Leave the Online Shopping Behind for these Unique Finds

Snowman figurine from Vaillancourt Folk Art. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Tired of giving Dad socks and Grandma a scarf year after year? The heart of Massachusetts is a creative hub full of makers of all kinds. We scoured the region and curated a list of gift shops that offer interesting, unusual and truly special locally-made items for everyone in the family. Break out of the mold and purchase truly unique gifts this year at one of the following shops, all just a short drive from Rhode Island, in the heart of MA.

Serendipity (Hudson, MA) has an entire shop full of whimsical, handcrafted gifts by the best local artisans—from jewelry to wall art and pottery to handbags.

Handcrafted Disney princess hair clips from Serendipity. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Five Crows (Natick, MA) is a gallery that represents 120 local and regional artisans showcasing jewelry, pottery, paintings and prints, designer clothing, handbags, children’s items, quilts, fiber arts, glass and much more, from the eclectic to the zany to the charming and traditional.

Artisan bowl and spoon sets from Five Crows. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Boston Honey Company (Holliston, MA) is much more than an apiary—they use their own honey to make luscious bath products and gorgeous beeswax candles in whimsical shapes that are perfect for those “I don’t need anything” folks on your list.

Candles from the Boston Honey Company. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Elsie Kaye Gift Shop & Artisan Studio (Westborough, MA) not only showcases beautiful home décor, jewelry, bath products, pottery and other gifts, many by local craftspeople, but also flameworking and jewelry-making workshops for you to make your own gift for someone special.

The Floral Blues Set from Elsie Kaye Gift Shop & Artisan Studio. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

The Boroughs Collective (Westborough, MA) is a French-style boutique offering European, American, and Asian antiques and hand-made artifacts by local artists. Their tagline is “Unique things for unique people,” which maybe tells you why we love them. Local products include clothing, fiber arts, jewelry, home décor, fine art, woodworking, stained glass, decoupage, and more.

Antique set from The Boroughs Collective. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Vaillancourt Folk Art (Sutton, MA) started in 1984 when the owner adapted the Victorian fine art form of chalkware into her own process by pouring liquid chalk into vintage confectionery molds. The resulting vibrant, hand-painted ornaments and figures are celebrated worldwide and bound to bring a smile to any recipient, making a gift worthy of passing down through generations.

Santa figurines from Vaillancourt Folk Art. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Worcester Center for Crafts (Worcester, MA) gallery store features stunning handmade works from over 500 talented artisans from across North America. Choose from a wide range of ceramics, glass work, jewelry, fiber crafts and woodwork.

Handmade work from the Worcester Center for Crafts. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Crompton Collective (Worcester, MA) is full to the brim with eclectic antiques, vintage finds, and new, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, including candles, soaps, baby gifts, jewelry, pottery, cutting boards, art, cards, notebooks, stationery, accessories, illustrations, T-shirts, and more!

Snowman decor from Crompton Collective. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

At the Ox & Yoke Mercantile at Old Sturbridge Village you’ll find upscale Village-made crafts that add farmhouse charm to modern homes, plus bath and body, books, unique food items, gardening supplies, children’s books, and toys.

A lantern from Ox & Yoke Mercantile. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Off the Common (Grafton, MA) has an amazing array of antiques, vintage goods, home décor, painted furniture and handmade items from 50 area creatives, including local pottery, stained glass, quilts, soaps, candles and leather products.

Santa decor from Off the Common. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Creative Connections (Ashburnham MA) Enjoy relaxing music and a cup of coffee as you weave your way through their extensive collection of gifts, from soy candles to blown glass, pottery and hand-crafted jewelry to fine foods and coffee from local producers.

Wooden bowl set from Creative Connections. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Mill No. 3 Farmstand (Fitchburg, MA) showcases unique gifts, jewelry, accessories, and home décor, not to mention delicious local wine, jams, sauces, and more for the foodie on your list.

Cozy knits from the Mill No.3 Farmstand. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Potpourri Gift Shop (Leominster, MA) has a charming collection of organic soaps, lotions, hand-poured candles, freeze dried candy, local honey, handmade jewelry, charcuterie accessories, baby gifts, journals, tea towels, handmade farmhouse signs, and more.

Gifts from Potpourri. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Sage Home Collections (Leominster, MA) offers a curated selection of houseplants, florals, crystals, artisan soy candles, bath salts and gifts from local makers.

Various wares from Sage Home Collection. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

The Kitchen Garden (Templeton, MA) is the perfect place to pick up not only a holiday pie (or their famous Finnish coffee bread) but great country gifts from New England and Scandinavia, like amazing Sherpa hats and mittens, books by local authors, and Finnish Name Days calendars.

Holiday mugs from The Kitchen Garden. Photo courtesy of Gifts from potpourri. Photo courtesy of The Heart of Massachusetts

Shop local this holiday season, and get a slew of ooooh and aaaaah’s when everyone opens their gifts. For more retailers, as well as restaurants, attractions and holiday events to help plan your visit, download a free visitors guide to the heart of Massachusetts at TheHeartofMA.com.