15 Gift Ideas from New England Brands
A collection of colorful, fun, and cozy gift ideas from the talented and creative New England maker community.
Emily Quigley Ink | Holiday Greenery Stemless Wine Glass Set
This past September, Yankee had the pleasure of attending the first-ever Coastal Creatives Conference in Newport, Rhode Island, presented by Shorelines Illustrated. The conference was full of New England entrepreneurs, influencers, bloggers, and creators, all excited to share their products and ideas. Inspired by that experience, and the spirit of shopping local this holiday season, here are 15 of our favorite gift ideas from the Coastal Creatives community.
By Katherine Keenan and Holly Sloane
1. Lisi Lerch | Georgia Beaded Bracelet
Ready to step up your style? Lisi Lerch’s colorful collection of vintage-inspired statement jewelry, custom bags, and wide-brim beach hats is ready to help. Lerch has been designing since 2001, when — after several years working on Wall Street — she started creating hats inspired by the Kentucky Derby.
2. Kiel James Patrick | American Yacht Sweater
When it comes to classic, New England–inspired style, Kiel James Patrick has it all figured out. Think: cozy sweaters dotted with autumn leaves, moose-embroidered corduroy pants, and flannel dresses for all ages. Founded by Instagram influencers Kiel and Sarah Patrick, this Rhode Island company has been creating timeless preppy fashion and accessory pieces since 2008.
3. Sh*t That I Knit | Team USA Beanie Gift Set
Christina Fagan has been selling handmade knitwear since 2014, when she and her mom knitted a collection of hats to sell at SoWa Market in Boston. Now her company, Sh*t That I Knit, sells high-quality, sustainably sourced knitwear and accessories worldwide — including a collection created specifically for the USA Olympic Team!
4. Rustic Marlin | Marlin Classic Sign
Aiming to give one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts this year? How about a handcrafted wooden sign made by Hanover, Massachusetts–based Rustic Marlin? The company’s home décor products also include personalized textiles, tote bags, keychains, and more.
5. Winnies Socks | The Winnies Set Ankle Cut
Have you ever been faced with the nearly impossible task of taking off your boots in the wintertime while your hands are full? These cozy slipper socks from Winnies Socks solve this problem: The inner slipper socks keep your feet warm, while the waterproof “oversocks” provide an easy, hands-free, removable protection from the outdoor elements. Held in place by a magnet, the outer layer can be easily slipped off the moment you step indoors, meaning there’s no need to put down the groceries (and your slippers will stay perfectly dry)!
6. On the Road Again Bags | Liberty Red Tote Bag
As founder of On the Road Again Bags, Mary Dimouro keeps waste out of landfills by upcycling durable materials into fashionable accessories. Perfect for the beach or the local farmers’ market, these Massachusetts-made tote bags are a great gift for anyone on your list.
7. L.L.Bean x Sara Fitz | Sara Fitz™ Buoy Percale Sheet Collection
Designed by Maine watercolor artist Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien, these darling L.L. Bean buoy-motif sheets bring a bit of coastal charm to any bedroom. O’Brien’s studio, Sara Fitz, celebrates the beauty of New England with watercolor prints, stationery, whimsical wallpapers, patterned textiles, tote bags, and more.
8. Emily Quigley Ink | Holiday Greenery Stemless Wine Glass Set
Emily Quigley’s hand-painted goods include art prints, gift wrap, greeting cards, and stationery sets. Oh, and drinkware, like this set of merry stemless wine glasses — perfect for sipping in style when the snowflakes fly!
9. For Now | Noted Jar Candle
Looking for a one-stop resource for distinctive, New England–made holiday gifts? Kaity Cimo and Katharine Requa’s Massachusetts-based shop highlights up-and-coming entrepreneurs and brands from around the region. For Now’s offerings include clothing, jewelry, home goods, lotions, and candles, such as the Winterberry candle (pictured) from Boston-based brand Noted.
10. ChappyWrap | Harborview Herringbone Light Blue Blanket
People are raving over the blankets from this brand, named after Massachusetts’s own Chappaquiddick Island. In 2006, mother-daughter founders Beth and Christina set out on a mission to bring the comfort of their favorite family blanket to the world. The rest is history. ChappyWrap creates high-quality blankets in colors to suit every décor.
11. Vineyard Vines x Meredith Hanson | Holiday Silk Frame
Meredith Hanson’s watercolor paintings perfectly capture the warmth of New England around the holidays. And her new product line with Vineyard Vines — featuring picture frames and other gifts adorned with timeless wreath, sailboat, and Wagoneer motifs — is sure to deliver yuletide delight.
SHOP VINEYARD VINES X MEREDITH HANSON
12. Paul Landry | The Explorer Day-Tripper Bag
Made in Maine and dripping with New England charm, the products from Paul Landry Co. are designed to suit both outdoor explorers and Adirondack chair loungers from Portland to Providence. Constructed from heavy-duty sailcloth, this bag is sure to last through all of the New England adventures that 2022 brings, and beyond.
13. Brook & York | Grace Toggle Necklace
American-inspired and American-made, Brook & York jewelry is the perfect gift for anyone with coastal style. With custom engraving options, these timeless accessories will be a thoughtful addition to your loved one’s jewelry box.
14. Monogram Mary | Linen Dinner Napkins
Founded in 2016 by Connecticut’s Brooke Shepard, Monogram Mary adds personalization to linens, totes, pillows and more! How perfect are these lobster motif dinner napkins for a New England summer tablescape?
15. Sail to Sable | Kid’s Truck Print Lounge Set
Nothing says “Holiday Season” quite like a set of family pajamas! Inspired by founder Jennifer Stocker’s upbringing in Connecticut, Sail to Sable’s “Little Ones Collection” has a great variety of seasonal prints ready for your next holiday photo op.
