Easily Tackle Everyone On Your Holiday List With These 13 Local Greenwich Businesses
I can tell if I’m on it with my holiday shopping if I start brainstorming gift ideas in October. The years I’m not-so-on-it result in a mad dash to the stores in early December where I battle the heavy crowds. I do enjoy preplanning thoughtful gifts for all my loved ones. And I don’t want to risk the chance of not finding what I need in time. So this year I’ve already started brainstorming holiday gifts for everyone on my list.
I also aim to support local Greenwich businesses with my holiday shopping. It feels great to give back to our community. And many of our local shops are curated by fashion industry veterans who have a distinct taste for stylish finds. Our local Greenwich businesses are first-class!
So I’m sharing some of my favorite local shops that Greenwich locals shouldn’t overlook this holiday season.
Local Gift Ideas for Foodies
It’s true: we all know a foodie who lives for cooking and high-end ingredients. Savoring delicate dishes is their favorite hobby. They’re the ones who clue you into the best restaurants and eateries in all the nearby towns. They seem to know where to dine no matter where you go! This gift idea is for them.
A gift card to Greenwich Prime Meats or Bon Ton Fish Market is exactly what the food enthusiast in your life could use this holiday season. Greenwich Prime Meats is a staple in our community, delivering top-quality cuts of meat since opening in 2006. In addition to handpicked cuts of meat, the shop also offers sandwiches, salads, prepared dishes and premium pantry items.
Bon Ton Fish Market first opened its doors in 1902 and has served the Greenwich community ever since. Their seafood quality is unparalleled – they’re my first stop if I’m hosting. Tony, the owner, proudly says they serve the freshest seafood in town. Greenwich living simply wouldn’t be the same without this beloved store.
Have more than a couple of foodies in your life? A gift card to Pop Up Bagels or Something Natural will help you cover all your bases. Pop Up Bagels offers deliciously chewy bagels with artisanal schmears. Flavors like pumpkin spice butter and herb pesto cream cheese set this bagel subscription club apart from the rest. Something Natural quickly sprouted a cult following after opening its doors in Nantucket in 1970. Their Portuguese bread is a fan favorite – and for good reason! Their homemade bread keeps Greenwich citizens happily coming back for more!
Local Gift Ideas for the Fashion Forward
Because most everyone has come face to face with the I-don’t-know-what-to-wear debacle, gifting a new wardrobe addition is a great move. If I’m on the hunt for a stylish dress, blouse or blazer for a loved one, one of my first stops is Fred in Old Greenwich. With more than 25 years of experience in retail fashion, owner Kelley Frey selects unique and flattering pieces for her shop. I have a hard time leaving empty-handed!
If you have a fitness enthusiast on your gift list, Threads & Treads in Greenwich has you covered. They carry top-notch performance attire, running shoes and accessories. Their jogger pants are a great loungewear staple for those laid-back weekend moments. They also carry recovery essentials like massage rollers – great gifts for the athletes in your life!
Shoes ‘N’ More is another great local shop for gifts this season. With various locations in Connecticut, including Greenwich and Darien, they make shopping convenient. They offer an upscale selection of shoes, clothing and accessories. I’ve had my eye on a cute pair of leather boots for a few weeks now. A durable pair of cold-weather shoes, or even a gift card, is a wonderful gift this holiday season.
Local Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
Shopping in Greenwich CT isn’t complete without stopping at Hoagland’s. There you’ll find everything you need to entertain in style. This also means great gift ideas for the neighbor or family member who hosts frequently! They offer stunning crystal wine decanters and barware that would make the perfect addition to any home bar. They also have a great selection of one-of-a-kind table decor and festive linens. These are great gift ideas for the host if you’re headed to a holiday party!
Diane’s Books in Greenwich prides itself on offering books for the whole family. From children’s books to literary classics, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this locally-owned shop. Greenwich resident and owner Diane has helped locals add to their bookshelves since 1990. She has a knack for selecting the best book for that special someone on your list.
For the youngest members on your gift list, head to Funky Monkey Toys & Books in Greenwich. This award-winning toy store offers a selection of carefully curated items to inspire creativity. Their friendly staff is wonderful at helping you find the perfect gift – just share a little bit about what your kid is into and, voila, you’ll have some great suggestions tailored to them. They also offer complementary gift wrapping so you can knock that off your to-do list!
Local Gift Ideas for the Hard-To-Shop-For
Offering an array of high-quality products from small purveyors, Back 40 Mercantile is at the top of my list of favorite local shops. The best part is the brands they sell are either sustainable or organic so you can feel good about supporting them. From cozy sweaters for him and her to squeaky dog togs to kitchen serving pieces and cheese boards, this shop has a little of everything. And did I mention they also have the cutest selection of baby clothes? I love stopping in for unique finds you can’t find anywhere else.
Abigail Fox Designs, with stores in both Nantucket and Old Greenwich, offers beach totes, sweatshirts and mugs that proudly display Greenwich, Old Greenwich and Riverside in fun fonts. These are great gifts for any local who loves where we live! The store's shelves also feature a variety of home essentials and soft cashmere sweaters. Boutique candles and diffusers might just be the stocking stuffer you’re looking for!
When in doubt, give the gift of flowers and perennials! Sam Bridge Nursery has the best local selection for all things landscaping. And this is one gift that will continue to grow all year round. Walking through the shop might even spark inspiration for your home garden! I personally love receiving a plant as a gift. I don’t have much of a green thumb but I gladly accept the challenge of keeping a little greenery alive. Not sure what plant to buy? A gift card to the nursery allows your loved ones to easily personalize their own garden.
Did your local favorite shops make the list? Let me know what shops you’ll be stopping into this holiday season in the comments below. And, as always, if you have any questions about our neighborhoods and local attractions, reach out! As a lifelong resident, I can help you find the perfect area for you!