Shopping in Stowe: A Holiday Gift Guide
December 12, 2018 by CRISTINA MINK, THE COUNTRY STORE ON MAIN
It’s that time of year in Stowe: snow has been falling, the holidays are in full swing, and I’m starting to panic. The food, the presents, the wrapping, the tree decorating! Thankfully, holiday gift giving guides are everywhere I look this year. For such a small town that we live in, we’re lucky to be bursting with options of high-quality goods right at our fingertips. Whether I’m entertaining, shopping for gifts, or looking for a great meal on the town, we have so many choices and I’m thankful for each one of them. This year give a unique piece of Stowe, and try to find a gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list at one of our area’s finest retailers!
Stocking Stuffers
Shaw’s General Store and Stowe Mercantile have been around for more than 100 years combined, and it’s no wonder – their old-time charm and tasteful goods are inviting for all ages! Get your family matching pajamas at Stowe Mercantile, or treat everyone to some of their homemade fudge and other local Vermont products. Shaw’s General Store is our go-to for unique, Vermont items; from outerwear and boots to rustic décor. Pamper the ladies in your life to a mani/pedi at Salon Salon, or pick up some of their organic hair products for stocking stuffers!
Host/Hostess Gifts
Located in the historic village of Stowe, The Country Store on Main has anything from Matouk (fine bed & bath linens) to kitchen gadgets for 99 cents, and their friendly and helpful staff are always a treat to work with. Find the perfect hostess gift for your holiday party, or for that someone in your life who loves to entertain. For the wine loving host, Stowe Wine & Cheese features a large selection of local wines, artisanal cheeses and more. Stock your cupboards for unexpected company at Commodities Natural Market, or hop over to Harvest Market and put together a chocolate lover’s gift basket!
Outdoor Enthusiast
Whether your list includes winter sports, or summer sun fanatics, you can find everything you’ll need at Stowe’s local outdoor shops. AJ’s Ski & Sports is one of the oldest ski shops in Stowe. Hitting the slopes? Their gloves, helmets and base layers are second to none! Just up Mountain Road is Pinnacle Ski & Sports, offering a wide selection of outdoor equipment, custom boot fittings and more. Both sporting goods shops offer equipment rentals, too! For the mountain biking enthusiast, stop by Ranch Camp, one of Stowe’s newest retail/fast-casual restaurants. Grab a local brew from their bar, then shop their mountain bikes, gear and outdoor clothing.
Gifts for the Artist
Stowe offers many art galleries for the aspiring artist. West Branch Gallery promotes contemporary, varied media art with a diverse array of paintings and sculptures. Green Mountain Fine Art Gallery offers art by regional professional artists in oil, watercolor, collage, pastel, mixed media and sculpture. Just down the road from them is Edgewater Gallery, featuring contemporary and traditional fine art from local Vermont artists and beyond. For a unique, handcrafted gift, visit Ziemke Glassblowing Studio on Route 100 in Waterbury Center. The studio is open daily for visitors where you can the owner, Glenn Ziemke, perform the ancient art of glassblowing. Don’t leave without an incredible piece of hand-blown glass! The ornaments look especially nice on a tree. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find an inspiring gift.
Family-Friendly Gifts
Have a few children on your holiday shopping list? Stop into Once Upon a Time Toys. For 43 years, the friendly staff has offered toys for children of all ages – from 2 to 92. Games, puzzles, hobby and art supplies, brain-teasers, Legos and more await you in this unique toy store. Need new outerwear? Yellow Turtle has a great selection of adorable clothing, accessories and ski wear to outfit your kiddos for adventure!
Gifts for Her/Him (or Yourself)
Whether you’re shopping for a family member, or looking for a new holiday party outfit, Stowe has options for all. Devon at In Company Clothing can dress you from head-to-toe for any event you’re planning on attending. Sparkly sequins? She’s got it. Cozy cashmere? Yep, she’s got that too! And I love popping in to Tangerine & Olive when I can. It feels like you’re walking into pure USA craftsanship at its finest. Everything in her store is made in the USA – something to be super proud of! Located just up the Mountain Road is Green Envy, a contemporary boutique with luxe, on-trend clothing, accessories and more. Shopping for something a bit more sparkly? Visit Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers, a family business since 1947 offering fine jewelry, as well as antique and rare collections. Nearby is Von Bargen’s Jewelry, also a family-owned shop specializing in ideal cut diamonds and handmade artisan jewelry.
Stroll along Main Street or take a drive up the Mountain Road to find so many quaint, little locally owned shops that are filled with goodies, housewares, candles, winter parkas, snow boots, mittens and more. We have so many great places to shop and support! I’m over and out for now – we’ll be seeing you around Stowe!
About the Author
Cristina Mink opened The Country Store on Main in June of 2016 after years of dreaming of owning her own business. Follow her journey on her her blog.