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2026 small business holiday gift guide

14 minutes ago
5 min read

Holiday shopping is a little more fun when you find something you wouldn’t see in every big-box store. Think handmade home goods, island-inspired treats, thoughtful self-care gifts, and experiences worth planning a trip around.


This year, we’re highlighting small businesses across New England and beyond that deserve a spot on your holiday shopping list. Whether you’re shopping for the person who has everything, your favorite foodie, a devoted book lover, or someone who could use a little getaway, there’s something here for them.


Consider this your reminder to shop small, support local makers, and find a few gifts that feel a little more personal.


Gifts Under $50


Seaworthy Self-Care Crate | Pembroke, MA




A little self-care, packed in a nautical-inspired wooden crate. Seaworthy Naturals’ $45 gift set includes bestselling soaps, sugar scrub, whipped body butter, and lavender linen spray, all made with clean ingredients and 100% essential oils. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who deserves a little time to unwind.





Nantucket Bound Cookies | Nantucket, MA



Bring a little island flavor to the holidays with scratch-made cookies inspired by Nantucket’s places and memories. With 10 flavors to choose from, plus dog biscuits for your four-legged friends, there’s something for just about everyone. Individual cookies start at $6, and assorted dozen boxes are available for $72.





Kitchen Sink Candle Company | Bolton, MA




For the person who loves a cozy home, locally made candles are an easy win. Kitchen Sink Candle Company offers candles and locally made gifts that bring a little warmth to any space.







Gifts for Her


Em’s Threads | Boston, MA



For the person whose wardrobe is anything but ordinary, Em’s Threads creates one-of-a-kind patchwork sweatshirts using upcycled fabrics. Each piece is handmade in small batches by an all-women team, making every sweatshirt a little different. At $148, it’s a thoughtful pick for someone who appreciates creative design and pieces with a story behind them.





Banyan & Birch | Massachusetts




Beautiful linens can make even an everyday table feel special. Banyan & Birch designs hand-printed home goods, including table linens, kitchen linens, and throw pillow covers, using natural materials like cotton and linen. With pieces ranging from $24 to $75, it’s a lovely option for the host, homebody, or design lover on your list.






Jane Austen Post | Seattle, WA



Know someone who would happily spend an afternoon in the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy? Jane Austen Post retells Pride and Prejudice through 24 letters mailed twice a month, complete with original artwork, enclosures, and curated extras. The $129 annual subscription is a gift that unfolds throughout the year, making it especially fun for the reader who loves a little literary escapism.





Gifts for Him


Cape Cod Beach Chair Company | Harwich, MA




For the person who would rather be at the beach, give them a reason to get comfortable. The Cape Cod Beach Chair Company’s premium Nauset Recliner features a soft pillow, five reclining positions, and a large cup holder. Each chair is custom-built in a variety of colors and stripes, with optional personalized embroidery. Starting at $220, it’s a gift made for many summers to come.





For the Sweet Tooth


Love & Flour Bakery | Greater Boston



A box of beautiful macarons is always a good idea. Love & Flour Bakery specializes in macarons and gift boxes that make an especially sweet surprise for holiday hosts, dessert lovers, or anyone who appreciates a little something special.







Salt Rock Chocolate | Martha’s Vineyard, MA



Handmade, small-batch chocolate belongs on every holiday dessert table. Salt Rock Chocolate makes its treats with high-quality ingredients, offering a thoughtful gift for the chocolate lover who appreciates something made with care.









For the Chef


Newport Salt Co. | Newport, RI



For the home cook who loves experimenting in the kitchen, specialty sea salts and seasonings are a practical gift that still feels personal. Newport Salt Co. brings a coastal touch to the pantry and makes a great pick for foodies, hosts, and anyone who believes the finishing touch matters.






Boston Honey Company | Holliston, MA



Sweeten up someone’s kitchen with locally made honey and beeswax products from Boston Honey Company. It’s a thoughtful option for tea drinkers, home cooks, and anyone who loves supporting local producers.






For the Traveler


Oak Bluffs Inn | Martha’s Vineyard, MA



Give the gift of a getaway with a stay at Oak Bluffs Inn. Whether you’re planning a special weekend for someone else or giving a couple a reason to book a trip, a Martha’s Vineyard escape is a gift that creates memories long after the holidays are over.





The Platinum Pebble Boutique Hotel & Inn | West Harwich, Cape Cod



For someone who could use a change of scenery, a Cape Cod getaway is always worth considering. The Platinum Pebble offers a boutique bed-and-breakfast experience on the Cape, making it a lovely option for a couple’s escape or a relaxing weekend away.






Crowne Pointe Hotel & Spa | Provincetown, MA



For the person who deserves a little extra relaxation, Crowne Pointe Hotel & Spa offers a getaway with plenty of ways to unwind. Gift cards can be used toward overnight stays, dining, and spa treatments, so they can plan the experience that suits them best.




For the Green Thumb


Boon Plant Bar | Boston, MA



For the plant lover who’s always finding room for one more, Boon Plant Bar offers plant arrangements, accessories, and hands-on workshops. Give them something green to take home or an experience where they can get creative with plants.





New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill | Boylston, MA


For someone who loves spending time outdoors, consider a gift inspired by the garden. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill offers a garden shop with nature-inspired gifts, gardening tools, books, and plant-themed accessories. A membership or visit is another way to give them something to look forward to.


Explore: nebg.org




For the Art Lover


Glassworks | Martha’s Vineyard, MA



Give something handmade and a little unexpected with a visit to Glassworks, a glassblowing studio and gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. For the person who appreciates art, craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind finds, it’s a great place to discover a piece with a story behind it.






Shop Small This Holiday Season


The best gifts don’t have to come from a big retailer or the top of a trending gift list. Sometimes they’re made by a small team, inspired by a favorite place, or created by someone who turned an idea into a business they love.


As you work through your holiday shopping list, consider giving some of these New England businesses a little love. Every purchase is a chance to support the people and communities that make this region so special.


Happy holidays, and happy shopping from Blue Seven Studio!


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