Your Guide to Off-The-Beaten Path Holiday Shopping
Yes, the holiday decorations are out again. Sometimes it feels as if they never get taken down… So, here’s an early holiday shopping tip: Come to Concord, NH. Take advantage of tax free New Hampshire - but also the most vibrant shopping region in the state where you can find unique and special gifts that will celebrate relationships and not consumerism. We found a few off-the beaten path shops that will make the holiday season sparkle!
So, one of the great things about Main Street in Concord is that there are so many unique, locally-owned stores. We love Cobblestone Design Company, Gibson’s Bookstore, 50 Home and New England Marketplace. There are many more, but here are some cool ideas:
Gibson Pewter in charming Washington, NH, was founded in 1966 as a seasonal family “cottage” crafts shop. Today, Jonathan Gibson—along with his wife and two daughters—carries on the New Hampshire tradition started by his father. Explore more than 100 pieces of traditional and contemporary pewter works of art. And it is all lead-free pieces are made by hand, whether cast, hammered, or spun. In fact, their Gibson Fruit Bowl and Wood-grain Beaker are the only pieces of 20th century pewter taken into the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The League of NH Craftsmen Concord Flagship Gallery is right in downtown Concord. Here you will find an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary fine crafts made by juried New Hampshire craftspeople. See variety of quality handcrafted work including jewelry, hand blown glass, wood bowls, clothes, sculpture, pottery, prints and furnishings.
Capitol Craftsman Romance Jewelers on Main Street in Concord offers a unique range of handcrafted objects. They showcase a variety of specialty gifts and crafts made by local New Hampshire artists. They offer fine jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and a big selection of gold and color stone jewelry.
Since 1998, the Elegant Ewe has been a fiber destination on Main Street in Concord. With a wide selection of yarns and an exclusive pattern line inspired by customers’ needs and wishes. And they sell a unique selection of kits.
Company C’s flagship location has an expansive outlet section with new collections seasonally, as well as unique gifts and home decor items. See inspiring rug designs that bring you the most diverse, stylish options, and there's always something new to explore.
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections Retail Showroom, at 312 North State St., Concord, offer a wide array of inmate-made products from New Hampshire Correctional Industries and the Hobbycraft recreation program. See items such as furniture, baskets, jewelry, wooden game boards, artwork, and crafts.
Bona Fide is a one-stop shop, specializing in affordable green products. From natural baby care and fair trade gifts, to safe housewares and organic clothing, Bona Fide offers gifts for sustainable living.
Established in 1985, the Marklin Candle Design factory is set on fourteen acres along the Contoocook River., Der Markt at Marklin carries a wide variety of premium gift items including their very own Marklin Candle and Windhover Farm products.
Lilise Designer Resale in Concord sells a curated selection of top vintage brands in women's clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes as well as mid-century-modern furnishings and handmade items from local artists.
Country Cobwebs is set right on Main Street in Warner, NH. Here you will find gift baskets, New Hampshire made crafts as well as gift ideas from local artisans and businesses.
Concord Handmade is a pop up shop in downtown Concord, with juried handmade goods from artist all over the country, but with a strong focus on local artists. The shop is at a different location every year and everything they sell is unique.
Here’s an early holiday shopping tip: Come to Concord, NH. Take advantage of tax free New Hampshire - but also the most vibrant shopping region in the state where you can find unique and social gifts that will celebrate relationships and not consumerism. We found a few off-the beaten path shops that will make the holiday season sparkle!
