Easy to buy, even easier to give. Just step away from the Amazon gift cards.
I don’t know if you’ve been to the stores in Downtown Milford lately—I think they’re one of the best-kept secrets along the CT shoreline. (Case in point: the shops along Harbor Walk have practically become my own personal Stitch Fix, with the added bonus that I never have any packages to return). It may come as a surprise, then, that you can do the bulk of your holiday shopping right in the center of this charming New England harbor—checking off the list for little ones, teachers, besties, and more.
Wondering what kind of goodies you can snag? Here’s a sneak peek:
1. These Incredible Candles for Channeling Your Inner Badass ($12-$20)
I know you can buy candles from big box stores and I get that. But these not only smell a thousand times better (seriously incredible), they're also locally-made and have cute intentions written on them to boot, making them the perfect way to add a personal touch. In fact, everything at Lovet is either locally-made, organic, sustainable, or all three—and everything is small-batch and super high-quality. Shop owner Tracy will help you pair them up with a beautiful knit hat, scarf, and/or cool accessory: the ultimate treat for the cool chicas in your life that don't want whatever everyone else has. Also, there’s no pesky telltale, impossible-to-remove Home Goods price tag.
2. Tickets to “The Gingerbreads of Broadway” ($22 per ticket)
Pantochino Productions just keep getting funnier and funnier. (True story: my mom and I have a standing date to see them all.) This one follows a family of gingerbread cookies making their way from vaudeville to Broadway with a little help from Mrs. Claus—a charming and funny holiday story perfect for all ages. At $22 a ticket, this isn’t just super affordable for live theater, it makes a pretty sweet alternative to hustling into the city to see the same ole show year . (You can buy your tickets online as well).
Pro-tip: most Pantochino plays are cabaret-style, so bring your favorite food and beverages with you. Personally, I find gingerbread pairs perfectly with Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc.
3. A Mystery Game from Hawkwood Game Café ($20-$45)
Hawkwood Game Cafe is all about fun, and the fun in these mystery gifts is that they're a surprise for the whole family. No matter what you're into, there's a game fore every taste. Each mystery game is family-friendly and includes a brief description of what kind of game it is as well as who might like it ($20-$45). Or, if you know someone that wants to "catch 'em all," cast spells, or could just use a little screen-free time (ahem), they also have Hawkwood Gift Bundles, including a 5 entry pass to the café, a Hawkwood mug, candy, and your choice of Pokemon Cards, Magic the Gathering Cards, or RPG dice ($40).
4. Accessories for the Ultimate Milford Local at Island Time. ($32.50 & $68)
Know a beach bum? Let them flaunt their Milford pride with these custom-engraved Milford Kiel James Patrick bracelets ($68 each) or a 06460-needlepoint key fob ($32.50). Island Time also has an amazing selection of Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines clothes and accessories, so you can keep the beach vibe going no matter what time of year it is.
5. A FOMO-Worthy Membership to the MAC ($50)
Experience seekers, take note! (And to my family: hint, hint). The Milford Arts Council (aka the MAC) is offering a gift certificate for Patron Level Membership, which includes a free ticket to an event of the recipient’s choice, invitations to member-only events, and discounts on workshops, classes, and exhibit submission fees. This holiday gift package also includes a standing party ticket (worth $20) to the Bluegrass Bash on Sunday, January 12. There is so much happening at the MAC all year long, this really is a gift that keeps giving.
6. Some Classic Tartan for the Christmas Lover ($12 – $44)
Do you know someone who gets excited for Starbucks' holiday cups? That starts listening to Christmas music as soon as the Halloween costume is off? That has seen every Hallmark Christmas movie? Amy at Sophie Claire’s has got you. She also incredibly tasteful and chic clothes, jewelry, and home furnishings, but these classic tartan items will up your holiday gift-giving game like no other. The “Merry Christmas" pillow is $44, the gloves are $29, and the wine bags are $12—slam dunk! And no, it’s not weird if to surround yourself with three while drinking peppermint mocha, singing "Feliz Navidad", and watching A Very Merry Mix-Up all at once.
7. The Best Toys to Keep the Littles Busy ($17.99 - $65)
Duck Duck Goose Children’s Boutique—how I wish knew you when my little was still little! This store has the ca-yutest clothes, most of which are organic or sustainably sourced, along with incredible toys that keep your wee ones busy, engaged, and learning—with nary a battery or screen in sight (and that’s a good thing). These Tegu wooden block and toy sets run from $17.99 — $65, so there is something for every price point. They foster creativity, social relationships, and critical thinking—and best of all, they’re fun!
8. Treats for Those Who Know How to Live The Good Life ($5 - $35)
Inside Living Style is one of those stores where there is truly something for everyone. Need a hip hostess gift? Dunzo. Cool yankee swap present? You’re all set. Stocking stuffer or maybe just a lil’ something for yourself? You’re covered. They have so much great stuff, you can really mix n’ match to pull together a perfect personalized treat. Like this marble wood tray ($35) and acacia wood cheese utensils ($17.50), along with fun cocktail napkins ($7.50), a stylish candle ($24), and season-appropr
iate matches ($5).
9. Artsy Accessories for Your Personal Stevie Nicks
Stepping into Gilded Lily is like stepping into a bedazzled, art-filled wonderland. The gallery showcases the work of many local artists, and for that reason alone is worth a stop-in. But for that unique, art-loving gypsy in your life, this is the place to find something truly one of a kind—like the custom salt and pepper shakers by owner and resident artist Rosemary Celon-Gordon (bottom right, starting at $38) that add a bit of beachy boho to the dinner table.
10. A Gift Certificate for the Pub Lover in All of Us (Price Varies)
You had me at “you don’t have to do the dishes.” But also at prosciutto & fig flatbreads, tuna poke bowls, tavern burgers, jumbo pretzels, and Milford Mules. Gift certificates at Eli’s Tavern aren’t just about the great food and drinks, they’re really about a night out—and a night off. And who couldn’t use that?
This is really just a shortlist: there's so much great stuff in Downtown Miflord, it's a shame to miss it. And since gift-giving is really a gesture of gratitude, why not give your loved ones a truly special treat—the kind they might not buy for themselves—that makes life in Milford just a teensy-bit better? Best of all, you can hit up these downtown destinations in less than an hour and grab a cappuccino, a bite to eat, and a healthy dose New England holiday charm while you're at it. See you around town!
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