From experience gifts to hand-me-downable toys, there are plenty of unique offerings to consider during holiday shopping season this year. The focus of the Recovergirl Gift Guide is sustainable style, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Happy shopping, and happy holidays.
Toddler Painted Mug
$12.50-$16 (includes painting, glazing, and firing)
Firefly Pottery, Portsmouth
photo courtesy of State the Label
Grandparents just want something precious from their grandkids. Bring your toddler to Firefly Pottery in Portsmouth and let them paint a mug. When it comes to art, kids know best. Let them take the lead. But don’t delay — Dec. 17 is the last day they can guarantee mugs will be ready for Christmas. To learn more, visit fireflypotterynh.com.
Tivoli PAL BT
$199, available at Barnes and Noble, Newington
photo courtesy of TivoliAudio.com
For your podcast-loving friend or relative, consider the Tivoli Portable Audio Laboratory with Bluetooth Technology. The online reviews are great and the retro design will look nice in a studio apartment or a newly remodeled kitchen. The challenge will be actually giving this as a present and not keeping it for yourself. To learn more about this item, visit tivoliaudio.com.
Pixel & Pulp Stay Woke Print
$20, available at pandp.studio
photo courtesy of Pixels & Pulp
For the millennial in your life, Portland-based graphic design company Pixels & Pulp offers a graphic print that supports a good cause. Proceeds from each print will be donated to Results, a nonprofit advocacy organization working to end poverty. To learn more about Results, visit results.org.
Rubik’s Cube
$12.99, available at Diversions Puzzles & Games, Portsmouth
Rubik’s Cubes are hot again. A new generation is obsessed with this graphic puzzle, but this time they have the Internet to show them how to solve it. Now it’s not about whether you can complete the puzzle or not, but how fast! Buy multiples so family members can compete. (Nothing like a friendly competition to spice things up on Christmas Day!) Also, fun fact — Rubik’s Cubes are #3 on the list of toys handed down from one generation to the next.
Robinwoods Tea Towel
$20 each, available at Port City Artisans Pop Up Shop (inside Izzy’s Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream), Portsmouth
photo courtesy of Port City Artisans Pop Up Shop
Make a pact with your best friend to only exchange tea towels for Christmas from now on. There are so many adorable options available online and at local boutiques. Each of you can curate a lovely collection for each other, and every time you do the dishes you will be reminded of your friendship. These tea towels by Robin Bettencourt are a good place to start. They are suitable for locals as well as long-distance friends. To learn more, visit robinwoodsdesign.com.
State and Manor Sweatshirts and Pants
HIS: Brodie Long Sleeve Sweatshirt ($118) + Chase Sweat Pant ($88)
HERS: Ashton Sweatshirt ($98) + Kennedy Pant ($88)
Available at Wheat in York and Newburyport
photo courtesy of State and Manor
Offline is the new luxury. Be offline together in his and hers sweats. Whatever guilt you might have for lounging around in sweats will be cured by knowing that this clothing is crafted and manufactured in the United States with soft, eco-conscious fabric. To learn more (like which celebrities are wearing State and Manor), visit stateandmanor.com. And, as a bonus, PortsmouthNH.com readers can save 20 percent at the Wheat store at York Beach when they mention PortsmouthNH.com.
Minivan Detail Services
$120, White Water Car Wash & Detail Center, Dover
image courtesy of White Water Car Wash
Get the new parents on your list a gift certificate to have their minivan detailed. This package includes interior super clean, carpet shampoo, and seat cleaning. Picture the smile on their faces when they climb back into their super clean car and turn the radio up. Maybe you should throw in babysitting services. Too much?
Go Kart Racing Gift Certificates
$37 per person
NH1 MotorPlex, Seabrook
photo courtesy of NH1 Motorplex
The millennials have it right — experiences are better than things. Arrange for friendly rivals to compete in a Go Kart race. Invite even more friends to cheer the opposing teams. Losing team buys dinner! To learn more, visit nh1motorplex.com.
Backyard Garlic Table Top Grinder
$12 , available at backyardgarlic.farm
image courtesy of backyardgarlic.farm
For the chef in your life, how about some locally grown garlic seasoning? You can feel extra good about giving this gift because it directly supports a local business and New Hampshire farmers. Perhaps, as a result, you will be invited over for a savory meal. Cheers!
Newspaper Subscription
photo by Kent Landerholm
For your niece who is interested in journalism as a career path, give an online subscription to a serious national news publication. For your uncle who would really love to have an actual newspaper delivered to his house, get a subscription to a local paper. You can feel good that you are supporting real journalism.
L-OMA Organic Buckwheat Pillow
$54 at L-OMA.com
Always Piper Striped Linen Pillow Cases
$95 per pair at alwayspiper.com
photos courtesy of L-OMA (left) and Always Piper
Who wouldn’t appreciate a set of new pillows? L-OMA organic buckwheat pillows are made in Maine and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Bridges Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities. Always Piper pillow cases, also handmade in Maine, are made of 100 percent linen. They are sold separately, but together they make a lovely present.
Couples Massage
$190 for one hour, DuDa Spa, Portsmouth
photo courtesy of DuDa Spa
Just because it’s called a “couples massage” doesn’t mean you need to be a romantic couple to enjoy it. Maybe you are a couple of best friends who need some girl time. The private room will allow you time and space to catch up. Think of it as a mini staycation. Instant spa certificates are available online at thedudaspa.com.
Double Peace T-Shirt
$20, available at thepeaceshop.us
image courtesy of thepeaceshop.us
This online store is not local but the designer is. These T-shirts were designed by local artist Ty Williams. ’Tis the season for spreading love and promoting peace. Let’s gather around our holiday tables and find common ground.
Jennifer Moore is a local library clerk, sustainable style blogger, and editor of Style Queue Magazine. For more, follow her Recovergirl blog.