This year, the holiday ritual of crowding into one’s favorite shop must be forgone, but many local stores are open to limited walk-in traffic, in-person shopping by appointment, online shopping with curbside pickup, and—in some cases—shipping. Still, they need our support now more than ever. So before ordering another big cardboard box of boring items from you-know-where, use this list to find something a bit more unusual and a lot more local.
Harvard General Store
The General Store is now open by appointment for 30-minute holiday shopping sessions, complete with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. All the usual General Store merchandise, including the giftware, is available for purchase for appointment shopping. Appointments are available Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m., with four guests allowed per appointment; reserve a spot at https://harvard-general-store.square.site.
Online shopping with curbside pickup is ongoing; hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours for takeout are as follows: lunch, Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; brunch, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner, Friday and Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m.
This year, giftware will include textiles woven by Kristin Kelly-Muñoz of Shaker Hills Studio; apple-shaped cheese boards from Bare Hill Woodworks; and hats, mittens, gloves, headbands, scarves, and socks from Harvard Alpaca Ranch and Harvard Knitting Co. Shoppers will also find an assortment of other gifts, such as candles, homeware, and apparel. Not to be forgotten are gift-ready comestibles such as honey, whiskey, blueberry mead, maple syrup, jams, coffee beans, and gourmet treats. Gift certificates are available. For more information go to harvardgeneralstore.com or call (978)-430-0062.
Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum is holding an outdoor Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artisans selling jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, fiber arts, photography, mixed media, and more will be spread around the grounds. Admission is free for members, $10 per car for nonmembers. Advance tickets are required for all. Tickets and a full list of vendors are available on the website at thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-holiday-market.
The main museum store is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, but due to the pandemic, shopping there is limited to members and guests by appointment. For an easier shopping experience, store manager Harriet Friedrich has created a pop-up shop in the museum’s Wayside Gallery (occupancy limited to 20), open to anyone who purchases a museum pass for the day. The pop-up shop offers toys, jewelry, books, ceramics, Little Women merchandise, and exhibit-related items such as wampum shell jewelry created by guest artist Elizabeth James Perry. The main store contains more than 1,000 items, including handmade clothing, Shaker items, framed fine art, and a wide selection of jewelry, ornaments, pottery, books, silk scarves, and much more. About a quarter of those items are available for purchase online, with the caveat that an advance parking ticket must be purchased to be allowed on the property to pick up online purchases. The online store is at shopthetrustees.org/collections/fruitlands. For more information on shopping by appointment, contact Harriet Friedrich, hfriedrich@thetrustees.org.
Westward Orchards
The gift shop at Westward Orchards will be open for private shopping by appointment only. The shop carries items you won’t see gathered at any other store in the area. Most are made in the United States and many are made locally. Shelves and walls are covered with eye-catching wares, including holiday-themed mugs, kitchen towels, and ornaments, as well as scarves, candles, lotions, handmade soaps, and stuffed animals. American Stonecraft fieldstone food slabs, made in Lowell, are available in multiple sizes. Outside on the porch, a smaller set of gifts, including some holiday-themed items, is displayed daily, along with apples and other produce and cider doughnuts. No appointment is needed to shop on the porch.
Westward’s online store remains open until Dec. 31, offering Westward-grown produce, local edibles such as meats, eggs, breads, and cheeses, local seafood by order twice a week, and a number of gift items. Pies are available by order until Dec. 13, and cider doughnuts can also be ordered in advance for the holidays. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Appointments for private shopping can be made on the website at westwardorchards.com.
Fiber Loft
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Store capacity is limited to two customers at a time, and the upstairs is closed to the public for now, so if you need the spinning or weaving supplies that are kept upstairs, it’s best to call ahead (978-456-8669) so a staff member can get what is needed. For those who don’t want to enter the shop, the store will take orders by phone or email (fiberloftorders@gmail.com) for curbside pickup.
The Fiber Loft offers creative gifts for both the enthusiast and the casual crafter, with fibers for knitting, spinning, dyeing, felting, and weaving in all colors and textures. The store also stocks gift items for non-knitters, including candles, soaps, handmade shawls, locally handmade rope baskets, totes and handbags, stuffed animals, and jewelry. Gift certificates are available. (thefiberloft.com)
Carlson Orchards
Harvard is known for apples, and Carlson Orchards is the place to find apple-themed gifts, including hot apple salsa, apple barbecue sauce, and mulled cider tea bags. New this year are Carlson’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pint glasses, sold separately or in a gift pack. The store also sells cookbooks by Harvard authors, including “Favorite Recipes of Mother Carlson,” a compilation of Eleanor Carlson’s recipes. Custom gift baskets can be made to order with items from the store.
Pies for the holidays can be ordered up until Dec. 14. Frozen pies and crisps are available in the store, along with many varieties of apples, including bags of utility apples for baking. Apple cider comes in multiple varieties and sizes, and four styles of Carlson’s hard cider are available in 16-ounce cans.
In addition, Carlson sells cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, fresh Valicenti pasta, and Little Leaf lettuce. A wide selection of jams, jellies, salsas, and local honeys is available. Apple gift boxes can be shipped anywhere in the country with order forms available on Carlson’s website at carlsonorchards.com. Orders are due by Dec. 15.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch
The Harvard Alpaca Ranch at 58 Old Mill Road offers a wide selection of super-soft, warm alpaca products that can be purchased online (HarvardAlpacaRanch.com) or at the farm’s store, which is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. Socks, hats, mittens, scarves, alpaca and teddy bear stuffed animals, and finely knit, extra soft blankets make good gifts. Also available are skeins of alpaca yarn, cat toys, and dryer balls; 12-month calendars featuring photographs of the ranch’s herd taken by owner Matt Varrell; and for the gardener, bags of “magic beans,” a low-odor, effective fertilizer of alpaca manure. Curbside pickup or direct shipping is available, as are gift certificates.
Harvard Historical Society
The Harvard Historical Society sells “The Harvard Album,” Dianne Newton’s book about historical Harvard illustrated through many vintage photos, as well as Robert Anderson’s history of Harvard, “Directions of a Town.” The society sells reproductions, matted and ready for framing, of the works of 1900s resident Eleanor Merrifield, who hand-colored her photos of five bygone scenes of Harvard Shaker Village. Note cards with scenes of Harvard in the late 1800s, as well as old postcards, make nice gifts of nostalgia. The society has gift wrap—historical, of course—to use for the holidays or any other time of year. A membership makes a great gift for the history buff, supporting the society and giving the recipient entry to members-only events, an occasional email with archival photos and tidbits, or a heads-up for society programs. The Curator’s Quarters at the Harvard Historical Society, 215 Still River Road, is open Monday and Tuesday 1 to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Orders can also be taken by email; contact Judy Warner at curator@harvardhistory.org or call Carol Landry at 978-456-9645.
Fivesparks
Fivesparks is hosting an online holiday arts and crafts fair at fivesparks.org, featuring “unique handmade gifts by many of your talented friends and neighbors.” Follow the online fair’s links to artist and artisan websites to shop virtually for paintings, pottery, glass art, wooden wares, fiber arts, soaps, jewelry, and more.
Toreku Tractor and Equipment
The shop, just off the Ayer rotary, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gift-giving options range from the grand—such as whole-house generators and a wide array of equipment and tractors for farm, commercial, and residential needs—to stocking stuffers, such as Harvard trash bags. Leaf blowers, snow blowers, and chainsaws are also popular gifts, according to owner Lisa Shaw. Gift certificates are available.
Harvard Outdoor Power and Equipment
Harvard Power, at 289 Ayer Road, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For stocking stuffers, the store offers flashlights and a variety of mini tools. (According to owner Steve Walz, the store no longer stocks Harvard trash bags.) Larger gifts include fire pits made in Massachusetts by Fancy Firepits, leaf and snow blowers, brush cutters, generators, and chainsaws. Gift certificates are available.
St. Benedict Center Gift Shop
The St. Benedict Center’s True Devotionals Gift Shop has an online store at shop.saintbenedict.com, featuring inspirational books, Advent calendars, artwork, music, DVDs, rosaries, and other religious gifts. The store at 271 Still River Road will be open this holiday season, but due to COVID-19, visitors should call ahead. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for Monday, Friday, and Saturday hours, 978-456-8877, ext. 1000.
Local photographers
Former Press photographer Lisa Aciukewicz (www.lisaa2z.com) shoots events (corporate, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs), portraits, and lifestyle photography. She also maintains an archive of Harvard Press photography from 2007 to 2020 at a2z.smugmug.com/Harvard-Press where you can purchase reprints of town events, including Bromfield sports, Fourth of July, first day of school, graduation, etc. Photos can be downloaded, made into quality prints, or kept as keepsakes on mugs, magnets, playing cards, and so forth. Lisa also sells scenic photos from around town at a2z.smugmug.com/Harvard-Press/Harvard-Scenics. Contact her at lisa.a2z@gmail.com
Harvard local Kathryn Costello is well known for her photographs focusing on dance, movement, landscapes, and creative portraiture. She also works with clients to develop personal branding images and headshots. Visit www.kathryncostello.com to see her portfolio or contact her to give the gift of a portrait session at info@kathryncostello.com or 978-257-0862.
Kelly Fitzsimmons (www.kellyfitzsimmonsphotography.com) specializes in fine art, family, event, documentary, corporate, and commissioned photography. Fitzsimmons describes her approach as unobtrusive, one that “elicits natural and spontaneous images that are classic, compelling, and timeless.” Kelly’s portraits span the globe. Newborn portrait sessions are one of her specialties. Gift certificates for a variety of photography sessions are available; digital images and prints are purchased separately. Contact her at kelly
@kellyfitzsimmonsphotography.com or 978-549-0987.
Harvard resident Charles Kronauer offers photographs of views of Harvard, as well as the rest of the world. His photos can be seen at kronauerphoto.smugmug.com, and Charles can be reached at ckronauer@charter.net.
Health and wellness gift cards
Surprise your friends or family with a free guest pass to Koko FitClub of Harvard, which can be downloaded at harvard.koko fitclub.com. The pass entitles the recipient to a comprehensive workout demonstration or a customized strength and cardio workout by a certified personal trainer.
Bodylines Pilates of Harvard is offering livestream and in-studio class gift certificates. Bodylines is the fitness and wellness solution for busy adults trying to juggle the demands of life and still create time to rejuvenate and take care of their bodies. Contact Bodylines directly to purchase gift certificates: 978-772-2394 or bodylinespilates@yahoo.com.
Gift certificates for Dragonfly Wellness Center can be used for any of the online or in-person classes and workshops; massage is also offered at this holistic wellness center at 176 Jackson Road, Devens. Certificates are available in the online store. (dragonflywellnesscenter.net)
Another healthy option is a gift certificate for virtual classes or membership at Anytime Fitness, 20 Andrews Parkway, Devens. The gym is open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Gift certificates are available in any denomination at the front desk, staffed Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (anytimefitness.com/gyms/713/devens-ma-01434)
Give a healthy, great gift—massage decreases muscular pain and increases the sense of well-being. Harvard Therapeutic Massage is a group of highly skilled massage therapists with a wide range of massage modalities including deep tissue, sports, prenatal, and relaxation massage, as well as Bemer vascular therapy. Gift certificates are available. Visit their website at www.htmassage.com, or call 978-772-0903.
J.U.M.P. ropes
The Just Understand My Potential program will once again offer the J.U.M.P. climbing rope. Handcrafted in Harvard, the J.U.M.P. Rope is about 6 feet of high-strength paracord, daisy-chained and secured with a good buckle and a water knot. The ropes are available at jumpinc.org. All proceeds go to the program, which offers youth development through mountain hiking experience.
Spirits and Flowers
Wine and beer for holiday parties or gifts can be found at the General Store and the Grape Vine at 285 Ayer Road. The Grape Vine is open for business Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m to 8 p.m. The General Store offers online and phone ordering with curbside pickup for a varying collection of craft beer, wines, and assorted spirits. Curbside pickup hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For beer and wine inquiries, email alcohol@harvardgeneralstore.com or call 978-430-0062.
Custom floral designs for gift-giving or the holiday table can be ordered from Flowers at Westcott Barn, owned by Harvard resident Richard Gioiosa. Contact him via email at richard.gioiosa@gmail.com or by phone at 617-771-0433. (flowersatwestcottbarn.com)
Out of town; resident owned
Beyond the borders of Harvard, you’ll find the wares of Harvard residents in stores such as Harvard Sweet Boutique in Hudson and Periwinkle Art & Glassworks in West Acton village. Harvard Sweet Boutique offers gourmet desserts and gift boxes in the store; gift boxes can also be ordered online and either picked up in the store or shipped anywhere in the country. This year the bakery’s website, harvardsweetboutique.com, even has a “Coronavirus Collection,” featuring items such as a quarantine cake and medical staff appreciation cookies.
Periwinkle features works by more than 100 local artists, including Harvard residents Cathryn Noyes, Teresa Ferraiolo, Carol Panek-Clark, Carolyn Grant, Stephanie Opalka, and Judy Warner. Holiday shopping hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with only six customers allowed in the shop at a time. Many items are also available for purchase on the store’s website, peri winkleglassworks.com, and local delivery, curbside pickup, or shipping are available.
More nearby gift and gift card options
The Silver Unicorn independent bookstore in West Acton carries a wide selection of books for all ages. Online shopping with curbside pickup is available at silverunicornbooks.com; online orders may also be shipped or delivered to the local area for a $5 fee. Gift cards are available in the store or online. The store, at 12 Spruce Street, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kitchen Outfitters of Acton carries a variety of quality kitchen items, including cookware, cutlery, cookbooks, and gadgets. Open for in-store shopping Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Curbside pickup is available for orders by phone (978-263-1955) or online at kitchen-outfitters.com. Gift cards can be purchased online and mailed to the recipient.
Feens Country Living in Fitchburg sells everything for the fireplace and hearth. Gift cards are available; call the store at 978-829-0099. (feens.com)
Swymfit, just over the town line in Boxborough, offers the “gift of health,” gift certificates that can be used for a variety of classes or use of its facilities. Swymfit is currently offering water fitness classes, swimming lessons for all ages, online exercise classes, and personal training. Lap swimming and use of the exercise room are also available by reservation. To purchase a gift certificate, stop by Swymfit at 90 Swanson Rd. Certificates may also be purchased over the phone for curbside pickup, 978-635-0500. (swymfit.com)
Fine lingerie, sleepwear, and activewear can be purchased at Jo Karen in Acton. Super-soft and cozy Barefoot Dream wraps and cardigans make excellent gifts. The store is open, but use of the fitting rooms is by appointment only—call 978-263-1330. Phone orders for shipping or curbside pickup are accepted. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; senior hours 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (jokaren.com)
A gift of music or flowers could bring some much-needed cheer into the lives of those you love this year:
- Indian Hill Music in Littleton offers gift certificates for its online school programs and livestreamed concerts. To order, call 978-486-9524 or email info@indianhillmusic.org.
- Independent music store Minor Chord in Littleton carries a large selection of acoustic, electric, and band instruments as well as amps, sheet music, and other musician’s gear and novelties. Instrument rentals and lessons are available (online for now). The store is open, but for those who would rather browse online, many of the instruments for sale are described in detail on the store’s website, theminorchord.com, and some even include video demonstrations. Curbside pickup is available. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pinard’s Florist Gifts and Coffee Cafe in Ayer offers a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa arrangements in their online store at pinardsfloristandgifts.com. The store is also open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and orders can be placed by phone at 978-772-3883.
- Lancaster Gardens in Lancaster has holiday arrangements, poinsettias, indoor winter bulbs, and a variety of cacti, succulents, and other indoor plants. The store is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but many items are available online at lancastergardens.net.
A gift card to a local restaurant might be a welcome relief to the nightly home-cooked meals we’re all accustomed to these days.
- The Bull Run restaurant in Shirley, a farm-to-table restaurant, is currently open for socially distanced dining, as well as for takeout and delivery. Gift cards are available online at bullrunrestaurant.com or by phone at 978-425-4311 and are redeemable for dinner, drinks, concert tickets (when the concerts start again), or retail items such as T-shirts, mugs, and caps at the restaurant’s gift shop, either at the restaurant or online.
- Lucia’s Tavola in Ayer offers fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and fresh breads and mozzarella. The restaurant has returned to takeout only for now; hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 7:30 p.m. Gift cards are available at luciastavola.com, and Lucia’s is offering a free $20 card with each purchase of a $100 card.
- Il Forno Italian restaurants in Littleton and Lunenburg offer indoor dining, takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery through a variety of third-party services such as Doordash. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 4 to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gift cards are available online at il-forno.com.
- Colonial Spirits of Acton offers specials on its wine, beer, and liquor selections throughout the holidays. Online ordering with in-store pickup is available. Gift cards are also available in any amount and can be ordered over the phone at 978-263-7775 or online at colonialspirits.com and sent directly to the recipient. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
