2024 Holiday Shopping Guide

The coming season of gift buying and preparation for the holidays is a good time to visit and support the many local businesses that contribute to the life and economy of our town and region: think Small Business Saturday, not Black Friday.

Press staffers have contacted and visited shops throughout the area to compile the most comprehensive list of unique and locally available holiday gifts you’ll find anywhere. Many of these businesses are Press advertisers, helping sustain the town’s independent paper. We encourage readers to pay them a visit. The goods and services they offer make great gifts, and your shopping there supports the local economy.

And if you’re looking for a one-day, hyperlocal, and exceptionally festive shopping experience, the Press highly recommends December Fest. It’s an opportunity to visit Santa, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy food, drink, and the company of neighbors and friends—all in the town center. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Congregational Church, General Store, and Fivesparks.


Alexandra Jennifer Ceramics

Instagram: @alexandrajenniferceramics 

Alex crafts handmade pottery, jewelry, and a variety of functional and decorative pieces from her home studio in Harvard, where she also offers classes. Find her work online at alexandrajennifer.etsy.com, the Harvard General Store, and at E. Drumm Designs in West Acton; or, contact her at alexandrajenniferceramics@gmail.com.


Anita’s Shoe Boutique

262 Great Road, Acton, 978-523-4010
anitasshoeboutique.com

One of the few places to try on shoes in the area, Anita’s Shoe Boutique offers quality footwear for men, women, and children. It offers popular brands such as Birkenstock, Taos, NexGrip Dansko, ECCO, Florsheim, Naot, Olukai, and many more. The boutique now also offers a selection of women’s clothing. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.


Around the Rocks Flower Farm

9 Westcott Road
Instagram and Facebook: @aroundtherocksflowerfarm

Enjoy seasonal, specialty cut flowers grown locally at this small Harvard flower farm. Find vibrant bouquets at the roadside farmstand, which is open seasonally, or join the farm’s flower bouquet CSA—a subscription that provides fresh, handpicked blooms throughout the season. A CSA makes a thoughtful holiday gift for the flower lovers in your life. For CSA purchasing information and updates, follow the farm on Facebook or Instagram or email them at aroundtherocksflowerfarm@gmail.com.


The Bee’s Knees

566 Mass. Ave., Acton, 978-429-8090
thebeeskneesbritishimports.com

Just around the corner from Silver Unicorn Bookstore, this British import shop in West Acton, across from Acton Pharmacy, is a browser’s delight, offering a variety of gift-worthy items from Emma Bridgewater, Dunoon, Burleigh, Cornishware, and Silverwood Bakeware. The store also offers beautiful tins and biscuit barrels, scented candles, felting and crochet kits, Advent calendars, and a good selection of holiday and everyday comestibles. New this year is pottery from The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew.


Bodylines Pilates

325 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-2394
bodylinespilates.com

Bodylines is offering gift certificates for livestream classes and for classes at its studio at 325 Ayer Road (soon to be 198 Ayer Rd.). Bodylines Pilates 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. To see a full list of classes, visit their website at bodylinespilates.com. Contact them directly to purchase gift certificates or send email to bodylinespilates@yahoo.com.


Carlson Orchards

115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3916
carlsonorchards.com

Harvard is known for apples, and Carlson Orchards is the place to find apple-themed gifts, including apple salsa, smoky apple barbecue sauce, and mulled cider tea bags. Custom gift baskets can be made to order with items from the store, including Carlson’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, and drinking glasses, and a variety of jams and jellies. Carlson also sells products from local producers, including coffee from Muddy Water Coffee Roasters in Harvard, cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, and meats from Dom’s in Malden. Local honey from Maxant and Hudson Hives is available, as is maple syrup and other maple products from Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple, New Hampshire. The Lions Club 2024 pewter ornament of the Harvard Public Library is also for sale at Carlson’s; profits benefit Lions’ charitable work.

Pies for the holidays can be ordered in advance; frozen pies and crisps are available in the store. Apple cider comes in several varieties and sizes, and six kinds of Carlson’s hard cider are available in 16-ounce cans. Apple gift boxes can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. Hard cider 4-packs can be shipped to states that allow alcohol shipments to private residences. See the website for shipping details. Holiday orders are due by Dec. 15.


Cherrystone Furniture

160 Ayer Road, Littleton, 978-486-9846
cherrystonefurniture.com

The shop offers high-quality hardwood furniture, including desks, cabinets, dressers, kitchen, dining, and occasional tables, chairs, hutches, beds, bookcases, and more. The furniture is manufactured on the premises, and there are many pieces to look at in the shop. Cherrystone will build furniture to your specifications, too. To get a gift card, call the store.


Colonial Spirits

87 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-7775
colonialspirits.com

This Acton store offers specials on its extensive wine, beer, and liquor selections throughout the holidays. Online ordering with in-store pickup is available. Gift cards are available in any amount and can be ordered over the phone or online and sent directly to the recipient.


Daigneault’s Liquors

285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-391-1177

The owners of this store are the third generation of their family to operate Daigneault’s, which is organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. It offers a variety of wine, including organics, and an assortment of beer, canned cocktails, and hard seltzer and cider. It also offers hard liquor, from high end to moderately priced, including an extensive variety of whiskey. Boxed gift sets, mixers, cocktail garnishes, and snacks are also on offer at the shop.


Dragonfly Wellness Center

176 Jackson Road, Devens, 978-487-7181
dragonflywellnesscenter.net

Electronic gift certificates are available and can be redeemed for massage, classes, and workshops at this holistic health center in Devens. This year’s holiday specials make lovely gifts and are as follows: three 60-minute massage and bodywork sessions, $245 ($25 savings); three 90-minute massage sessions, $345 ($60 savings).


Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home

525 Mass. Ave., West Acton, 978-429-8381
eveandmurrays.com

This shop is located in the lower level of the building that houses True West Brewing Co. in West Acton and is primarily a gourmet cheese and charcuterie shop, with platters made to order. It has some fun holiday food items, like colorfully packaged panettone bread—traditional, cherry fig, and chocolate orange—special cookies, and candies. BOSKA cheese bakers come in shapes for both soft cheese and raclette. There’s a variety of condiments, jams, spreads, cocktail mixes, barware, pottery by local artisans, and candles. The shop carries natural wines, craft beers, and nonalcoholic spirits.


Feens Country Living

955 South St., Fitchburg, 978-829-0099
feens.com

Feens has been in business since 1975, selling everything for the fireplace and hearth. It carries grills; wood, gas, and pellet stoves; fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and glass fireplace doors; gas logs; hearth accessories; and outdoor kitchens. For gift cards, call the store.


The Fiber Loft

9 Mass. Ave., Harvard, 978-456-8669
thefiberloft.com

The Fiber Loft in town center offers materials for both the accomplished and the casual crafter, with fibers for knitting, spinning, dyeing, felting, and weaving in all colors and textures. In addition to its selection of fibers, the store features gifts for knitters, such as knitting bags, bowls, and kits. There are gifts for people who don’t knit too, like handmade soaps and lotions. Other items are locally made large leather bags, holiday kits for making a cowl, and recycled wool mittens for adults and kids. For kids’ gifts, the store carries a variety of craft kits, and there are many possibilities for stocking stuffers. The upstairs offers weaving, spinning, felting, and dyeing supplies. In-person classes are ongoing, as are private lessons. Gift certificates are available.


Flowers at Westcott Barn

46 Westcott Road, Harvard, 617-771-0433
flowersatwestcottbarn.com

Custom floral designs for gift-giving or the holiday table can be ordered from Harvard resident and owner Richard Gioiosa. Contact him by email at richard.gioiosa@gmail.com or by phone.


Fruitlands

102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard,
thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-museum-store

Fruitlands Museum will hold its annual Holiday Artisan Market Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artisans in the museum store and the Wayside Gallery will be selling jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, fiber arts, photography, mixed media, and more. Admission is free for members; $5 for nonmembers (children under 5 free) and includes museum admission. Advance tickets are strongly suggested; buy tickets at thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-holiday-market.

The museum store is open Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. and every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A special Sip ’n Shop event will be at the store Friday, Dec. 20, from 11-4. In addition to the books, glassware, toys, teas, soaps, candles, and Shaker items, the store has a variety of handmade jewelry, including wampum jewelry by an Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal member. Of special interest are 10 original, framed paintings by Barry Van Dusen, illustrations in his new book, “A Year of Birds.” For all the Swifties, the store has Taylor Swift’s recently published book and holiday ornament.


Glimmerbug Online Gifts and Art

361 Old Littleton Road, Harvard
glimmerbug.com

This unique art and gift shop offers handmade art, adult art classes, creative workshops, paintings, gifts, and cards. Check the website to see some of the items available, including a wide selection of Christmas ornaments. For in-person shopping, contact the shop through the website.


Great Road Farm and Garden

687 Great Road, Littleton, 978-486-9200
greatroadfarmandgarden.com

This well-stocked shop, just down the road from Littleton’s Market Basket, offers feed for livestock and pets, with an extensive selection of bird-feeding supplies, including a good choice of bird seed, feeders, and houses. They also offer vegetable and flower seeds, hay, and livestock feed of all kinds. The shop also sells, rents, and repairs (with pickup and delivery) power equipment, including lawn mowers, snowblowers, utility vehicles, and chainsaws. Call the store to arrange service for equipment or to arrange for gift cards.


Harvard Alpaca Ranch

58 Old Mill Road, Harvard, 978-391-1247
harvardalpacaranch.com

The online and in-person shop at the Harvard Alpaca Ranch offers a selection of supersoft, warm alpaca products, including apparel for men, women, and kids; socks, hats, mittens, and scarves; a variety of alpaca fur stuffed animals; and other toys. Also available are skeins of alpaca yarn, cat toys, dog coats, holiday ornaments, and 12-month calendars featuring photographs of the ranch’s herd, taken by owner Matt Varrell. There are lots more gift options on the website, along with gift cards, available in the shop. Open Thursday to Sunday. Harvard Alpaca Ranch will also be selling its wares at the Fruitlands Holiday Artisan Fair, Dec. 8, and the Fivesparks Artisan Fair, Dec. 14.


Harvard General Store

1 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-430-0062
harvardgeneralstore.com

The General Store is well stocked with gift items, many made locally. Some new items are charcuterie and cutting boards made of special woods; handmade holiday tea towels, mason jars with a map of Harvard, and holiday-themed candy packs. There are Potager soaps and bath products, Kitchen Sink candles, and handcrafted jewelry, including necklaces made with antique pottery and stamped copper. Warm, colorful, handmade mittens are pinned to a line, and crocheted shoulder bags in bright designs and quilted totes line one shelf. Quick-build kits for kids include a solar car and walking dinosaur. On other shelves are books by Harvard authors and on the wall, paintings by local artists. There are household goods like woven cotton throws, quilts, and hooked rugs. Harvard-themed caps, T-shirts, and sweatshirts in a variety of colors are available. Always welcome are gift-ready comestibles such as honey, maple syrup, jams, coffee beans, and gourmet treats. Owner Scott Hayward’s carefully selected wines and limited but distinctive hard liquors will not disappoint. Gift certificates are available.


Harvard Historical Society

215 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-456-8285
harvardhistory.org

The Historical Society has a number of items for sale that pertain to the town. There are colored prints of buildings in the old Shaker Village and note cards of “The Beach Bums” painting and from four Luke Pollard paintings of different views of the town center in the late 1880s. Also available is red and green gift wrap with folk art of town buildings and the 1831 Holman map of town center. Several books are available about the history of Harvard: “The Harvard Album,” “Directions of a Town,” “A Common History: The Story of Harvard’s Identity,” and “History of Harvard 1880-1940: Enter the New Century.” The curator’s office is open Monday and Tuesday, 1 to 5 p.m. In addition, the society will offer framed and unframed historical maps and scenes of Harvard at the library’s pop-up sale, which is open now until the end of the year in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby.


Harvard Lanes

204 Ayer Road, 978-456-0777
harvardlanescandlepin.com

This refurbished candlepin bowling alley offers bowling by the hour in a bright, cheerful setting as well as a cafe seating area with food and hard and soft drinks. For the candlepin fan on your holiday shopping list, hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, bowling books, bowling-themed holiday cards, and gift certificates are available. Check the website to learn about leagues and special offers or to make reservations.


Harvard Outdoor Power and Equipment

289 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-2005
harvardpower.com

For stocking stuffers, the store offers a wealth of mini tools, flashlights, pocket knives, and gloves. Larger gifts include carbon steel fire pits made in Massachusetts by Fancy Firepits, leaf and snowblowers, battery-powered brush cutters, generators, and chainsaws. For gift certificates, call the store.

While you may think of Harvard Outdoor Power on Ayer Road for snowblowers, lawn mowers, and chain saws, they also carry items that make perfect stocking stuffers for the outdoorsy type, from keyring multitools to handwarmers to packable flashlgihts. They even have toy leaf blowers and chain saws for the littlest ones.


Harvard Sweet Boutique

25 South St., Hudson, 978-562-5938
harvardsweetboutique.com

This bakery, founded by Harvard resident Sue George, offers gourmet cakes, cookies, brownies, bars, and pastries. Orders can be placed online and picked up in the store. A multitude of gift boxes are available and can be picked up in the store or shipped anywhere in the country. The bakery has a large assortment of gluten-free and vegan offerings.


Jo Karen Fine Lingerie and Activewear

340 Great Road in Acton Woods Plaza, Acton, 978-263-1330
www.jokaren.com

The shop features many brands of lingerie and loungewear. Now in stock are warm pajamas, nightgowns, robes, and Barefoot Dreams cozy socks for cold winter nights. Their small gifts such as jewelry, lotions, and scented candles are perfect for seasonal stocking stuffers. Gift cards are also available. To schedule a bra fitting, call the store for an appointment.


Kate Wool Photography

katewool.com

Harvard resident Kate Wool is a nationally and internationally known photographer with more than 30 years’ experience. Her work has a broad range and has been published, exhibited, and collected around the globe. She is available for editorial or photojournalism assignments, portraits, landscapes, commissions, copy work, web and graphic design, art for change, and other creative digital services. You can see her work at katewool.com. Email kate@katewool.com; text or call 907-388-5663.


Kathryn Costello Photography

kathryncostello.com

Harvard resident Kathryn Costello is well known for her photographs focusing on dance and creative portraiture. She also works with clients to develop personal branding images and headshots. Visit www.kathryn costello.com to see her portfolio or contact her to give the gift of a portrait session at info@kathryncostello.com or 978-257-0862.


Kitchen Outfitters

342 Great Road inActon Woods Plaza, Acton, 978-263-1955
kitchen-outfitters.com 

Kitchen Outfitters is an attractive, very well-stocked kitchen shop that carries an array of quality items including small appliances, cookware, glassware, cutlery, cookbooks, gadgets, and the best linens in the Boston area. The owner makes an effort to be mindful of the environment and carry only items without black plastic or PFAS. A hallmark of the store is advising customers about dishes that can be used on induction cooktops. Something cool for the techie cook this season is a wireless meat thermometer. The size of a short pencil, it has a radio frequency that can go through even cast iron to alert one’s phone when the food is done. Special knives will be on promotion. A few of the brands offered at the shop include: Emile Henry table and bakeware; All-Clad, Staub, and Le Creuset cookware; Simon Pearce glassware; and Ekelund linens. The store also carries all manner of coffee, tea, and bar accessories; and baking supplies, including stainless steel pans, decorative sugars, and flavorings. There is a great selection of stocking stuffers. Gift cards can be purchased online and mailed to the recipient; call with inquiries.


Kitchen Sink Candle Company

718 Main St., Bolton, 508-454-1978

The shop offers much more than the New England-made, soy-based scented candles it’s named for, including stocking stuffers and gifts suitable for all ages. Among the many gift items are specialty men’s shaving accessories from G.B.S., a sizable collection of gourmet foods such as Italian pasta, sauce, cookies, flavored syrups, and candy; and cocktail tools and mixers including flavored sugar cubes. Also featured are crystals and earrings; unique stuffed animals; pet accessories and treats; and a selection of olive wood boards, bowls, and utensils. Individual chocolates and ice cream bars by the piece are available at the front of the shop. Parking is across the street or in back of the shop.


Koko FitClub

285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5656
harvard.kokofitclub.com

Surprise your friends or family with a guest pass to Koko FitClub, which specializes in creating individualized fitness programs. The pass entitles the recipient to a comprehensive workout demonstration or a customized strength and cardio workout by a certified personal trainer. Get the pass from the website or call the studio.


Lancaster Gardens

462 High Street Extension, Lancaster 978-365-2579
lancastergardens.net

This family-owned and operated garden center has wreaths, fresh greens, and a variety of small, live evergreen trees in pots. There is a large selection of white, red, and red-white poinsettias; indoor winter bulbs including giant amaryllis; soon-to-bloom Christmas cactuses and a variety of other cactuses. Houseplants of every size and variety are for sale as are outdoor garden items like stepping stones, wind chimes, birdbaths, and ceramic and terra cotta flower pots. The staff will wrap holiday plant pots in decorative foil. A special section features holiday decorations of all kinds, including bows for wreaths. Gift certificates are available online. The store is open daily all winter and will participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, with sales, snacks, and a free gift with every purchase.


Lisa Aciukewicz Photography

lisaa2z.com

Press co-owner/photographer Lisa Aciukewicz (www.lisaa2z.com) shoots weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, portraits, sports, corporate events, and lifestyle photography. She also maintains an archive of Harvard Press photography from 2007 to 2024 at a2z.smugmug.com/Harvard-Press where you can purchase reprints of town life including Bromfield sports, first day of school, Halloween, and more. Photos can be downloaded or made into quality prints. Lisa offers gift certificates for portrait sessions—creating an unforgettable holiday gift. Contact her at lisa.a2z@gmail.com or text or call her at 978-501-4888.


Little Bee Bookshop

40 Main St., Ayer, 978-844-8382
littlebeebookshop.com

This shop is owned and operated by Devens resident Debra Rivera. It features carefully selected used and new books for kids of all ages. The fact that about three-quarters of the books are gently used is reflected in their low prices but not in their condition, which is nearly pristine. Rivera is happy to make recommendations for different ages and interests. The shop has a variety of cards and small gifts made by local artisans as well as Folkmanis puppets, games, and puzzles. Rivera has set up the Little Bee Giving Tree in cooperation with family shelters in Devens and Ayer, and shoppers may purchase a book for a child in one of those places for Rivera to wrap and deliver. Gift cards are available, as are special orders. Closed Mondays.


Mayil

20 Meetinghouse Road, Littleton
mayilscarves.com

On Littleton Common, Mayil—the word for “peacock” in the Tamil language—lives up to its name with a dazzling array of scarves and accessories of many sizes and colors, including unique silk and wool ponchos that double as scarves and patchwork scarves pieced together from silk saris. Household textiles include colorful tablecloths, napkins, and placemats characteristic of various regions of India, and washable area rugs. The shop also carries Somerville-based Curio spices, decorative spice boxes to store them in, and an assortment of teas and tea accessories. Mayil often hosts pop-up vendors in the shop; on Dec. 7 Curio Spices will visit; see the website for details about that and the classes that are occasionally offered.

Mayil offers beautiful textiles—from scarves and tablecloths to ponchos and saris—among other gifts for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)/p>


Periwinkle Art & Glassworks

145 Main St., Prescott School Community Center, Groton 508-341-4740
periwinkleglassworks.com

Periwinkle Art & Glassworks features quality, handcrafted works by dozens of local artists. Classes and workshops are offered year-round for all ages and skill levels in the Groton studio. Check the website for current class offerings and hours.


Pinard’s Florist Gifts and Coffee Cafe

120 Central Avenue, Ayer, 978-772-3883
pinardsfloristandgifts.com

This Ayer shop offers a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa arrangements. It also carries a variety of other gift options, including scented candles, body lotions, and hand creams. The shop also sells coffee from Red Barn Coffee Roasters in Upton. Order floral arrangements online, by phone, or in the store in Ayer; other gift items are available only in the store.


The Silver Unicorn Bookstore

12 Spruce St., West Acton, 978-274-2757
silverunicornbooks.com

This independent bookstore carries a wide selection of books and games for all ages, with an extensive section of children’s books. Both new and classic holiday children’s books are on a display table.The shelves, arranged by genre, hold both hardcovers and paperbacks, classics and the latest bestsellers. In addition to books are board and travel games, puzzles, sticker books, journals, art supplies, and cards. A room at the back of the store has gift items such as plush animals, calendars, soaps, and candles. New this year is SIlver Unicorn-branded clothing, featuring the store’s monogram logo—knitted hats, with or without a pompom, colorful T-shirts, and hoodies. Gift cards are available in the store or online.

The Silver Unicorn sells the latest bestsellers and children’s books, candles, puzzles, and other gifts.


Swymfit

90 Swanson Road, Boxborough, 978-635-0500
swymfit.com

Just over the town line in Boxborough, Symfit offers gift certificates that can be used for a variety of classes or use of its facilities. It offers water fitness classes, swimming lessons for all ages, small-group exercise classes, and personal training. Lap-swimming and use of the exercise room are also available by reservation. Gift certificates can be purchased at the facility. 


True Devotionals Gift Shop

271 Still River Road, Harvard 978-456-8296
shop.saintbenedict.com

The gift shop, owned and operated by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, features inspirational books, Advent calendars, artwork, music, rosaries, statues, and other Catholic-oriented religious gifts. The shop is scheduled to be open a few days each week, but call ahead before heading to the shop.


Two Friends Chocolates

629 Mass. Ave., Boxborough 617-906-6838
twofriendschocolates.com

The long glass case at Two Friends features bonbons and truffles, handmade on the premises, as are all its sweets. On a recent visit by the Press, shelves were filled with novelty chocolates such as Thanksgiving turkeys and chocolate cocoa bombs in the shape of elephants and owls, chocolate bars, and lollipops, tins of hot chocolate mix, cocoa shell lavender tea, and pates des fruites in mango and strawberry. New this year are hot drinks including tea, coffee, and cocoa, and cold drinks such as fruit sparklers. Special orders for weddings and other events are welcome.

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Two Friends Chocolates make artisan chocolates that are as beautiful as they are delicious.


Teddy’s Honey Hut

27 Harvard Road, Ayer

Located just across the town line into Ayer and across from Alltown Fresh, Teddy’s Honey has an outside kiosk for the sale of honey and beeswax, open 24/7 on the honor system. The inside is generally open during daylight hours. The mission of owner Ted Maxant is to sell honey from the different seasons, from light to dark, and to sell honey produced by local beekeepers, with their own labels attached. Maxant’s own brand of honey is sold in glass jars of several sizes and in large wide-mouth plastic jars. Maxant also sells his honey at Carlson Orchards.


Three Seasons Garden Store

264 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5415
threeseasonslandscape.com

Longtime landscaper Three Seasons will keep its garden store—stocked with gifts and stocking stuffers—open through Dec. 24 and will reopen in the spring. The shop now offers birdbaths, birdhouses, seed, and suet; numerous garden implements and soil amendments; flowerpots; scented soy candles from Blackstone Candle; Harvard-produced honey; and whimsical wooden garden decorations, including reindeer. Christmas trees, wreaths, and greens are available for the holiday season.


Toreku Tractor and Equipment

4 Littleton Road, Ayer, 978-772-6619
toreku.com

Toreku Tractor, conveniently located just off the Ayer rotary, offers a wide variety of gift-giving options, including battery- or gas-powered outdoor power equipment to make yard cleanup a breeze. The shop offers leaf blowers, chainsaws, trimmers, snowblowers, and more. Popular useful accessories make great stocking stuffers: work gloves, safety helmets and chaps, and rechargeable flashlights, among many other items. Can’t decide? Gift certificates for a future purchase or service job are available. And don’t forget you can pick up your Harvard trash bags at Toreku, too!


Unique Boutique

5 Still River Road, Harvard

Now in its third year, the Unique Boutique is housed downstairs in the fellowship building of the Congregational Church on Still River Road. It is open Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or by appointment (contact Sharon Soong, 617-833-3948 or ssoong@charter.net). The shop will be open during the Christmas Fair at the church on Dec. 14, and a Christmas boutique will be open in a room down the hall on that day and through December on Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The shop sells collectibles and new or gently used linens, glassware, dishes, paintings, frames, antique dolls, costume jewelry, and many other treasures. New items are donated every day, and everything is affordably priced. Shopping at the boutique truly is “shopping for good” as items are recycled and all proceeds from sales go to the church’s missions and outreach.


Westward Orchards

178 Mass. Ave, Harvard, 978-456-8363
westwardorchards.com

The gift shop at Westward Orchards carries items you won’t see gathered at any other store in the area. Many are made in the United States and some are made locally, including apple-shaped wooden cutting boards from Bare Hill Woodworks, candles from Blackstone Candles, and handmade pot holders, all produced in Harvard. There are goat milk soaps from Stow, American Stonecraft coasters and food slabs from Lowell, locally made slate charcuterie boards, and toffee from the New England Toffee Company in Acton. Westward also sells honey from Simon Hartwell House in Boxborough, meats from Lilac Hedge Farm in Rutland, cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, pies from Joyce’s Bakery in Leominster, and pasta from Deano’s Pasta in Somerville.

Westward’s annual open house will be held Dec. 6, 7, and 8. Holiday pies and cider doughnuts are available by advance order. Custom-made gift baskets are also available, and eGift cards can be purchased online. The store is open daily until Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25 and 26).

In addition to delicious fruit and produce, Westward has its own line of relishes, sauces, and pickled vegetables. Gift items range from cutting boards to baby gifts.


Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop

60 White Street, Littleton, 978-486-9500
stoveshop.com 

With locations in both Littleton and Sudbury, the shops offer all manner of heating appliances for inside and outside the home. It sells and installs gas, wood, biofuel, and electric fireplaces; gas, wood, pellet, and oil stoves; outdoor lighting, and outdoor firepits, heating, and lighting—plus an array of accessories including, screens, glass doors, and surrounds.

  

Dining in the busy season

Some of the Press’ favorite places for dining in or taking out—especially during the busy holiday season—are listed here.

Bolton Bean, at 626 Main St. in Bolton is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the full complement of coffee drinks, hot and cold, as well as tea, smoothies, juices, and sparkling water. Breakfast and lunch offerings include bagels with a wide choice of spreads, breakfast burritos, waffles, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Order at the shop or online at boltonbean.com.

Bolton Orchards, at 25 Still River Road in Bolton (at the junction of routes 117 and 110) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; coffee is available at 8 a.m. The store also offers prepared food, grocery items, a deli counter, produce, and apples, including utility apples. Download the menu of entrees, sandwiches, and soups from boltonorchards.co, or call 978-779-2733.

Bravo Pizza, at 1233 Mass. Ave. in Boxborough, offers pizza, calzones, subs, salads, side dishes, and entrees for delivery or pickup at the store. Baklava is available daily. Weekday specials are offered Monday to Friday until 2 p.m. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. Online ordering and delivery to Harvard is available; call 978-635-0637. View the menu at bravopizzaboxboro.com.

At the Harvard General Store, prepared foods including wraps, salad, quiche, and pastries are available all day. The kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; pizzas are available Friday and Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. Custom bakery orders are available. View the menu and order online at harvardgeneralstore.com/grill-to-go, stop in for a look at the chalkboard, or call 978-430-0062.

Lucia’s Tavola, at 31 Main Street in Ayer offers indoor dining and takeout specializing in fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fresh breads and mozzarella, and classic Italian dishes. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Gift cards are available at luciastavola.com, or call 978-391-4837.

Marty’s Corner Cafe, next to Dragonfly Wellness at 176 Jackson Road in Devens, is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. From breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and waffles for breakfast, to salads and hot and cold sandwiches for lunch, the cafe offers an appealing selection of dishes and has both indoor and outdoor seating. See the menu and order online at martyscornercafe.com or call 978-796-5181.

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