SHOP SMALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
GIVE GIFTS & GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
While some folks are boycotting shopping with big box stores and forgoing the holidays all together this year, we’d like to offer you a thoughtful and intentional gift guide filled with locally owned businesses.
It can feel futile to give your dollar to corporations that aren’t giving you anything meaningful back. Between tariffs and the government shutdown, it’s understandable why so many are turning their backs on big businesses. While the holiday spirit might be in short supply, but you don’t have to go to the extreme end of the Scrooge spectrum and shutter the season entirely.
You can give gifts and give back to your community by supporting locally-owned businesses. Purchasing from small businesses is a great way to bolster your local economy and encourage a vibrant and diverse tapestry of shopping options provided by your neighbors in your area.
Continue scrolling to discover our Small Business Holiday Gift Guide.
Aspenne’s Library
Celebrate diversity with Aspenne's Library. The New Britain-based book publishing agency makes it its mission to highlight, promote and provide positive Black and brown stories.
Right in the heart of Downtown Hartford, GIFTS + Art on Trumbull offers a myriad of charming gifts like fun puzzles, coffee table books and toys for all ages, alongside artwork made by local artists.
The recently opened record store is for seasoned music lovers and those embarking on an audio adventure. Grails carries a robust emporium of records as well as baby clothes and toys for the future rockstars. You can also play Connect 4 or Guitar Hero as you shop for your friends and family who are always listening to music.
HARTFORD PRINTS
No local gift guide would be complete without Hartford Prints. Right on the edge of Trumbull and Pratt Street, the colorful gift shop is fully stocked with knick knacks, gizmos and Labubus, offering something for suited for all ages and interests.
HYDE NOR HARE
You can never go wrong with a candle for Christmas. Hyde Nor Hare specializes in vegan, 100% soy candles arriving in a variety of scents, such as Black Tea & Bergamot, Sweet Roasted Chestnuts and Magnolia Tree.
KNOW GOOD MARKET
With rare vintage finds and a robust collection of vinyls, a gift from Know Good Market will win you major brownie points from the thrift store and Depop warriors in your inner circle. Open every Saturday from 12-5pm.
MINIPNG
Based in the East Rock Neighborhood of New Haven, MINIPNG is your go-to destination for quirky fashion and homeware, featuring everything from shearling jackets to nostalgic games.
REAL ART WAYS
A membership to Real Art Ways, Hartford’s hub of art, culture and film is a terrific gift for the cinephiles and gallery goers in your life. With a mix of independent films to watch as well as fun events like Creative Cocktail Hour and live music performances to enjoy, a membership to RAW will much loved by the artsy socialites.
STORY AND SOIL COFFEE
Voted #88 out of 100 Best Coffee Shops, a gift card to Story and Soil Coffee is a must have for the constantly caffeinated cousin or comrade. The inclusive and independently owned cafe also carries coffee accessories and local treats like Magic Well Hives Honey.
STRANGE WAYS
Delightfully left of center, Strange Ways is the place to go when you don’t know what to get. Filled with a curated mix of cheeky patches and wonderfully weird signs, alongside terrific tchotchkes, Strange Ways has something for everyone.
THE REWORKSHOP
Founded by Connecticut native Alyx Doran, The Reworkshop supplies utterly unique timepieces, transforming pre-loved watches into statement-making accessories.
Wadsworth Atheneum
For the art lovers on your gift list, a membership to the Wadsworth Atheneum, the country’s oldest continually running public museum, is sure to be appreciated. In addition to a rotation of world-class artwork, the Wadsworth also hosts fun events and activities year round.
WINTERFAIR Market
Open on Saturdays and Sundays in Hartford and New Haven’s Union Stations until, the holiday market features over 300 vendors collectively, making it easy to find a gift for everyone and anyone. Visitors will not only have a myriad of artisans and small businesses to choose from, but will be treated to hot cocoa stations and of course, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.