2025 Holiday Shopping Guide

The coming season of gift buying and preparation for the holidays is a good time to support the many local businesses that contribute to the life and economy of our town and region.

The Press has contacted and visited shops throughout the area to compile a list of unique and locally available holiday gifts that we hope you’ll find useful. 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.

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. 6, at the Congregational Church, General Store, and Fivesparks; see Current Events for details.

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Acton Cycles
340 Great Road, Suite 3A, Acton, 978-860-2060

Acton Cycles offers a wide variety of new and pre-owned bicycles for sale as well as the accessories needed to keep you going on the road or trail. The shop handles all your biking needs, from repairs and tuneups to crash damage assessments and e-bike conversions, and even ski and snowboard repair. They are currently offering 15%-20% off bike purchases and 10% off ski and snowboard tuneups.

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Alexandra Jennifer Ceramics
alexandrajenniferceramics@gmail.com
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, at Westward Orchards, and at E. Drumm Designs in West Acton. She will be at the Fivesparks Artisan Fair Dec. 6 and at the Umbrella Winter Market in Concord Dec. 5, 6, and 7. Contact her for gift certificates for classes.

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Anita’s Shoe Boutique
262 Great Road, Acton, 978-523-4010

Now with a second location in West Concord, Anita’s is one of the few places to try on shoes in the area. Anita’s Shoe Boutique offers quality footwear for men and women. It offers popular brands such as Birkenstock, Dansko, Taos, Wolky, ECCO, Florsheim, Naot, Rieker, Lems, and many more. The boutique also offers a small selection of women’s clothing and accessories.

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Around the Rocks Flower Farm
9 Westcott Road, Instagram and Facebook: @aroundtherocksflowerfarm

Around the Rocks Flower Farm sells seasonal, specialty cut flowers, grown locally at this small Harvard flower farm. Bouquets are sold at the roadside farmstand during the season and through a flower bouquet CSA—a subscription that provides fresh, handpicked blooms throughout the season. A CSA makes a perfect holiday gift for flower lovers. For CSA purchasing information and updates, follow the farm on Facebook or Instagram or email at aroundtherocksflowerfarm@gmail.com.

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Bodylines Pilates
198 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-456-0035

Bodylines is offering gift certificates for in-studio Pilates and fitness classes, massage therapy, and physical therapy sessions at its Ayer Road studio. 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. Contact them directly to purchase gift certificates or send email to bodylinespilates@yahoo.com.

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Boston Bijoux
342 Great Road, Acton, 978-264-0216 

This full-service jewelry store offers a wide selection of gemstone, pearl, and precious metal pieces, including an extensive choice of estate jewelry. Brands of watches include Seiko (Jaws and Pepsi collectibles are available), Victorinox, and Bering; many are on sale through December. New this year are stackable “hybrid” bracelets, a cross between tennis and bangle bracelets that can be mixed and matched to the wearer’s content. One corner of the spacious, recently renovated store is devoted to engagement and wedding rings—mens and womens—with an array of sample rings to try on for customized settings, stones, and metals.

Boston Bijoux offers gifts at every price, including these stackable, flexible diamond bracelets—a cross between a bangle and a tennis bracelet. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

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Carlson Orchards
115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3916

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, jellies, and soup mixes. The farm store also sells products from local producers, including coffee from Muddy Water Coffee Roasters in Harvard, cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, and ice cream from Shaw Farm Dairy in Dracut. The store’s honey is supplied by local purveyor Maxant and by Hudson Hives, while maple syrup, sugar, and taffy is from Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple, New Hampshire. The Lions Club 2025 pewter ornament of the Harvard Town Hall 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 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 Monday, Dec. 15.

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Cherrystone Furniture
160 Ayer Road, Littleton, 978-486-9846

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.

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Colonial Spirits
87 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-7775 

This well-stocked Acton store offers specials on its extensive wine, beer, and liquor selections throughout the holidays. The store also offers munchies, mixers, and cocktail garnishes. 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.

Colonial Spirits offers wine; spirits; Champagne; prosecco; domestic, imported, and specialty beer; and cigars for all of your holiday needs or for gifting. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

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Daigneault’s Liquors
285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-391-1177

Daigneault’s offers a variety of wines, including organics, and an assortment of beers, 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—including candy bars—are also available at the shop.

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Dragonfly Wellness Center
176 Jackson Road, Devens, 978-487-7181

Located in the historic Red Cross building in Devens, this nurse-led holistic health center offers weekly classes, workshops, wellness services, and events to help people achieve well-being. Electronic gift certificates are available and can be redeemed for massage and bodywork and a variety of classes and workshops.

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Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home
525 Mass. Ave., West Acton, 978-429-8381

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, 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.

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Feens Country Living
955 South St., Fitchburg, 978-829-0099

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.

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Flowers at Westcott Barn
Harvard, 617-771-0433

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.

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Fruitlands Museum Store
102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3924

Fruitlands Museum will hold its annual Holiday Artisan Market Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a sneak preview Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Local artisans in the Prospect House 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 and includes museum admission. Advance tickets are suggested; buy them at thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-holiday-market.

The museum store is open every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the store is free; special discounts are in effect for Shop Small weekend, Nov. 29 and 30, with an extra 10% off for all, while a 10%  discount for Trustee members will apply in the store through Dec. 21. The store’s selection of merchandise is curated with a blend of beauty and purpose, centered on New England fine art, artisan craft, jewelry, glass, ceramics, inspirational books, children’s functional toys and books, home goods, and more. Featured in the store: American silver and stone jewelry from Athena Bandit; Little Bee beeswax candles; handblown bud vases from Henrietta Glass; porcelain plates, mugs, and ornaments from Nooshin; and felted wall art and ornaments from Rachel Benson.

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Glimmerbug online gifts and art
361 Old Littleton Road, Harvard

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.

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Great Road Farm and Garden
687 Great Road, Littleton, 978-486-9200 

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 seed, feeders, and houses. They also offer vegetable and flower seeds, hay, and livestock feed of all kinds. The shop sells, rents, and repairs power equipment. Call to arrange service for equipment or to arrange for gift cards.

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Harvard Alpaca Ranch
58 Old Mill Road, Harvard, 978-391-1247 

The online and in-person shop at the Harvard Alpaca Ranch offers a selection of super-soft, warm alpaca products, including apparel for men, women, and kids; socks, hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, and an assortment of apparel for men and women; a variety of alpaca fur stuffed animals. Also available are skeins of alpaca yarn, cat toys, holiday ornaments, and 12-month calendars featuring photographs of the ranch’s herd, taken by owners Matt and Amy 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 Groton Winterfest Market on Dec. 6 and at Fruitlands Holiday Artisan Market on Dec. 7.

The Alpaca Shop at Harvard Alpaca Ranch on Old Mill Road offers many Alpaca wool products including sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and socks. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

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Handworks
342 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-1707

The gallery, in the same plaza as Kitchen Outfitters and Boston Bijoux, features fine American crafts of all kinds. The store carries a large and varied collection of jewelry, pottery, wooden utensils, and art glass; ornaments and Advent calendars; baby gifts including clothes, stuffed animals, and wooden rattles; oil paintings and watercolors; and handbags, among other unique items.

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Harvard General Store
1 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-430-0062

The General Store is well stocked with gift items, many made locally. There are Potager soaps and bath products, Kitchen Sink candles, warm mittens, and wool throws. New mugs have a picture of the General Store on them. Baggu brand shoulder bags and brightly colored Baggu reusable grocery bags hang from a shelf. On other shelves are books by Harvard authors and on the wall, paintings by local artists. Harvard-themed caps, T-shirts, and sweatshirts in a variety of colors are available. Plush animals from bears to chickens make great gifts for kids. Always welcome are gift-ready comestibles such as specialty boxed cookies, fancy chocolates, honey, maple syrup, jams, coffee beans, and teas. Owner Scott Hayward’s carefully chosen wines and a limited but distinctive selection of hard liquors will not disappoint. Gift certificates are available.

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Harvard Historical Society
215 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-456-8285

The Historical Society has a number of items for sale that pertain to Harvard. There are colored prints of buildings in the old Shaker Village and note cards of “The Beach Bums” painting and 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 have books, framed and unframed historical maps, and prints of Harvard scenes at the library’s pop-up sale, which is open now until the end of the year in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby.

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Harvard Lanes
204 Ayer Road, 978-456-0777

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.

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Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment
289 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-2005

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.

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Harvard Sweet Boutique
25 South St., Hudson, 978-562-5938

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 purchased in the store or shipped anywhere in the country. The bakery has a large assortment of gluten-free and vegan offerings.

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Jo Karen Fine Lingerie and Activewear
340 Great Road in Acton Woods Plaza, Acton, 978-263-1330

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. There are also soft, warm throws. Their small gifts such as jewelry, lotions, and scented candles are perfect for seasonal stocking stuffers. A new addition is a practical and decorative hair clip for updo styles. Gift cards are also available.

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Kate Wool Photography
Email kate@katewool.com, 907-388-5663 

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.

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Kathryn Costello Photography
978-257-0862

Harvard resident Kathryn Costello is well known for her photographs focusing on dance and editorial-style portraiture. She also creates portraits of high school seniors and headshots. Visit www.kathryncostello.com to see her portfolio or contact her to give the gift of a portrait session.

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Kitchen Outfitters
342 Great Road in Acton Woods Plaza, Acton 978-263-1955

Kitchen Outfitters is an attractive, very well-stocked shop that carries an array of quality items, including small appliances, cookware, glassware, ceramics, cutlery, gadgets, linens, and newly published cookbooks, including ones with hints for vegetarians. The owner makes an effort to be mindful of the environment and carries only items without black plastic or PFAS. A hallmark of the store is advising customers about dishes that can be used on induction cooktops. A new item is Finamill, a rechargeable mill that can be used with salt, pepper, or herbs. A cook can select the seasoning, snap it onto the mill, and press with one hand. 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 include stainless steel pans, Yuletide cookie stamps, 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.

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Kitchen Sink Candle Co.
718 Main St., Bolton, 508-454-1978

The shop in the center of Bolton offers 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, and candy; and cocktail tools and mixers including flavored sugar cubes. Also featured are crystals and earrings; pet accessories and treats; and a selection of olive wood boards, bowls, and utensils. Parking in back of the shop or across the street.

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Koko FitClub
285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5656

Surprise your friends or family with a guest pass to Koko FitClub of Harvard, 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.

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Lancaster Gardens
462 High Street Extension, Lancaster, 978-365-2579

This family-owned and -operated garden center has wreaths, roping, kissing balls, 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. A battery-run greenhouse with Christmas trees inside makes an unusual table decoration. Round and metal Santas and snowmen on skates spring up and down when touched and are fun to watch bobble. Gift certificates are available online. The store is open daily all winter.

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Lisa Aciukewicz Photography

Harvard Press co-owner/photographer Lisa Aciukewicz shoots weddings, portraits, sports, mitzvahs, corporate events, and lifestyle photography. She also maintains an archive of Harvard Press photography from 2007 to 2025 at a2z.smugmug.com/Harvard-Press where you can purchase high-quality reprints and downloads of town life, including Bromfield sports, first day of school, Halloween, and more. Lisa offers gift certificates for portrait sessions that will create an unforgettable holiday gift. Contact her at lisa.a2z@gmail.com.

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Little Bee Bookshop
40 Main St., Ayer, 978-844-8382

This shop is owned and operated by Devens resident Debra Rivera. It features carefully selected used and new books for kids of all ages. About three-quarters of the books are gently used, and that 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 local family shelters and with schools who have identified families in need. 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.

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On Your Marx Running and Fitness
423 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-5510

On Your Marx offers a full-service running specialty experience, catering to everyone from first-time 5K walkers to seasoned marathoners. The shop features a wide selection of running and walking shoes, apparel, nutrition items, and injury-prevention accessories. Their standout service is a video gait analysis in their “shoe labs” to find the right fit and function for each person’s stride. Check the website throughout December to see holiday specials.

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Mayil
20 Meetinghouse Road, Littleton

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 easily convert to scarves. Household textiles include colorful tablecloths, napkins, and placemats characteristic of various regions of India. The shop also carries an assortment of teas, chocolate from Two Friends Chocolates, colorful quilted cosmetic or whatnot bags in several sizes, and scented candles and incense. Special holiday hours are in effect through December: Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

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Pedal Power
176 Great Road, Acton, 800-479-3197

Pedal Power sells road, triathlon, and full-suspension mountain bikes, as well as hybrids, electric bikes, fitness bikes, and kids bikes for more casual riders. They offer service and repair for cycling, skiing, and snowboarding. Also available is a wide selection of gear including shorts, jerseys, jackets, shoes, rain gear, helmets, bags, tires, pumps, hydration items, and most anything else you can think of.

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Periwinkle Art & Glassworks
145 Main St., Prescott School Community Center, Groton 508-341-4740

Periwinkle Art & Glassworks features quality, handcrafted works by several 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.

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Pinard’s Florist Gifts and Coffee Cafe
120 Central Avenue, Ayer, 978-772-3883

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.

Pinard’s Florist in Ayer has you covered for holiday greenery, center pieces, and gift arrangements. (Courtesy photo)

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Soccer Stuff
264 Great Road, Acton, 978-635-1259 

Soccer Stuff carries everything a fan or player might need, from adult and youth replica jerseys to footwear, field gear, and accessories. The shop stocks the full range of new-look kits (including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 collection) alongside balls, shin guards, goalie gloves, turf shoes, and team-wear for clubs and travel squads. The store also handles custom team uniform orders.

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Swymfit
90 Swanson Road, Boxborough, 978-635-0500 

Located just across the town line in Boxborough, Swymfit offers gift certificates that can be used toward a wide range of classes and facility services. Options include lap swimming, water fitness classes, swimming lessons for all ages, and personal training. Gift certificates may be purchased at the facility.

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The Bee’s Knees
566 Mass. Ave., Acton, 978-429-8090 

This British import shop in West Acton, right across from Acton Pharmacy, is a browser’s delight, packed with a wide range 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, puzzles, a good choice of holiday and everyday comestibles, a huge selection of teapots and tea, and pottery from The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew.

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The Tangled Thread
9 Mass. Ave., 978 456-0099

Formerly The Fiber Loft, The Tangled Thread in town center offers yarns in all colors and textures for knitting, crocheting, spinning, and weaving. There is chunky yarn in a range of colors-–some with sparkles-–for quick knits for gifts. The store carries mohair from goats at Cultivate Care Farms in Bolton, which offers farm-based therapy. Spinners meet upstairs once a month, and a new item for them is dyed wool roving. In addition to its selection of fibers, the store features many gifty knitting notions, such as stitch markers, gauges, and ornaments. A perfect gift for any kind of crafter is a comfortable neck light to spotlight whatever you are working on. There are gifts for people who don’t knit too, like hand-painted bud vases and mugs. 

In-person classes will begin in January. Gift certificates are available. The store has a collection box for knits and canned goods to go to Loaves & Fishes.

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True Devotionals Gift Shop
271 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-456-8296

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.

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Two Friends Chocolates
629 Mass. Ave., Boxborough, 617-906-6838

The long glass case at Two Friends features bonbons and truffles, handmade on the premises, as are all its sweets. The shelves are filled with novelty chocolate items such as chocolate cocoa bombs in the shape of cows and owls, chocolate bars, and lollipops. For Christmas there will be individually wrapped Santas, snowmen, and Christmas trees. There are two Advent calendars. One is a wooden tree, with a chocolate behind every colorful door. The other, specially for kids, is made of study cardboard with toys, snowmen, and other decorations on the doors and milk chocolate inside. Items can be ordered online.

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Teddy’s Honey Hut
27 Harvard Road, Ayer

Located just across the town line in Ayer and across from Alltown Fresh, Teddy’s Honey Hut 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-mouthed plastic jars. Maxant also sells his honey at Carlson Orchards.

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The Silver Unicorn Bookstore
12 Spruce St., West Acton, 978 274-2757 

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, activity books, sticker books, journals, art supplies, and cards. A room at the back of the store is the “gift vault,” with items such as plush animals, calendars, soaps, and candles. There are also novelty socks and clothing with The Silver Unicorn monogram logo–knitted hats, with or without a pompom, colorful T-shirts, and hoodies. Gift cards are available in the store or online. The store will have special events during the Dec. 6 Holiday Stroll in West Acton.

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Three Seasons Garden Store
264 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5415

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 has numerous garden implements and soil amendments; flowerpots; scented soy candles from Blackstone Candle; Harvard-produced honey; whimsical wooden garden decorations; and birdbaths, feeders, and seed. Christmas trees, wreaths, and greens are available now.

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Toreku Tractor and Equipment
4 Littleton Road, Ayer, 978-772-6619

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. 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.

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Unique Boutique
5 Still River Road

Now in its fourth year, the Unique Boutique is housed downstairs in the fellowship building of the Congregational Church on Still River Road, and it has expanded to include clothing. It is open Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a half-hour extension until 2 p.m. up until Christmas, and will be open during the Christmas Fair at the church on Dec. 6. The shop sells collectibles and new or gently used linens, glassware, dishes, paintings, frames, antique dolls, costume jewelry, and many other treasures, including a special selection of holiday items. 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 local charities.

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Wag N’ Wash
444 Great Road, Acton, 978-635-1259

Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming offers a full-service pet destination for dogs (and select cats) that features a professional grooming salon, toys, accessories, and bakery treats. It also carries natural pet food and supplements from brands like Fromm, Open Farm, Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet, and Orijin. The Wag N’ Wash team handles everything from full grooming to food-and-nutrition consultation and fun specialty items for your furry companion.

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Westward Orchards
178 Mass. Ave, Harvard, 978-456-8363 

The gift shop at Westward Orchards carries a carefully curated selection of items, some of which are arranged by themes, such as horses, cats, dogs, fishing, and sports. Many of the gift offerings are made in the United States, including note cards, Great Bay pottery, catnip toys, and spiced hot pads. Some items are made in the greater Harvard area, including scented Blackstone Candles, pot holders, goat milk soaps, and American Stonecraft coasters and food slabs, as well as pottery from Harvard artisan Alex Jennifer. Also available are stuffed animals, Westward Orchard T-shirts and sweatshirts, scarves, and whimsical throw pillows. Both fresh food and pantry items are on hand, as the store stocks fresh veggies, meats from Lilac Hedge Farm in Rutland, Crescent Ridge ice cream, pasta from Deano’s in Somerville, and cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon.

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 gift cards can be purchased online. The store is open daily until Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25 and 26).

At Westward Orchards holiday decorations and gift ideas for animal lovers and others can be found—including these felted songbird ornaments, a pack of six that come in an egg crate. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

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Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop
60 White Street, Littleton, 978-486-9500 

With locations in both Littleton and Sudbury, the store offers 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.