As we lead up to everyone’s favorite gift giving time of year,….not true, but sounds good, I wanted to pass along some unique shopping ideas that readers and Mavens have provided to me. Most of the places are set up for easy shopping and shipping on line, though a few are old school mostly brick and mortar. So, here we go. Please send me your clever ideas for nifty things that you think people would enjoy!
Linens on the Hill: link Linens has been owned and operated by Lynn Wolverton for 34 years on Beacon Hill in Boston. I registered there when I got married. She carries wonderful French linens like Yves Delorme and gorgeous table linens like le Jacquard, but the real fun is the stuff she finds at the big gift shows in NYC each year. You never knew you needed enameled frames, embroidered hand towels, grass places mats and on and on. Worth the trip in person!
The Andover Shop, here Harvard Square: Quintessential proper men’s clothing. Generations of men have gone to get their custom suits with crazy lining and school ties and scarves. High quality and not inexpensive, The Andover Shop is a wonderful time warp with tailors on the mezzanine working away in the quirky three tiered, glass fronted Harvard Square building.
Maven Ideas
And remember, there are the Mavens I have interviewed with some cool retail like Lisa Mullan Perkins’ UwilaWarriors, the books by Claire Messud and Liz Ziemska, and cakes by Elizabeth Mayhew. I have asked all of them to chime in with their own ideas for gift giving and here are what a few of them said:
Dr. Kimberly Parks: She is obsessed with these amazing reusable veggie bags called Vejibags
Liz Ziemska has a new business and she describes it as thus: “I now have a separate identity as an antique and repurposed antique jewelry dealer @aesop_gems and can list a few of my fellow dealers. There’s quite a nice community of women among the dealers and collectors of antique jewelry Instagram and it not only allows us to reuse/recycle (conflict free gems etc) but also share bits of our lives and lifestyles through personal posts.” It’s on Etsy!
Jennifer Hanlon Wigon suggested: “Every year the guests of Women’s Lunch Place provide artwork through our Creative Expressions program from Mother’s Day and Holiday Cards. The guest receives compensation for their artwork, and the proceeds support the work of WLP. Link to the holiday card page on our website.” While you’re at it, WLP makes for a fine end of year charitable donation recipient, as well!
Other Cool Ideas from Me and Friends!
MyDomusAurea, link Two dear friends, Lee Essex Doyle and Juan Prieto founded a jewelry business some years ago and it continues to amaze me. It’s not for the faint of heart but for those who can….and even those who just want to look. What humans can do with precious gems and metals is unending.
Uniek Living, link. Another dear friend, Micki Rowaan and her sister founded this unique (get it?) online and pop up store that imports home furnishings from Holland. There is something for everyone!
ClaireV, link Has some pretty gorgeous stuff, check out these initials that I may have to grab for my kids…
Paperwhites in a container: Our local hardware store has the bulbs for $1 a piece and you can grab some moss from a florist, any container will do. Presto! you have a cool looking gift.
WREN: Link. Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network and it is all that and more! a great place for a donation and to buy things! I have some art there, as do a number for wonderful artists! There is pottery, woven goods, jewelry. Worth the trip to Bethlehem, NH!
Charitable Giving
Next issue I will dig up some new ideas. I like to target locally, myself. Friends of the Public Garden, The Nichols House Museum, The Museum of Fine Art, The Gardner Museum, my kids’ schools, The Franconia, NH Public Library, The Bethlehem, NH Public Library, Women’s Lunch Place, Rosie’s Place, Pine Street Inn, WBUR, WGBH, WERS, PPLM (Planned Parenthood League Massachusetts). Give Locally.
Happy Thanksgiving!
xo
Kim