Main Street Recommends

Welcome to December! With the holidays right around the corner, we’ve been busy gift shopping for all of our loved ones, and we know you’ve likely been doing the same!

We’ve done research on the best affordable gifts, reached out to some local businesses to share their recommendations, and we’ve even given you some of our favorites as well! Happy shopping + happy holidays!

Food + Drink 

Olive oils + vinegars from The Blue Olive 

With locations in Pawling and Cold Spring, NY, The Blue Olive should be your go-to for an array of vinegars and extra virgin olive oils from around the world. It’s the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or the charcuterie board-maker, and they’re so good, you’ll want to grab one for yourself while you’re there!

Make your own gourmet gift basket 

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local finds that you can put together to create a gourmet gift basket for your loved ones!

What to include:

• Delicious jams from Silda’s Jam and Tea Jams
• Oils and vinegars from The Blue Olive 
• Charcuterie goods from Jacuterie
• Hot sauces from Stissing Fire Power 
• Local honey and maple syrup
• Cheese from Chaseholm Farm Creamery in Pine Plains, NY and Arethusa Farm in Litchfield, CT
• Wines from Hillsdale Fine Wines and Sharon Package Store – pop in and ask for their recommendations!
• Ground or whole bean coffee from All That Java, Irving Farm, and Winchell Mountain Coffee. Winchell Mountain Coffee has a 40% off holiday sale happening now through December 17, and is also offering holiday bundles that can be ordered online!
• Stop by Jam Food Shop in Sharon, CT to grab freshly made bread and our personal favorites, the chocolate chip toffee cookies!
• Stop in to Rural Center Refillery in Pine Plains, NY to grab other goodies including local nuts, beans, candy, dried fruits, and honey!

Kid’s Gifts, Toys, and Other Goodies 

Treefort Toys & Gifts – 24 Main Street, Millerton, NY
Nanchen Rattle Doll in Red Bed, $35.00. Purchase here.

Little Pickles Children’s Store – 707 Warren Street, Hudson, NY & 7505 N Broadway, Red Hook, NY
Sushi Go! Pick and pass card game, $14.99. Purchase here.

Acorn Toys & Goods – 38 Main Street, South Egremont, MA
Cavallini & Co. Vintage Santa Claus Puzzle, $20.00. Purchase here.

Books 

Oblong books recommends “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree

Ari said, “An exceptionally cozy little book which asks: how can we solve things without sword and sorcery, and instead with delicious pastries? The power of friendship prevails! I want to live in this coffee shop, in a cloud of cinnamon-scented steam… Pick a copy up for your fellow party member to give them a hug in book form.” Purchase from Oblong Books here.

Merritt Bookstore recommends “Brightly Shining” by Ingvild H. Rishøi

Kira said, “‘Brightly Shining’ pulses with love and connection, human limitation and limitlessness, and is the kind of book almost everyone will benefit from reading.” Purchase from Merritt Bookstore here.

House of Books recommends “Ornithography,” by Jessica Roux

Mary said, “Going beyond the usual ‘what they do’ and ‘where they live,’ this guide shares the story every bird has to tell, the meaning of its name and its symbolism in folklore. For example, the Bluejay means ‘treachery’ and was viewed as a traveler between worlds.  Coupled with incredible illustrations, this book is a treasure for any bird enthusiast.” Purchase from House of Books here.

Experiences + Gift Certificates 

Flower arranging workshop at Le Jardin Flower Farm

For the gardener or flower lover in your life, gift them a ticket to a flower arranging workshop at Le Jardin Flower Farm, located in picturesque Amenia, NY. View Le Jardin’s workshop schedule here.

Massage gift certificate from Pressure Perfect Massage 

Located in Lakeville, CT, Kristie is passionate about helping her clients overcome discomfort. For the stressed out, tense person in your life, gift them a relaxing massage experience. Book with Pressure Perfect Massage here.

Pilates Classes at Masha’s Fitness Studio 

Located right in Millerton, NY, Masha offers group classes as well as private sessions. View her class schedule here.

Tickets to a show at Sharon Playhouse

For the theater-lover, nab them tickets to a show at the Sharon Playhouse! View their show schedule here.

Tickets to a show at Stissing Center for Arts + Culture 

Stissing Center for Arts + Culture, located in Pine Plains, NY, offers a variety of shows, from concerts, comedy, and film screenings. Check out their schedule of events here.

Cooking classes at HGS Home Chef 

HGS Home Chef in Hillsdale, NY, offers cooking classes in the Hudson Valley-Berkshires region. Check their class schedule here to purchase tickets. 

Face balm from My Neighbor’s Tallow 

My Neighbor’s Tallow, a natural skincare company based in Claverack, NY, offers tallow-based skincare products, salves, and balms. Check their website for a full list of products and locations.

Our Favorites 

Ashley’s Pick: Candle-making experience at Poured Candle Bar 

Create a bespoke, one-of-a-kind candle and choose from over 40 fragrance choices, while sitting at their licensed wine bar in Hudson, NY. Book your reservation at Poured Candle Bar here.

Thorunn’s Pick: Wine subscription from a local winery 

Give the gift of a wine club membership from Milea Estate Vineyard in Staatsburg, NY. Learn about Milea Estate Vineyard’s wine club here.

Abby’s Pick: Records and music from Darkside Records 

Shop vinyl, CDs, cassettes, movies, and tons of other goodies at Darkside Records in Poughkeepsie, NY. Shop Darkside Records’ website here.

Lindsey’s Pick: Ornaments from Paper Trail 

Paper Trail in Rhinebeck, NY, has all your unique ornament needs covered this year. With shapes spanning from birds, hot dogs, and cups of tea to Rubik’s Cubes and Taylor Swift holding her guitar, Paper Trail’s choices are simply out of this world, while also encompassing traditional favorites like smiling nutcrackers and soft felt animals adorned in their warmest winter garb.