Imagine for a moment that every adult in Maine spent just $20 this year on local goods. That’s a staggering $21 million going right back into the hands of local businesses and fellow artisans. Online stores make it dead simple to get those last minute stocking stuffers and support your local economy at the same time. Intavant created this list of local goods & goodies to get you on the right track!
The Holidays are well upon us, and Christmas is just around the corner. Maine is still bustling with shoppers looking for last minute stocking stuffers, and spending millions in the process. Where is everybody shopping this year? Judging by the lines at Wal-Mart, Target and the other big-box stores, it’s pretty clear who’s taking the lion’s share of the profits this year.
Buying just one gift locally this year could make a big difference in a neighbor’s life. Not to mention that warm fuzzy feeling when you know that your gift was made with love and attention – not churned out on an assembly line overseas.
You won’t find the truly special gifts at the big chain stores or on Amazon.com. For delicious, locally made treats and spirits, handmade crafts, jewelry and other timeless gifts we don’t need to leave our own backyard.
Shopping Local
With the help of local artisans and entrepreneurs, Intavant discovered some local gems that will make amazing stocking stuffers for your loved ones this year. Below, you will find hand-picked alternatives to the big box stores that will help support local Maine businesses and put big smiles on everyone’s face this year!
This list was created with the help of local Maine artisans and entrepreneurs, and is open to any local Maine business. We have no affiliation with these goods and Intavant does not represent the following individuals or businesses.
If you are interested in being included in this list, please send us a message.
Pinecone+Chickadee
Pinecone+Chickadee is a collaboration between graphic designer/illustrator, Amy Teh, and her musician husband, Noah DeFilippis. The duo silkscreen their original artwork onto greeting cards, journals, apparel and accessories with water-based, earth friendly inks.
Website: http://www.pineconeandchickadee.com/
Lofted Designs
Lofted Designs offers handcrafted jewelry and pet tags made in Maine.
Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lofteddesigns
Love For Lemons Co.
Love For Lemons Co. provides Maine made products for the natural home. The chemical free cleaning products are natural, biodegradable and safe. Love For Lemons Co. believes that we can keep our homes clean without harming our families or the earth.
Website: http://www.loveforlemons.com/
Casco Bay Butter
Casco Bay Butter is a lovely, local artisan butter. It ships well and is available in variety of compound flavors which make a lovely hostess gift or a delicious accompaniment to homemade breads.
Website: http://www.cascobaybutter.com/
Coffee on the Porch
Coffee on the Porch, located in Camden, Maine, does not have a brick and mortar store front or a spot to come in and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. What we do have is a passion for a good cup of coffee and the ability to achieve that through our different roasts.
Website: http://www.coffeeontheporchme.com/
Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery
Sweetgrass Farm is a family run business firmly rooted in the community, supporting local sustainable agriculture, and donating 10% of profits to organizations which support families, children, and rural life.
Website: http://www.sweetgrasswinery.com/
Hot Injection Jewelry
Handmade bead woven necklaces and earrings by local artist in Hope, Maine. Give a gift that’s unique and one of a kind just like the people you love.
Website: http://www.storenvy.com/stores/161124-hot-injection-jewelry
The Maine Lights Collection
The Maine Lights Collection includes many unique items from oil paintings, to adorable clay sculptured faces on mussel shells (Mussel Men), to unusual clay and wire sculptures.
Website: http://www.mainelightscollection.com/
Purple Bean Bindery
Purple Bean Bindery has a delightful collection of one-of-a-kind handmade books. It really doesn’t get much cuter than this.
Website: http://www.purplebeanbindery.com/
O’Chang Comics
O’Chang Comics is a home to a series of comics featuring life and labor in the state of Maine. Their online store has some excellent schwag for the stockings this year.
Website: http://ochangcomics.com/
Herbal Revolution
Herbal Revolution is a small organic herbal company based in beautiful mid-coast Maine. In addition to growing our own organic herbs, we travel the state wild-gathering herbs in a sustainable way from the pristine northern coastline, fields and forests.
Website: http://www.herbalrevolutionmaine.com/
One Wood Piece At A Time
One Wood Piece At A Time is a wood turning studio in Bridgton, Maine, that produces a wide variety of custom wood works. I specialize in custom Bolt Action Bullet Pens in deer antler, camouflage acrylics and different wood species. Many other items are created as well and no live trees are cut for our work. One on one instruction available.
Website: http://www.onewoodpieceatatime.com/
If shopping online isn’t your thing – you shouldn’t miss the Aarhus Gallery’s Holiday Extravaganza in Belfast through December 24th.
Featuring goods from over 70 local artists and craftspeople, you’re just about guaranteed to find an amazing gift.
Aarhus Gallery’s Holiday Extravaganza
This jam-packed show features smaller artworks and a wide range of creative craftwork priced with gift giving in mind. Works in a dazzling variety of mediums, from over 70 talented Maine artists from throughout the midcoast and beyond will be exhibited.
Website: http://www.aarhusgallery.com
Didn’t quite find what you are looking for?
This list is just a way to get you started. There are thousands of local shops and artisans across the state of Maine. Next time you head out to wrap up that holiday shopping, make a point to stop by some of the local shops in your town. We think you’ll be glad you did, and Maine could use your business!
