Welcome to the Christmas season – we’re starting a day early! We are passionate about small businesses and wanted to share just a handful of our favorite products, experiences, or services with you for our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you are looking for a teacher gift or something for a special someone, scroll down and you might just find what you’ve been looking for!
This year our gift guide features all Rhode Island-based businesses and products! This is only the smallest list of the amazing locally made presents you could find here in the Ocean State!
Reef to Rocks Cocktail Salt – Newport Sea Salt
We love all things Newport Sea Salt! A husband-wife team creates all their products by hand right in Newport. From their classic salt in jars or personal tins to a meat-specific butchers blend, there’s a salt for every meal. This year, we’re all about this special cocktail salt tin! Just pop it open, dip, and enjoy!
Great for: Hostess gift, teacher gift, anyone!
Leather Tote Bag – $230 from The Rogue Fae
A class leather tote is always in style. The choice is, what style? We love this unique take on a traditional leather toe. Another husband and wife team, The Rogue Fae is all about creating quality leather pieces that will stand the test of time.
Great for: The woman in your life
Navy House Jar Candle – $24 at Kristen Coates Gallery
Christmas and candles go together like PB and J. This special candle is part of a lifestyle brand designed by Kristen Coates and is handmade in Newport. With a handful of scents including Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting and Christmas Coates, the name is just as fun as the smell is lovely!
Great for: Hostess gift, friends, teacher gift, just because
Hammered Link Sterling Silver Bracelet – $70 at Kate Simpson Designs
A nurse turned jewelry designer, Kate of Kate Simpson Designs creates handmade accessories inspired by her time by the shore. This hand hammered silver bracelet goes with everything while still adding a touch of something unique.
Great for: Grandmother, aunt, wife
How-To Class – $85 at Styled by Jenna
Ever wondered how to make the perfect Christmas wreath, do a salt wash on your favorite table, or even how to style a glamorous bar kart? Styled by Jenna has the answer! Not only does Jenna run one of our favorite home boutique stores in Newport, but she uses her designer knowledge for both her personal clients and for her how-to classes. This gift idea is perfect for an adventurous person who wants to learn how to design their own world!
Great for: Mom, sister, bestie
6-Month Chocolate Subscription – $120 by La Maison De COCO
Chocolate. Need we say more? Made in Rhode Island, Chef Michele handcrafts the stuff of our chocolate dreams at her studio in Portsmouth. You can find her individual chocolate bars at Styled By Jenna, but what we’re really excited about is her chocolate subscription! Every month, 6-8 pieces of little chocolate art will appear at your door. Could it get any better?!
Great for: The person who has everything, chocolate lovers everywhere
Spearmint & Eucalyptus – Cold Process Soap – $6.50 by White’s Soap Works
We think specialty soaps are underrated. Everyone washes their hands, why not improve the experience with a wonderfully smelly locally made product? Made using the owner’s great-great-grandfather’s soap recipes, this is sure to please. Plus, we love anything with Eucalyptus.
Great for: Teachers gift, stocking stuffer,
Gift Certificate for a Blush Session – $$ Blush by Kim Lyn
Have a friend who needs some encouragement? This gift is just as perfect for the girl who needs a boost as it is for your special someone! Kim Lyn is a talented wedding photographer and recently expanded her business to pursue her mission to empower women! A blush sesison with Kim is sure to help even the shyest of ladies come out of her skin. Every woman deserves to know she’s beautiful! Kim has offered our readers $50 off if you mention that you saw this gift guide!
Great for: Girlfriend, wife, bestie
Dinner on the Grand Bellevue Dinner Train – $50 per person at Newport and Narragansett Railroad Co.
Date night is one thing, but have you ever had fine dining on a train? Dinner on the Grand Bellevue Dinner Train is an experience to savor. Take in the scenic Rhode Island ocean views while enjoying a delicious meal and of course, great company.
Great for: Grandparents, special someone, newlyweds
Amazonite Statement Hoots – $30 by Universal by Nature
Every woman needs a touch of boho in their jewelry box. Universal by Nature is a traveling jewelry boutique (check out their adorable mobile store) serving anyone with an “unconventional nature” who wants to stand out. All their beautiful pieces are made in small batches so every piece is unique!
Great for: Girlfriend, niece, cousin, aunt, stocking stuffer
Paint Your Own Sign Class – $38 at Cerulean
We love anything monogrammed, and these cute signs are the perfect way to customize your home decor! Plus, as part of a class, you actually to get to make your own art!
Great for: Family members, newlywed, girlfriend
A Night Away – $149 at The Atwater by Lark Hotels
Everyone loves a night away, but a night away at The Atwater is extra special! Lark Hotels are known for their cozy feel, eclectic yet approachable decor, and their delicious small plate breakfasts every morning. A few years ago we visited Gilded and totally fell in love. We promise whoever gets a night away to any Lark Hotel, will love it too!
Great for: new parents, couples
Solid Fragrance – $10 from Shore Soap Co.
This is a new favorite of ours. Shore Soap Co. makes a solid fragrance, which is just what it sounds like. This diminutive tin can easily slip into your purse or clutch and easily gives you a fresh scent pick me up when you need it. Just rub a little fresh goodness on your wrist or behind your ears and you’ll have everyone wondering what that great smell is. Plus, it’ll never spill in your purse!
Great for: Stocking stuffer, family member
Ticket to the Car Musem – $15 to Audrain
This item is the price of a stocking stuffer, but is a whole afternoon of fun! The building alone is worth a few looks, but the cars inside are even better! Take a few hours and learn about the world of high-end automobiles.
Great for: the car lover in your life
Handmade Tumbler – $14 by Peter Pots Pottery
Looking for something both useful and unique? Look no further. Peter Pots Pottery studio has been in operation since 1948 and today they continue to create beautiful award-winning pieces of art. From these blue toned tumblers to beautiful pitchers, serving dishes, and anything else you might find in a kitchen, they have every shape color and design. These are a sure focal point for any dining set up.
Great for: Family members, sister, mother
1 A month of Unlimited Access to the Water Journey Spa Experience – $185 at Bodhi Spa
This is the gift that keeps on giving! Located in Newport right on Thames Street, The Bodhi Spa offers hydrotherapy services from hot mineral baths, infrared and electric saunas, aromatherapy steams, cold plunges, and more! This month-long access pass allows unlimited access to all the features of their restorative water journey.
Great for: Family members, special someone who loves being pampered!
Still trying to find a gift for someone on your list? Reach out to your favorite local business and see if they have any holiday specials! We could easily make this list 100s of items long and still never mention all our favorite businesses. This is just a sampling of our favorites! Check out some of our favorites from previous gift guides here.