Vermont Gift Guide
Making a list? Checking it twice? Whether you're gifting or hoping to receive, these exceptional wares and products from Vermont artisans, small businesses and organizations are worth your consideration. We've included something for everyone and all budgets, so take a look and spread some holiday cheer.
Now, without further ado, our favorite gift ideas for the 2016 season.
1. Bee's Wrap. For foodies or the ecologically inclined (or Santa), we recommend Bee's Wrap — an alternative food storage, made with organic muslin, bee's wax and organic jojoba oil. Reusable, biodegradable, compostable and made in Bristol, Vermont. From $6 and up.
2. Queen City Dry Goods. Hit it out of the park with one of these handsome handmade leather goods. Once you've read more on local craftsman Matt Renna, you'll want to buy more than one. From $50 and up.
3. The Fresh Tracks Shave Set from Ursa Major. Our friends at Ursa Major have bundled up some of their super natural skin-care products into handy holiday gift sets. While their line is he/she-friendly, this shave set is a perfect gift for the dad or dude in your life. $54.
4. Kitchen Tools by Pleasant Ranch. You can't go wrong with these elegant handmade kitchen tools by Pleasant Ranch. Artisan Steve Hadeka hand carves small batches of home decor out of his Burlington workshop. Bottle Opener: $24. Spatula: $22.
5. Prep Boards by Vermont Farm Table. We wish we could gift an entire table from this Burlington-based company, but these gorgeous prep boards in walnut and maple are the next best thing. Solid wood. Solid gift. Maple: $75. Walnut $95.
6. Chroma Rings by Rain Tree. This is what she secretly wants for the holidays. Smokey quartz, topaz, garnet, amethyst or citrine rings come in fourteen karat rose, yellow or white gold. Rain Tree's master jewelers — a husband and wife couple out of Vergennes, Vermont — pour, roll and draw everything by hand. $325.
7. The Crossbody Day Bag by Red House. Like all of Matt and Britt Witt's products, this waxed canvas day bag is a stylish and sturdy wardrobe staple, made by hand in their red Vermont house. True story. $150.
8. Children's Books by Vermont Authors. We treasure our local bookshop, the Flying Pig and so when we asked co-owner Elizabeth Bluemle for some recommendations by Vermont authors, we were thrilled to hear about her book Tap Tap Boom Boom. We also picked up the true Vermont farm story, Sweet Pea & Friends, Brave Little Finn and will be wrapping both books up for our own children this holiday. Tap Tap Boom Boom: $16.99. Sweet Pea and Friends, Brave Little Finn: $17.99.
9. Farm and Forest Package from Shelburne Farms. Want a no-brainer gift? Go with some award-winning Vermont cheddar and maple syrup from Shelburne Farms. Feel good about it, too. You're supporting a non-profit that educates for a sustainable future. $49.
10. Vermont Craft Beer Kit. The gift for that beer-lover in your life who can't stop geeking out about Vermont craft beers. Put them to work. Available at Kiss the Cook. $75.
11. State 14 T-Shirts. Our American-made tees help support our mission of bringing you true stories from today's Vermont. Think: who loves the 14th state? Shop now! $20.
12. Needlepoint Canvases by Tess and Thorn. Millennial DIY-ers will adore these needlepoint canvases by Vermont-based Tess and Thorn. Hip handpainted designs that range from Biggy Smalls' to a cactus plant will inspire a fresh take on good-old fashioned #soulstiching. From $55 and up.
13. Original State 14 Prints. We are so excited to offer a choice of five iconic images of Vermont captured by our resident photographer, Dylan Griffin. Limited edition signed 9" X 14" prints. Shop now! $100.
14. Donate to the American Civil Liberties Union. Okay, so it's not a Vermont organization but the ACLU represents the rights of all of us. Now more than ever they need our support and we need the ACLU. Consider donating in the name of a loved one.
Peace, love and happy holidays from State 14.
