So many amazing products have come out of New England, and if you’re looking to shop for someone who lives in this region, or simply loves visiting, boy do I have you covered. One of my favorite things to do when traveling throughout this area is to find the best shops and products that are locally-made, or at the very least, inspired by New England. After many years of traveling, I’ve created the ultimate list of the very best New England gifts for pretty much anyone on your list, including some unique finds that aren’t often mentioned by others. But be warned, this list may have you doing a little shopping for yourself, too!
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The Best New England Gifts
Below is my ultimate list of all the best New England gifts I’ve found over the years. I’ve also broken down sections for different states below that included a lot of suggestions to make it easier for you to shop. These are otherwise in no particular order. Happy shopping!
1. Organic Bath Co. Bath Products
My favorite body butter of all time comes from Organic Bath Co., which is saying a lot because I’ve tried tons of them. Products from Organic Bath Co. are made right in Boston, and make wonderful New England gifts. They have everything from the amazing body butter I just mentioned, to sugar scrubs to bar soaps and hand moisturizers. I’ve pretty much tried it all from this company, and have loved every single thing, and continue to buy their products years later.
Besides the body butter, I especially love their hand cream, which I always keep in my purse and night stand, their bar soaps and their sugar scrubs. I also love that their fragrances are very natural, and they also have unscented versions of most of their products for those like me who are really sensitive to smells.
2. East Coast Sweatshirt From Sault New England
One of my favorite sweatshirts that pretty much always comes with me when I travel through New England is my East Coast sweatshirt from Sault New England. The style I have (shown in the photo) is the men’s version, but it’s also available in a women’s version. They also have hats and t-shirts with the same logo.
Sault New England has two store locations: One in Boston, and one in Portsmouth, NH. If you happen to live near one of these two places, you can easily swing by and shop directly from the store. Otherwise, they have an online store that ships nationwide.
3. New England Chocolates
There are so many chocolate shops throughout this region that sell hand-crafted creations, and I’ve tried quite a few of them. A great New England gift idea for the chocolate lover on your list is a New England-themed chocolate gift basket or box. Some of my favorites in this area are LA Burdick, Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington, VT and Laughing Moon Chocolates in Stowe, VT.
You could either buy a pre-made box that’s ready to go, or create your own by purchasing a few different varieties from each place, and creating your own little gift basket.
4. Stonewall Kitchen
Everyone pretty much knows Stonewall Kitchen by now, but man, I still love their products and buy them all the time because they’re that good. Stonewall Kitchen began in Maine as a smaller operation, and grew into one of the most popular New England gift companies and brands. The quality is still amazing after all these years, and I always enjoy stocking up of their things for my pantry.
If you’re looking to go very New England with Stonewall Kitchen, some great products to get for a little gift basket would be their Maine Seafood Rub, Wild Maine Blueberry Jam and their Maine Woods kitchen soaps and lotions. As a personal favorite, I really love their brownie mix, and use it all the time.
If you happen to live nearby, or are visiting the area, I definitely recommend going into their flagship store in York, Maine. It’s so much fun to shop there, and they have so many great gifts to pick from.
5. JaneGee Skin & Body Care Products
One of my favorite little shops in Portsmouth, NH is JaneGee, which is a New Hampshire-based natural skin and body care company, and they make awesome New England gifts. Their bubble bath is especially luxurious, and we use their puppy paw moisturizer for our pup’s dry paw pads in the winter. My husband also loves their shaving oil. Pretty much everything we’ve gotten from here has been wonderful, and they have an online shop, too.
6. L.L. Bean Anything
Another New England shop that really doesn’t need an introduction, but I have to mention it because even though it’s become massively popular, I still love their products. So many things from L.L. Bean make really great New England gifts, and I buy things from here for people on my list pretty much every year.
Some especially awesome L.L. Bean gifts are their Wicked Good slippers, flannel shirts and Bean Boots. I actually own a pair of Bean Boots that a family member passed down to me, and they’re still going strong after so many years of wear. But really, everything I’ve ever gotten from them has worn really well over time.
7. Long Wharf Supply Sweaters
A really awesome company that doesn’t get enough attention, and one that makes wonderful New England gifts is Long Wharf Supply. The owner of the company was born on the Massachusetts coast, and while the products are now sold all over the country, anyone who appreciates the New England coast will especially love their SeaWell line of fisherman’s inspired sweaters.
The Long Wharf SeaWell fisherman-style sweaters are made using a combination of recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottles, and either lambswool or cotton. Their designs showcasing these sustainable materials was even featured on Shark Tank. The styles are classic, coastal New England, are amazing quality and perfect for anyone who loves supporting sustainable efforts.
8. Casco Bay Soaps
Whenever I’m in Maine and I see Casco Bay Soaps, I always have to get a few. These make great New England gifts on their own, or as part of a themed basket or a stocking stuffer. They leave your skin feeling soft, come in wonderful scents and are made right in Maine.
9. Winter Beanie From SLynchKnitwear
A lot of the designs from S.LynchKnitwear are inspired by New England, and her love of this area, and I highly recommend checking out her knit beanies if you’re on the hunt for the perfect New England gifts. I especially love her Dorset design, which is the perfect winter beanie to give as a Christmas gift – or even a winter birthday gift. She also has really great fall/Halloween styles, mitten and other cute accessories to shop from.
10. Badger Balm
Made right in New Hampshire, Badger Balm is another popular New England gift idea, and this stuff is really awesome for especially dry hands. Their original Badger Balm makes for a great stocking stuffer, or as an addition to a New England-themed gift basket, but they now offer tons more products since developing their original balm. Their all-natural product line-up includes mineral-based sun protection, lip balms, insect repellant and so much more.
11. ChappyWrap Blankets
ChappyWraps are designed right on Martha’s Vineyard, making these cuddly blankets a really awesome New England gift idea. I now own two of them (and have my eye on a third), and I absolutely love them. I use them for pretty much everything (which is what they’re intended for) and bring them to the beach, snuggle on the couch with them, and anything in between.
ChappyWrap’s claim to fame is that they’re the best blanket you’ll ever own because of their resistance to pilling, pulling and shrinking, and are meant to be washed over and over again without losing their quality. For an especially perfect New England gift, you can choose from one of their New England designs like hydrangeas, Cape Cod maps and lobster prints.
12. Kiel James Patrick Sweaters
The Kiel James Patrick brand started on social media and has since really taken off as one of the best New England style brands out there. For someone who loves cozy clothing that’s also trendy, stylish and traditionally New England in every way, you’re likely to find something here. I’m especially fond of their seasonal sweaters around fall and the holiday season. They even replicated the Home Alone sweater, which makes for an awesome Christmas gift, and they have such a beautiful and fun array of fall and sweaters, winter coats and so much more.
13. Maine Sea Bags
Maine Sea Bags are also one of the more popular New England gift ideas, but for good reason. Using old and recycled sails from boats around New England, each bag is designed and crafted in their Portland, ME studio. These bags make for perfect beach and everyday totes, and are crafted to last.
Available in all kinds of designs, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for someone on your list, and with stores all over the East Coast, you could potential shop from an actual store (although, they have a great online shop, too).
Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Boston to Portland, Maine!
14. Hand-Picked Gift Box From Gift & Box Nantucket
While each product may not be specific to New England, Gift & Box Nantucket is a store right on Nantucket Island with a really great business model. The shop is packed with beautifully curated items that specifically make for perfect gifts, and allow you to customize your very own gift box, which they will expertly pack up and adorn with ribbon so it’s good to give as soon as you receive it (or you can ship direct to the recipient).
The shop does also have some beautiful New England-inspired gifts, and a lot of Nantucket-themed options, of course. But they also carry a variety of other products made by small businesses and artisans all over the U.S. You’ll definitely be able to shop small at Gift & Box Nantucket! They store itself is fun to visit on the island, but if you can’t get there, they also have an online storefront.
15. New England Flower Farm CSA Subscriptions
For the person on your list who has everything, but loves the simple things in life like a vase of fresh flowers, a great New England gift idea is a CSA subscription from a local flower farmer in the region (if there’s one close by). So many flower farmers make a substantial part of their living from selling CSA subscriptions, which you’ll pick up from them at various times throughout the season for gorgeous and freshly-cut bouquets. This is a great way to shop small, shop New England and support local farmers all in one.
Here is a list of a few flower farmers in New England that offer CSAs as gifts, but you can easily Google your area + flower farm to find one near you!
- Tarrnation Flower Farm (Sugar Hill, NH)
- FiveForm Farms (Upton, MA)
- Robin Hollow Farms (Saunderstown, RI)
- Little River Flower Farm (Buxton, ME)
- Rooted Flowers (Agawam, MA)
16. Nautical Bracelet From Mystic Knotworks
For someone on your list who loves nautical-inspired accessories, one of the best New England gifts to consider is a bracelet from Mystic Knotworks, the original nautical bracelet designer in Connecticut. Martha Stewart has even given them a seal of approval when she selected them as one of four of the best heritage New England artisans out of 6,000 options.
Mystic Knotworks has been making their original nautical bracelets for over 60 years, and while they have more more styles to choose from now, their classic design will never go out of style.
17. New England Maple Syrups
One of the most popular specialty foods to come out of New England is maple syrup, which makes a great addition to a New England-themed gift basket, or as stocking stuffer, or honestly, even all on its own.
Local maple syrup can be found all over New England in country stores, farms and specialty boutiques, so if you’re lucky enough to live by a place that makes their own – well, there’s nothing better than that. If you don’t, and need to shop online, places like Stonewall Kitchen sell wonderful options and will ship them out to you.
18. Fun Lip Balms From Long Winter Soap Co.
Made locally in Maine, one of my favorite New England gift ideas are these really fun lip balms from Long Winter Soap Co. I’ve been using these lip balms for years, ever since I found them on my very first trip to Portland, ME. The lip balms are made in small batches by the family that started the company out of their own home, and they’re most-known for their unique and fun names. You’ll find scents like Unicorn Farts and Lobster Farts, as well as all kinds of creative scent combinations like Pumpkin Chip and Sugared Violets.
The best part about Long Winter Soap Co.? Their dedication to using their brand to create positive change in the world. Many products are developed as a reaction to current events, and portions of sales are donated to important causes. Follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with special releases to fight for a cause!
Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park!
19. New England Beer or Hard Cider
There are so many incredible breweries and cideries that are based in this region, and creating a little gift basket with some of the best brews is an awesome New England gift idea for someone who loves local beer. Some of my favorites are:
- Fiddlehead Brewing (VT)
- Treehouse Brewing Co. (MA)
- Bissel Brothers (ME)
- Tilted Barn Brewery (RI)
- Stowe Cider (VT)
20. New England Aerial Artwork From Gray Malin
Gray Malin is a well-known photographer that specializes in amazing aerial photography, and he has an entire series from New England, which includes Cape Cod and its islands, Rhode Island and Maine. A really special New England gift idea would be a beautiful print from his shop featuring one of these destinations. Prints come in different sizes and with various framing options as well, depending on your budget and who you’re shopping for.
21. Yankee Magazine Subscription
Honestly, I never get sick of reading Yankee Magazine, and I’ve been a subscriber for years. And whenever we have company over, they always find their way to my stack of older issues, and get sucked into the beautiful photos and interesting articles. This magazine is really well-done, and they continue to find amazing stories from New England residents and businesses to share that are always meaningful and exciting to read. For anyone who loves to visit this area, this is one of the best New England gifts to consider.
Rhode Island Gifts
If you’re looking to get someone on your list a gift that’s made right in Rhode Island, I have two really awesome suggestions for you!
22. Mary MacGill Jewelry
For someone on your list that appreciates handmade jewelry and gemstones, a piece from Mary MacGill may be the perfect New England gift. Mary began creating her jewelry right on Block Island, RI, and has a small storefront on the island, as well as a boutique in the Hudson Valley region of New York.
Mary’s pieces are absolutely stunning and simple, and focus on the natural beauty of gemstones. She has everything from gorgeous pearl necklaces to statement rings, and even takes custom order requests to create the ultimate unique gift.
23. Shore Soap Co. Products
If you have someone on your list who loves locally-made soaps and such, a great New England gift idea is soaps from Shore Soap Co. Made right in Newport, RI, these soaps are really lovely, and a lot of fun. Their branding and package designs are so unique and beautiful that you almost don’t even need to wrap them up before giving them as a gift.
I’m especially fond of their Mermaid Kisses scent for summer, and I always get excited for their Jack Frost holiday/winter release each year.
Unique Gifts From Massachusetts
There are so many awesome things you can buy that make amazing New England gifts that are either made or based in Massachusetts. Below is a list of things that I love that make for unique gifts from Massachusetts.
24. Cape Cod Beach Chair
Hand-crafted right on the Cape, a beach chair from the Cape Cod Beach Chair Company is the perfect gift for the person on your list who loves visiting New England beaches (or really, any beach for that matter). What began as a small business out of a garage is now a slightly larger (but still small) business that designs, crafts and ships high-quality beach chairs right from Harwich, MA on Cape Cod.
These chairs are beautifully designed for a stylish beach experience, but are also built to last with quality wood and durable canvas and Sunbrella fabrics. They have a special nautical line that uses sailing cloth for an especially unique gift, and a standard line that offers a variety of colors to choose from. They also offer customized embroidery to up your gift-giving game. Online ordering is available, or you can also shop directly from their store in Harwich.
25. Cape Cod Coloring Book
For the artistic child on your list (or young-at-heart adult, no judgement!), this adorable Cape Cod coloring book is a really fun New England gift idea. The pages are filled with hand-illustrated scenes from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and if you pair it with a nice box of colored pencils, this would be the perfect gift for someone who loves the Cape (I mean, I’ve even honestly considered getting one for myself!).
26. Boston Ballet Tickets
For anyone on your list who loves the performance arts scene in Boston, or maybe just looking to expand their own horizons, tickets to a Boston Ballet performance might be a great New England gift idea to consider. Performances take place at the Boston Opera House, a stunning and historic building that’s exciting to visit, and they offer a few performances each season to choose from. You’ll sometimes see classic like Swan Lake, newer features from up-and-coming choreographers and even The Nutcracker for a festive night out.
27. Pawsitivity Dog Accessories
My favorite pet collars and harnesses come from this amazing Boston-based brand, and these are one of my favorite New England gift ideas to suggest to pet-owners. Pawsitivity designs and crafts really fun and unique styles for your pup, and you’ll find patterns like hydrangeas, sharks and Nantucket themes, plus so much more on their website. They also have two shops where you can bring your pup and have them help you pick out their new gear: One shop can be found on Nantucket, and the other in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard.
Sadly, this pattern was a limited release and no longer available,
but they have a pink hydrangea one in their line!
We have both a collar and harness from them, and they’re incredible quality, easily washable and super stylish. Highly recommend!
28. Martha’s Vineyard Charm Bracelet From C.B Stark
If you know someone on your list that has a special place in their heart for Martha’s Vineyard, a really great New England gift suggestion for them is a charm bracelet from C.B. Stark. This jewelry shop started as a one-woman show out of a garage, and has since become a brand that the Martha’s Vineyard island community loves, and they’ve grown into two storefronts to showcase their beautiful pieces.
One of their most popular pieces is their custom charm bracelets, where you can add on different island-themed charms over time. They have ferry ticket charms, town sign charms, lighthouse charms, and even local coffee shop charms! The great thing about this gift is that you can continue to add to it each time gift giving season rolls around, and there are endless possibilities.
29. Nantucket Charm Bracelet From Blue Beetle
Along the same lines, the Blue Beetle on Nantucket island offers Nantucket-themed jewelry and charm bracelets, too. While they also offer other Nantucket-themed accessories and clothing, the Nantucket charms are such a unique New England gift idea that’s hard to pass up, especially if you know someone that loves this special little island. You’ll find charms in the shape of the Nantucket town signs, local lighthouses, Nantucket baskets and tons more to build the perfect bracelet.
30. Lighthouse Keepers Pantry Condiments
A unique gift idea from Massachusetts are these small-batch specialty condiments from Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry on Cape Cod. The owner, Kelly, has perfected these recipes over the years as a food creator for lifestyle brands, and during the pandemic, she began to perfect her own recipes, and started to sell them at Farmer’s Markets. Now, they’ve become so popular, you can find her products in stores all over Cape Cod.
If you have someone on your list who appreciates small-batch specialty foods, and also loves things like hot sauces, you’re likely to find the perfect gift from Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry. Their products are continuously stocked at their coffee shop in Yarmouth Port, MA, and they’re also sold online if you’re not local.
31. Red Sox Tickets
For any Red Sox fan on your list, tickets to a game is never a bad idea, especially if you can make the outing about spending time together, or getting tickets for everyone in the family for the perfect day out. Of course, this will require a bit of planning, but it will be well-worth the effort and memories!
32. Peter Beaton Nantucket Hat
One of my favorite New England gifts to suggest for those who love hats is the Peter Beaton Studio hats. Designed and crafted on Nantucket, these luxury sun hats are incredibly stylish, and completely evoke New England summer style. The quality and craftsmanship is also impeccable. It’s a very special experience receiving a hat from Peter Beaton.
33. Plum Island Soaps
Made in a cottage right on the coast of Massachusetts are products from Plum Island Soap Co. The company started in the owner’s kitchen, and now has a store front on Plum Island, an expansive online shop, and you can find their products sold at specialty stores all over New England.
I’ve purchased so many of their soaps over the years, and have always loved them, and I try to snatch a few bars of their soap up whenever I see them. I also love their hand butter and lip balms, and most importantly, I love that they use all-natural ingredients.
34. Candles From Rockport Candle Company
One of my all-time favorite candle companies creates small-batch, hand-poured candles right in Rockport, MA. Rockport Candle Company is such a fun and unique gift from Massachusetts, especially if you know the recipient has been to Rockport, one of the best coastal towns in the state. Their logo features Motif 1, the famous red fishing shack, and their scents are inspired by the sites and smells of New England in all seasons.
You can shop directly from them at their boutique on Bearskin Neck in Rockport, or from their online storefront.
Click here to read my post about all the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall!
Vermont Gift Ideas
Vermont has some amazing New England gifts that deserve their very own section, and below is a list of my favorites to come out of the Green Mountain State.
35. Farmhouse Pottery Pieces
Farmhouse Pottery started as a small business in Vermont and has since taken off, and even caught Oprah’s attention when she listed their pieces as a great holiday gift idea. While it’s grown in popularity in recent years, it still maintains its small-business feel. Each piece continues to be hand-thrown in their Vermont or New Hampshire studio, and their studio doors remain open to the public to welcome visitors to observe the craft, and ask the artisans questions. Their boutiques are also quaint and charming and beautifully designed.
Their selection of pieces ranges from pie dishes to vases, and honestly I want one of everything. I love their simple designs, which go with any aesthetic, and the quality and craftsmanship is top-notch.
36. Farmhouse Pottery Wheel Workshop
I’m not done with Farmhouse Pottery just yet! Another great New England gift idea is the gift of a wheel workshop at one of their studios. Both studios in Woodstock, VT and Hanover, NH offer what they call “clay dates,” where you get a chance to learn about the craft from an artisan at the studio, and get your turn behind the wheel to create your very own piece to take home. You can choose between mimosas during your workshop, or wine and cheese.
My husband and I did a workshop at their Woodstock location a few years ago, and it was a blast! We gained a whole new appreciation for the skill, and learned that it looks much easier than it actually is. The pieces we created are pretty basic, but we love using them as a reminder of our date at the studio.
Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Woodstock, VT!
37. Vermont Flannel Shirts
What started as a husband and wife small business is still a husband and wife business, but has significantly grown in popularity, and expanded to include a full staff and local craftsmen to create long-lasting flannel pieces. The Vermont Flannel Company makes for an awesome New England gift, as each piece is expertly crafted the old-fashioned way by hand, and designed to last for years to come.
Flannel shirts are, of course, the company’s staple, but they’ve expanded their offerings to things like blankets, pajamas and jackets, meaning you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list with this one-stop shop!
38. Simon Pearce Glassware
I fell in love with pieces by Simon Pearce during my first trip to their flagship store in Quechee, VT years ago, and since then, their Woodstock stemware line has been on my wish list (someday I will own them!). While I’m partial to their stemware, any piece from this company makes for a beautiful New England gift.
Each piece that’s sold is hand-blown right in their Vermont or Maryland studios, and makes for an extra unique gift because each one will vary ever so slightly due to the nature of the craft. Their product line ranges from seasonal decor to serving bowls, so you’ll definitely find the perfect piece for someone on your list.
39. Vermont Teddy Bear
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is yet another amazing business that started as a one-man operation and grew into a nationally-recognized company that still pays homage to its roots. The founder of the company began handcrafting teddy bears in his garage and sold them on Church Street in Burlington, VT. Now, the company is still based in Vermont, and they design and craft heirloom-quality bears at their factory in Shelburne.
Each bear comes with a lifetime guarantee, and if anything should ever happen to it, you can send it to their factory for repair. Each bear is also authenticated with a special “Made in Vermont” tag so you know it’s an original. For the child on your list, to commemorate a new birth, or for a collector or anyone young at heart, it’s hard to beat a special Vermont teddy bear as a gift.
40. Darn Tough Socks
This family-owned business has been making Darn Tough socks for 40 years, and one of the best New England gifts you can give to come out of Vermont is a pair of these socks, which will be guaranteed for life. They’re so confident that you’ll never be able to wear out a pair, they’ll replace it for free if you do!
Crafted and made right in Northfield, VT, Darn Tough socks are made from 100% merino wool, and are woven with a fine knit, which allows them to fit better and last longer. There are so many options to choose from on their website, including fair isle and whimsical prints, and also different fits for various activities like hiking, running and skiing. For anyone on your list that’s super active, or has cold feet in the winter, these are a great idea.
41. Vermont Gift Basket From Cold Hollow Cider
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is one of my absolute favorite places to visit when I’m traveling through Vermont, and if you’re looking for a New England gift that provides all the local Vermont flavors, this is a great option. Cold Hollow offers so many gift packs to choose from that will literally be New England and Vermont in a box. They’ll ship out fresh-pressed cider and donuts, pancake mixes and syrups, cheeses, jellies and so much more.
You may also enjoy:
- Christmas On Cape Cod: All The Best Things To Do
- The Nantucket Christmas Stroll: Everything You Need To Know
- Incredible New England Resorts & Spas
- Best Things To Do In Vermont In The Winter
- Best New England Winter Getaways
- Best New England Christmas Towns
- Best Things To Do in New Hampshire in the Winter
- Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston to Stowe, VT!
- Best Things To Do In Maine In The Winter
- Best Things To Do In Portland, Maine In The Winter
- The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To See
That’s A Wrap On The Best New England Gifts
And there you have it! Now you’re ready to shop for the most exciting, unique and best New England gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’ve got a beach-lover who would be thrilled with a beautiful Cape Cod Beach Chair, a child whose new best friend would be a Vermont teddy bear, or someone who loves self-care and spa nights who would be excited for Jane Gee and Organic Bath Co. products, there’s a little something for everyone when you shop from New England.
