Main Street Recommends

As December approaches, the pressure to find the perfect holiday presents for family and friends becomes all the more imminent. However, I’ve recently stumbled upon one special gem in Rhinebeck, NY, that’s sure to have you covered. 

Paper Trail was opened all the way back in 2005 by Serine Hastings and Maureen Missner, both of whom have an eye for design from their previous mentorship in the industry and their work running The Loom Company in New York for over 20 years. According to their site, they explain, “Working with talented artisans and discovering special products to enhance and inspire has been a continuous thread running through our professional lives.”

With a physical storefront located at 6423 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck, as well as an online store, Paper Trail offers a variety of unique and eye-catching goods that go above and beyond your typical gift shop finds. While some of these items can skew to the more expensive side, I’ve found that the store lends itself to a mindful shopping experience where you can look for what truly strikes you.

Perfect selections for the holidays

Personally, I’ve always struggled with finding gifts that truly resonate with and suit my family members and close friends. Indeed, I’ve often found myself buying things out of necessity; I’ve been guilty of selecting jewelry, or sweaters, or books that my mom could – theoretically – like, but things that ultimately don’t stand out as being particularly meant for her.

Paper Trail, however, has so many intentionally selected and carefully arranged products that it’s hard not to find something special for every loved one in your life. One of my close friends lives in the village, so we always make sure to stop in and check out what new goodies they have in stock. During my trip last weekend, my recent personal favorite was their whimsical selection of holiday decor, located right on the left when you walk in the door! 

Particularly, I fell in love with their tree ornaments. With shapes spanning from jellyfish to bagels to books to even Taylor Swift and David Bowie in their iconic outfits, 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.

Their decor for the holiday season also includes candles, placemats, tea towels, pillows, stationery, garlands, tree toppers, snow globes, miniature scenes, and Hanukkah menorahs. If you’re still on the hunt for tasteful Thanksgiving table settings and details, they have those, too!

Photo courtesy of Paper Trail.

Something for any time of year

When it comes to year-round options, their colorful home and kitchen offerings encompass everything from beautiful trays, baskets, frames, and vases, to cozy throws, table runners, mugs, glasses, bowls, and more. Additionally, the shop has a gorgeous collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories to choose from, as well as fragrances, bath & body goods, and eyewear. They also offer aesthetic party decorations that can work well for any occasion.

One of my favorite sections of the store to wander through is located toward the back. Here, in addition to carefully detailed planners and calendars, Paper Trail displays an exquisite array of journals, charming greeting cards, notepads, and other desk accessories like pens and photo albums. I also love the shop’s compelling assortment of books – most of which are of the coffee table sort – cookbooks, dazzlingly artistic puzzles, and games.

Even if you walk out without making a purchase, a stroll through Paper Trail is a beautiful experience with plenty that is sure to grab your attention and bring a smile to your face. I recommend bringing some good friends along with you to share the wonderful experience, too – unless you’re shopping for them!

Cover photo courtesy of Paper Trail.

To learn more and shop online, visit Paper Trail’s website here. Paper Trail’s storefront is located at 6423 Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck, NY. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11am – 6pm and Sunday from 11am – 5pm. To get in touch, give them a call at (845) 876-8050, send them an email at info@papertrailrhinebeck.com, or give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram!