessary.
6. PLAN FOR PRIZES. Guests always appreciate some sort of takeaway. Gifting is commonplace this time of year, but perhaps have guests work a little to reap the rewards? Simple trivia games or a scavenger hunt can increase the fun and make it possible for guests to walk away with some swag.
7. HAVE AT LEAST ONE UNEXPECTED ITEM. This can be anything from a very clever and cute dessert to a special guest to an over-the-top decorative item that gets people talking and ensures the party is one no one will forget.
With some creativity, hosts can plan a party to remember.
· LET GUESTS CHIP IN. Extended family members and friends from different religious backgrounds may be enthusiastic about the chance to share with the people they love most. A holiday gathering is the ideal time to embrace this spirit. Encourage guests from different religious backgrounds to bring something that reminds them of their own religious celebrations. That can be a particular food or beverage, a playlist of holiday songs, or a small gift such as an ornament to incorporate into holiday decor. Guests can then share as much as they would like to about their faith, including any holiday traditions that they typically engage in.
· REDUCE EMPHASIS ON A PARTICULAR HOLIDAY. When hosting a diverse group, avoid placing too great an emphasis on a particular religious holiday. It’s alright for hosts to offer well wishes and even recite prayers that reflect their faith, but try to emphasize how enjoyable it is for everyone to gather under one roof and celebrate the season together. Celebrating with family is a significant component of the holiday season for people of all faiths, so emphasizing togetherness during this special time of year is something all guests will appreciate.
3 EASY APPS for your holiday party
3 EASY HOLIDAY APPETIZERS TO MAKE ENTERTAINING A DELIGHT
BY SARAH WALKER CARON
Holiday movies. The smell of snow. Friends and family gathering. Maybe a cozy fire. These are some of my favorite parts of the holiday season. If you plan on entertaining this season, these three so-easy appetizers will make your party a hit. All are ready in less than 30 minutes (and can be made together for a delightful holiday spread prepared in about an hour).
GARLIC SAGE WHITE BEAN DIP
Serves 8
Sage is a lovely herb that often makes an appearance with roasts and other hearty foods. In this satisfying dip, the herby sage compliments the earthy garlic in a lovely way. Serve it with your favorite array of veggie crudites, crackers, or other dippers.
INGREDIENTS
1 15.5- oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon finely minced fresh sage, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the beans, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until chopped. Add the olive oil, sage and lemon juice and process until smooth. Remove the white bean mixture to a bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with minced sage.
Serve with sliced veggies or crackers.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
WHIPPED RICOTTA CROSTINI
WITH PEPPERMINT AND POMEGRANATE
LOBSTER AVOCADO PUFFS
Serves 8
Although mint is often tucked into drinks and used in chocolate confections, this hearty herb is wonderful in savory dishes too. These easy crostini feature a silky, garlic-infused ricotta with savory mint and juicy pomegranate. It’s a lovely combination of flavors and textures that guests will love. Plus it looks festive!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 clove garlic, chopped
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 loaf French bread
2 teaspoons fresh mint, finely minced 2-4 tablespoons pomegranate arils
INSTRUCTIONS
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the ricotta, garlic, salt and pepper. Process until smooth and silky — about 3-4 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the French bread directly on the rack and heat for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and slice into ¼-inch-thick pieces. If desired, brush with olive oil and return to the oven for about 5 minutes to make crispier.
Arrange the bread pieces on a serving platter. Top each with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of fresh mint and pomegranate arils.
Leftover ricotta should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within five days.
Serves 6
As far as appetizers go, these are a little on the bigger side. A fresh salad of lobster and avocado is dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette and served in a puff pastry cup. Make sure to taste as you go to adjust the seasonings. A little salt can go a long way with lobster, but you want to make sure you do use enough to bring out the flavors.
INGREDIENTS
1 frozen package puff pastry cups (6)
1 cup chopped cooked lobster
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon dried basil kosher salt & black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the puff pastry cups according to package directions. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove the center for filling.
While the puff pastry cups are cooling, prepare the filling. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the lobster and avocado. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well. In a second small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil and rosemary with a pinch each of salt and pepper until well combined. It should be cloudy in appearance.
Divide the lobster-avocado mixture evenly among the cups. Spoon the lemon over the center of the lobster-avocado cups. Serve.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
FATHER-IN-LAWGift Guide for your
11 IDEAS FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING
BY KATIE SMITH
Regardless
of how much time you spend with your father-in-law, they’re pretty hard to shop for. Even if you know their hobbies and how they spend their free time, you might not know exactly what to pick out or what they already have. Here’s a list of great gifts any father-in-law will not only love, but they’ll thank you for making life easier.
1. INDOOR GRILL
When the weather gets cold and the snow falls, having an indoor grill is so convenient. There are so many styles to choose from, and he can enjoy all of his favorite grilled foods inside. The best part: many indoor grills are dishwasher safe, so he won’t have to wash it by hand.
2. DIGITAL TAPE MEASURE
Even if your father-in-law isn’t into home improvement projects, everyone needs a digital measuring tape for things like hanging up pictures or seeing how much room you have for a new piece of furniture.
3. COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION
What could be better than trying different coffees? A coffee subscription like Trade will have him take a quiz so they can get to know what he likes, then send him coffees that he’ll love.
4. WINE SUBSCRIPTION
Maybe your father-in-law is a wine connoisseur. With so many wine subscriptions to choose from, you will find one that will meet his taste. And the best part about a gift like this is that you don’t have to wrap a thing!
5. GIFT CERTIFICATE TO A BOOKSTORE
Maybe he loves to read or enjoys treating himself to certain magazines. You can never go wrong with a local bookstore gift certificate. He can pick out his own titles when he’s in the mood, and you are supporting a local business.
6. APPLE AIRTAG
This is something we could all use: the Apple Airtag is a device that will keep track of just about anything — keys, wallet, or the remote.
7. PERSONALIZED LEATHER WALLET
A new wallet always makes a great gift, and when you personalize it, it’s even more meaningful.
8.NECK/SHOULDER/BACK MASSAGER
Coming home after work, a day at the golf course, or just relaxing at home on
a Saturday night are all perfect times to have a nice massage. And all he’ll have to do is reach for his massager and sit back. There are so many neck and shoulder massagers out there in all shapes and sizes and many of them come heated.
9. GRILLING ACCESSORIES
Whether it’s an apron, tongs, a grill cleaner, or a set with every tool he’ll need, grilling accessories are always a good idea. Throw in a bottle of locally made marinade or a chef’s hat with his name on it, and put everything on a nice platter that he can use to serve the grilled feast on.
10.
DOCKING STATION
This is a great way to keep all devices in one place, charge them at the same time, and keep the clutter away. You can find nice wooden stands online and even get them personalized with your father-inlaw’s name or initials.
11. SUBSCRIPTION TO A MASTERCLASS
If your father-in-law has a thirst for knowledge, a gift certificate to take a MasterClass is a wonderful gift. There are hundreds of classes to choose from, and he can pick something that inspires him when he has the time to take the class.
LOCAL Gifting
BUY LOCAL!
Looking for a truly unique gift that’s perfect for your loved one and supports a local Maine crafter? We’ve got you covered! Here are some fun and fab gifts for even the hardest to buy for on your list.
Want even more ideas? Visit sites like MaineMade.com and MaineOutdoorBrands.com to find hundreds of Maine artisans and makers. Or shop local at the Maine Micro Artisans store at 21 Washington St. in Bangor. Support your friends and neighbors by giving locally made gifts this holiday season.
HANDCRAFTED BOARD GAME FROM IGNITED ARTS & DESIGN
Ignite your loved ones’ imagination with a handcrafted board game or gaming accessory from IGNITED Arts & Design, based in Alexander. Laser-engraved and pyrographed creations intended to entertain the mind and amaze the eyes are available from the website, many with customizable options. Discover wooden board games from multiple cultures and periods of history, as well as game accessories such as dice towers for contemporary role-playing games and even wall décor. Sourcing wood both locally and from other small family-owned businesses throughout the U.S., as well as pawns and game pieces exclusively from Woolwich, Maine, IGNITED Arts & Design is a fantastic source for that one unique gift. Purchase online or in person at Eastern Maine Images in Eastport or My Favorite Things 2 in Calais.
IGNITEDARTSDESIGN.COM
GLASS JEWELRY FROM STARCATCHER JEWELRY STUDIO
Are you looking for that unique gift? Starcatcher Jewelry Studio has been hand-crafting glass jewelry for more than 30 years. Choose from a wide selection of brilliant, one-of-a-kind, fused dichroic glass pieces, and a beautiful array of cultured sea glass earrings and necklaces. There is something for everyone! Visit the Maine Micro Artisans store at 21 Washington St. in Bangor or at the Maine Mall for a large selection of Starcatcher Jewelry.
STARCATCHERSTUDIO.COM
FROM THE WOODSHAPER SHOP OF MAINE
ROPE DOORMAT FROM LITTLE SALTY ROPE
The Woodshaper Shop of Maine, located in Dedham, has been handcrafting classic wooden toys with locally sourced materials for 12 years. Inspired to make a wooden train set for their first grandson on his second birthday, they now provide a variety of toys to businesses as diverse as King’s Mountain Gift Shop in Orrington, Kennebec Cabin Company (home of the Maine Cabin Masters), and Furniture Mattresses and More at the Bangor Mall. Top sellers include the Log Hauler and Train-in-aBox. View all of their products online or visit them on Facebook or Instagram.
WOODSHAPERSHOPOFMAINE.COM
MAINE APPAREL
FROM MAINE GREEN CO.
We are Mainers who create designs for Mainers and beyond. Our goal is to represent all of your favorite parts of Maine in new and unique ways that aim to evoke your best memories or inspire new adventures. Check out T-shirts made from recycled plastic water bottles and other gifts and apparel featuring Maine icons, like our state tree (Eastern white pine), state flower (white pine cone and tassel), state insect (honey bee), and much more. Represent the Pine Tree State in style.
MAINEGREENCO.COM
WANT MORE GIFT GIVING IDEAS?
Looking for more great Maine-made products to give this holiday season? (Or ways to pay for them?) Flip through the pages of this magazine and check out ads from businesses like...
MCLAUGHLIN SEAFOOD
COACH HOUSE
TILLER & RYE
THE ROCK & ART SHOP
MAINE YOGA ADVENTURES
MAINE ALPACA EXPERIENCE
SEA BAGS
KATAHDIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
AND BE SURE TO VISIT DOWNTOWN BANGOR TO SHOP LOCAL AND FIND UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
(MAINE SMALL BUSINESS VERSION)
BY MARISSA DONOVAN
GIFT GUIDE FOR A Swiftie
Whether it’s a family member, best friend, or your secret Santa recipient — we all know someone who knows Taylor Swift’s discography down to a T. Tis’ the season to order these Maine-made, Swiftie-perfect stocking stuffers that will dazzle your favorite fan!
TAYLOR SWIFT CAR COASTERS AND CHARM FROM WICKED NOVELTY • RUMFORD
Deck out someone’s getaway car with these vehicle accessories! This 3x4-inch hardened felt car charm comes with an elastic tie hanger. The car charm’s absorbent surface can be coated in your favorite fragrance or essential oil. The matching car coasters are perfect for on-the-go coffees or lattes during morning commutes. At checkout, use the 10% discount code wicked4you to help you save for more gifts on your shopping list!
ETSY.COM/SHOP/WICKEDNOVELTY
SILVER HUGGIE HOOPS WITH SNAKE CHARMS FROM JESS BLITZ DESIGN • SOUTH PORTLAND
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Reputation album, these white gold-plated huggie hoop earrings with silver snake charm are sure to sparkle at New Year’s Eve gatherings or future Taylor Swift concerts. To see more Taylor Swift-themed designs and other jewelry options, follow @jessblitzdesign on Instagram.
ETSY.COM/SHOP/JESSICABLITZ
BLIND DATE WITH A SURPRISE BOOK (TAYLOR’S VERSION)
FROM BOOKED BY EVA • SCARBOROUGH
Dear reader, I have the gift for you! Long story short, it’s a blind date with a book based on your favorite Taylor Swift era. Let Booked By Eva be the mastermind to your next read by selecting a surprise book based on the era of your choosing! Each book comes gift wrapped by the theme of the era with a custom bookmark, stickers, and premium chocolate. Upgrade to the Deluxe Edition for extra stickers, Taylor’s Tea, annotation tabs, highlighter, and a gel pen. This set makes a great gift for the bookish Swiftie in your life. They will be thanking you for Evermore!
ETSY.COM/SHOP/BOOKEDBYEVA
HOLIDAY HOUSE HAND-CRAFTED SCENTED SOY CANDLE FROM NUBBLE LIGHT CANDLE • KITTERY
Grab your cardigan and come out of the woods because this scent is from your wildest dreams! Inspired by the famous holiday house in Rhode Island, this candle embodies the smell of driftwood, soft amber, cedar, coastal ozone, and slight citrus. Based in Kittery, Nubble Light Candle handcrafts soy wax candles using the highest quality raw materials, which creates classic New England fragrances.
NUBBLELIGHTCANDLE.COM/SHOP
IN MY SWIFTIE ERA CRAYON BOX FROM 2 WILDBOYS WAXES • LEVANT
Your littlest Swiftie will not leave a single Blank Space in their coloring books after gifting them a personalized crayon box. Each box comes with one large crayon with the word “Swiftie,” 8 additional shapes such as music notes, cats, and rainbows, plus up to 7 letters for your name. Special requests such as colors and longer names with eight letters or more may be included by inquiring before purchasing.
ETSY.COM/ SHOP/ 2WILDBOYS WAXES
FOR THE FITNESS FANS
in your life
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GIFTING FITNESS FANS
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Physical
activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise guidelines supported by the medical community indicate most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.
Individuals can take several steps to be more active in their daily lives. Some become gym enthusiasts, while others congregate to yoga studios or other activities. Some still prefer to exercise at home or outdoors. When it comes time to shop for people with a fondness for fitness, gift givers can consider these ideas.
UPGRADE A MEMBERSHIP
Do some research to learn where your fitness lover spends most time working out. If it is a traditional gym, a kick-boxing studio or a H.I.I.T establishment, speak with the staff to see if you can upgrade the member’s plan to receive more perks. For example, a base gym membership may only include use of the floor machines and weights, but another may include all that as well as access to massage chairs, spa services, and more.
MASSAGER OR MASSAGE PACKAGE
Working out muscles can lead to soreness each time a new milestone is reached. Help soothe those tired muscles with the gift of a neck, back, and shoulder massager. Or go a step further and purchase a few sessions at a massage therapy location near the recipient’s home.
INSULATED WATER BOTTLE OR TUMBLER
Staying hydrated is important when working out. An insulated water bottle ensures that fitness fans can enjoy cold water or a sports drink throughout their exercise sessions. There’s even a water bottle that self-cleans using UV light to kill bacteria in the bottle.
TREADMILL OR STATIONARY BIKE
If you know a loved one has had eyes on improving a home gym, a treadmill or stationary bike can bring the space to the next level. There is home equipment for every budget.
NEW KICKS
Comfortable, supportive athletic shoes ensure workouts aren’t hindered by sore feet. Since shoe fit and style is a personal choice, it might be a safer bet to give a gift card to a popular athletic store or online retailer rather than purchasing the footwear yourself.
FITNESS MONITOR OR SMART WATCH
It seems like everyone now has some sort of smart device, but if the person on your list still hasn’t made the switch to a watch that tracks various health data, then that can make for a perfect gift. Smart watches and fitness trackers monitor steps and various health markers such as pulse, elevation climbed and distance, and can even detect if a user has a burgeoning health problem. When pairing the watch with popular fitness apps, users can log daily activities and their diets to get a bigger picture of their overall health.
LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING Master the Art of
THERE’S NO NEED TO PANIC. WE’VE GOT TIPS FOR LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Shoppers who wait until the eleventh hour to do their holiday shopping are in good company. Consolidated Credit says one in five shoppers waits until December to start grabbing holiday gifts. Although shopping early to land the best deals and avoid the stress of running out of time works for many people, there are those who do their best work when shopping is down to the wire. If you’re thinking of being a last-minute Larry or Lucy in regard to your holiday shopping, there are some ways to make late shopping successful.
· DON’T DOWNPLAY THE POWER OF GIFT CARDS. Some suggest that a gift card isn’t an ideal gift because it doesn’t require much thought or effort. But the numbers do not lie. A research report from the Retail Gift Card Association notes that 71 percent of people surveyed feel “very satisfied” when they get a gift card. Consider a gift card to a favorite local restaurant or business to add a little more of a personal touch.
· ESTABLISH A PLAN. Even if you’re shopping at the last minute, that doesn’t mean you should head out unprepared. Consider the recipient, which kind of gift might fit them best, and how much you’re willing to spend. Then you can narrow down which store to visit.
· GO LOCAL. Downtown shop owners are a wealth of information and handy tips when shopping last minute. Ask for advice and leave with the gift in hand. Bonus: No waiting or extra fees for a rush delivery — or disappointment when a gift doesn’t look the same as it did online. And you’ll be supporting your local community.
· CONSIDER A MEMBERSHIP GIFT. A membership for a subscription box, a wine or coffee club, or even a streaming music or movie service can be great last-minute gifts.
· SKIP THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT. Clothes are go-to choices for holiday gifts, but they can be particularly challenging to purchase. Size, cut, style, and additional variables are unique to each individual. Since browsing clothing racks can take a lot of time you likely will not have, avoid clothes as last-minute gift options.
· SCREEN SHOT PROMO CODES AND COUPON SCAN BARS. If you’ve come across discount codes and coupons in your research, have them at the ready when shopping online or in person. Don’t hold up the line trying to load a website or find a coupon on the store app, as it’s likely those behind you are last-minute shopping as well.
