CAPE COD TIMES – Holiday gift shopping. It always sneaks up on you no matter how prepared for the season you think you are. Finding the perfect gift is a daunting task. Will they like it? Do they have something like this already? Where on earth do I even begin?
It’s a never-ending cycle of stress. So in an attempt to make finding that something special easier this holiday season, here are a few recommendations of gifts from small businesses across the Cape. From homewares and jewelry to a good bottle of wine, these are our picks for a good gift.
Give unique apparel, accessories and homewares from Cottage
Cottage, a thoughtfully sourced store full of new and vintage finds, is the perfect place to find a unique gift. Sourced by Aline Lindemann, Cottage has everything from handcrafted jewelry, clothing, cookware and more all in the quaint Orleans store.
If you’re in the market for some jewelry, these sterling silver wave bangles created by Laura Bouton, a Falmouth-based silversmith might be the perfect gift. Retailing at $85, each bangle is unique and understated, perfect for a simple, yet stunning addition to anyone’s jewelry collection.
If you’re looking for something more practical, check out Cottage’s ceramic bowls by Wendy Scofield of Orleans ($12 to $32) and the Falcon enamelware prep set ($129).
Cottage is located at 403 S Orleans Road in Orleans. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Truro Vineyards
When in doubt, a nice bottle of wine or spirits can be a good gift. Whether you’re in the market for a single bottle, like the Cuvee Blanc ($44.99) or Otis Rye Whiskey ($59.99), or looking for something more, Truro Vineyards has got you covered.
If you’re looking to splurge, consider giving a basket — ranging from $55 to $150 depending on your selections — or a Truro Vineyard’s Wine Club Membership.
A sample gift basket from Truro Vineyards. All gift baskets are customizable and range from $55 to $150.
The Truro Vineyard’s Wine Club is a subscription service that delivers three or six bottles to your door four times a year. As part of the club, members receive a bottle of wine selected by the Roberts family, with the option to customize installments, early access to limited-release wines, free wine tastings for two at the vineyard, 20% off all merchandise and wines and more.
Memberships cost $25 upon signing up plus a fee per shipment dependent on selections. Memberships last for a year and can be renewed for $15 annually.
To place an order for a gift basket, visit www.trurovineyardsofcapecod.com or email emma@trurovineyardsofcapecod.com. For more information about wine club memberships, visit www.trurovineyardsofcapecod.com/wine-club/ or email beth@trurovineyardsofcapecod.com.
Truro Vineyards is located at 11 Shore Road in North Truro. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Find a good book and more at Titcomb’s Bookshop
A good book is always a good gift in my opinion. At Titcomb’s Bookshop in East Sandwich, finding a good book is easy, but there are more treasures to be found beyond the shelves. From stuffed animals for little ones to candles and coffee mugs for adults, Titcomb’s Bookshop has a variety of gifts.
Some recommendations from the staff are a few signed books, including Henry Winkler’s “Being Henry” ($30) and Anne Patchett’s “Tom Lake” (now $24 thanks to a sale on all adult hardcover fiction), a gingerbread man and fox stuffed toy ($10.99 and $14.99), Cape Cod Soy Candles ($21.99), and a selection of children’s books, including Jan Brett’s “The Nutcracker” ($18.99) and “Gingerbread” ($8.99).
Titcomb’s Bookshop is located at 432 Route 6A in East Sandwich. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Shop recycled and reclaimed furniture, locally-made art at Elburne
With storefronts in Mashpee and Dennis, Elburne is a great place to look for unique homeware gifts. Opened in 2016, sister-duo Laura and Simone Pereria have created a space to sell a mix of reclaimed, recycled and natural-made furniture and locally made homewares, art pieces and more.
For this holiday season, they recommend giving the “Cape Cod Cookbook” by Kelly Ballo Moss and Michael Ballo Aviles ($35) full of delicious Cape Cod dishes, some cute ocean coasters ($39) by Cape Cod’s own Sea Lion Studio and a hilarious door mat for dog lovers ($49).
Elburne is located at 4 Market St. in Mashpee and 744 Main St. in Dennis. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Thursday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Support local artists with a gift from the Sandwich Arts Alliance
In the spirit of the holiday season, why not give a gift made by local artists? At Sandwich Arts Alliance, the year-round gift shop is full of unique paintings, ceramics, jewelry and other crafts. Each piece is made by alliance artists who receive a majority portion of all sales of their work.
Right now, the Alliance is hosting its small works holiday exhibit and sale. The exhibit includes over 125 pieces in various mediums, such as paintings, photographs and sculptures; different sizes and prices.
The Sandwich Arts Alliance is located at 130 Main St. in Sandwich. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
By Frankie Rowley