This is the third installment of our holiday gift guide, focused solely on the small businesses in Stonington Borough. Shopping with local merchants is more important than ever as they navigate the challenges of these unprecedented times. Your patronage and purchases contribute not only to the local economy, but they also provide much-needed support to the merchants who make the Borough the one-of-a-kind destination we love — today and into the future.

Laser-engraved keepsake ornaments from the Stonington COMO.

1 Personalize your gift this year with a laser-engraved keepsake ornament made in-house at the COMO Makerspace. $12 each. Ornament purchases support youth programming at the COMO. The Stonington COMO

Silver, crystal, dishes, and linens at Grand & Water Antiques

2 Make your holiday special and decorate your table with silver, crystal, dishes, and linens that are 20% off at Grand & Water Antiques.
3 Waterford Crystal Marquis wine glasses (set of 4) $45, and paperweight $25 at Carolyn Yost Estate Jewelry & Stonington Antiques Etc.
4 Bring your A game (chess, checkers, or backgammon) to this Maitland Smith mahogany game table with leather and brass trim, $1295 Stonington Consign to Design.

The cozy living room at the Inn at Stonington

5 It’s never been a better time to escape! Enjoy 10% off all gift certificate orders through December 15th at Inn at Stonington.
6 Show your local love with a Stonington, Mystic, North Stonington, or Pawcatuck zip code mug or tumbler. These have become fan favorites and make great gifts for any occasion! Tumblers $25, Mugs $30 at Glaze Handmade.
7 Hound House candles are hand-poured and made in small batches in Connecticut. Available in 12 scents, plus two holiday scents. Pair with a handmade shagreen match strike for the perfect gift. Wm. Cole.
8 Luxurious organic cotton towels handwoven in Turkey make beautiful, thoughtful gifts. From $28 at Yali Stonington (online).
9 For a great gift under $30, put together a Stay Home Kit that includes a puzzle $16.50, mug $5.95, and candle $7.50. Fun Company Sample Outlet.

10 Maggie Lee Designs fine, handcrafted jewelry with a coastal flair. The Stonington Coordinates Compass Rose Collection in 14K is a best seller.
11 14k gold scarab pendants from Emily Marquis Designs, home of Marquis Jewelry Academy with new classes forming in January.
12 Visit A.K. Dasher Jewelry before 12/23! They are retiring and closing their Stonington Borough location.
13 Organic holiday jammies by Petitdoux $49, Tenderleaf Toys Doctors Kit $44.99, Copernicus Toys instant Blizzard $6.00, Kid Made Modern DIY Tree or Snowflake Ornaments, $4.99 each Bluebird Day Kids.
14 Canvas tote bags by maritime artist Frank Hanavan. Each piece has a whimsical, nautical aesthetic, made with historic sailmaking techniques. Grace Your Home.
15 Pretty paisley and pomegranate wool coats in lots of patterns, $405 Indigo Bleu.
16 Hungry Palette is filled with hand-printed fabrics and clothing, signature hats, hand-knit sweaters, and women’s apparel in a kaleidoscope of colors.
17 NESS gear including tees, pullovers, sweatshirts, and jackets is available at NESS and their Team 1 Store.
18 Stylish accessories like gloves $25, pompom hats $35, and tassel necklaces $58 at Tucci Design.

19 Organic coffee beans from many regions, slow-roasted daily at Social Coffee Roastery.

20 Give the gift of food with a Breakwater gift certificate, available in any denomination. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday for socially-distanced indoor dining, and the full menu is available to go (order online). Weekly prix fixe, three-course menus are available throughout the winter. Breakwater gift certificates are also redeemable at any JTK Management Restaurant, including Go Fish & Steak Loft of Mystic.

Build your library with the Stonington Historical Society

21 The Stonington Historical Society has an impressive array of titles for the bookworm on your shopping list, and prices range from $6 to $50. If you can't decide, bundle five of their most popular local history books together for just $75.

22 Also part of Stonington Borough is the American Velvet Mill at 22 Bayview Avenue. The “Mill” as locals call it, is a thriving community of artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. There’s art, unique crafts, fitness classes, and health and healing services.

If you can’t find a great gift (which would be impossible), there are a lot of businesses in the Mill that offer gift certificates - great for stocking stuffers! In fact, most merchants (and restaurants) offer gift cards — just ask!

The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

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