5 Local Gift Ideas for Your Last Minute Christmas Shopping

You’re all done with your Christmas shopping, right? No? Well, lucky you – there’s an extra weekend of holiday shopping this year.

Still, there are many of us at a loss for what to give our co-worker, neighbor or mother. Have no fear – there are plenty of ideas from the Monadnock Region’s independently-owned businesses. And, of course, there’s the added benefit of NH tax-free shopping!

Here are 5 gift ideas to get you officially “done” with your shopping this weekend:

1. Bee Line Skin Care, by S Formulators, a small bath and body company based in Henniker, NH. This line includes natural beeswax or honey, which helps soften and re-hydrate dry skin (we all need that in the winter!) The line includes skin mists, glycerin soaps, lip balms and soy lotion candles. Beautiful spa-like scents in lovely packaging. Available in downtown Keene at Hannah Grimes Marketplace, a treasure trove of local products.
2. A Fine Art Painting by Kristina Wentzell. Don’t think you could afford to give an original work of art? You can with fine artist Kristina Wentzell’s special holiday “100 paintings for $100 (or less).” Wentzell creates colorful and whimsical oil paintings of landscapes, fruit, birds, landscapes and flowers. Paintings range in size from 8”x8” (for $75-$100) down to 4”x4” (for $30). Her home studio is walking distance to downtown Keene.
3. Hand-Knit Wool Socks at Crescendo Acres Farm, Surry, NH. Who doesn’t appreciate some warm socks in the winter, especially a pair lovingly hand-knit by a farmer’s wife? These comfy socks are sheep’s wool or alpaca blend.  Price range is $25-35 per pair. A trip to the store in Surry could also give you more gift ideas – the farmers carry many unique items made from the farm’s fiber including snowmen, angels, cat toys, hats, mittens (also a hot item), shawls; plus local farm products including preserves, eggs, meat, mustards, breads, pies, honey and more.
4. A Gift Certificate to Your Favorite Monadnock Region B&B or Inn. The Monadnock Region is filled with a bed and breakfast or inn to suit individuals or families. Peruse our listings to find the best one for your gift-recipient's needs -- many have gift certificates available.
5. A Mail Basket by Peterboro Basket Company, Peterborough. This is one of the most popular baskets produced by this local company. It is hand-woven “one-of-a-kind” design with a leather handle on the back for hanging – can be used for mail, toiletries, dog leashes and more. Available in honey, cherry or natural stain and comes with the famous Peterboro brass medallion and lifetime warranty. On sale for $34 (buy 2 for $31 each).