For many shoppers during a normal holiday season, finding the perfect gift can be difficult. The pandemic has made it trickier, especially if you’re looking to support local businesses. For those who aim beyond the big online retailers, here’s a practical buying guide for great gifts made by area producers. Investing in such unique and personalized gifts will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones and show support for Merrimack Valley artisans. These creations have an appeal that goes beyond trends, and will be treasured long after the season has ended.   

 

An out-of-this-world gift.

“The Lonely Astronaut” is a series by New Hampshire-based photographer Karen Jerzyk, exploring contrasting feelings of wonder and isolation. Sparked by her purchase of an authentic vintage high-altitude space suit in 2017, Jerzyk has been traveling the world taking photos of women in the suit. Hive + Forge carries a large selection of 12-by-8 Jerzyk photographs. $20 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com

 

Is it time for Christmas yet?

These whimsical pendulum clocks from Acorn Home & Design feature 3D pop out effects with easy-to-maintain quartz pendulum movements. Constructed out of thick laser-cut Baltic birch plywood featuring a variety of animals and motifs, they are perfect for your little one’s room. $54 each.

10 Essex Street, Andover, Mass.
AcornDesignCenter.com

 

Cucina Aurora’s spectacular holiday gift set is perfect for every food lover on your list.

This rich, burgundy box is embellished in gold foil and features two of Cucina Aurora’s best-selling infused olive oils: roasted garlic and rosemary oregano. Each box includes a booklet of recipes to inspire mealtime magic. No need to wrap, this beautiful box makes a perfect gift on its own. Oils are made individually by hand from 100% Italian olive oil with love in their Salem, N.H., location. $39.99 + free shipping.

CucinaAurora.com

 

Herbal, bright, and fragrant — a great kitchen candle!

This Rosemary + Mint reed diffuser from Farm + Sea is perfect for scenting small spaces without an open flame, and requires almost no maintenance. Rattan reeds absorb the oils and diffuse the scent into the air. Use all ten for a maximum scent throw, or just a few at a time for a more subtle smell. Wide selection of scents available. $22 each.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

 

Throw some hometown pride around your home.

These throw pillows from Helen Thomas Simply Smashing are custom-made and make a great decoration or holiday gift. Show some hometown love to those on your list. $68 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

 

A moment in paradise.

A scientist with a background in chemistry and an abiding appreciation for natural ingredients, Jason McCrea is a man possessed by a single, simple idea — to make the best caramel in the world —nothing less. These black lava sea salt caramels from MAK & CO. are rich and creamy with crystals of Hawaiian black sea salt. Canister, $16; Pillow pack, $6.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

Silver and gold.

Visit Quiet Pleasures Jewelry to find an always changing selection of well-priced classic, contemporary or artistically funky jewelry designs and great gift items, too! These beautiful cuff bracelets from Peter James Jewelry will take you from one end of your day to the other, starting at $100. Whether shopping for others or for yourself, don’t you deserve something fabulous today?

24 Chestnut Street, Andover, Mass.
QuietPleasuresJewelry.com

 

Signs and cityscapes.

The art of Debbie Shirley captures local places you have been — or perhaps wish that you had seen. Shirley’s award-winning acrylic paintings are part of collections and exhibitions worldwide, and can be seen locally at Helen Thomas Simply Smashing in Andover. Nine-by-12 prints are $28 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

Holiday green.

It’s the season for spicy, warm and comforting soaps as we go full swing into the holidays. These hand-crafted soaps from Red Antler Apothocary are made using Old World recipes and are great for people with common skin irritations, dryness and other issues.  $8.50 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com
RedAntlerApothecary.com