Shopping local has never been this easy: your Winooski holiday gift guide 2022
Feel extra good about gift-giving this holiday season by buying locally. The Winooski News toured our city and talked to seven shop owners, finding unique gift ideas for that special someone on your list. Gifts range in price, but most are under $25.
Misery Loves Co. is a great stop for gifts. In addition to local and specialty ingredients, the market sells fine wines, art, coffee grounds, and so much more.
For the Foodie
Misery Loves Co. Market: Spices, sauces and spreads, $5-$20, Slowfire Country Sourdough Bread, $6, Rustichella Pasta, $5-6. Misery Loves Co. might be more known for its sit-down dining, but the restaurant also boasts a small storefront with wines, breads, honeys, dips and sauces to complement your holiday party appetizers or cocktails. Fine and Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Spread is the “Vermont Nutella, essentially,” said employee Darren Clas.
Another great stop: Asian General Market. Asian spices and sauces, specialty snacks and foods; unique ingredients, $5 and above. Make it special by sharing a recipe starring the ingredients.
We won’t tell if you grab a bonbon at Rosie’s for yourself. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
For the one with a sweet tooth
Rosie's Confections: Specialty truffles or bonbons, $18 for a four-pack. Rosie’s offers holiday flavors for their gourmet chocolates including vegan options, a spiced rum eggnog, champagne and peppermint, as well as lattes and coffee drinks to fuel your holiday shopping trip.
Golden Hour Gift Co. also sells luxurious bath accessories - a perfect excuse for a parent to unwind.
For the new parent or young child
Golden Hour Gift Co.: Reusable Nursing Pads, $18; Growing Belly Balm, $20; Jelly Cat stuffed animals, $13.50 and above. Golden Hour has a section guaranteed to give you baby fever, with the most adorable stuffed animals and Vermont-themed apparel for a tiny human. As sales associate Alexandra Boucklos said, “Our motto is that we’re a feel-good shop that brightens your day, and I think that really represents who we are.”
Psst… Golden Hour Gift Co. is a great stop for just about anyone on your list!
Autumn Records sells contemporary and classic records, plus everything in between. If you’re unsure what to get, ask the sales associates. They’ll point you in the right direction.
For the music lover
Autumn Records: On a budget this holiday season? Not a problem. Autumn Records has a $1 section and $5 section for records. “There’s nothing better than the gift of music,” said Autumn employee Ben Fischer. “I’m terrible at buying gifts for people, but I find I know their music taste.” There’s no shame in screenshotting your friend’s Spotify Wrapped for research.
Catland Vintage has dishes, clothing, decor, vintage books, and so much more. Not to mention - the owners are delightful!
For your favorite cat person
Catland Vintage: Trinkets, $5 and above. This place is a cat lover’s heaven. Owner Joe Macaskill said the $5 cat coasters have been flying off the shelves this holiday season. “Everything in here is unique — there’s really only one of everything,” he said. So if you’re in need of a one-of-a-kind present for your feline-loving friend, Catland is a must-visit.
More of a dog person? Go next door to Rosie’s Confections and pick up some CBD dog treats for under $9.
For the beauty guru
Rhoan: Mainstay Everyday Oil, $16 and above. Rhoan is known for its luxurious, high-end beauty products, accessories and clothing. This lovely oil is organic and a good choice for someone in your life who needs a little self-care. Not to mention: It makes the perfect stocking stuffer.
Another great stop: Wise Rose Beauty.
Winooski is home to great coffee. You can also find funky grounds at Rosie’s, Misery Loves Co., and Commodities Natural Market.
For the coffee connoisseur
Scout Coffee: Iluminar grounds, $16.50. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in a white elephant game, you can’t go wrong with a gift card or Iluminar coffee grounds from Scout. Scout sells coffee from small roasters all over the country, so the grounds may be a perfect gift to impress a coffee aficionado — and if that doesn’t work, they also sell cozy beanies for $28.
More of a wine or beer lover? Stop by Misery Loves Co. for unique wines and Four Quarters Brewery for seasonal four packs.
Waterworks also sells Winooski Strong t-shirts and merch!
For the die-hard Winooski fan
Limited Edition Centennial hoodie, $10, or t-shirt, $17. If you know someone who is particularly proud of being a Winooskian, you might consider buying them a centennial t-shirt or sweatshirt sold by the city. You could also stop by Waterworks to purchase a Winooski Strong t-shirt.
For the person that has everything
Did you know that Winooski is home to over 70 nonprofits? Consider donating to a Winooski-based non-profit in that special someone's honor, such as Winooski Partnership for Prevention, Fight for Kids Foundation, Heart of Winooski Foundation or Vermont Works for Women.