It’s that time of year, the holiday season is upon us! No time like the present to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Why not check out some of New Hampshire’s local shops? Who knows you might just find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
For One-of-a-Kind Gifts:
What do you get someone who has everything? How about something unique that you won’t find stockpiled in stores across the country. New Hampshire is home to a treasure trove of antique and artisan shops in every corner of the state. Depending on where your travels take you this season, you might just be able to pick up that one-of-a-kind find for a truly memorable gift!
Antique Alley, Route 4, Chichester to Lee
Head to
Antique Alley, New England’s oldest shopping district, to browse one-of-a-kind goods you won’t find anywhere else. The array of antique shops that line this stretch of Route 4 from Chichester to Lee offer everything from furniture and garden accessories to textiles, sports memorabilia, tools and taxidermy too!
In The Forest Of Time Antiques, Newport
Browse through
The Forest of Time Antiques for what can only be described as extraordinary finds. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this big old Newport barn. Whether you’re looking for antiques, furniture, dishware, lamps, you name it, you’ll probably find it inside.
New Hampshire Antique Co-op, Elm Street, Milford
Whether it’s vintage home décor, collectibles, authentic antiques, or fine art you’re looking for, there are more than 200 antique dealers, and 2,000 consignors featured at the
New Hampshire Antique Co-op. With more than 20,000 square-feet there’s a lot to explore!
Potato Barn Antiques and Collectibles, Northumberland
What once was used as a potato storage barn is now home to an eclectic collection of antiques! Step inside
Potato Barn Antiques and peruse all their vintage finds as unique as the building itself. If this holiday season has you seeking vintage clothing, hats, lighting or tools you’ve come to the right place.
Puggy’s, Emerald Street, Keene
Holiday shoppers are in for a unique shopping experience at
Puggy’s in downtown Keene. This multi-vendor vintage shop caters to those seeking everything from antiques and gems, to jewelry, primitive collectibles, and you’ll even find a selection of goods from local artisans.
The Purple Peacock, Main Street, Littleton
This arts and antiques boutique is full of treasures new and old, something for everyone on your gift giving list. Located on Littleton’s Main Street, the
Purple Peacock is stocked with collectibles, new crafts and lots of quirky trendy finds too!
Wolfeboro Antiques and Artisan Barn, Center Street, Wolfeboro
Browse the eclectic collection of antiques, vintage pieces and local artisan goods too at the
Wolfeboro Antiques and Artisan Barn. This Lakes Region houses goods and wares from more than 40 vendors. Be sure to check out the owner’s extensive collection of New Hampshire vanity plates while you’re there.
For Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers
Country & General Stores
There’s nothing that quite says New Hampshire more than a country or general store. It’s like taking a step back in time to a simpler life, where everything you needs is in one place and the folks behind the counter treat you like family.
While times have changed, and our country and general stores have changed with them, they still offer incredible selections of local goods, handmade soaps, unique gifts, classic chocolates and candies and of course plenty of locally made food and crafts.
If you haven’t stopped by one recently, it’s about time you did! Explore these
stores located around the state, including
The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough, which is one of the oldest retail establishments in the country!
For Boutique and New Hampshire-Made Gifts
Downtown Shops
If you prefer bustling downtown centers where the hum of other shoppers and festive decorations gets you in the holiday spirit, we’ve got just the place for you! Head to one of New Hampshire’s charming towns or cities and explore locally owned shops and boutiques on your holiday shopping spree.
Concord: New Hampshire’s capital city is home to a lovely downtown that’s lively with folks rushing in and out of locally owned shops. This community kicks off the holiday shopping season with fun and festive
Midnight Merriment, where local businesses stay open until midnight. Check out stores like
Homebody offering specialty finds in home décor;
League of NH Craftsmen for unique artwork and local crafts; and locally owned and independent
Gibson’s Bookstore for all books on your list, and they also have an extensive selection of toys!
Exeter: Located along the Squamscot River, Exeter’s downtown is chock full of local charm and history too. Explore some of the history while checking a few items off your shopping list. Start your history lesson at Town Hall where Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech back in 1860! Follow that with stops at
LunaChics, a fun and trendy fashion boutique; for adventurers on your list
Travel & Nature specializes in outdoor gear, nature guides and more; wrap up with a visit to
La Cascade Du Chocolat for handmade bonbons and chocolate bars.
Hanover: Home to the Ivy League Dartmouth College, Hanover is much more than a college town. The bustling downtown offers fun options for eclectic and boutique shoppers: start at
Still North Books & Bar and while browsing enjoy coffee, wine or craft beer! For women’s clothing, handbags and accessories head to
Central Clothiers. Satisfy the sweet tooths on your shopping list with a stop at
My Brigadeiro.
Keene: Charming downtown Keene is a combination of locally owned gift and boutique shops. There’s a festive feel to the air during the holidays, check out Central Square all decked out in holiday lights and sure to get you in the spirit of the season. Head to
Hannah Grimes Marketplace to check out crafts from 250 local artisans; find the latest fashion trends for a fraction of the cost, at
Urban Exchange; and stop by Keene’s confectionery for more than 90 years,
Ye Goodie Shoppe for candies, chocolates and everything in between.
Littleton: This is the northernmost downtown on the list and certainly worth the trip. Nestled along the banks of the Ammonoosuc River, Littleton is home to a classic New England Main Street and the vibrant center is bursting with a festive feel during the holidays. Check out
Chutter’s, home of the World’s Longest Candy Counter for souvenir’s or sweets; browse
Bella Funk Boutique for clothing, skincare and home goods too; and for everything ski or snowboard related stop by
Lahout’s – the oldest ski shop in America!
North Conway: Nestled in the White Mountains, the village of North Conway is home to fun gift shops, home good stores and other unique retailers. For culinary aficionado’s check out the selection of gourmet oils, vinegars, spices and rubs at
North Conway Olive Oil Company; stop by the
Christmas Loft for a hearty dose of festive fun and of course all things holiday related; and you can’t come to town and not stop by
Zeb’s General Store for a walk down memory lane, an old fashioned candy counter and a grand collection of New England made specialty foods and products.
Portsmouth: The historic, cobblestone streets of downtown Portsmouth are brimming with holiday vibes and cheer this time of year. There’s a reason it’s often referred to as the Christmas Capital of North America! Spend an afternoon exploring the chic boutiques, unique gift shops and local artisan stores.
Macro Polo offers shoppers fun and unique novelty items; unleash your inner child at
G. Willikers Toy Shop where they’ve got games, puzzles and creative toys galore; or stop by
Pickwick’s Mercantile to explore the enchanting merchandise they offer here.
For Style and Gadgets
If you’re on a mission this holiday, to get all your shopping done in one-stop, New Hampshire’s
outlet malls are likely your best bet. You’ll find an incredible selection of brand name stores and boutique shops all in one place where you can browse gadgets, toys, books, kitchenware, clothing and so much more. Here’s a little holiday bonus: NH is one of only five states in the US that doesn’t have a sales tax so in addition to incredible outlet prices, your purchases are tax free!