Find Unique Gifts for Everyone on Your List at these Local Artist-Driven Stores

Many nearby shops, galleries and co-ops are packed with Rhody-crafted wares this holiday season.

December 18, 2024

Kat Sheridan,

Cards for that special someone at Matriarch. Photography courtesy of Matriarch

It’s always a conundrum: You want to get personalized, thoughtful gifts for family and friends each December but you’re not sure where to shop. The mall seems so impersonal, and so does online shopping. Why not go local and handmade this year? Many nearby stores, galleries and co-ops specialize in artist-made goods and are packed with personalized, Rhody-crafted wares this holiday season. Here’s our list of creative spots to check out, and don’t worry — we’ve checked it twice!

NORTH

Craftland

Providence

Cat-themed ceramics at Craftland in Providence. Photo courtesy of Craftland

Owner Margaret Carleton started Craftland as a holiday pop-up in 2002, opening after Thanksgiving and closing after Christmas. Since 2009, the store has been open year-round, giving Rhode Islanders a fun and colorful way to shop for locally made goods.

Craftland carries products made by more than 120 artists, mostly from Rhode Island. This store is perfect for anyone interested in less traditional art, boasting a colorful and cozy vibe, with funky stickers, whimsical ceramic serving plates and bowls, shirts, earrings, prints, postcards, and more lining the walls. It goes back to its Christmas roots each December with the Craftland Holiday Extravaganza, stocking new wares from even more artists and turning the store into a holly jolly wonderland. 212 Westminster St., Providence, 272-4285, craftlandshop.com

Tea towels at Craftland. Photo courtesy of Craftland

Rhody Craft

Providence

Kim Clark recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of her store, which is “dedicated to having fun, colorful, affordable items” for people, she says. About half the wares are locally made, with the other half coming from other small businesses.

Whimsical wall art at Rhody Craft. Photo courtesy of Rhody Craft

She originally opened across the street from her current location, where Blooming Blossoms is now, but quickly outgrew the store. When she saw a “for rent” sign at 769 Hope St., she relocated. She opened Rhody Craft when restarting her life, during treatment for cancer and a divorce.

Holiday ornaments on display at Rhody Craft in Providence. Photo courtesy of Rhody Craft

The store is a fun stop to find a gift for anyone on your list. There are plenty of options, including T-shirts and totes, mugs and aprons, whimsical cards, jewelry, paintings, Rhody-inspired goods, candles, puzzles, children’s gifts and more. 769 Hope St., Providence, 626-1833, rhodycraft.com

Holiday earrings at Rhody Craft. Photo courtesy of Rhody Craft

SOUTH

Harbor View Artisans

Wickford

Neringa Aiello, Pamela Pitt and Debbie Rathbun opened Harbor View Artisans in 2021 as an artists’ cooperative. After originally starting out with sixteen artists they found on Etsy and Instagram, they’ve since grown to feature twenty-seven artisans, and are always looking for more.

In addition to stocking ocean-themed pieces, the shop also carries pillows, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and kitchen accessories, many of them done in seaside themes. Whether you want fine art or something crafty, there are plenty of options at Harbor View Artisans. 24 Brown St., Wickford, 662-3372, facebook.com/harborviewartisans

Fayerweather Craft Guild

Kingston

Stopping by the Fayerweather Craft Guild feels like visiting a crafty relative. The house itself is a marvel — built in 1820 by George Fayerweather, the son of a freed slave, it’s listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Since 1966, when the Fayerweather Craft Guild took over the building, the guild has held art events and craft fairs and sold handcrafted goods made by local artisans.

This cozy place is covered in creative pieces by more than forty local artists, including doll clothes, planter pots, jewelry, cozy blankets, prints, textiles, baskets, pet sweaters and more. When you’re done shopping, you can explore more of the building or the gardens (in the warmer months, of course!). The store is open April through December. 1859 Mooresfield Rd., Kingston, 789-9072, fayerweathercraftguild.com

EAST

Made in Warren Artist Cooperative

Warren

Knit hats to keep you warm at Made in Warren. Photo courtesy of Made in Warren

Rather than having one owner, this art store is run by a board of artists. First founded eight years ago as an alternative to art galleries, the artists who sell their wares here keep all the profits except for what they pitch in for rent and other expenses. Artists sign on for a one-year contract, but many choose to stay on for years.

Ceramic cups at Made in Warren. Photo courtesy of Made in Warren

With more than forty artist-members, mediums range from traditional art to crafts, perfect for any art-loving friend or family member. Paintings, glasswork, pottery, textiles, jewelry, fine woodworks and more fill the store. Curious about a certain piece? Feel free to ask one of the artists behind the counter or head to the computer in the back of the shop, where you can view all the artists’ profiles and learn more about their work. 476 Main St., Warren, 310-0559, madeinwarren.com

A gift basket from Made in Warren. Photo courtesy of Made in Warren

Matriarch

Newport

A selection of prints and cocktail items on display at Matriarch in Newport. Photography courtesy of Matriarch

Matriarch’s motto is “Feel celebrated for no apparent reason,” and you’ll certainly feel the girl power vibes once you step inside. Amy Larson opened the store in 2023 as a brick and mortar for her clothing brand, Overseasoned, which festoons fun, feminist slogans (think: “Shuck the Patriarchy” and “Cabernet and Equal Pay”) on hoodies, T-shirts and aprons.

The store primarily stocks goods made by female artists and queer-owned businesses, featuring books, stickers, kitchen goods and clothing with feminist messages, candles and more. Keep an eye out for special events like watercolor workshops, knitting sessions and yoga-and-brekkie classes. 468 Thames St., Newport, matriarchri.com